Warriors v Newcastle Knights
2025 NRL Player Movements
5 months ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Warriors v Knights preview
Desperation is the name of the game in this Round 12 Indigenous Round clash between the New Zealand (Aotearoa) Warriors and the Newcastle (Mulubinba) Knights at Moreton Daily Stadium, the home of the Yuggera, Jinibara, and Kabi Kabi Peoples.
The Warriors return to their Redcliffe base for the first time since their last win a month ago over Canberra. New Zealand has developed a fortress mentality at Redcliffe this season, winning every game that they've played at their home away from home this season. But their football since their heart-stopping win over the Cowboys has been questionable to say the very least and if there's no improvement Nathan Brown's position could easily be untenable.
Last weekend was the epitome of Warriors football, they spilt the opening kick-off and conceded the first points inside 90 seconds. Although they came back strongly and were arguably in the game for most of the second 40, they were unable to get the job done. It's clear to every league fan, that they're missing the services of Josh Curran and Wayde Egan. Jazz Tevaga tries his best at hooker but is more suited to an impact role coming off the bench. Addin Fonua-Blake is out, and Daejarn Asi drops to the reserves. Jazz Tevaga shifts to prop with Freddy Lussick starting at hooker. Chanel Harris-Tavita returns at five-eighth. Taniela Otukolo joins the bench.
Newcastle has been a frustrating team to watch this season, after a promising start which saw many pundits have egg on their face, it has been a slow demise for the Novocastrians. Despite a win at Magic Round against Canterbury, even then they were unconvincing, it's been an uphill battle for the men from Newcastle. Kalyn Ponga has been the rare exception, desperately trying his best in every match. Ponga's solo try last week should've been the starting point of a Knights revival. Although they had a 50/50 call go against them, Newcastle allowed Brisbane to turn the tide and take advantage of the favourable call. They dropped their heads and were close to giving up in some portions of the game which even Adam O'Brien acknowledged as a concern.
He has some gems on the bench in Leo Thompson and Matt Croker, but they both need more game time as they have so much potential. The only forced change in Adam O'Brien's lineup is Bradman Best forced out with a gruesome elbow injury with Enari Tuala set for a recall. Jake Clifford is recalled at half-back with Adam Clune dropping out of the side altogether.
Last meeting: Round 15 2021 - Knights 10 Warriors 6
Who to watch: In a Warriors pack missing big names such as Fonua-Blake and Curran. Pressure is firming on Tohu Harris to return to his damaging best. Harris' return has been slow but expected, Harris had his best game last week in an increased role gaining 155 meters and making 35 tackles. Warriors fans will be hoping Harris continues this forward progression throughout the season and aim to get back in the winner's circle for the first time this month.
With State of Origin teams being picked at the conclusion of this round, Dane Gagai is under immense pressure to retain his starting centre spot. With the rise of the Cowboys this season which has seen their entire backline thrown in the ring come origin 1. Gagai returned from injury last weekend and didn't look a beat out of place. Gagai had 17 carries for 168 meters and had a try denied. Gagai will be looking to fire against the Warriors with a QLD spot on the line.
The favourite: The Warriors start as favourites against the Knights. Newcastle has had the better strike rate over the Warriors in recent seasons.
My tip: Although the Warriors' form of late has been diabolical. There's something about Redcliffe that they are loving, with an undefeated record there spanning the last two seasons. Look for the Warriors to answer the critics and have a strong performance against a Knights side that have players fighting for their spots in the State of Origin. Warriors by 2.
1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Ben Murdoch-Masila 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Jazz Tevaga 11. Euan Aitken 13. Jack Murchie 12. Tohu Harris 14. Taniela Otukolo 15. Aaron Pene 16. Bunty Afoa 21. Dunamis Lui 17. Eliesa Katoa
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Jake Clifford 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 17. Mathew Croker 18. Simi Sasagi 16. Leo Thompson
Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Nick Morel, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;