NRL, ROUND 9, APRIL 30th, 2023 SYDNEY ROOSTERS v NZ WARRIORS
MT.SMART STADIUM,AUCKLAND
Warriors team: 1.
Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Tom Ale 17. Viliami Vailea 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u
New Zealand Warriors produced a valiant effort in their game with Melbourne Storm but ended the contest with an empty bench owing to the injuries they picked up and ultimately fell short.
The Warriors were out on their feet but showed once again that they can compete this season, although they will be without skipper Tohu Harris, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jazz Tevage for this clash.
Roosters team:
1. James Tedesco 2. Corey Allan 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Sam Walker 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Jake Turpin 22. Nathan Brown
Sydney Roosters were given a big scare by St. George Illawarra Dragons in their clash on Anzac Day and they will need to be much better here on this trip across the Tasman.
The Tricolours were far from their best but produced some good moments with the ball and may well stick with Joey Manu at five-eighth, although Sam Walker will be pushing for a recall having been listed among the reserves.
Trent Robinson’s decision to drop Sam Walker proved fruitful, with Joey Manu producing a great performance and scoring a try, while Luke Keary slotted home the match-winning field goal with seven minutes remaining.
The Roosters’ attack certainly looked more slick – it was the second-most points they’ve scored this season, but their defence – especially on the edges – needs improvement.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have now lost two of their last three games, conceding 30+ points against the Knights and Storm.
The Warriors were bruised and battered in the closing stages of the Storm defeat, with Tohu Harris, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jazz Tevaga all set to miss this game.
PREDICTION
New Zealand Warriors have proven that they can mix it with the best this season and they could be a danger to those looking to make the top four. The Kiwi outfit pushed Melbourne Storm all the way during the week and were unfortunate that they ran out of options on the bench with them physically tiring towards the end. They will hope to regroup here for this tough clash with Sydney Roosters but the hosts are suffering with plenty of injuries and with the away side coming into this having avoided a third straight loss, it might be difficult for the Warriors to bounce back in this one.
The Roosters have won the last six meetings between the teams, including in Round 2 earlier this season.
The Warriors have been very solid so far this season, but two defeats in their last three and a growing casualty ward could hurt them here.
I think while the Warriors look better this year than previous years the Roosters will be to good here, The Roosters minus 8.5 points start @ $2.00 looks tasty
Read this too
Comments