NRL,ROUND 1, 2024. FRIDAY, MARCH 8th NZ WARRIORS v CRONULLA SHARKS
GO MEDIA STADIUM, AUCKLAND, NZ
Warriors Ready to Unleash Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Against Sharks in Season Opener
As the 2024 rugby league season kicks off, the New Zealand Warriors and the Cronulla Sharks are set to clash in an eagerly anticipated matchup. Both teams enter the season with mixed trial performances, each securing one win and suffering one loss in the lead-up to the official competition.
The Warriors faced a challenging start in Christchurch, falling to the Wests Tigers in the first week of trials. A first-half send-off added to their woes, but a resilient second-half performance saw them narrow the margin to just 2 points. They bounced back in the second week, defeating the Dolphins 34-22 in a display of cohesion among their first-grade players.
The Warriors start their season at home against the unpredictable Sharks. Coach Andrew Webster had the previously error-prone Warriors playing some quality completion footy last year, without stifling their flair. They welcome back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to add another dangerous attacking weapon to the backline.
Warriors Line-up
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris
Bench. 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker
Reserves. 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Jacob Laban
Warriors vs. Sharks: Clash of Trials Sets Stage for Season Opener Rematch
On the other side, the Sharks experienced a loss against a tough Newcastle Knights side in the opening week of trials, conceding 44-18. However, they showcased resilience in the following week, securing a hard-fought victory over the Bulldogs with a score line of 12-6.
The contrasting trial journeys set the stage for an intriguing face-off as both teams return to Auckland, the same venue where they last met in Round 20, 2023. In their previous encounter, the Warriors dominated the Sharks with a convincing 44-12 victory. The New Zealand team showcased exceptional efficiency with a remarkable 91% completion rate, scoring 8 tries to the Sharks’ 2 and committing minimal errors.
Although both teams advanced to September footy, the Warriors went deeper into the finals, missing out on a Grand Final berth in a 42-12 loss to the Brisbane Broncos, while the Sharks went down to the Roosters by one point in the first week. These disappointing ends to solid 2023 campaigns for both sides will have them coming into the new season with a determination to go further in 2024.
Sharks Line-up
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes
Bench. 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton
Reserves. 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell
Referee. Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Paki Parkinson, Bunker. Matt Noyen
Warriors and Sharks Prepare for High-Octane Clash
The last three meetings between the teams have seen 54+ points
Eight of Warriors’ last 11 NRL games have seen 42+ points
Sharks have won six of the last nine meetings between the teams
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 24 tries in his last 19 NRL games
Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored at least one try in five of his last six games
Sione Katoa has scored a try in his last two NRL games
The Warriors put together their best season in a decade to advance all the way to the preliminary finals last season, finally falling to the Broncos.
Shaun Johnson wound back the clock to produce some of his best footy in years and some more attacking flair returns this season, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back from a stint with the Blues in Rugby Union, lining up in the centres.
However, it will be interesting if Johnson and the Warriors can back up their exploits from last season – consistency, after all, has never really been their strong suit.
Meanwhile, the Sharks are once again coming off a disappointing finals fade out and fans will be hoping they can take their game to another level in 2024.
Cronulla’s hopes obviously lie with Nicho Hynes, who is fit to start Round 1 after missing the trials with injury.
The Sharks have one of the more dangerous backlines in the NRL, but they look a little light in the forwards, so the likes of Oregon Kaufusi and Royce Hunt will need to step up in the front row.
PREDICTION
A very tough opener to call. Playing at home in front of their fans will make the Warriors the favourite but they scare me a little. Always have. So I think the value is with the Sharks – just don’t know what to expect of the Warriors in Round 1. I have been burnt before by the Warriors who can be inconsistent at times. Betting, try, Watene- Zelezniak for any time try scorer and Mulitalo also, any time try scorer. You will also get a points start with the Sharks. Very handy in a tight match.
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