NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 16th, 2023 NZ WARRIORS v CRONULLA SHARKS
GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND
In a highly anticipated NRL Round 20 matchup, the New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks are set to ignite the field at Go Media Stadium. Currently placed third and sixth on the ladder, respectively, these teams are poised for a thrilling battle on July 16th, 2023.
Earlier this season, the Warriors produced a remarkable comeback, overturning a 20-point deficit to secure a dramatic 32-30 victory against the Sharks. Fans can expect another gripping contest as the two sides lock horns once again.
While the Warriors have shown steady progress this season, their true test lies in their ability to defeat top-four teams. This clash against the Sharks presents an opportunity for the Kiwi club to prove their mettle in front of their passionate home fans.
After a disappointing loss to Souths, the Warriors bounced back with an emphatic 46-10 win over a depleted Parramatta side. Luke Metcalf delivered a standout performance, while Jackson Ford, Mitch Barnett, and Dylan Walker showcased their prowess both in the middle and on the edges.
Although the Warriors have been impressive in Australia, securing four straight wins on the road, their home record at Mt Smart Stadium stands at 3-2 this season. They will be eager to solidify their home ground advantage against the Sharks and make a statement against a quality opponent.
Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks are riding high on a three-game winning streak, albeit against teams lower on the ladder. Their recent victories over the Bulldogs, Dragons, and Tigers have been dominant, outscoring their opponents by an impressive 136 points to 38. However, the Sharks’ ability to perform against top-eight teams has been a concern, with just one win against the Eels earlier in the season.
Sione Katoa’s blazing hat-trick and Nicho Hynes’ stellar form have been instrumental in the Sharks’ recent success. However, they will need to elevate their performance to match the challenge posed by the Warriors, especially given their historical dominance over the Kiwi side.
The previous encounters between these two teams have been evenly contested, with the Warriors and Sharks splitting their last four meetings. However, the Sharks have enjoyed a dominant record overall, winning 10 of the last 13 clashes and claiming three consecutive victories in Auckland.
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. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Josh Curran 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Tom Ale 17. Dylan Walker 18. Kalani Going 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Zyon Maiu’u 23. Viliami Vailea
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Wade Graham 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Jack Williams 17. Jesse Colquhoun 18. Connor Tracey 19. Kayal Iro 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Braydon Trindall 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;
Sharks have won 10 of the last 13 meetings
Sharks have won the last three meetings in Auckland
Sharks have won their last three games by 24+ points
Warriors haven’t beaten Sharks twice in a season since 2010
Warriors haven’t beaten a top four side this season
Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored eight tries in his last seven games vs Warriors
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 13 tries in his last 10 games
Jesse Ramien has scored a try in his last three games
PREDICTION
The Warriors’ only change sees Josh Curran return from suspension in the second-row and Mitch Barnett shift to prop for Bunty Afoa (head knock), but they are again sweating on Shaun Johnson’s availability as he awaits the birth of his second child.
The Sharks are unchanged, though Braden Hamlin-Uele is in the reserves and could be a late inclusion. Dale Finucane has one week left to serve of his suspension. In one of the better match-ups of the weekend. It’s a match that can go right down to the wire. With a sunny day expected, the conditions play into the Warriors hands as they’ve struggled in the rain this season. I just think Cronulla will have to produce a big win against a top 8 contender sooner rather then later to build into the run home. While the Warriors will compete I still have doubts about their 80 minute game. They seem to drift in and out of games. Once they get behind on the score board they tend to fold. For this reason I will go with the Sharks by 4 points.
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