Round 17: Dragons v Warriors preview
Dragons, Warriors face off on a winter's night in Wollongong
The St George Illawarra Dragons will be looking to leave behind a week of off-field turmoil when they host the New Zealand Warriors in Wollongong on Friday evening.
Coming into the opening match of Round 17 stunned by the news of captain Ben Hunt requesting a release due to disillusionment with club management, the St George Illawarra Dragons will be hoping for much needed respite on the playing field.
Chasing consecutive wins for the first time this season following a high-scoring victory over South Sydney prior to last week's bye, interim coach Ryan Carr will welcome back Jack Bird in place of Jaiyden Hunt, while Jack de Belin will return for his 200th appearance after Josh Kerr was granted an immediate release to join the Dolphins.
The Dragons have won six of their past seven matches at WIN Stadium, along with their past three matches against the Warriors at all venues.
Sitting inside the top eight with back-to-back victories before resting up with a bye last weekend, the New Zealand Warriors will be hoping to overcome a dismal record in the Illawarra.
Winning two out of 13 visits to WIN Stadium dating back to the days of the Steelers, coach Andrew Webster has named Dylan Walker to make his return in place of suspended forward Mitchell Barnett, while Rocco Berry returns at the expense of Ali Leiataua in the centres.
Interchange forward Josh Curran will play his 50th game for the club.
Positioned within striking distance of the top four while equally close to dropping out of the top eight due to a highly congested ladder, the Warriors will be hoping to post 30 points in three consecutive matches for the first time since 2007 and only the seventh time in the club's history.
Last meeting: Round 11 2022 - Dragons 24 Warriors 18
Who to watch: If the Dragons are to come away with two competition points at the end of 80 minutes on Friday evening, Tyrell Sloan will need to be at his attacking best with the ball in hand. Starting in the number one jersey in all 14 matches so far this season, the 21-year-old fullback has provided glimmers of hope under challenging circumstances. Crossing for four tries, setting up six and making 44 tackle-breaks, a strong showing from Sloan will be paramount if the Red V are to back up their last performance.
Enjoying a breakout campaign as a starting forward across the ditch, Jackson Ford will have a point to prove in his Illawarra homecoming. Becoming a regular fixture with the Warriors after playing predominantly off the bench in four seasons with the Dragons, the 25-year-old Gerringong junior has provided tremendous value with 96 running metres and 33 tackles on average in 12 starts this season. Benefitting from newfound confidence provided by a change of scenery, Ford will relish the opportunity to get one over his former teammates on Friday evening.
Favourite: The Warriors are expected to continue their winning ways at the expense of the besieged joint venture.
My tip: With their attack gaining in confidence and defence ranking second in the league, the Warriors should post a third consecutive victory on Australian soil for the first time since 2019. Warriors by 12.
