Round 11: Dragons v Warriors preview
Saturday's NRL action kicks off with a visit to Sydney's southern suburbs as the both the St George Illawarra Dragons and New Zealand Warriors look to keep themselves in touch of the NRL top 8 with victory at Kogarah.
Coming into Round 11 sitting in 12th spot on the ladder, the Dragons have had an inconsistent season hampered by injury and team changes all season as coach Anthony Griffin tries to get his team right. Last weekend, the Dragons fell to a 20-16 golden point loss to the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dragons were denied possession early in the contest against the Gold Coast as their opponents put a stranglehold on the Red ‘V' who impressed many with their defence early in the contest. Having survived the relentless attack of the Titans, the Dragons were able to throw a counter punch although they trailed at half-time. During the second half, the Dragons were the more dominant side but couldn't shake the Titans. In a game that was affected significantly by the rain, an error from the Dragons in golden point meant that the Titans got good field position and took the victory.
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has wrung the changes both through choice and through injuries to key players. After being recalled last week, Fullback Tyrell Sloan has been dropped to the reserves with Cody Ramsey returning to the starting side. Jack Gosiewski has also been promoted to the starting side with Josh McGuire ruled out through injury.
The New Zealand Warriors sit just above the Dragons on the ladder sitting in 11th spot also with four wins from their 10 games. The Warriors have pulled out a sadly typical season with so much inconsistency with some important wins outdone by some heavy losses and poor performances. Last weekend at Magic Round, the Warriors came from 32-6 down at the 50-minute mark to fall to a 32-30 defeat.
The Warriors struggled early in the conditions and the Rabbitohs dominated the contest as the Warriors had no answers to match South Sydney. The Warriors were able to get themselves back into the contest in the last half hour as they were able to turn the momentum and it showed that with smarter plays during the first half they could have matched Souths.
Coach Nathan Brown has put Tohu Harris back into the starting line-up after returning last week on the bench. Euan Aitken returns from concussion with Aaron Pene on the bench. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Jesse Arthars have been named in the reserves meaning they are a chance of returning from injury.
Last meeting: Round 1 2022 - Warriors 16 Dragons 28
Who to watch: Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is a key performer and been playing well for the Red ‘V' whilst some of his teammates have struggled this season. Ben Hunt leads the team around the ground and his leadership is going to be important this week as the Dragons need to improve on recent performances. It's harsh to say, but given the poor form of his teammates Hunt will need to step up.
There are always high expectations on Shaun Johnson wherever he goes and none more than at his return to the Warriors which has been extremely underwhelming. Whilst Johnson is often a scapegoat for the poor Warriors performances in his two stints, the Kiwi international has struggled to make an impact this season and has made some very odd decisions in attack. The Warriors need victory to stay in touch with the top 8, Shaun Johnson who is reportedly at the risk of being dropped, needs to stand up and lead his club from the front.
The favourite: The Dragons are better backed to get the result at home on Saturday.
My tip: It's hard to go past the Dragons back at Kogarah this weekend, whilst neither side has been at all consistent, you just can never know what Warriors team that you will get. The side that played the last 30 minutes last week would blow the Red ‘V' off the park, but the issue is the other 50 minutes of effort last week. Back at home, the Dragons should be too strong in a close one. Dragons by 6.
