Sunday, MARCH 31st, 2024 GO MEDIA STADIUM AUCKLAND NZ
In a rematch of the 2023 semi-finals, the Warriors will host the Knights at Go Media Stadium for NRL Round 4 action on Sunday.
Warriors Dominate Knights: Records and Rivalry
In that match, the Warriors dominated the Knights with a resounding 40-10 victory, securing their place in the preliminary finals and further solidifying their strong record in Auckland over the Knights with 13 wins from the last 15 meetings.
Warriors’ Resilient Comeback: From Losses to Victory
Following a string of unfortunate close losses at the start of the season, the Warriors finally secured their first victory last week with a resilient 18-10 comeback triumph against the Raiders.
Tuivasa-Sheck Returns, Egan Boosts Warriors Lineup
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck slots into the fullback role for this clash, while Wayne Egan returns in a huge boost for the Warriors at hooker.
Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 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. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Marata Niukore 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker 18. Tom Ale 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Ali Leiataua
Knights Scrap Through Victory: Concerns and Challenges
Meanwhile, the Knights also clinched their inaugural win of 2024 last week, albeit in an unconvincing manner with a narrow 14-12 victory over a Storm side plagued by injuries.
Stagnant Offense: Knights’ Struggle with Consistency
Newcastle’s offense is showing signs of concerningly stagnancy as Jack Cogger is once more favoured over Jackson Hastings.
Key Players and Performance: Ponga Holds Key for Knights
Basically, if Kalyn Ponga doesn’t fire like he did at the end of last season, the Knights will struggle against the better sides.
The Knights also broke through for their first win of the season against the Melbourne Strom. It wasn’t an entertaining win, but they got the two points they needed. There is still plenty for the Knights to work on ( missed 41 tackles), but it helps to have a player like Kalyn Ponga in your side.
Suspension Shuffles Lineup for Knights
Leo Thompson will be absent from the game due to a suspension for dangerous contact, prompting Daniel Saifiti’s inclusion in the starting lineup. Jack Cogger retains his position at halfback, while Jackson Hastings remains among the reserves.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Jed Cartwright 20. Thomas Cant 21. Will Pryce 22. Jackson Hastings
Referee : Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker. Chris Butler
Match Statistics
Warriors have won 13 of their last 15 meetings vs Knights in Auckland
Warriors have covered a -5.5 line in their last six wins
Warriors saw just 28 points last week
Knights saw only 26 points last week
Eight of the last nine meetings have produced Under 51.5 points
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored a try in his last three games vs Knights & nine in his last eight at Go Media Stadium
Tom Jenkins has scored a try in three of his last four away games
Marcelo Montoya scored vs Knights in the SFs last season & should have chances again here.
Prediction
The Warriors displayed improvement as they secured their maiden victory of the year against the Raiders last week, while the Knights showcased resilience in fending off a late surge from the Storm. With both teams showing progress, this promises to be an exciting match. Considering the home advantage and the support of a fervent Auckland crowd, I’m inclined to favor the Warriors, despite initial disappointments in the first two rounds. I might place a modest bet on RTS as an anytime try scorer.
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