SATURDAY, APRIL 13th, 2024 GO MEDIA STADIUM, AUCKLAND
Confidence High for Both Teams
Both teams enter this match with high confidence following impressive victories last week. The Warriors comfortably defeated the Rabbitohs in Sydney, while the Sea Eagles celebrated a commanding win against the Panthers, showcasing Daly Cherry-Evans’ stellar performance on his milestone occasion.
Line-up Changes
Reuben Garrick will be absent from Manly’s lineup for this match due to a concussion he sustained last week. Ben Trbojevic will step into the centres in his place. Correy Waddell will take his place at second row and Ethan Bullemor joins the bench.
The Warriors get a big boost with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Kurt Capewell back into the side after missing round 5.
Adam Pompey drops out of the 17, Mitch Barnett shifts to prop, and Bunty Afoa is also out after injuring his hamstring against the Rabbitohs.
Currently, the Warriors are one of the most formidable teams in the competition, aiming to secure their fourth consecutive victory.
Shaun Johnson has started the season on fire, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad looked like he hasn’t lost a beat in an impressive return from injury.
Warriors Starting Line-up
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Rocco Berry, 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Te Maire Martin, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Jackson Ford, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Tohu Harris, 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 15. Tom Ale, 16. Jazz Tevaga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Adam Pompey, 20. Taine Tuaupiki, 21. Zyon Maiu’u, 22. Edward Kosi, 23. Ali Leiataua
Manly’s Strategy
Despite relishing the advantage of playing at home, the Warriors are poised for a challenge against Manly. The latter bounced back strongly last week following a surprising loss to the Dragons in round 4. Tom Trbojevic was everywhere a week ago, and the Sea Eagles will need a similar performance from their star fullback if they want to claim their first win in Auckland since 2017.
With both sides on three wins, this match shapes up as one of the best of the round. Securing a victory in New Zealand remains one of the toughest challenges in the NRL. Considering the Warriors’ impressive track record of winning six out of their last seven games at Go Media Stadium, they are likely to emerge victorious, albeit by a slim margin.
Manly Starting Line-up
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Tommy Talau, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Ben Trbojevic, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Josh Aloiai, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Corey Waddell, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Karl Lawton, 15. Ethan Bullemor, 16. Toafofoa Sipley, 17. Nathan Brown, 18. Jakob Arthur, 19. Aaron Woods, 20. Brad Parker, 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega, 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referee: Chris Butler, Touch Judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Paki Parkinson, Bunker, Liam Kennedy
Statistical Analysis
Sea Eagles haven’t won in Auckland since 2017
Warriors have won eight of their last nine games in New Zealand
Warriors are on a three-game winning streak
Sea Eagles have lost four of their last five away games
Warriors have seen Under 52.5 points in four of their five games this season
Sea Eagles have seen Under 52.5 points in three of their last four games
Four of Warriors’ five games this season have seen a 1-12 margin
Four of Sea Eagles’ five games this season have seen a 1-12 margin
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored nine tries in his last nine games at Go Media Stadium
Tom Trbojevic has scored nine tries in eight games vs Warriors
Prediction
The Warriors were very impressive last week in destroying the Rabbitohs, while the Sea Eagles shocked most with their dismantling of the Panthers. This match is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the round, featuring two teams grappling with consistency issues yet demonstrating near-unbeatable form when firing on all cylinders. While the Warriors hold the advantage of playing at home, the outcome is expected to be tightly contested.
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