Match Centre

Round 1: Warriors v Dragons preview

NEW AND RETURNING FACES KEEN TO MAKE THEIR MARK

The New Zealand Warriors return to their home away from home to kick start their 2022 campaign against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Both sides would consider 2021 a disappointing year considering the promising signs they showed at various stages throughout last season.

The Warriors are coming into 2022 following a 12th place finish after a season marred by inconsistent play and a lack of identity in the way they played. The departure of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to rugby union is a massive blow not just for the Warriors, but for the game as well.

They did however manage to a return of the prodigal son Shaun Johnson. He returns to the club after 3 years in exile down in the shire. Warriors fans will be hoping SJ's arrival can net much-needed improvement and consistency in attack. They had a strong trial performance against the Storm (30-18) however their last trial against the Titans was abandoned due to the QLD flood crisis which has engulfed the east coast of Australia.

As a result, expect to see a little bit of rust in attack to start especially from the spine who will be without Reece Walsh due to suspension for an off-field incident. Up-front they'll have no problems with Addin Fonua-Blake, fresh off a new contract extension leading the pack primed for another strong season. Aaron Pene could be a game breaker through the middle arriving from Melbourne as well as the emergence of Bunty Afoa sees the Warriors with much-needed starch upfront. Chanel Harris-Tavita warms the fullback jumper for Reece Walsh while teen centre Viliami Vailea is preferred at centre over Adam Pompey and Jesse Arthars.

St George Illawarra has had a strong pre-season under newly re-signed coach Anthony Griffin with wins against Parramatta (28-24) and upset win in the Charity Shield over Souths (16-10). They were on track for a top 8 spot last season until an infamous BBQ saw their season collapse and would go on to lose their remaining 8 matches to finish outside the 8 in 11th spot.

They've recruited efficiently by adding QLD representative Francis Molo and exciting centre Moses Suli to provide some spark to the backline which was lacking last season. There's a lot of excitement around the Red V this season especially the young core of Tyrell Sloan, Cody Ramsey and Talatau Amone after their late-season cameos last season, a full offseason under their belts will only see their potential grow throughout the season.

A real surprise in the Dragons team list with Anthony Griffin choosing to leave Tariq Sims and new buy George Burgess out for this clash as the same starting side who were dominant in the Charity Shield have been retained by the coach to start the season. New signing Francis Molo is left on the bench along with fellow new recruits Moses Mbye and Jack Gosiewski.

Last meeting: Round 16 2021 - Warriors 18 Dragons 19

Who to watch: Guess who's back, back again. Shaun Johnson is back with a point to prove. After a disgruntled exit from the Warriors following the 2018 season. SJ will be keen to prove to Warriors fans that he can recapture some of the form that saw him win the Golden Boot in 2014. His leadership will be vital in supporting the spine around him. His experience will certainly add a spark to a Warriors side desperate for a dominant playmaker to steer them to a top 8 finish.

With the Dragons moving Matt Dufty on during the offseason, you knew that they had the upmost faith in Tyrell Sloan. The young rookie burst on the scene in the middle of last season scoring 6 tries in 5 appearances. He was incredibly dangerous and heavily involved in both club trial matches. His energy and talent will provide a big spark to a Dragons side aiming for the finals.

The favourite: The Dragons are slight favourites in the toughest game of the round to tip. However, the Warriors have a good recent record against the Dragons only losing 1 of the past 6 outings between the two sides.

My tip: It's common to say "trials don't matter" but I'm going to go against this for my tip in this one. St George Illawarra were mightily impressive in the Charity Shield downing a much stronger South Sydney outfit with the excitement machines of Sloan, Ramsey and Amone proving the difference. The Warriors will provide tough resilience and it will go right down to the wire as both sides try and kickstart their seasons with a bang. Dragons by 4.