St George Illawarra Dragons v Warriors
Lead Changes multiple times as Dolphins hold on to Narrow win
12 hours ago | Josh Robertson
Dragons v Warriors preview
The Dragons will be looking to get back on track as they host the New Zealand Warriors at WIN Stadium in Wollongong this Saturday at 5:30 pm.
This game is a significant milestone for the Dragons, as they celebrate their 150th game at WIN Stadium. However, they will face a Warriors side in superb form, currently sitting in third on the ladder with a 6-2 record.
Historically, the Dragons hold the advantage in their encounters with the Warriors, winning 25 of the 37 matchups between the two teams. Despite this, the Warriors will come into this match brimming with confidence following a strong run of form, having won their last three games. The Dragons, meanwhile, have come off two tough losses, including a narrow 34-28 defeat to the Wests Tigers. With only two wins at WIN Stadium in the last 15 years, the Warriors will have a point to prove away from home.
The Dragons were involved in a thrilling 34-28 loss to the Wests Tigers in Magic Round, where they showed plenty of fight but ultimately fell short. The match was a shootout, and the Dragons' resilience, especially with interchange duo Jacob Liddle and Luciano Leilua, almost saw them pull off an improbable comeback. Liddle scored a superb double, and Leilua's powerful runs helped the team close the gap to just four points. However, a nightmare first half, which included a crucial knock-on near the try line leading to a long-range try for the Tigers, meant the Dragons were always playing catch-up. Despite the loss, there were positives for the Dragons, particularly their intensity in defence and the creativity of young halfback Lyhkan King-Togia, who orchestrated the first try with a brilliant grubber.
This weekend, the Dragons will be hoping to put on a strong performance for their home crowd, particularly for their 150th game at WIN Stadium. There's only one change to the lineup with Emre Guler (shoulder) being replaced by debutant Loko Pasifiki Tonga. Meanwhile, the Dragons will be hoping for a big performance from Leilua, who will mark his 150th NRL appearance.
The Warriors continued their impressive rise with a thrilling 30-26 victory over the Cowboys in Magic Round. The match was a nail-biter, with the Cowboys mounting a fast-finishing challenge, but the Warriors held strong thanks to some inspirational performances. Halfback Luke Metcalf was instrumental, scoring two tries and making a game-saving tackle on Murray Taulagi when the Cowboys threatened to steal the win. Metcalf's all-around performance also included 164 run metres, two line breaks, seven tackle breaks, and four conversions. The Warriors' forwards, including Clark and Halasima, were dominant, combining for 35 runs and 331 metres, continuously bending the Cowboys' defensive line. Despite the Cowboys' resurgence, the Warriors' resilience in defence and their physical dominance helped secure the win.
Although the Warriors have historically struggled at WIN Stadium, their recent form on the road has been excellent, having won three of their last four games in Australia. With changes to the lineup, including the return of star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak from injury and Kurt Capewell shifting to the centre, the Warriors will look to maintain their strong form. Watene-Zelezniak's return adds a new attacking dimension for the Warriors, and he will be eager to find the try line after missing the first nine rounds of the season.
Last meeting: Round 7 2024 - Dragons 30 Warriors 12
Who to watch: It only took Lyhkan King-Togia five minutes to put his stamp on just his third game in the NRL with a pinpoint grubber that saw the Dragons score the first try of the game. With each game, his skill will only continue to grow and will make it harder for Ilias to make his way back into the first-grade squad.
Superstar winger, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, is set to return from injury in this weekend's game against the Dragons. Known for one of the best ‘dos' in the league, Watene-Zelezniak is also one of the best finishers, demonstrating his aerial skills on a number of occasions. After missing the first nine rounds of the season, he will be champing at the bit to find the try line.
Favourite: The Warriors are the favourites going into this one, thanks to their excellent form and strong performance in recent rounds.
My tip: While the Dragons will be motivated by their 150th game at WIN Stadium, the Warriors' momentum and the return of key players should see them edge out the Dragons. With their strong forward pack and the dangerous Luke Metcalf leading the way, the Warriors should have enough to win this one. Warriors by 12.
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Corey Allan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lyhkan King-Togia 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Jack de Belin 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Nathan Lawson 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Blake Lawrie 22. Finau Latu
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Jackson Ford 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Te Maire Martin 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Tanner Stowers-Smith 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 23. Eddie Ieremia
Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Wyatt Raymond; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;