Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 21 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Date: Friday 26 July, 6:00pm AEST
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Moala Graham-Taufa, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Dylan Walker, 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Jazz Tevaga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Tom Ale, 20. Bunty Afoa, 21. Demitric Sifakula, 22. Setu Tu, 23. Ben Farr
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Luke Laulilii, 3. Solomona Faataape, 4. Starford To’a, 5. Charlie Staines, 6. Lachlan Galvin, 7. Latu Fainu, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Reuben Porter, 12. Samuela Fainu, 13. Isaiah Papali’i, 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Sione Fainu, 17. Alex Twal, 18. Heath Mason, 19. Justin Matamua, 20. Kit Laulilii, 21. Solomon Alaimalo, 22. Tony Sukkar
Referee: Peter Gough
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
Round 21 kicks off in New Zealand with the Warriors hosting the Tigers at Go Media Stadium in a battle between two sides desperate to get back in the winner’s circle.
For the Warriors, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shifts to fullback, with Taine Tuaupiki ruled out with a concussion. Edward Kosi returns to the side on the wing as cover. Adam Pompey is also out with a knee injury, with Moala Graham-Taufa moving from 18th Man to start at centre.
The heartbreaking defeat in Canberra last week summed up the Warriors’ season. They outscored the Raiders four tries to three, but still went down by two points in a game they probably should’ve won. They return home for the next two weeks, which starts with a match-up against the bottom-placed Tigers. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moving back to fullback might be a blessing in disguise they’ve needed. Despite the move being caused by injuries, more ball in Roger’s hands should have a positive effect on the Warriors attack that has struggled of late.
For the Tigers, captain Api Koroisau returns at hooker, which moves Tallyn De Silva back to the bench. Aidan Sezer is suspended, which sees Latu Fainu replace him at halfback. Adam Doueihi has been rested this week, with Starford To’a returning from injury in the centres. Isaiah Papali’i is also back from injury at lock, with Fonua Pole moving into the front row to replace an injured David Klemmer. Alex Seyfarth returns on the bench, while Reuben Porter starts on an edge in place of John Bateman, who has returned to the Super League for the remainder of the season.
Still anchored to the bottom of the ladder, the Tigers are searching for a win that will bring them back closer to Parramatta, who sit two points ahead of them. The returns of Koroisau, Papali’i, and To’a add some much-needed experience to their line-up, however they still face a tough task in New Zealand. They’ve lost their last six games against the Warriors, with their last win coming back in 2019. With such a young side on paper, it remains to be seen how the trip across the ditch will affect them and whether they’ll be able to overcome the challenge.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Warriors by 16 points.
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