FRIDAY, APRIL 19th, 2024 WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG.
Dragons vs. Warriors: Clash at WIN Stadium, Wollongong
The Battle for Points
The Dragons trail the Warriors by just one point in the standings, and based on their recent victory over the Wests Tigers, they see themselves as strong contenders to cause an upset on their home turf.
Red V’s Dominance
Thanks to Zac Lomax’s exceptional performance and Jaydn Su’A’s dominant display on the left flank, the Red V showcased their superiority over Benji’s team, securing their third win of the season to balance their record at three wins and three losses.
Warriors’ Dramatic Draw
The Warriors narrowly escaped a precarious position, rallying from a 22-14 deficit against the Many team in the final minutes to push the game into golden point and ultimately secure a draw. This hard-fought result earned them a crucial competition point that may prove invaluable in the future.
Team News
There’s only one change forced upon the team that drew with the Sea Eagles: Adam Pompey steps up from 18th man to the interchange bench, replacing Jazz Tevaga, who’s sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Key Matchups
With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad reclaiming his position at fullback in recent weeks, the Warriors’ offensive prowess has surged, and there’s no indication of a slowdown. In last year’s match at WIN Stadium, the Warriors racked up an impressive 48 points, highlighted by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s four tries. A similar offensive showcase could be in store if the Dragons’ defense isn’t operating at its peak.
The battle of the playmakers, Shaun Johnston and Daly Cherry-Evans, looms as one of many highlights in a clash that is sure to have WIN Stadium packed to the rafters as the Dragons look to make it two from two in Wollongong after upsetting the Sea Eagles 20-12 in Round 4.
Line-up Adjustments
Due to Jack Bird’s head knock, Zac Lomax shifts to the centres, while Christian Tuipulotu steps in on the wing, marking the sole alteration to the Dragons’ lineup from their victory over the Wests Tigers. Fa’amanu Brown, the recent addition to the squad, is listed among the reserves.
Shifting Lomax back to the centre position raises eyebrows, considering his impressive performance on the wing this season. He’s been among the standout wingers in the league, particularly excelling under high balls during the Dragons’ attacking kicks. His role shouldn’t change too drastically at centre, so we can expect more kicks targeting Lomax; however, it will be his combination with Ben Hunt and Tyrell Sloan that’s the key to the Dragons scoring enough points to get the win.
I hope touch judge Kasey Badger has her glasses on after the howler last weekend in the Titans-Raiders game. She was terrible, as were the other officials, and not up to NRL standard. On Monday, again, Graham Annesley came out and said she got things wrong. So can the Titans get the points now, and can I have my money after backing the Titans.
Referee Controversy
Graham Annesley has acknowledged that Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart was offside when he blocked Kieran Foran’s field goal attempt during golden point.
If we have a look over at Chevy Stewart he is already off the line and again if you follow his movements coming across and it is Chevy Stewart who actually charges the ball down.
He in this instance is off-side. Absolutely, if there was a suspicion of offside, it should have resulted in a set restart. Why did the Referee not check this, and was the Bunker TMO, Peter Gough, making another cup of tea. Terrible by all officials on the day. DO YOUR JOB.
The Dragons have not won in consecutive weeks since 2022.
The Warriors have secured victories in their previous two outings at WIN Stadium.
Dragons’ fullback Tyrell Sloan boasts an impressive record of eight tries in nine games at WIN Stadium.
Player Milestones
Warriors’ prop Mitch Barnett is set to mark his 150th NRL appearance.
Dragons’ winger Zac Lomax is on the verge of his 100th NRL game.
Dragons.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth , 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 18. Michael Molo 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Toby Couchman 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Fa’amanu Brown.
Warriors.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris, 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Tom Ale 16. Jacob Laban 17. Adam Pompey, 18. Zyon Maiu’u 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Edward Kosi 23. Paul Roache
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Touch Judge: Phil Henderson, Touch Judge: Kasey Badger, Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Prediction.
The Kiwi side have to contend with a six-day turnaround on the back of a 90-minute game in Round 6, with Shaun Johnson not training on Tuesday, and Wayde Egan is following a modified training regimen due to soreness, but both he and the other player are anticipated to be available for the upcoming match.
The Warriors really must win this one comfortably if anyone is going to take them seriously as premiership contenders.
LATE MAIL. Utility Chanel Harris-Tavita drops out of the side due to a leg injury suffered at training. One-gamer Ali Leiataua has joined the bench in a shock move. He’s the second centre on the four-man bench for Andrew Webster alongside Adasm Pompey. This could mean a backline change could be in the works for the visitors.
I am never really sure about the Warriors. They are a side that makes me nervous. However I will stick with them again. If betting, look at St George with a 11.5 points start at $1.55
In late news, James Fisher -Harris has permission to leave Penrith to join the Warriors in 2025, on a four year deal.
Fisher-Harris departs the Panthers as a modern legend having played a significant role in helping the club to three-straight premierships as well as a run to the grand final in 2020.
The 28-year-old’s strong form for club translated to international level as he earned the International Rugby League’s Golden Boot award in 2023 along with New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year.
The arrival of Fisher-Harris also plugs a major hole in the Warriors’ forward pack in 2025 given they needed a replacement for Addin Fonua-Blake, who will join Cronulla.
Fisher-Harris’ return to his home nation also reunites him with Warriors coach Andrew Webster, who was assistant at Penrith during the premiership-winning 2021 and 2022 seasons.
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