Warriors v Sea Eagles preview

New Zealand Warriors v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Warriors attempt to jump back on the horse, Manly's last chance.

Picturesque Auckland is our destination on Saturday Afternoon as two teams desperately attempt to get back into the winning circle. The Warriors were way of the pace last week against the in form Roosters being shut out 24-0 in Sydney, they were very poor defensively and their horrendous completion rate (particularly in the 1st half) put the card wash on any hope of their attack getting going. The Warriors are with a host of teams on 22 points, so another loss is the last thing they want. As this could see them slip all the way out of the top 8. Being at home should inspire confidence, although so far in 2015, we still don't know which Warriors side will turn up week to week.

In two changes for the Warriors, they recall Glen Fisiiahi at the expense of David Fusitua, this also sees Tuimoala Lolohea move to the centre's where he has been so successful this year. The Warriors will be desperate to get some momentum as we move into the last 7 weeks of the premiership season, a top 4 spot beckons if they can be consistent.

Manly's frustrating season continued on Monday Night where they were convincingly outplayed by a rampant North Queensland outfit led by superstar Jonathan Thurston. Manly just haven't been able to get out of 1st gear this season, and it seems everything that can go wrong seems to! It's nothing short of a miracle that are still in the hunt for the playoffs which I guess is the good news if you're a Manly fan. Manly's smaller forward pack has struggled this year and it will be up to their no frills players up front that will need to get the job done against a gigantic Warriors pack. The Sea Eagles can really only afford to lose one more game and with tough fixtures against the likes of South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters it is going to be a tough run home for the boys from the Northern Beaches.

No fresh changes for the Sea Eagles this week with Daly Cherry Evans taking his place at half back after picking up a pectoral injury in Monday Night's game. Ligi Sao has been named on the bench although could miss out due to suspension.

Last Meeting: Manly Sea Eagles 22 New Zealand Warriors 12 at Mt Smart Stadium, Round 20, 2014

Manly have the wood on the Warriors, having won 8 of the past 9 games between the clubs including the 2011 Grand Final. The Warriors sole win in this period was a 18-16 win in Round 13, 2013 at Mt Smart Stadium. In the matches at Mt Smart Stadium Manly have a tremendous record against the Warriors with 8 wins and just three defeats in 11 games.

In 26 games between the clubs dating back to the Warriors inception in 1995, Manly lead the all time series 18-8.

Who To Watch: Matt Ballin has been one of the best hooker's running around in the NRL in the past 5 years, at 31 he isn't at the elite level he once was but is still very important to the Sea Eagles side. His defence will need to be top notch in this game considering the size of the Warriors side. His second phase play and passing out of dummy half is also vital to the attack of Manly and will determine how successful Manly are in their pursuit of victory on Saturday Afternoon.\

Bodene Thompson of the Warriors has been a real find for the NZ side. After coming across as an established back rower from the Tigers he has continued his good start to his career on the back of some barnstorming runs and workman like defence. He was at his best defensively last week against the Roosters with 53 tackles when the rest of his team mates were falling off tackles like flies.

His combination with Shaun Johnson is something else to keep an eye on. He attacks wide and on the fringes and if he comes up against a smaller defender he could cause trouble. His 6 tries, 8 line breaks and 641 metres on the season back up his quality play. He also averages 40 tackles a game and 88 metres a game. One to keep an eye on come Saturday.

The Favourite: The Warriors home ground advantage and their form over the past month (apart from last week) sees them as string favourites for Saturday's clash.

My Tip: The Warriors were way off the pace last week against the Roosters, coming back home should help them out. Their play over the last month has been solid and their attack (as long as they complete their sets)should be too much for Manly.

Manly on the other hand need a good, quick start to get on top of the Warriors. Their forward pack needs to stand up to the Warriors pack and bully them if they want to get any thing from this game.

Warriors by 8.

1. Sam Tomkins 2. Glen Fisiiahi 3. Tuimoala Lolohea 4. Solomone Kata 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Sione Lousi 16. Sam Rapira 17. Albert Vete 18. Sam Lisone

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Peta Hiku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Willie Mason 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Tom Symonds 13. Ligi Sao
Interchange: 14. Luke Burgess 15. Jayden Hodges 16. Justin Horo 17. Josh Starling 18. James Hasson

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Adam Reid, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Steve Folkes;

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