NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 3
6 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Warriors looking for redemption against inconsistent Dragons.
Having been thrashed in Melbourne on ANZAC Day, the Warriors will be out for an immediate response, as injuries begin to mount throughout the club. Having already lost superstar Roger Tuivasa-Scheck for the season, further injuries to dynamic utility Tuimoala Lolohea and veteran Simon Mannering have forced yet another reshuffle for the New Zealanders. David Fusitua becomes the Warriors third fullback in as many weeks, while former Canterbury forward Shaun Lane will make his club debut off the bench, alongside returning utility Jazz Tevaga. Managing a mere four wins against the Dragons since 1999, including losses in the past eleven encounters, coach Andrew McFadden will be more than aware of the threat posed by the joint venture.
It may have been a game of two halves in the traditional ANZAC Day clash, but in the end St. George Illawarra were able to come away with two points to get their season back on track. Holding on for a two-point win over the Roosters, the joint venture will head across the Tasman in pursuit of yet another victory over the Warriors. After missing last week through injury, centre Euan Aitken comes back into the side, forcing rookie Taane Milne onto an extended bench. Once again Benji Marshall has not been named, with experienced playmaker Josh McCrone to partner Gareth Widdop in the halves. After linking up with the Dragons in 2014, backrower Joel Thompson will play his 50th game for the club.
Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Warriors 0 Dragons 36
Who to watch: It's more who *not* to watch. The Warriors have stood down no fewer than SIX players named in their lineup for conduct after their loss to the Storm last Monday. Missing will be Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson and Konrad Hurrell, along with Albert Vete and Sam Lisone from last weekend's side and it's hard to tell how they'll cope without them. McFadden is set to confirm full changes on match day but with injuries already hampering his squad, lots of responsibility will fall on the halves Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai.
Making his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2008, Russell Packer's return to Mt. Smart Stadium has been marked by controversy, but since joining the Dragons, the Kiwi prop has put his best foot forward. After starting the season in the starting side, the former New Zealand representative has shifted back to bench in an effort to provide impact for the joint venture. Facing off against his former side, expect Packer's destructive running to come to the fore as the Dragons search for consistency under coach Paul McGregor.
The favourite: The Warriors surprisingly held the money before the omission of six players during the week - but it's for that reason the Dragons are now strongly favoured.
My tip: While the Dragons may have just held on for victory on ANZAC Day, look for the joint venture to capitalise on a wounded Warriors outfit. Dragons by 12.
1. David Fusitua 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 20. Matthew Allwood 22. Jeff Robson 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 14. Jazz Tevaga 18. James Gavet 17. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Hoffman 21. John Palavi
Interchange: 9. Issac Luke 13. Charlie Gubb 23. Toafofoa Sipley 25. Sione Lousi
19. Adam Quinlan 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Euan Aitken 1. Josh Dugan 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 23. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Siliva Havili 10. Michael Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 15. Will Matthews 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 9. Mitch Rein 14. Russell Packer 16. Dunamis Lui 20. Jacob Host
Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;