Round 25: Few dry eyes expected as Shaun Johnson farewells Warriors faithful against Bulldogs
Shaun Johnson will line up for the final home game of his NRL career as the Warriors take on a Bulldogs side still in the hunt for a top 4 berth.
The Warriors were officially eliminated from finals contention after last week's loss to Manly, however are determined to send their inspirational halfback and skipper out on a high as he concludes a remarkable 14 season career.
They will have Wayde Egan back on deck in this one, the star hooker returning from an elbow injury to relegate Freddy Lussick to the bench and Chanel Harris-Tevita to 18th man.
The Dogs meanwhile sit two points outside the top 4 and 4 inside the 8 with 3 matches remaining. A win over the Warriors could not only guarantee a first finals appearance since 2016, but also give them a real chance at getting that critical second life in September.
It's an unchanged 17 for the Dogs, with Josh Curran named despite a shoulder concern. Max King has been named on the reserves as he closes in on a return from a wrist injury.
The Warriors this season have been balanced but not spectacular - averaging 21 points scored per game and 23 conceded. The Dogs on the other hand hold the reputation as the best defensive team in the NRL, allowing just 16 points per game while scoring 22.
Last meeting: Round 18 2024 - Bulldogs 13 Warriors 12
Who to watch: All eyes will be on Shaun Johnson as he edges closer to bidding farewell to rugby league. 2024 has not been SJ at his best, dealing with injury issues as the Warriors struggled to 3 wins from 14 games with him in the side. Yet he still has 17 try contributions, is averaging his most running metres per game since 2015, and has still been one of the best in play kickers in the competition. Bowing out while still around his best, the league will be lighter without Johnson and his final home game will surely be a celebration of an amazing career.
For the Dogs I believe we should give his flowers to Jacob Kiraz, who I think has been the most underrated player of their charge to the finals. Last week against the Dolphins he was incredible, running for almost 300 metres, breaking 4 tackles and scoring two tries. That's a vein of form that's been evident since he moved back to the wing in Round 5. While many point out Zac Lomax's move to the wing as a potential career defining moment, Kiraz does not get that attention. Which is a shame for a guy averaging 200 metres a game and in the double digits for tries scored.
The favourite: The Dogs are favoured in this one as you'd expect.
My tip: As much as the emotional value of SJ's last home game brings, the Bulldogs will be coming out hungry for that top 4 berth. Bulldogs by 10
