With one team yet to win in 2019 and the other humbled against the Tigers in round two, both sides will be looking to turn their seasons around as the Manly Sea Eagles host the New Zealand Warriors in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Team Form Guide
Manly Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles clawed their way back into their round two match against the Sydney Roosters, but it wasn’t enough as they went down 26-18 to go 0-2 in 2019.
Despite the result, the Sea Eagles showed some improvement, and with the welcome addition of some returning key players, their first win of the year is edging closer.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors were brought back to earth after a deafening 34-6 defeat to the Wests Tigers.
Fourteen unforced errors hampered any chances the Warriors had of walking away with a victory; improving this aspect of their game will be integral for New Zealand.
With the recent tragedy in Christchurch, there will be added pressure on the Warriors to perform.
Squad News
Manly Sea Eagles
Manly welcome back Tom Trbojevic from injury and Addin Fonua-Blake from suspension as the only changes to last week’s side.
Curtis Sironen is being monitored after his head knock in round two and may be a late exclusion if he is not cleared.
Sea Eagles 21-Man Squad: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kane Elgey, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Manase Fainu, 15. Jack Gosiewski, 16. Corey Waddell, 17. Toafofoa Sipley, 18. Brendan Elliot, 19. Trent Hodkinson, 20. Kelepi Tanginoa, 21. Lloyd Perrett
New Zealand Warriors
Sam Lisone has been found guilty of a crusher tackle and will miss two weeks, the Warriors have been given an exemption to name his replacement, but as of writing, they have not named a player yet.
Warriors 21-Man Squad: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. David Fusitu’a, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Keighran, 7. Blake Green, 8. Agnatius Paasi, 9. Isaac Luke, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Adam Blair, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Lachlan Burr, 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. To be named (Sam Lisone suspended for two weeks), 16. Leeson Ah Mau, 17. Isaiah Papali’i, 18. Gerard Beale, 20. Ligi Sao, 22. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 24. Blake Ayshford, 25. Haze Perham.
Head to Head
Played:ย 30, Manly Sea Eagles 21, New Zealand Warriors 9.
Latest Result: Warriors 34-14, Round 14 2018
Key Battle
Both sides will be looking to their fullbacks to give them the edge on attack; Tom Trbojevic has been missed and will be able to take some pressure off Daly Cherry-Evans; expect to see Tom targeting the Warriors right edge defence that was exposed in round two.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a quiet round two and will need to insert himself in the playmaking role more to assist Blake Green while Adam Keighran is still learning the ropes.
Whichever fullback wins the battle will make a win for their side that much more achievable.
The Important Details
Date:ย Saturday, March 30
Venue:ย Christchurch Stadium
Kick-Off:ย 3:00 PM (5:00 PM NZ Time)
Who Will Win?
It is going to be an emotional night in Christchurch, and the Warriors will be looking to make a statement.
Manly will be looking to target the Warriors’ weak edge defence and will rely on their sizeable forward pack to wear the Warriors down.
With Manly being slow starters in 2019, I see the Warriors getting ahead early and being able to keep themselves comfortably ahead, and the Sea Eagles will have to wait another week to get their first win of the season.
Warriors by 10
