Warriors prepare for Tigers clash with key player returns and omissions
Team changes for the Warriors
The One New Zealand Warriors are set to face the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney tonight, with several significant changes to their lineup. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm local time, which is 10:00 pm NZT. The team will be without Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell, who will not be backing up from their State of Origin duties.
Both Barnett and Capewell were initially named in the Warriors‘ 22-man squad on Tuesday, leaving open the possibility of them playing against the Tigers. However, a decision was made on Thursday morning to omit them from the squad. Barnett played 38 minutes for the Blues, while Capewell played 50 minutes for the Maroons in the recent State of Origin match where New South Wales secured a 30-12 victory over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Their omission has led to the inclusion of former Leeds Rhinos second rower Morgan Gannon, who joins the bench as an additional forward. The 22-year-old’s only first-grade appearance this season was in Round 3 against the Knights, and he has scored three tries in six games for the club’s New South Wales Cup side.
In more positive news for the Warriors, co-captain James Fisher-Harris is set to return to the squad. He has been sidelined since the 18-20 loss to Penrith on May 31 due to a calf injury. Also returning are second rower Leka Halasima, who has been out with a hamstring injury since the same match, and winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira, who is back from a thigh injury. Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in eight appearances this season.
However, the Warriors will be without their leading try-scorer, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who has 16 tries in 15 appearances. He sustained a hamstring injury against the Dolphins. Other players on the extended bench for the Warriors include Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Marata Niukore, Luke Metcalf, and former Wests Tigers player Luke Laulilii, who has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season. Hooker Makaia Tafua was dropped from the squad at the 24-hour deadline.
Wests Tigers’ lineup and recent form
The Wests Tigers are looking to revitalise their finals campaign as they host the Warriors. The team, coached by Benji Marshall, has experienced a challenging period recently, including a defeat to the Dragons last weekend. Captain Api Koroisau is facing a month on the sidelines due to a pectoral injury sustained in that loss.
Despite recent struggles, the Tigers remain confident in their ability to end a 15-year finals drought. They are currently four points outside the top eight with nine games remaining. The match against the Warriors presents an opportunity to close this gap against a higher-ranked opponent.
For the Tigers, captain Jarome Luai is expected to return after being sidelined last week due to a concussion. He will replace Jock Madden, who is slated to play in the NSW Cup. Youngster Josese Lanyon has been named as hooker in place of the injured Koroisau. Additionally, back-rower Samuela Fainu is anticipated to return from a foot injury suffered in Round 9.
The Wests Tigers have a challenging record at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, having won only one of their last eight games at the venue. The Warriors have historically performed well against the Tigers, winning nine of their last ten encounters. When these two teams last met in Round 4 at Go Media Stadium, the Tigers secured a 32-14 victory. The Tigers enter this match in 12th position on the ladder, following three consecutive losses to the Dolphins, Knights, and Dragons.
Match officials and current standings
The match officials for the encounter will be Wyatt Raymond as referee, Kasey Badger as touch judge, and Chris Butler as the senior review official.
The Warriors, after their third bye, currently sit second on the ladder with 26 points, alongside the Roosters and Knights. The team’s halves pairing of Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita has developed a strong combination since Tanah Boyd suffered a season-ending injury, and their success this season has been attributed to a dominant forward pack.
Key players to watch include Tigers fullback Jahream Bula, who has scored three tries in his last three games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, and Warriors winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who has seven tries in his last six games. Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi has also been in scoring form, with five tries in his last four games.
The Warriors suffered a defeat to the Dolphins two weeks ago before their bye week, and they are eager to return to winning form in tonight’s match.
Source: warriors.kiwi
