Round 22: Warriors v Canterbury preview
This week was meant to the the New Zealand Warriors' massive homecoming after nearly two full seasons away, in front of a full house at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.
As I type this preview, my travel reminder for my now-cancelled flight to Auckland to attend this much anticipated event (and holiday) pops up on my phone, and I get immediately sad. The Warriors are still stuck in Australia, most of us are still stuck in our homes. Sigh.
Every single Rugby League fan should be grateful to the New Zealand Warriors for sacrifices they have made to keep this competition afloat.
ANYWAY - they now host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in ... *checks notes* ... Redcliffe. Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe, home of the Dolphins, on Sunday.
The Warriors come into this clash on the back of two stunning wins in a row. Barely able to field a full 17 in both games, they managed to knock off the Tigers and Sharks, interestingly both by the same scoreline (18-16).
The Bulldogs... well. They managed to back up what I described as an ‘insipid' performance the week before against the Titans, with an even worse performance against the Wests Tigers. The final 28-16 scoreline flattered the 'Dogs.
In team news for the Warriors, more outs. Firstly Kane Evans, Matt Lodge and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are all out suspended, with a debut for Jackson Frei in the front row, along witth Adam Pompey and Jamayne-Tanunoa-Brown coming in to replace the suspended trio. Peta Hiku plays his 150th game at centre. A selection choice worth noting, Chad Townsend and Wayde Egan have been named on the extended bench and may well be a late callup if fully recovered from their injuries.
Canterbury's Dylan Napa and Jack Hetherington miss this game through suspension, although I'm at the point where I'm convinced that Trent Barrett will find a way to promote Napa into the gameday squad somehow. Bizarrely, they have taken Ryan James and Corey Horsburgh on loan from Canberra, despite not giving any chances to the likes of Jackson Topine, who is stuck forever on the extended bench. Ava Seumanufagai and Matt Doorey have been promoted to the starting lineup, while Corey Waddell has also been dropped. How or why did the NRL approve this loan?
Last meeting: Round 15 2020 - Bulldogs 14 Warriors 20
Last time they met was in Round 15 of the 2020 COVID Cup, at Stadium Australia, where the Bulldogs managed to throw away a 10-point second half lead to go down to the Warriors 20-14 - a Jack Murchie double proving the difference.
Who to watch: Very interestingly, for the Warriors, this game will very much be a home away from home. Of the 21 players named, nine have played for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland cup at some stage this season. Debutant Jackson Frei played 10 games for the Dolphins this season alone.
For the Bulldogs it's most certainly the bizarre loaning of Ryan James and Corey Horsburgh. It will be very interesting to see how they slot into the side on barely any notice. In addition, eyes will continue to be on how Bailey Biondi-Odo goes at five-eighth, as he has thankfully not had the Kyle Flanagan treatment after one game, and retains his spot.
The favourite: At the time of writing, the Warriors were comfortable $1.30 favourites.
My tip: Two depleted teams. One of them has won two games in a row, against all odds, showing amazing fight, spirit, and disciplined Rugby League. The other has lost 7 games in a row, showing scant regard for the jersey they are privileged to be wearing, no will, no spirit, and selfish, ill-disciplined rugby league. Warriors by 20.
