Brad Inger previews the round four clash between the Warriors and the Broncos. Here’s what we have to look forward to.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs Brisbane Broncos
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium
Date: Saturday, April 2, 2:00 pm (5:00 pm NZ Time)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Related: NRL Team List Tuesday
Embed from Getty ImagesWarriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Murchie 18. Taniela Otukolo 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Pride Petterson-Robati 22. Peesi Kepu 23. Junior Ratuva 24. Shaun Johnson 25. Edward Kosi
There’s only one change for the Warriors this week, with Jack Murchie joining the interchange after an injury ruled Bayley Sironen out. Shaun Johnson has fans excited with his announcement on the extended bench, and he may join the 17 if he passes his fitness test.
Embed from Getty ImagesBroncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ryan James 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Keenan Palasia 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Teui Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. David Mead 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Brenko Lee 24. Kurt Capewell
There are a few changes for the visitors, Ryan James has moved to the starting lineup, and TC Robati has moved onto the bench alongside Thomas Flegler, who is back from suspension. Corey Jensen has been dropped to the extended bench, and he is joined by Kurt Capewell, who is struggling with a calf injury; if he makes it through the week, you can expect to see him move to the gameday 17.
Referee: Chris Sutton
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Warriors get to play at their home away from home for the first time this week after getting their first win of the season in Round three, 16-12 over the Tigers in what was arguably their worst performance of the season. The New Zealand side will be disappointed in what they delivered and will be looking at making amends. If they cannot improve their handling and defensive reads, it will be a long night for the home side.
The Broncos have started the 2022 season strong but had the rug pulled out from under them in round three when they went down 38-12 to the Cowboys. They showed a lack of respect for the ball, making 12 errors, and they paid for it. If they reduce the error rate and target the Warrior’s defensive edges, which have been suspect all year. Hand the ball to Kotoni Staggs or Herbie Farnworth and watch the points flow.
Both sides will not be happy after their round three efforts, albeit for different reasons. If the error rate stays low, It should be a great watch with two solid forward packs going to war in the middle with exciting youngsters in the backlines ready to make some highlight-reel moments.
Embed from Getty ImagesINTERESTING FACT
In the 40 clashes between these two sides, the teams are hard to split, with the Broncos having a slight lead with 20 victories to the Warriors 19; they have also had one draw. This evenly matched trend flows into their recent results, with the Broncos winning 24-22 in 2021 and the Warriors winning 26-16 in 2020. This will be the first time Brisbane have played at Moreton Daily Stadium.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Broncos by 12.
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