Warriors v Tigers preview

Warriors v Wests Tigers
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Can the Tigers spoil Manu Vatuvei's party?

Wests Tigers buoyed by a 22-6 defeat of the Parramatta Eels on Easter Monday, travel to New Zealand hoping to gather some momentum.
The Tigers moved into the top 8 with their win on Monday, on the back of a strong performance by veteran winger Pat Richards. His form has been so good that he is being touted for a possible NSW state of origin jersey.

The Tigers are unchanged from last week.

The Warriors again stumbled last week, staying in touch with the Storm for the majority of the 80 minutes before succumbing 30-14.
Their inconsistent form is frustrating coaches and fans alike, and there will need to be a committed effort for 80 minutes against a Tigers side that is hungry for points.

Manu Vatuvei will celebrate his 200th game and will be hoping for a win to mark the occasion. The Warriors have only the one change from last week with Albert Vete replacing Dominic Peroux on the bench.

Last meeting: Round 4 2014 - New Zealand Warriors 42 Wests Tigers 18

The Warriors have won 6 of the last 10 clashes between these sides including the past two. The last time they met at Mt Smart the Warriors hung on in a thriller 26-22 in 2011.

Who to watch: Keep your eyes peeled for James Tedesco. The athletic freak continued his good form this season with 158 Metres running and 7 tackle busts and scored a try against Parramatta on Monday afternoon. He is currently in the running for the Blues number 1 jersey and if he can continue to score tries and make plenty of metres than he is in with a good chance. Keep a close eye on his kick returns as well as him coming in for any kicks that are made by his partner in crime Luke Brooks.

For the Warriors it's hard to go past the beast Manu Vatuvei on what will be a very special occcasion for the big guy. Vatuvei has 138 tries in 199 appearances and is Warriors through and through. He is currently the second leading point scorer for the Warriors all time. Manu's ability to bust the line along with bis express pace can send shivers through any defensive line. If he gets things going then who knows what can happen. I might even predict a sneaky hat trick for the big guy...

The favourite: Tigers good form has them just ahead in the betting on this one.

My tip: It's a huge occasion for the Warriors and for big Manu, so i'm tipping NZ to win this one and win it comfortable. Warriors by 12.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathan Friend 15. Sebastine Ikahihifo 16. Sam Lisone 17. Albert Vete 18. Dominique Peyroux

1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Sauaso Sue 18. Asipeli Fine

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Folkes;

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