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

Cleary's past and present converges in Auckland

The New Zealand Warriors will face the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the first meeting between the two sides across the Tasman in six years.

Sitting in third position following their best win-loss record at the midpoint of the season in more than two decades, New Zealand Warriors will be striving to move one step closer to confirming a place in the finals.

Enjoying back-to-back wins on the road prior to their second bye of the season last week, coach Andrew Webster will welcome back hooker Wayde Egan for the side's homecoming while Moala Graham-Taufa comes in at centre with Kurt Capewell rested following State of Origin II.

Chasing back-to-back wins against the Panthers for the first time since 2012, interchange playmaker Te Maire Martin will celebrate his 100th appearance in first grade, while second-rower Marata Niukore will play his 50th game for the club.

Climbing up the ladder into ninth position after three wins and a draw from their past five matches, the Penrith Panthers will face a fierce test with their five New South Wales representatives all rested.

Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo will all miss the match with Daine Laurie, Paul Alamoti, Brad Schneider, Liam Henry and Matthew Eisenhuth taking their places; Trent Toelau has been named in a utility role on the bench.

Holding an emphatic record against the Warriors with 18 wins from 24 meetings in the years since Ivan Cleary left New Zealand, the Panthers boast a 50 per cent success rate from 20 previous visits to Auckland.

Saturday afternoon will be the first time Penrith have travelled to New Zealand since Cleary began his second stint at the club in 2019; the Panthers prevailed 19-18 in golden point on that occasion with a team featuring Isaah Yeo at centre and Brian To'o, Mitch Kenny and Liam Martin all boasting fewer than ten games of first grade experience. 

Last meeting: Round 11 2024 - Warriors 22 Panthers 20

Who to watch: Facing off against his former teammates for the first time in Warriors' colours, James Fisher-Harris will have additional motivation to make his presence felt on Saturday afternoon. Playing a vital role in the Panthers' success over the past decade progressing through the ranks to become one of only ten men to appear in 200 first grade games for the club, the 29-year-old has had an immediate impact returning to New Zealand with 100 running metres and 35 tackles on average each week. Instilling the players around him with an aura of success and self-belief, look for Fisher-Harris to leave nothing in reserve as the Warriors look to consolidate a place in the top four.

With the side's Origin contingent rested from backing up Auckland 72 hours after playing in Perth, the Panthers will need Blaize Talagi to stand up in the absence of more established stars. Showing glimpses of superstar potential in recent weeks, including four try-assists and a four-pointer of his own in Townsville, the 20-year-old Samoan international has responded after beginning his time at the club in reserve grade. Signed to the club as a long-term prospect, the Panthers will be hoping for a short-term win from Talagi on Saturday afternoon.

Favourite: Riding high with seven wins from their past eight matches, the Warriors are expected to have the measure of the four-time premiers.

My tip: While the Panthers have made a calculated decision to back their depth in a bid to pull off an upset, the stability of playing at home with an in-form side should see the Warriors come away with two premiership points. Warriors by 10.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Edward Kosi 23. Eddie Ieremia

1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Trent Toelau 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Luke Garner 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Jack Cole 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Preston Riki 22. Austin Dias 23. Harrison Hassett 24. Jaxen Edgar

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;