6:00 pm FRIDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2024 GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND,NZ
Warriors Host Eels in Crucial Auckland Clash
Despite their struggles in 2024, the Warriors are just three points outside the top eight with five games remaining before a bye in the final round.
A knee injury to back-rower Jackson Ford during the win over the Wests Tigers has added to their growing injury list, but the Warriors still have plenty of pride and passion in their camp as they aim to finish the season strong.
Key Injuries and Player Returns
A win over the struggling Eels is crucial for Andrew Webster’s side, especially with challenging away games against the Dolphins and Sea Eagles in the following fortnight.
Star playmaker Shaun Johnson returns from an Achilles injury in a massive boost for the Warriors while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) is also back on deck at fullback.
For me. I like RTS as fullback, but the coach does not agree.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua , 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell , 13. Dylan Walker , 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima , 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa
Eels’ Struggles and Recent Form
The Eels have now lost six consecutive games as they contend with an injury crisis that interim coach Trent Barrett says is unprecedented in his years in the game.
The blue and golds showed resilience at home last Friday, trailing by just six at half-time against the Storm, but two tries in 12 minutes by a rampant Will Warbrick and Tyran Wishart extinguished their resistance.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Will Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig , 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson , 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue , 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir , 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Matthew Arthur 20. Matt Doorey , 21. Morgan Harper 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Referee. Todd Smith, Touch Judges. Phil Henderson, Tyson Brough, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Key Stats and Historical Context
The Warriors have won three of their past four games at Go Media Stadium.
The Eels have won four of their past five games against the Warriors.
The Eels will play their first game in New Zealand since 2017.
Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has scored eight tries in 11 games against the Eels.
Prediction
The Warriors blew the Tigers away in the first half last week, but then faded again. This is a regular accurance for the Warriors.
Mean while the Eels also started well against the Storm before being overrun by the ladder leaders. Both teams have had disappointing seasons, with the Warriors still holding an outside chance of making the finals, while the Eels are struggling to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Warriors should win this, at home, in front of a sold out crowd, but I’m not sure how confident anyone should be about it. Do not write the Eels off in this game. Back the Eels.
Comments