MT SMART STADIUM, AUCKLAND,NZ
NRL Elimination Final 2023: NZ Warriors vs. Newcastle Knights Preview
In an eagerly anticipated NRL Elimination Final set for September 16th, 2023, the NZ Warriors are gearing up to face off against the red-hot Newcastle Knights at the iconic MT Smart Stadium in Auckland, NZ. Both teams are on a quest for glory, with a trip to the preliminary final against the Broncos on the line. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this thrilling matchup.
Team Form and Records
The Knights arrive in Auckland with an impressive 10-game winning streak, driven by the outstanding performance of their star player, Kalyn Ponga. Their victory in this match would not only secure a place in the preliminary finals but also equal the club’s record of 11 consecutive wins, last achieved back in 2001-02 during the era of the legendary Andrew Johns.
On the other side of the field, the Warriors are determined to make their home advantage count. Despite a recent loss to the Panthers, they showed remarkable resilience, especially considering they were 20-0 down at halftime and had limited possession throughout the game. Their loyal fans have much to be proud of in 2023.
Head-to-Head
The 2023 season started with a Warriors win over the Knights in Wellington, but Newcastle managed to level the series at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 6. Since then, both teams have evolved, making this encounter even more intriguing.
Key Players to Watch
For the Warriors, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a player to keep an eye on. He needs just two tries against the Knights to equal the Warriors’ single-season try record, currently held by Francis Meli (2003) and David Fusitu’a (2018) with 23. DWZ has been in remarkable form, scoring eight tries in his last six games at Go Media Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Knights boast an impressive backline, with Dominic Young and Greg Marzhew accumulating a staggering 46 tries between them in 2023. Kalyn Ponga, who has overcome concussion issues, is undoubtedly one of the standout players of the competition in recent months.
Injury Concerns
Both teams have their share of injury concerns. While Shaun Johnson is expected to return for the Warriors, there are doubts about his fitness. On the Knights’ side, Jackson Hastings is side lined, and Adam Clune steps in as his replacement, as he did in the last three regular-season games.
Warriors team:1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Tom Ale 23. Edward Kosi
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones 19. Enari Tuala 20. Fa’amanu Brown 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Jack Johns
Prediction
As the anticipation builds for this clash, it’s a tough call to make. The Warriors hold the home advantage, but uncertainties loom over Johnson’s fitness. With passionate fans behind them, they might just pull off the win. However, from a betting perspective, the Knights seem to have the edge, given their recent form. Our prediction favours the Knights with a 7.5-point start.
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