Round 20: Warriors v Sharks preview
Crunch match as both sides eye September footy
The New Zealand Warriors return to New Zealand when they take on the Cronulla Sharks who are eyeing four straight victories to kick off the triple header of Sunday matches in Round 20.
For the home side, they were at their ruthless best against a depleted Parramatta last week. Crushing the much fancied Eels by 36 points in a dominating display. While they sit sixth and have had a much improved season, they have only won one match against the top four (which coincidentally came against the Sharks). It's a big test to show that the Warriors want to play finals footy in 2023.
Defensively, they'll be better for this clash with some ruthless performances offset at times by some lapses in concentration. Addin Fonua-Blake will be looking to continue his monster year, while Luke Metcalf and Shaun Johnson will be looking to prove a point against their former club with the rookie showing some Midas touches in an impressive performance. Marcelo Montoya and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak have shown the ability to work hard out of yardage in what's been a renewed effort in 2023.
On the team front, Shaun Johnson, with his second child expected to be born this week and being no certainty to play. Dylan Walker has been named to play despite suffering an arm injury suffered against the Eels which saw him leave early. Josh Curran returns after serving a two-game suspension so Mitch Barnett shifts to the front row and Bunty Afoa is out.
For the visitors, you might think that all is going well for the boys in the black, white and blue. However, I see it quite differently. Following a 36-12 victory over the Tigers last Thursday, Cronulla are now without a loss since their debacle in Melbourne, but they'll face a different challenge this week after playing the competition's three lowest ranked teams in their past three matches. The tag of flat-track bullies has a strong ring to it with this Sharks line-up.
After looking at the video of their capitulation against the Warriors in April. The most obvious thing for the Sharks is to play a full 80 minutes this time around. But, they need to be on their toes if they shoot out to an early lead. Cronulla are a side that have a tendency to switch off in games, they let the Tigers back into the contest last week, and good sides will punish that in droves. So it's up to the likes of Nicho Hynes, Matt Moylan and Will Kennedy to prevent another capitulation.
On the team front, Braden Hamlin-Uele has been named among the reserves and could be a chance of returning. Lock Dale Finucane is serving the final week of his suspension so Cameron McInnes looks set to start at lock again.
Last meeting: Round 5 2023 - Sharks 30 Warriors 32
Who to watch: After leaving for a chance at regular first grade footy. It's been a long slog for Luke Metcalf in 2023. After starring in the trials, a hamstring injury appeared to derail his chance. However, he's taken his chance in the last few matches. After a quiet game against Souths, Metcalf showed his worth against Parramatta by scoring two tries, setting up a further one and two linebreak assists. If this form is the regular, Metcalf could keep Te Marie Martin out of the full strength side going forward.
For the Sharks, the focus goes onto Siosifa Talakai. It might be hard to fathom, but Talakai is one of the leading try creators in the competition setting up 13 tries so far this season. Although he has pace and defensive deficiencies at times, his ability to create chances purely on his size alone backs Craig Fitzgibbon's decision to pick him on the edge. Look for him to give Rocco Berry some nightmares on Sunday.
Favourite: Cronulla are slight favourites in this clash. The Sharks boasting 10 wins from their last 13 meetings with the Warriors. The Warriors won their last clash in NZ, winning 19-18 in Wellington.
My tip: In one of the better match-ups of the weekend. It's a match that can go right down to the wire. With a sunny day expected, the conditions play into the Warriors hands as they've struggled in the rain this season. I just think Cronulla will have to produce a big win against a top 8 contender sooner rather then later to build into the run home. Sharks by 4.
