NRL, ROUND 14, JUNE 3rd, 2023 NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND,NZ (Go Media is the same ground as Mt Smart stadium in Auckland.)
In a clash of titans, all eyes turn to Auckland as the New Zealand Warriors gear up to face the resilient Redcliffe Dolphins in NRL Round 14. Set to take place at the iconic Go Media Stadium, this high-stakes encounter promises to deliver an electrifying spectacle for rugby league enthusiasts.
Fresh off a disappointing loss to the Broncos in Napier, the Warriors are eager to redeem themselves on their home turf. Despite having a golden opportunity to capitalize on a Queensland side weakened by State of Origin commitments, the Warriors faltered and suffered their worst showing of the season, ultimately falling short with a 26-22 defeat. Missed tryscoring chances, costly errors, and poor execution plagued their performance, overshadowing the glimpses of brilliance displayed by Shaun Johnson and Luke Metcalf in their club debuts.
However, the Warriors have reinforcements arriving at the perfect time. Hooker Wayde Egan, along with interchange duo Dylan Walker and Mitch Barnett, return to bolster the lineup. The inclusion of these key players provides a much-needed boost for the Warriors as they strive to avoid their fifth loss in six games. It’s a critical moment for the team to regain their momentum and build on the promising start they had in the opening six weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, the Redcliffe Dolphins are penning their own fairytale story in their debut NRL season. Despite missing key players such as Felise Kaufusi, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Tom Gilbert, the Dolphins showcased their resilience by securing an impressive 26-12 victory over the Dragons. This triumph elevated them to a commendable sixth place on the ladder with a 7-5 record, a remarkable achievement for a team making its first appearance at this level of competition.
Under the guidance of legendary coach Wayne Bennett, the Dolphins have proven their ability to navigate challenging periods, as evidenced by their response to a gritty loss to the Storm during the Origin period. Jeremy Marshall-King and Jamayne Isaako have been standout performers throughout the season, contributing significantly to the team’s success. While consistency has been a slight issue for the Dolphins, they remain a formidable opponent, searching for back-to-back victories as they venture away from Brisbane for the first time.
As the Warriors prepare to defend their home ground, they rely on their track record in Auckland, where they have won three out of five matches this season. On the flip side, the Dolphins’ away form has been solid, boasting a 2-2 record outside their home city. Both teams are determined to make a statement in this pivotal encounter.
The Warriors’ defensive prowess will be put to the test against the Dolphins, as they strive to replicate their best defensive performance since 2018. Conversely, the Dolphins will look to winger Jamayne Isaako, who has been in sensational form, scoring 30 of his team’s 42 points in their last two games. The clash between Isaako and the Warriors’ try-scoring machine, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who has notched up five tries in his past five games, adds an extra layer of excitement to this highly anticipated showdown.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an enthralling battle as the New Zealand Warriors host the Redcliffe Dolphins in NRL Round 14. The Warriors seek redemption following their recent setback, aiming to regain their winning form and climb the ladder. On the other hand, the Dolphins aim to solidify their place in the competition and continue their remarkable inaugural season. Rugby league fans are in for a treat as these two sides go head-to-head in what promises to be an action-packed encounter at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Tom Ale 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Demitric Sifakula 22. Ronald Volkman 23. Ali Leiataua
Dolphins team: 1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Eseâese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Mason Teague 17. Valynce Te Whare 18. Harrison Graham 19. Max Plath 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Oliver Gildart
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
PREDICTION.
The Warriors will start as favorite with the bookies and should win at home, but I have a real problem picking them. They have for a long time played some brilliant footy and then make the dumbest mistakes. They have the talent to win, but I can not back them especially with a Wayne Bennett coached Dolphins side who know how to grind out a win. Just in case the real Warriors turn up, I will cover my butt and I will take the Dolphins with a start of 9.5 points @ $1.70
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