The first elimination match in the National Rugby League finals series will see Penrith Panthers take on New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
PENRITH PANTHERS
The Penrith Panthers have struggled in the final rounds of the competition after losing head coach Anthony Griffin. Their last match of the regular season, however, was against Melbourne at AAMI Park where they were able to courageously come back after an 11-2 penalty count and two players sin binned in the opening half. This 22-16 win will have given them a boost of confidence heading into their elimination final on Saturday evening.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
The Warriors came eighth overall in the competition based on their point differential, however they are on the same competition points as the three teams above them. The side won their last two regular season matches against the Panthers and the Raiders. Their final match against the Raiders was won by just four points at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night. The match before, they clashed with the Panthers and won by a convincing twenty points, which may give them an advantage going into the finals series.
SQUAD NEWS
PENRITH PANTHERS
Sione Katoa remains in the starting line up at number nine. Corey Harawira-Naera returns to the bench after missing Friday’s match against the Storm under concussion protocol.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Blake Green replaces Mason Lino at five-eight, James Gavet replaces Bunty Afoa who has moved to and will join Gerard Beale on the interchange bench.
PREVIEW
A fortnight after meeting at Mt Smart Stadium, the Panthers and the Warriors will play in the first elimination of the finals campaign for 2018, which will take place at ANZ Stadium on Saturday evening.
These two sides have met twice this season – once in round 17 and again just two weeks ago.
The Panthers won convincingly in the round 17 clash, 36-4 at Panthers Stadium. However the second time around, the Warriors came out on top in their 36-16 victory over the Panthers in New Zealand.
The Panthers were the front-runners of the competition earlier on in the season, however the unexpected departure of head coach Anthony Griffin four weeks from the finals rocked the club and caused some trouble on the field as well as off. The signing of James Maloney during the off-season was an important one for them, and Maloney’s presence at the club no doubt contributed to the success of the side.
The Warriors have improved significantly this season, doubling the wins they accumulated in the 2017 season. Their roster didn’t see many changes coming into the 2018 season, however this year we were able to see glimpses of what the side is capable of, hence their position in the finals series for this season.
In the first elimination final of the season, both the Panthers and the Warriors will be looking for a win in order to stay in the competition and edge closer to the Premiership trophy. It is an important occasion for both clubs, and will be a tough and contest between the sides.
KEY STAT
In the past 15 matches these two clubs have played together, the Panthers have won nine, while the Warriors have won just six. It may be important to consider that one of these six wins includes the 20 point victory just two weeks ago.
SQUADS
Penrith Panthers
1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2 Josh Mansour, 3 Waqa Blake, 4 Tyrone Peachey, 5 Christian Crichton, 6 James Maloney, 7 Nathan Cleary, 8 Trent Merrin, 9 Sione Katoa, 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11 Viliame Kikau, 12 Isaah Yeo, 13 James Fisher-Harris, Interchange: 14 Tyrone May, 15 Moses Leota, 16 Corey Harawira-Naera, 17 James Tamou
New Zealand Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Simon Mannering Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Gerard Beale
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, September 8 2018
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST
WHO WILL WIN?
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https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/09/04/nrl-team-news-week-1-finals/
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/09/04/finals-week-1/
