NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Friday 3rd March, Sky Stadium (6pm)
Warriors predicted team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. Adam Pompey
4. Brayden Wiliame
5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Tohu Harris
11. Marata Niukore
12. Mitchell Barnett
13. Josh Curran
14. Dylan Walker
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Jackson Ford
17. Bayley Sironen
Warriors team news:
An abundance of fresh faces for the Warriors, including new head coach Andrew Webster. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will likely earn first crack at the fullback spot, while Te Maire Martin is expected to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves. Johnson has to be smarter this year as he has lost some speed and needs to take on the line more. Make or break year for him.
Marata Niukore and Mitch Barnett should make up a new edge-forward duo, while Dylan Walker brings plenty of experience to the utility role.
Luke Metcalf (hamstring) will miss the start of the season due to injury.
Knights predicted team:
1. Lachlan Miller
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Bradman Best
4. Dane Gagai
5. Dom Young
6. Kalyn Ponga
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
13. Adam Elliott
14. Kurt Mann
15. Leo Thompson
16. Brodie Jones
17. Jack Hetherington
Knights team news:
Jackson Hastings has officially signed a three-year deal with the Knights and will start the season in the No.7 jumper. The other major change expected for Newcastle heading into the season is Kalyn Ponga makes a permanent shit in to the halves. This may or may not work. If it fails Newcastle are in serious trouble, and will also see new recruit Lachlan Miller fill the fullback role.
Adam Elliott and Jack Hetherington will add plenty of punch and experience to the forward pack in 2023, which will be needed after the departure of David Klemmer. Greg Marzhew joins the club and will likely gain a spot on the wing.
I love the Warriors when they get it right but both sides seem to have defence issues. The Warriors will be favorites with the game played in Wellington in NZ.
I have not seen the final team starting side yet due to the fact I have to write this article early so beware of any late changes, not only with this game, but all game predictions by myself are made a day or two prior to game day.
As I like a little punt I am going for the Knights with a 7.5 start@$1.68.Be careful with gambling. If you can not afford to loose, then do not bet.
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