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The New Zealand Warriors play host to the Brisbane Broncos in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. Join The Roar‘s live blog coverage from 5.30pm AEST.
Both the Warriors and the Broncos have enjoyed a break away from the game courtesy of the bye.
The bye came at the opportune time for New Zealand, as even now they are probably still scratching their heads at how they blew an encouraging start against a wounded South Sydney side in Perth.
How they respond to this defeat will be their acid test for 2014. If they want to stay in touch with the top eight, and prove they’re not just in the competition to make up the numbers, a positive performance against the Broncos is a must.
There is no question that they have the talent to make a dent in the competition, but as always it’s a question of application. Can they do it?
Coach Andrew McFadden has been forced to make a number of changes to the side that took the field against the Rabbitohs. Ben Henry and Charlie Gubb have both been named to return on the bench, while Ben Matulino (knee) and Siliva Havili have both been dropped.
Unlike the home side, the Broncos don’t have to contend with a heartbreaking lost last start, having beaten Canberra 28-4.
Coach Anthony Griffin has opted for a wait-and-see approach regarding the availability of his Origin players – only Ben Hunt has been named to face the Warriors, with fitness to determine whether the others back up.
Injury has forced his hand to make changes in other areas of the park. Jake Granville will start at hooker for Andrew McCullough, while the formerly out-of-favour Ben Hannant gets his chance at the expense of the injured Corey Parker at prop.
The head-to-head record suggests there isn’t much between the two sides – however at home and without having to rely on players backing up from an intense interstate battle, the Warriors should have enough to earn the points.
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