Round 11: Warriors v Wests Tigers preview
Two sides fighting for spots to keep themselves in the hunt for the top eight clash at Central Coast Stadium to kick off the Friday night double header in Round 11.
Back-to-back losses combined with an alarming injury toll has the Warriors stuck in the quagmire of sides all stuck on eight points. The constant changing parts hasn't helped but the sheen has truly come off the start of the Nathan Brown era and they need to find their mojo again.
Last year Central Coast Stadium had become a fortress for the Warriors but this year they have lost two games already at their temporary home. One bonus for the Warriors might be the return back to New Zealand mid-season but for now, they need results and fast.
Brown has resisted the urge to throw boom rookie Reece Walsh into the thick of the action. Walsh has come off the bench in the last two games and provided a spark to a stagnant side which was overrun against the Sea Eagles and Eels. If the Warriors lose, Walsh might still show a glimpse of the future for Brown and the Warriors faithful who want to turn results around as well.
The Tigers form has fluctuated more than doge coin after being mentioned by Elon Musk highlighted by having an embarrassing showing on the day meant to remember Tommy Raudonikis then almost upsetting the rampant Rabbitohs. So truthfully, who knows what Tigers show up on Friday.
That form would have coach Michael Maguire pulling out his hair if the 2014 Premiership winner had any left after his years in the box. Maguire will hope the 18-point win against the Knights might kickstart a winning streak to finally put an end to the meme Tigers and their hold on 9th position.
Helping that will be naming the same 1-17 for the joint venture which again sees playmaker Adam Doueihi playing in the centre position. Alongside Dane Laurie and Jacob Liddle, they have given renewed hope for the battered fanbase and maybe tiger town can roar again.
Both these sides have shown themselves to be consistent in their inconsistency with attacking flair thrown in the chaos of whatever rugby league is in 2021. So, if you are a fan of either these sides brace for a white knuckle ride and neutrals, enjoy the game.
Last meeting: Round 12 2020 - Wests Tigers 20 Warriors 26
Who to watch: Injuries have cruelled the Warriors this season but there is always the class of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at fullback which gives them a chance to win. The veteran fullback headed to rugby union next season, is the heartbeat of this Warriors side and his link with Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima might challenge the soft underbelly of the Tigers.
Another important factor for the home side is lock forward Tohu Harris. The representative forward has the slick pass and movement to trouble a Tigers pack which hasn't shown up on occasions in 2021 and build off his three tries for the season.
One constant in the chaos of the Tigers this season has been the form of five-eighth turned centre Adam Doueihi thus far. Doueihi has outperformed the much more experienced Luke Brooks for the joint venture club and if they are to move themselves into the top eight, he will need to feature prominently again.
Jacob Liddle has played most of the minutes at hooker for the Tigers this season and has settled into the role smoothly and even has found a knack of getting across the stripe. His service will be need to get the Tigers forward pack on the front foot and give them a chance for back-to-back wins for the first time this year.
The favourite: Flip a coin and that will decide which of these inconsistent sides is your favourite for this game on Friday night.
My tip: I'm going with the Warriors by 2.
