Round 18: Warriors v Sharks preview
Strugglers meet sliders in the Kiwi capital.
For the first time since 2016, NRL action heads to the famous "Cake Tin" in Wellington.
Westpac Stadium hosts the struggling Warriors - fresh off a draw against the Broncos - and the Sharks, who've now lost four straight and slid out of the top eight.
The Warriors were always expected to be patchy and struggle to trouble the contenders this season, but it's Cronulla's recent form which has been most concerning. In their defence, they've struggled for squad consistency, with varying combinations of players omitted including key backs Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan, as well as back-rowers Wade Graham and Paul Gallen.
While most expected the Storm to account for the Sharks comfortably last week, it was the losses in the fortnight prior that probably gave coach John Morris the most headaches, falling by two points each week to bottom four sides Canterbury and Brisbane. A team like the Warriors (who have struggled for consistency for a long time) present a perfect opportunity to rediscover lost form before their top eight hopes evaporate.
The home team is just wildly unpredictable. They started the year strongly by thumping the Bulldogs, but subsequently stumbled, and have sent fans on a rollercoaster ride ever since. A handful of wins over the Origin period have them still within reach of the eight - but ultimately they'll need to win plenty of their remaining games to be a serious chance.
They are unchanged heading into Friday night's duel, while Cronulla welcome back Moylan and Gallen from injury but lose Dugan and Josh Morris.
Last meeting: Round 16 2018 - Warriors 15 Sharks 18
Who to watch: The battle of the halves is an interesting one - former teammates Blake Green and Shaun Johnson face off, in what is Johnson's first contest with his former club since the shock off-season switch he made to the Shire-based club.
Green has since had to take control of the Warriors attack as the senior presence, and has benefited from the addition of Kodi Nikorima mid-season. Johnson meanwhile has struggled for form - with plenty of chatter around that he should be dropped to Canterbury Cup in particular since poor displays in the last three weeks.
The favourite: It's tight, but the Sharks are better backed. Just.
My tip: There's been nine games at Wellington - but if you would believe, the Warriors have only won twice at the venue since it hosted its first action in 2001. Look for the Sharks to finally get back into their groove, with Johnson to star against his former club. Sharks by 8.
