Warriors v Panthers preview

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Contenders or pretenders face off in Auckland.

Having had their hearts broken for a second straight week in extra time, the New Zealand Warriors return home in dire need of a win to keep their season alive. Sitting behind their opponents in ninth position, coach Andrew McFadden has responded to his side's inability to capitalise on opportunities by reinstating dynamic utility Tuimoala Lolohea to the starting side. With Lolohea named to start at fullback, a reshuffled backlines sees David Fusitua move to the centres with Blake Ayshford dropping back to the bench, while Ben Matulino will start after coming off the bench in recent weeks. Managing just two wins against Penrith since their 2011 Grand Final appearance, the Warriors will know the importance of Saturday's game as they stare down the barrel of yet another season of squandered potential.

Heading into the Round 21 clash off the back of consecutive wins, the Panthers will be out to consolidate their position inside the top eight. Producing a stellar defensive performance against the Broncos in Brisbane last Friday, the Panthers will fancy their chances of recording three straight wins for the first time since 2014. Naming the same side that triumphed in Queensland last week, coach Anthony Griffin has named rookie props Andy Saunders and Viliame Kikau on an extended bench. After making his first grade debut in the opening round of 2014, Isaah Yeo will play his 50th game for the club on Saturday.

Last meeting: Round 10 2016 - Panthers 30 Warriors 18

Who to watch: After starting the season slowly, Warriors hooker Issac Luke has rediscovered his creative spark in recent weeks to help the New Zealanders move within striking distance of the top eight. Having had his game time reduced following the emergence of Jazz Tevaga, the former South Sydney rake has shown tremendous intent with his defensive resolve, while the added responsibility of goal-kicking has only seen the Kiwi international rise to the occasion. Coming up against the youthful Panthers, the decisive factor for the Warriors may well be the experience and spark of Luke.

Having shown glimpses of his potential at the Wests Tigers, Sitaleki Akauola has made the most of his move to Penrith with a series of strong showings off the bench. Alternating between the backline and second row early on in his career, the 24-year-old Kiwi has found a home in the middle and gone from strength to strength in every game played this season. Coming up against one of the biggest forward packs in the NRL, Akauola will know the importance of ensuring the visitors prevail on Saturday in order to keep their top eight prospects on track.

The favourite: Despite going down in three of their past four clashes, the Warriors are favoured to keep their top eight hopes alive.

My tip: What they lack in experience the Panthers more than make up for with enthusiasm and commitment. Panthers by 6.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Ken Maumalo 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 20. Albert Vete 18. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 10. Ben Matulino 17. Blake Ayshford

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Moses Leota 15. Sitaleki Akauola 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Bryan Norrie, Steve Chiddy;