Warriors v Dragons preview

New Zealand Warriors v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Westpac Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

A must-win game for two sides clinging to the bottom of the top eight.

With Shaun Johnson out for the remainder of 2015, the Warriors produced a solid performance in defeat against Cronulla. Unable to capitalise on a wealth of chances in the first half, Andrew McFadden will have his side fired up to take on the rejuvenated Dragons. In the only change from the team that lost to the Sharks, Jonathan Wright comes into the side for Konrad Hurrell who has once again been relegated to NSW Cup. After coming away with an imposing 42-18 victory over the Tigers in their last appearance at Westpac Stadium the Warriors will be hoping to replicate a similar effort on Saturday night.

Having experience a horror run over the past two months with injuries and on-field results, the Dragons broke through for a much needed win last Sunday against the Knights. With Jason Nightingale out, Yaw Kiti Glymin comes back into the lineup after sustaining a torn hamstring on debut, while Trent Merrin makes his long-anticipated return from suspension off the bench. The Dragons will be looking to extend one of the best winning records in the NRL against the Warriors, having lost on just four occasions since 1999 the visitors will be hoping history is on their side when they travel across the ditch.

Last meeting: Round 7 2014 - St. George Illawarra Dragons 20 New Zealand Warriors 10

Who to watch: Falling agonisingly close to scoring the winning try last weekend, Simon Mannering will be desperate to turn around the Warriors recent run of losses with a strong performance in Wellington. Averaging close to 50 tackles a game, Mannering will be looking to improve on his attacking game in the lead up to September. At his best the New Zealand captain is capable of terrorising defenders and with Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson out injured the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the Warriors veteran.

Having spent the past four weeks on the sidelines through suspension, Trent Merrin will have his eyes on leading the Dragons to their first finals series since 2011. Averaging over 150 metres and 30 tackles per game, the joint venture has missed Merrin's attacking flair over the past months and will be hoping his experience with Australia and New South Wales is able to help solidify the Dragons place in the top eight.

The favourite: After the Dragons bounced back last week, both sides are equally matched to take the two points in Wellington.

My tip: With the Dragons finally breaking through for a win against Newcastle, expect the visitors to regain some momentum by coming away with the two points. Dragons by 12.

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

1. Josh Dugan 2. Dylan Farrell 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Yaw Kiti Glymin 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Mike Cooper
Interchange: 14. Craig Garvey 15. Trent Merrin 16. Will Matthews 17. Jack de Belin 18. Justin Hunt 19. Jake Marketo 24. Mark Ioane

Referees: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Henry Perenara;

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