MAY 27th 2023 McLEAN PARK, NAPIER, NZ
The NRL Round 13 is set to deliver an exciting showdown as the New Zealand Warriors face off against the Brisbane Broncos at McLean Park in Napier. This highly anticipated match brings together two teams eager to secure a crucial victory and solidify their position in the league.
The New Zealand Warriors enter this fixture rested and rejuvenated following their bye week. With a promising start to the season, they aim to capitalize on their momentum and showcase their skills in front of a sold-out crowd at McLean Park, which will host their first-ever premiership appearance in Napier.
Leading the Warriors onto the field is captain Tohu Harris, a seasoned player with invaluable experience. Harris will play a pivotal role in guiding his team towards success and maintaining their position inside the top eight.
A notable highlight of this match is the club debut of Luke Metcalf for the Warriors. After recovering from a hamstring injury, Metcalf is ready to make his mark with his exceptional speed and playmaking abilities. Fans are eagerly anticipating the dynamic partnership between Metcalf and the experienced Shaun Johnson in the halves.
The Warriors have a track record of performing well in Origin-affected matches, and this fixture presents another opportunity for them to continue their success. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos face the challenge of competing without five of their representative stars. Coach Kevin Walters will look to their depth to fill the void left by Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan.
While the Broncos may be depleted, they possess a resilient squad eager to halt their recent poor run of form. The return of experienced halfback Adam Reynolds will be crucial for the Broncos, as his leadership and playmaking abilities can significantly impact the outcome of the game.
In their head-to-head clashes over the years, the Warriors hold a slender advantage with eight wins and a draw from 15 encounters. However, the Broncos are known for their fighting spirit and will be determined to turn the tide in this match.
As the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos prepare to clash at McLean Park, NRL fans can expect an intense and fiercely contested battle. Both teams are hungry for victory, and this Round 13 encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle of rugby league.
Don’t miss the NRL Round 13 action as the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos go head-to-head at McLean Park. Stay tuned to witness this high-stakes showdown between two talented teams vying for success in the NRL.
Warriors team: 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. Freddy Lussick 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Demitric Sifakula 17. Tom Ale 18. Ronald Volkman 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u
Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Billy Walters 10. Corey Jensen 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Cory Paix 15. Xavier Willison 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jock Madden 19. Tyson Smoothy 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Israel Leota 22. Benjamin Te Kura
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;
PREDICTION.
The Warriors have won eight of their last 11 games against the Broncos in New Zealand and with Brisbane depleted due to Origin, the Kiwi club should be winning this one. I say should. The Warriors look better this year than previous years but I still get nervous watching them play. They do some great things and then some dumb things which costs them games. You can not gift the Broncos easy metres as they will punish you. The Broncos may find the weather a little cooler in the Hawkes Bay area after Brisbane, and following the devastating cyclones in that area it is great to see something for the locals to enjoy as they rebuild their homes. I will back the Warriors here ,but not by much, and go for total match points under 42.5. Teams coming off a bye are sometimes slow to start and the Warriors must start fast to win.
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