Warriors v Roosters preview

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Are the Warriors the real deal in '16?

Coming off the back of a second straight emphatic victory, the Warriors return to Mt. Smart Stadium on Sunday full of optimism as they host an out-of-form Sydney Roosters outfit. With history revealing the Warriors inability to meet expectations, the New Zealanders will be desperate to prove critics wrong and consolidate their position amongst the swarm of sides vying for the four remaining positions in the top eight. With Jacob Lillyman (Origin) and Manu Vatuvei (injury) out of action for the home side, former Under 20s graduates Tofoafoa Sipley and Ken Maumalo come into the squad, while try-scoring prop Albert Vete has been elevated to the starting side. Producing an extra-time try earlier this season to down the Roosters in Gosford, the Warriors will be looking to turn around a poor run of late, managing just three wins from the past nine fixtures against the Roosters.

Hitting a season low against Mebourne last Saturday night, Roosters coach Trent Robinson will have his side fired up after questioning their commitment in the aftermath of the 46-0 rout. With Newcastle the only side below them on the premiership ladder, Sunday serves as a must-win clash for the club as they fight to keep their strong form over recent seasons in tact. With Blake Ferguson and Aidan Guerra missing through representative duty, the Sydney club will be looking towards Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Isaac Liu and Dylan Napa to make an impact in their returns from injury and suspension. Similarly, Joseph Manu has been named to make his NRL debut on the wing, while former Penrith backrower Chris Smith is set to play his first game for the club off the bench.

Last meeting: Round 5 2016 - Roosters 28 Warriors 32

Who to watch: Producing a stellar performance against the Knights last Saturday, Warriors prop Albert Vete will be looking to build upon his recent showing as he faces off against Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Crossing for two tries in the 50-14 Newcastle rout, the 23-year-old forward appears to have found consistency after spending stints in reserve grade earlier in 2016. Having shown plenty of promise since debuting at the start of last season, Vete will be out to step up in the absence of Jacob Lillyman and hoist the New Zealanders into the top eight with a win.

Returning to New Zealand to tackle his former club, Sio Siua Taukeiaho will be pivotal to the Roosters chances of pulling off an upset across the ditch. Having developed into a key figure for the Roosters despite appearing in fewer than 50 first grade matches, the Kiwi representative has proven his worth with and without the ball. Without the likes of Aidan Guerra and Boyd Cordner to carry the load, Taukeiaho will need to lead from the front if the visitors are to come away with the two points.

The favourite: Fresh from posting 50-points against the Knights, the Warriors are expected to produce a similar result at home.

My tip: If the Warriors are to be taken seriously in 2016, Sunday afternoon should see the home side record an emphatic victory over the Roosters. Warriors by 18.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Albert Vete 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Charlie Gubb

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 4. Dale Copley 5. Joseph Manu 6. Ryan Matterson 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Dylan Napa
Interchange: 14. Isaac Liu 15. Kane Evans 16. Connor Watson 17. Chris Smith

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Shane Rehm, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson