Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 22 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Date: Friday August 2, 6:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Moala Graham-Taufa, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Dylan Walker, 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Tom Ale, 16. Jazz Tevaga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Demitric Sifakula, 20. Taine Tuaupiki, 21. Te Maire Martin, 22. Edward Kosi, 23. Bunty Afoa
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Jake Tago, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Blaize Talagi, 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Daejarn Asi, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands, 10. Wiremu Greig, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Ryan Matterson, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Luca Moretti, 17. Dan Keir, 18. Ethan Sanders, 19. Matthew Arthur, 20. Matt Doorey, 21. Morgan Harper, 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Referee:
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
For the Warriors, every match counts if they hope to make the finals in 2024. Meanwhile, their opposition, the Eels, are simply searching for a few more wins to wind down their season, with finals contention long beyond their grasp.
The home side, the Warriors, has had a huge fall from grace from their highs of 2023. Currently sitting 12th, they were comparatively 3rd in this round last year. That said, they found a win last week against the last-placed Tigers, though it was far from convincing and did little to boost their credentials as a premiership threat. This week, coming up against the second-last placed Eels, they would have identified it as a must-win game to keep their season alive.
There’s a huge in for the Warriors this week, with Shaun Johnson set to play. His ability to steer them around the park and bolster their attacking prowess will be invaluable. Furthermore, the ever-consistent Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns to fullback, which shifts Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing.
It hasn’t been a great year for the Eels. There’s no way around it. It never is when a coach gets sacked. During the time Trent Barrett, their interim coach, has filled the position, they’ve managed only one additional win. That said, their performance last week, statistically speaking, was good. Against the ladder leaders, an Eels team of many inexperienced players held more possession and arguably won the physical battle. Ultimately, the Storm’s class was too much for their opposition, but the Eels would look at the numbers they put together and argue they’d beat most sides with those efforts.
Given the performance on the field last week, which was largely admirable, coach Trent Barrett has opted to stick with the same 17. Ethan Sanders is 18th man after a two-try performance in NSW Cup.
These sides last met in Round 19 last year, which saw the Warriors make light work of the Eels at 46-10. On last week’s performances, this game could be closer than one might anticipate. Shaun Johnson will be the key for the Warriors, with his kicking game and management sorely missed during his absence. The Eels will be looking to Dylan Brown, who last week put in a tremendous effort playing both sides of the field, throwing everything he possibly could at the Storm. All in all, we could be in for a tight contest that goes right down to the final minutes.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Eels by 2 points.
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