Round 26: Warriors v Dragons preview
If the Warriors aren't your second favourite team in season 2024, then maybe Rugby League isn't for you…
A win this weekend against the Dragons will secure a home semi-final and a top four spot, in what would be a massive occasion for the Warriors after a disrupted few years.
The Warriors made a great escape last weekend to come away with a seven point win, with flashy finisher Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scoring a hat-trick to take his season tally to 21 tries (equal first).
The return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad boosted the right side attack for the Warriors and like they have done all season, it was their set plays and ability to attack edges in numbers that created the space out wide.
However, it was the big boppers that again set the platform for the home side. Tohu Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake again ‘Super' in the success the Warriors are having this year.
The Dragons head over the ditch to confront the best ticket in town, where another massive crowd will no doubt be on deck.
The 'Red V' have been awful away from home this season losing all 11 games and conceding nearly 30 points each time. The challenge this week does not get any easier.
The away side will be looking to their ‘young guns' in Talatau Amone and Tyrell Sloan to create some spark this weekend in attack. However, it will be in defence where they need to manage the Warriors side who will be targeted the edges of the Dragons side, who for the majority of the season have leaked some very soft tries and poor efforts. In a boost for the visitors, Zac Lomax returns from a shoulder injury.
These sides met back in Round 17, where the Warriors ran riot winning 48-18 in Wollongong.
Last meeting: Round 17 2023 - Dragons 18 Warriors 48
Who to watch: Hard to go past the one and only, Shaun Johnson. What a return to the Warriors he has had. His level of maturity has surprised most. His calmness and ability to play the long game with patience and game management has got the Warriors to where they are on the ladder. His kicking game will again hold the key this weekend, turning the Dragons around and making them play out of their own end. Let's hope his red hot run continues and he can be awarded the Dally M medal he so very much deserves in a few weeks time.
Big bad Blake Lawrie has been a consistent performer this year and will need to be at his best again this week to handle the early ambush from the big Warriors forward pack. Lawrie has averaged 30 tackles and 13 hit ups this year, but it has been his ability to offload and break tackles that has put the Dragons on the front foot and allowed them to benefit off the back of.
Favourite: No surprises here, the Warriors are clear favourites.
My tip: The Warriors by plenty and DWZ to cross the stripe again to continue his try scoring run.
