Round 4: Warriors v Knights preview
Lachlan takes a look at this weekend's clash between the Warriors and the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa.
Easter Sunday Auckland Eggstravaganza
The first of two games on Easter Sunday afternoon footy sees the Newcastle Knights travel to Auckland to meet the New Zealand Warriors. Both teams will be happy with their results from round three, with both the Knights and the Warriors getting the chance to string together back-to-back wins when they clash. Although there was some initial disappointment from fans of both clubs to start the season, a win for either side this weekend will get their season well and truly back on track.
The Warriors had two heartbreaking losses to open the year, going down by four points against both the Sharks and the Storm. But in front of a home crowd in Christchurch New Zealand came back from a small deficit early in the second stanza to finish 18-10 winners. Tohu Harris racked up 50 tackles in an impressive 80 minute performance at lock, whilst Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 200m across the 80, filling in successfully at fullback for Taine Tuauapiki, forced off the field due to a failed HIA.
Tuauapiki's concussion shifts Tuivasa-Sheck into the number one jersey that was consistently his not so long ago. Adam Pompey will plug the gap left in the centres, whilst Marata Niukore joins the bench as he makes his return from a foot injury. Wayde Egan has been named to return to the number 9 meaning Freddy Lussick will start on the bench, alongside Dylan Walker who also returns.
In similar fashion to the Warriors, the Knights suffered a heartbreaking round two loss to the Cowboys after losing convincingly to the Raiders in round one. But Newcastle were able to get over the line against Melbourne, holding on in the dying moments in front of their home fans to come out 14-12 victors despite going scoreless in the second half. The tight nature of both the Knights' and the Warriors' games against Melbourne indicates that this clash should be a close one.
A one match ban to Leo Thompson for his incident with Ryan Papenhuyzen sees Daniel Saifiti handed the number 10 for this weekend, alongside his brother Jacob as the starting props. Brodie Jones takes up the final bench spot, whilst Jackson Hastings is still nowhere to be seen in the first grade 17.
In 49 meetings, the Warriors and the Knights have both won 24 games, with just the 1 draw. This match is the final instalment in the best of 50 series, with the nearly 30 years worth of matches hanging in the balance.
Last meeting: Finals Week 2 2023 - Warriors 40 Knights 10
Who to watch: Lock Tohu Harris plays a significant role week in week out for the New Zealand Warriors. Since joining the club in 2018 injuries have unfortunately hampered some seasons, however Harris has now racked up over 100 first grade appearances for the club. He has also never gone an NRL season without scoring points, an impressive state for a forward who has been around for over a decade. Whilst at the Storm he was a back-up goal-kicking option too, getting to showcase his wide range of footballing talents.
Jack Cogger has been given a massive opportunity by his coach Adam O'Brien at the Knights, getting the halfback role over the more experienced (albeit slightly) Jackson Hastings. Hastings was expected to have the number 7 jersey locked up for the season, but he has been dropped to reserve grade. Cogger's performances over the next few weeks will likely seal the fate of the Knights' halves pairing for the rest of the year, whilst also playing a significant role in the outcomes of said matches.
Favourite: With both teams getting their first win of the season last weekend, this game should be a close one on paper. Nevertheless, it is the Warriors that are favourites to get the job done on home turf.
My tip: I think both sides will be up and about after their respective hard fought wins, but the home ground advantage for New Zealand should be enough to get them over the line. Warriors by 8.
