JUNE 23rd 2023 NZ WARRIORS v ST GEORGE DRAGONS
WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG,NSW
In a thrilling Round 17 NRL showdown set to take place on June 23rd, the St George Dragons find themselves facing an uphill battle against the formidable NZ Warriors at Win Stadium in Wollongong, NSW. As the Dragons’ season continues to face challenges, the focus has shifted to their unsettled halfback and captain, Ben Hunt, whose future with the team remains uncertain.
The Dragons, despite recent struggles, hope to tap into a siege mentality, drawing strength from adversity to potentially upset the red-hot Warriors. However, it won’t be an easy task, as the Warriors come into this game with renewed confidence after back-to-back victories against the Dolphins and Raiders. Can the Dragons contain the Warriors’ offensive firepower and turn their fortunes around?
Both teams enter this clash well-rested following a bye week, with the Saints riding high after a hard-fought win against an under-strength Souths side. Ben Hunt played a crucial role in that victory and is set to back up for the Dragons following his State of Origin appearance. The club, which has been plagued by off-field issues, is hoping to build on their recent success and climb up the ladder after finally moving off the bottom spot.
In terms of head-to-head statistics, the Dragons have historically had the upper hand against the Warriors, winning 24 out of the 34 matches played between the two teams. However, the Warriors had their own dominant stretch, winning five consecutive matches from 2018 to 2021. Interestingly, the Warriors’ track record in Wollongong is less than stellar, having lost 11 out of the 13 games played there. Nevertheless, they did manage to break a 22-year losing streak in their last trip to Win Stadium back in 2018.
Both teams boast talented spines and have shown glimpses of attacking prowess throughout the season. The Dragons’ combination of Ben Hunt and their young stars has produced exciting moments, but their defense has been a cause for concern, ranking 14th in terms of average points conceded. On the other hand, the Warriors have demonstrated a balanced approach, scoring only six points fewer than the Dragons while maintaining a solid defense. Only the Broncos and Panthers have conceded fewer points in 2023.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on Jack de Belin as he reaches his 200th first-grade appearance, making him the sixth player from St George Illawarra to achieve this milestone. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ Josh Curran will celebrate his 50th first-grade game. These players will be eager to make their mark and contribute to their respective teams’ success.
With the Warriors currently sitting in sixth place after two impressive wins, including a commanding victory over the Raiders in front of a sold-out GIO Stadium crowd, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash. Star performers like Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad have been instrumental in the Warriors’ recent success, while the Dragons will need to regroup and put forth a united effort to halt their opponents’ momentum.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Talatau Amone 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Zane Musgrove 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Moses Mbye 20. Max Feagai 21. Toby Couchman 22. Billy Burns
Warriors: 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. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Tom Ale 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Brayden Wiliame 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u
Referee: Adam Gee
PREDICTION
I am not sure if I am crazy or not but I am going to go for the Warriors here in a close contest. They look better this year than previous years and I think this should continue. They are a frustrating side to watch as they are so good at times and then seem to switch off. If they want to stay in the top eight they have to win. Warriors by 2 points.
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