Wests Tigers v Warriors preview

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Wests Tigers v Warriors Saturday 5:30pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton / Aotearoa

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Warriors to continue top 4 assault & Tigers to avoid wooden spoon

In another clash with the sides being at opposite ends of the spectrum, the struggling last placed Tigers host the high-flying 3rd placed Warriors in Hamilton.

The Tigers have unfortunately had another season to forget, with the club only accumulating three wins across the twenty matches they have played so far this season.

It's been another frustrating year for fans as many hoped their club would be able to improve from last season's wooden spoon finish and although they have shown many glimpses of some seriously good footy, they haven't been able to get the results. 

In saying this, over the past month, they have put together a competitive patch of football and although they haven't earned any wins, I believe if they keep this effort up, fans will renew faith and look forward to next year. 

Suffering in 17th on the NRL ladder, they will look to somehow stop a New Zealand Warriors team who are in terrific form and on a four-match win streak.

The Warriors continue to surprise everyone this season and with the form they are in, they are charging towards at worst, a top four finish.

For a side that finished with only six wins last year, their resurgence has been the most remarkable storyline in the rugby league world in 2023.

What makes the story even better is the fact they have been led by a rookie coach in Andrew Webster. He had never coached an NRL game before 2023 but has definitely made a mark on his players in his rookie season.

Their defence has been the most significant improvement in their game with them only being second to the Panthers in terms of points conceded throughout this season which spells unwanted news for Tigers fans.

In terms of injury and team news, the Tigers lose winger Charlie Staines but welcome back prop Stefano Utoikimanu in a much-needed boost. 

The Warriors have also been forced to make one change with Taine Tuaupiki replacing the concussed Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback in a blow for them.

Last meeting: Round 16 2022 - Warriors 22 Tigers 2

Who to watch: For the Tigers, despite their lean run-in terms of wins, embattled halfback Luke Brooks has actually produced his best season since 2019. In last week's loss against the Raiders, he looked threatening frequently and had a hand in two of his sides tries while scoring the other. He looks more mentally free since signing with the Sea Eagles and should continue his good form and play well in this contest.

Apisai Koroisau is another player to watch in this contest, as he has arguably been the Tigers best player in every game he has played this year. His spark out of dummy half with the speed and ball skills he possesses is a threat to absolutely any side in this competition.

For the Warriors, they have a very well-rounded team but the major standout this season has obviously been the rejuvenated Shaun Johnson. He is the overwhelming favourite to claim his maiden Dally M medal at the end of the season, and for great reason, with him producing arguably his best season yet. He has 8 tries and 22 try assists in 20 games, which is already phenomenal numbers, but I think he will add to that and then some in this game.

Favourite: As predicted, the Warriors are the overwhelming favourites with the bookmakers having them as around $1.18 favourites.

My tip: I think the Warriors will continue their win streak in this clash with Shaun Johnson producing another 3-point Dally M performance in a game that will be competitive for 30 minutes. Warriors by 20.

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To'a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Alex Twal 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua

1. Taine Tuaupiki 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. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran 18. Freddy Lussick

Referees: Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;