NRL, ROUND 21, JULY 21st, 2023 NZ WARRIORS v CANBERRA RAIDERS
GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND
Get ready for an electrifying Friday night as the New Zealand Warriors host the Canberra Raiders at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland. This Round 21 NRL clash is of utmost importance to both teams as they eye a coveted spot in the Top Four, and even dream of making it to the Top 8.
The stakes are high, with both the Warriors and Raiders having secured 11 wins each this season. However, the Raiders have had one more Bye than their rivals, making this encounter all the more crucial for the Warriors to leapfrog their way to a higher position on points differential.
The Canberra Raiders have been in top form lately, winning 10 out of their last 12 games after a slow start to the season. Nevertheless, they did suffer a defeat against the Warriors in the nation’s capital last month. Ricky Stuart’s team has proven to be formidable, but their victories have often been within a 1-12 point margin.
On the other hand, the New Zealand Warriors have become the NRL’s most prolific attack, scoring a staggering 214 points since Round 14. In their last three wins, they’ve scored 44+ points in each game, including a commanding 44-12 victory over the Sharks at home. Their impressive 90% completion rate and dominating presence in the middle have paved the way for positive attacking opportunities.
With such a high-scoring team in play, the Raiders will need to stay on their toes defensively. While they enjoyed a 10-point victory over the Dragons in their last outing, they allowed their opponents to make a comeback, highlighting areas they must improve on. Their completion rate, share of possession, and defense against line breaks need to be addressed to remain competitive against top-tier teams in the competition.
As the stage is set for this highly anticipated NRL clash, fans can expect an enthralling battle between the in-form Warriors and the determined Raiders. The excitement is palpable, and this showdown promises to be a defining moment in the NRL season.
So, mark your calendars and tune in for this pulsating match at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The race for the Top Four spot intensifies, and both teams are ready to leave it all on the field in their pursuit of NRL glory!
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. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Tom Ale 17. Freddy Lussick 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Josh Curran 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Viliami Vailea
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Ata Mariota 18. Matt Frawley 19. Nick Cotric 20. Trey Mooney 21. Hohepa Puru 22. Ethan Strange
Raiders have won 10 of their last 12 games
Raiders have won their last six away games
Warriors have seen 50+ points in four of their last five games
Raiders have seen Over 41.5 points in eight of their last 10 games
Warriors have scored 214 points since R14 (most in the NRL)
All 10 of Raiders’ wins this season have seen a 1-12 margin
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 13 tries in his last eight games
Albert Hopoate has scored five tries in his last six games
Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
PREDICTION
There is something special building at the Warriors. They have plenty of momentum and will relish again playing in front of their home fans, where the Raiders can struggle to win (Warriors 57% vs Raiders 33% – just 6 wins in 18 attempts). In previous years, this would be a game the Warriors would struggle to win. Recent performances suggest there is an edge to this team and while they are on even points with the Raiders, the visitors are not without their limitations. The Warriors average more points in attack (24 ppg vs 22ppg), but the biggest difference comes in defence where the Warriors concede 7 fewer points on average (18ppg vs 25ppg). The trip to NZ also poses issues; the Raiders have a 33% win record (just 6 wins in 18 attempts) compared to the Warriors 57%; it should be noted that the Warriors have won just 1 of their past 4 home games in NZ against the Raiders.
Much like their Round 15 fixture that the Warriors won 36-14, a similar, yet closer result is expected this time. Key forward inclusions for the Raiders will tighten up the middle and with that in mind, the margin should remain within 2 converted tries. There are other games this weekend with clearer options, so keep your investment low in this game. Every time I back the Warriors they let me down, but I am back for more.
Don’t let me down please.
WARRIORS MINUS 6.5 POINTS @ $ 1.83
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