SATURDAY JUNE 29th 2024 GO MEDIA STADIUM AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND
Warriors Look to Rebound Against Broncos
The Warriors face a significant test of their resilience as they aim to recover from a devastating defeat and bounce back against a Broncos side who are well-rested coming off a bye.
Devastating Defeat for Warriors
Despite being one of the premiership favourites entering the 2024 season, the Warriors have slumped to 13th position following a crushing 66-6 defeat at the hands of the Titans. I only watched 37 minutes of this game, and it is the worst game from any NRL side I can remember. Congratulations to the Titans on their win, but I am so glad I did not watch the second half.
I think the Warriors season is cooked after that and they won’t make the top eight. They were so bad they should not be in the league at all.
Andrew Webster’s team returns home to Auckland in Round 17 with a mission to restore pride in front of their loyal fans, who have consistently shown strong support throughout the season. despite the fact the Warriors have won only two of six at Go Media Stadium.
Shaun Johnson’s Injury Blow
Compounding matters for the Warriors their star playmaker Shaun Johnson is set to miss a month due to an Achilles injury suffered against the Titans. He has been only ordinary the last couple of games, but they will have Dallin Watene-Zelezniak back from suspension.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck , 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett , 13.Tohu Harris, 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell , 18. Tom Ale , 20. Jacob Laban 21. Edward Kosi 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
Broncos’ Origin Stars Awaited
The Broncos will be anxiously awaiting the availability of Origin stars Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, and Payne Haas, who will have just two days’ recovery time if they are to participate in the action in Auckland on Saturday afternoon.
LATE MAIL. Kevin Walters will rest his Origin trio of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan against the Warriors, meaning his side will likely remain unchanged from the one named on Tuesday. Jesse Arthars is returning after two months out with a broken jaw, while Jack Gosiewski will start in the back row in place of Jordan Riki. Walters’ decision to rest his Origin trio is massive considering Brisbane haven’t won a game in over a month, with their season on the brink of disappointment.
Recent Encounter and Historical Stats
The last encounter between these teams was in the 2023 preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium, where the Broncos secured a commanding 42-12 victory, propelling them into the grand final.
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Kobe Hetherington, 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16.Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau , 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Blake Mozer 20. Reece Walsh 21.Payne Haas, 22. Patrick Carrigan 23. Corey Oates
Match Officials
Referee, Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Paki Parkinson, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Historical Context
The Warriors have secured victory in just two of their six games at Go Media Stadium this season.
The Broncos have emerged victorious in three of their last four matchups against the Warriors.
The Warriors have allowed 104 points in their last two games.
The Broncos have conceded 80 points during their recent three-game losing streak.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored five tries in his last three encounters against the Broncos.
Prediction.
The Warriors were dismal last week against the Titans, while the Broncos had a bye week following their loss to the Rabbitohs. It’s difficult to envision the Warriors sinking any lower, and I’ve sworn off tipping them again, though this probably means they will bounce back to win this match. The Broncos will eagerly await the return of Reece Walsh from Origin duty, given his crucial role in their attack and scoring capability. My pick has to be the Broncos.
Comments