Warriors v Dolphins preview

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Warriors v Dolphins Saturday 3:00pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

Welcome to the inaugural battle of the "The's". The Warriors and The Dolphins go head to head in this game that would've been match of the round 2 months ago, but is now a must-win clash for two sides struggling to find solid form to build upon.

The Warriors come into this game having lost 4 of their last 5 games after they had won 5 of their opening 7 games so sit inside the top 4. Now they are down in 8th, with 3 teams (Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta) below them all getting byes this week and all will leapfrog the Warriors on the ladder if they lose here.

The Dolphins on the flip side won their opening three games but have traded wins and losses every week since, failing to put good back-to-back performances together, which has seen them drop from second on the ladder down to 6th, just 2 points ahead of the Warriors. Given the Dolphins won last week, their recent form suggests they will lose here, and while that won't see them drop out of the top 8, it will mean that at least 6 other sides currently below them on the table will all be within a win of jumping them, so a big fall could be imminent if they cannot get the win.

The Warriors come into this match with Wayde Egan replacing Freddy Lussick at hooker. Egan started the year as the first choice hooker and scored a try in all of the Warriors opening 4 games, 3 of which they won. He's a very solid defender so his inclusion could be one to help sure up the Warriors middle defence. Dylan Walker and Mitchell Barnett both return on the bench, adding some experience and versatility in the backs via Walker and some very solid edge line running and defence from Barnett, especially late in the game. The Warriors second half performances have been quite solid defensively, but struggled to score points. Walker on the bench is a genuine attacking threat who could be the spark to help get them winning again. The Dolphins have named an unchanged side for this match.

These sides are quite evenly matched too. They are both ranked equal second in the competition for set completions, at 81%, behind only the Panthers (who have 82%). The Warriors are 5th in the NRL for Tackle Breaks, while the Dolphins are ranked 5th for Post Contact Metres. Both sides are performing poorly in regards to missed tackles, with the Dolphins the 4th worst and the Warriors 6th worst.

Who to watch: Jamayne Isaako has been very strong with his running game so far this season, ranking in the top 10 for line breaks. He's also making plenty of post contact metres and tackle breaks, especially on kick returns which is helping his forwards get on top and roll down the field much easier.

Jeremy Marshall-King has been very impressive this year in attack and defence, being one of the best in the NRL for dummy half runs and for tackles made. Between his work and the kick returns, the Dolphins pack have been able to dominate more often than not in their games this year.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been much more vigorous in his kick returns this year, something that was playing an immense role in the Warriors strong form at the start of the season. Addin Fonua-Blake has also been making big metres through the middle this year, averaging 159 metres per game. Tohu Harris is always impressive and can pop up anywhere to make a vital run, pass or tackle.

Favourite: The Warriors at home and feeling a bit dismayed after last weeks result, will be keen to get the win here. The Dolphins see-sawing form is hard to have huge confidence in, so the Warriors will be the favourites here.

My tip: The Warriors to win 22-14.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 15. Josh Curran 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Tom Ale 20. Taine Tuaupiki

1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 13. Ray Stone 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Mason Teague 16. Valynce Te Whare 17. Max Plath 21. Kurt Donoghoe

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Darian Furner, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Gerard Sutton;