FRIDAY, JULY 26th, 2024 6:00pm GO-MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND, NZ
Warriors Aim to Rebound Against Tigers at Go Media Stadium
Round 21 begins in New Zealand with the Warriors hosting the Tigers at Go Media Stadium, as both teams look to get back into the winning column.
Warriors’ Missed Opportunity: Can They Bounce Back at Home?
The Warriors missed a crucial chance to stay in the Top 8 last week against the Raiders, while the Tigers, despite showing some fight, were ultimately overpowered by the Rabbitohs.
There are only so many times you can back the Warriors and be surprised by their losses. Surely, this time at home against the Tigers, they have to secure a win?
Team Line ups: Warriors vs Tigers
Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker, 14. Freddy Lussick , 15. Jackson Ford 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Tom Ale 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Demitric Sifakula 22. Setu Tu 23. Ben Farr
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines, 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole , 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i , 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Sione Fainu 17. Alex Twal , 18. Heath Mason 19. Justin Matamua 20. Kit Laulilii , 21. Solomon Alaimalo 22. Tony Sukkar
Warriors’ Struggles and Key Changes
The heart breaking defeat in Canberra last week summed up the Warriors’ season. They outscored the Raiders four tries to three but still lost by two points in a game they likely should have won. Now returning home for the next two weeks, they start with a match-up against the bottom-placed Tigers. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s shift back to fullback, though prompted by injuries, might be a blessing in disguise. Having more ball in Roger’s hands could positively impact the Warriors’ attack, which has struggled recently.
Tigers’ New Look: Can They Turn the Tide?
For the Tigers, captain Api Koroisau returns to hooker, pushing Tallyn De Silva back to the bench. Aidan Sezer is suspended, which sees Latu Fainu replace him at halfback. Adam Doueihi is rested this week, while Starford To’a returns from injury to take his place in the centres. Isaiah Papali’i is also back from injury at lock, with Fonua Pole moving into the front row to replace an injured David Klemmer.
Alex Seyfarth returns on the bench, while Reuben Porter starts on an edge in place of John Bateman, who has returned to the Super League for the remainder of the season.
Anchored to the bottom of the ladder, the Tigers are desperate for a win to close the gap with Parramatta, who sit two points ahead. The returns of Koroisau, Papali’i, and To’a bring valuable experience to their line-up, but they still face a challenging task in New Zealand.
They’ve lost their last six games against the Warriors, with their last win coming back in 2019. With such a young side on paper, it remains to be seen how the trip across the ditch will affect them and whether they’ll be able to overcome the challenge.
Referee. Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Paki Parkinson Bunker. Todd Smith.
Statistical Insights and Key Matchups
The Warriors have won their last six encounters against the Wests Tigers.
The Wests Tigers have not won in New Zealand since 2018.
The Warriors have lost five of their last six games against teams outside the top eight.
Tigers captain Api Koroisau boasts an 80 percent winning record against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 13 tries in his last 14 games at Go Media Stadium.
Prediction.
The Tigers need a fast start here to upset the Warriors at home. The Warriors have a young inexperienced centre pairing in Leiataua and Graham-Taufa ,due to injuries to others, and if the Tigers can expose this weak link there could be trouble.
With RTS moving to fullback he will have time to show his explosive footwork and I think he can lead them home.
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