Warriors v Roosters preview

New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 6:00pm

Last-start losers do battle across the ditch for a place in the top eight.

Having strung together three-straight wins in an otherwise inconsistent season, the Warriors were mere cannon fodder to the might of the Rabbitohs last week, suffering a humiliating 36-4 loss in Perth. Things won't get any easier for the New Zealand club, losing star forwards Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman to representative duties. Coach Andrew McFadden's side will be boosted by the return of Sam Tomkins (injury) and Konrad Hurrell (suspension), while young forwards Albert Vete and Raymond Faitala-Mariner have been elevated to the starting 13 for this encounter between the combatants of the 2002 Grand Final.

Much like their opponents, the Roosters three-match winning run came to an abrupt end at Remondis Stadium against Cronulla, where they failed to maintain any pressure on the Sharks, eventually going down 10-4. With captain Mitchell Pearce, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra missing through state selection, Trent Robinson will be hoping the highly touted Jackson Hastings is capable to making the step-up in what will be his first start in the halfback role. While the Roosters will be without a number of experienced campaigners, Blake Ferguson will make his return in the centres after suffering a knee injury in Round 4. Former Warriors Suaia Matagi is also in line to make his debut for his new club, after securing a mid-season switch a few weeks back.

Last meeting: Round 24 2014 - New Zealand Warriors 12 Sydney Roosters 46

Who to watch: After playing a leading role in securing the Warriors an unlikely Under 20s premiership from eighth place last season, Tuimoala Lolohea has made the transition to the NRL seamlessly in 2015. Still eligible for the Holden Cup, the Tongan international has provided an X-factor to the Warriors so far this season, averaging 120 metres per match, while his defence has justified his place in the side, consistently standing up to much larger opponents. With a number of Warriors returning from injury this week, Lolohea will shift back to the bench, where he will look to provide a creative spark similar to that of Ben Barba starting out.

With Brett Morris making a successful return against the Dragons last Monday, the unlucky man to miss out on an Origin position is Daniel Tupou. However, the man responsible for one of the most memorable Grand Final tries in recent memory, will be out to prove to Laurie Daley he belongs in the New South Wales team with a quality performance against the Warriors. Having crossed for 9 tries already in 2015, Tupou will be out to use his height and size to great effect marking up against the inexperienced Ken Maumalo.

The favourite: On the back of the home ground advantage and the return of Sam Tomkins and Konrad Hurrell, the Warriors are expected to prevail against the Roosters.

My tip: While both sides appearing to be evenly matched up-front, the class of Shaun Johnson should get the Warriors over the line in a tight match. Warriors by 6.

1. Sam Tomkins 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Albert Vete 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Sebastine Ikahihifo 16. Sam Lisone 17. Charlie Gubb 18. Jonathan Wright

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Brendan Elliott 6. James Maloney 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Siosiua Taukeiaho 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Matt McIlwrick 15. Willie Manu 16. Kane Evans 17. Dylan Napa 18. Suaia Matagi

Referees: Gavin Badger, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;

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