APRIL 25TH 2024 ANZAC DAY GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND
ANZAC Day Showdown: Titans vs. Warriors
Thursday afternoon kicks off the first of three ANZAC Day games, with the Gold Coast Titans making the trip to Auckland to take on the New Zealand Warriors.
I backed Gold Coast last week against Manly and it nearly came off, as they went down by just four points in an all-out try fest. The Warriors were upset by the Dragons in a shock loss and will be eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd in their first ANZAC home game in recent memory.
Titans Show Signs of Improvement
The Titans have indeed displayed gradual improvement week by week, yet their defense remains a significant area of concern. While Des Hasler appears to be making strides in transitioning the team away from a solely offense-focused approach, I’m apprehensive that this week will see everything click into place just yet.
Warriors.
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. Jacob Laban 13. Tohu Harris , 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Zyon Maiu’u 17. Paul Roache 18. Adam Pompey 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Edward Kosi 23. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Key Line-ups and Absences
Kurt Capewell’s absence from the ANZAC Day clash is confirmed due to a throat injury sustained against the Dragons. Jacob Laban steps up to fill his spot in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, veteran utility Dylan Walker makes his return from an ankle injury, joining the bench alongside debutant Zyon Maiu’u. Adam Pompey, initially slated for the match, drops to 18th man.
Warriors Seek Redemption After Dragons Upset
The Warriors, fresh from a surprising loss to the Dragons, are eager to bounce back strongly in front of their home supporters. This marks their first ANZAC Day home game since 2015, as they’ve previously faced the Storm at AAMI Park for the past eight seasons on April 25th.
The Warriors’ current record of three wins, three losses, and a draw reflects their ongoing quest to recapture the form that propelled them to an emotionally charged preliminary final in 2023.
In contrast, the Titans’ postseason appearances have been sparse, making just one appearance in the last seven seasons. This year, they face a daunting challenge in their bid for September action.
With an average of 30 points conceded per game in 2024, the Titans must shore up their defensive capabilities to stand against a formidable Warriors team, spearheaded by Shaun Johnson and supported by a talented array of attacking weapons on the flanks.
Titans.
1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas . 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Isaac Liu 17. Josiah Pahulu , 18. Joe Stimson 19. Tony Francis 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Keano Kini 22. Jacob Alick-wiencke
Referee. Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges. Matt Noyen, Paki Parkinson. Bunker. Liam Kennedy
Coach Des Hasler has opted to maintain the same starting lineup that pushed Manly to the brink in Round 7, with David Fifita once again securing a starting spot, as he did last week before a late switch to the bench. Phil Sami, dealing with an ankle issue, and Keenan Palasia, nursing a quad injury, continue to be sidelined.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The Warriors have faced defeat in their last eight ANZAC Day games.
In recent matchups, the Titans have emerged victorious in three out of their last four encounters against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been in prolific form, scoring 11 tries in his last 10 games at Go Media Stadium.
On the flip side, the Titans have struggled in New Zealand, winning only one of their last five games there.
Additionally, Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will mark a significant milestone as he celebrates his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction
The Warriors at home will be favourites ,but will have to be careful against an improving Titans side. They are close to a win I believe. The Wahs were terrible last week against St George, while the Titans were unlucky against Manly. If the Warriors aren’t on their game the Gold Coast team could cause a boil over.
About Strom vs Rabbitohs
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