NRL action comes to New Zealand for the first time in the 2014 season proper as the New Zealand Warriors take on the St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Eden Park. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3pm AEDT.
As far as NRL curses go, the Dragons’ run of losses to the Raiders may grab all the headlines, but check the history of these two adversaries and you’ll discover a record that’s almost as dismal.
Facing 20 times since 1999, the Dragons have won 16 of those contests, the Warriors just 4. That run includes, most recently, eight wins on the trot to the Red V.
With the way they started their 2014 campaign against the Wests Tigers, it wouldn’t shock to see the Dragons make it a ninth – despite the fact many had them tipped for the wooden spoon at the season’s outset.
New playmaker Gareth Widdop proved a revelation in his debut performance, while young gun Tyson Frizell and rep players Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh were also outstanding, helping to relieve some of the pressure on under-fire coach Steve Price.
Yet the Warriors – highly fancied after their stunning pre-season performances and the signing of high-profile British import Sam Tomkins – will still start this one as heavy favourites.
That’s despite a false start last week when they went down meekly to last year’s wooden spooners, the Eels.
The star duo of Tomkins and Shaun Johnson failed to make an impact, while the right-side defensive duo of Glen Fisiiahi and Carlos Tuimavave was cut to pieces by a rampant Eels attack.
It would seem that Tuimavave has paid the price, dropped in favour of experienced centre Jerome Ropati. Meanwhile Ben Henry comes onto the bench in favour of Sione Lousi who had an unhappy day with his hands last week.
For the Dragons’ part, they’ve been forced into a couple of changes through injury – halfback Michael Witt (shoulder) is replaced by Sam Williams, and Tyson Frizell starts for Jack De Belin (leg), with Bronson Harrison coming onto the bench.
While it may have been a typically unpredictable opening round of NRL action, I’m tipping some balance to be restored this week with the home ground advantage and sheer level of talent in the NZ squad seeing them turn the tables on last week’s form. Warriors by 12.
Can the Warriors post their first win of the season, or will the Dragons make it two on the trot and further relieve the pressure on their coach?
Join us this afternoon at 3pm AEDT for live score updates and debate on our live blog, and be sure to give us your opinion in the space below if you’re watching.
Glenn Innes
Guest
As I keep saying in post after after post recently - year in year out The Warrioirs are the most overbet and overated club in the NRL and this was exhibit A on STEROIDS. 3.75 for the Dragons against a side that were coming off being flogged by last years wooden spooners taking on a side that won their opening round game easily. No other club than the Warriors can attract a moronic avalanche of money like that...I have no idea why but punters just love to do their hardearned on this club.
Sylvester
Guest
Like your thinking Buzzard. I'd make all those changes.
Buzzard
Guest
Townsend isn't ready yet. Tomkin's to 5/8, Fish to fullback, Fusitua to stay on the wing. Hurrell to return ASAP! Rapira to be fined by the club for giving away stupid match changing penalties. Mateo to start. The Warriors look so bloody unfit.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Tim wrote a piece a few weeks ago regarding which new buys will have the most significant impact this season. I said Widdop, he isn't letting me down so far !
Adam
Roar Guru
Thought Widdop was again the best player on the park today – and plenty seem to agree!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
The Ides of March are upon Elliott.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Happy for Steve Price, this will keep the wolves at bay for a little while at least.
Adam
Roar Guru
That's the Dragons' 9th win on the trot against the Warriors. It's the second biggest "hoodoo" in the NRL, behind only the Dragons' infamous Canberra hoodoo, and it has continued here today. Furthermore the Warriors' dismal record at Eden Park continues – they're still yet to record a victory there.
Scrubbit
Guest
Is Locke injured? If not either him or tomkins need to move to 5/8
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Warriors 12 - Dragons 31 After holding a 12-6 half-time lead the Warriors have endured a horror second half, while the Dragons have fired a warning shot to the NRL that they will be far from the easy-beats everyone expected in 2014. The Dragons came out all guns blazing with two tries in the opening minutes to hit the lead. From there the Warriors had a run of possession but looked limp in attack compared with the first half, and combined with some outstanding Dragons' on-line defence they were unable to get any further points. It was all over when Morris latched onto a Johnson grubber in his own in-goal and ran 105 metres to score. From there the Warriors' heads went down and the Dragons ran in another try and a field goal to close out the game.
Jack
Guest
Can't believe how dumb the warriors are, great line up but no idea. Elliot needs to be replaced ASAP for someonec who can put some grunt int of them and teach them how to use their forwards to dominate a game.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Thank you father guru for I have been blessed.
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Warriors 12 - Dragons 31
Gazzatron
Guest
They are an embarrassment right now. What else is there to say?
Clark
Guest
Dragons looking good so far. With their record at Mt Smart, it is disappointing to see the Warriors take games to Eden Park. Such and eyesore.
John
Guest
haha too true
Adam
Roar Guru
Live score: Warriors 12 - Dragons 31 80' CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL from Widdop.
John
Guest
Agreed. One of the few good players today.
Adam
Roar Guru
Live score: Warriors 12 - Dragons 29 79' TRY DRAGONS! Fusitua loses the ball on his own line and Creagh is on hand to score an easy late try!
Adam
Roar Guru
Live score: Warriors 12 - Dragons 25 77' FIELD GOAL DRAGONS! Widdop kicks a remarkable field goal – he juggled it, almost lost it, spun around 360 degrees and still somehow managed to snap the one-pointer!