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.
Scrubbit
Guest
He played pretty well I thought. Quiet in the opening stages but once he got his kicking game sorted he started looking very dangerous.
Shungmao
Guest
Hunt has origin blues, thinks he's too good for club footy
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Both sides are in action next weekend. The Broncos are back at home where they take on Cronulla on Friday night, while the Warriors host the league-leading Panthers. Thanks to everyone for following this live blog tonight, enjoy the rest of your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
@ Alan. Broncos looked good for the upset for a while there didn't they. The loss of Gillet hurt them, but I think they will look at that 5 minutes just before halftime as the time the match got away from them.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Warriors got the points tonight on the back of huge efforts from their forward pack who tackled their hearts out. Johnson and Townsend continued to steer the team around the field world. They will be disappointed that they conceded a number of penalties in the second half, and at times gave the ball away too easily. Coach McFadden will be delighted with their goal-line defence. While for the Broncos their miserable streak in New Zealand continues. The last time they won in Auckland was in 2009, but they did have their chances tonight. Ben Hunt and Copley were among their best before injury forced the centre from the field. There were a number of encouraging signs for the Brisbane side, and they still remain very much in contention for the top four.
Alan
Roar Guru
Good win for NZ especially after letting a win slip against the bunnies. I thought the Broncos were going to cause the upset
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The win for the Warriors keeps them in touch with the top eight as they move to 9th position on the ladder, while the Broncos winning streak has been halted at four.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Warriors 19 Broncos 10 The Warriors claim two very important competition points.
John
Guest
Awesome win warriors. So happy. Mt Smarts a graveyard for the Broncos lately.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
78' Warriors on the attack. Hoffman crunches Bukuya with a brilliant tackle that jolts the ball loose. Less than a minute to go. Warriors 19 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Hunt throws caution to the wind with a chip and chase. Can't quite get the bounce and Tomkins cleans up. Warriors 19 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
74' time starting to become a factor for the Broncos as they chase the game. Both sides tiring. Warriors 19 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
This could be a huge loss for the Broncos as Copley makes his way to the sideline. He doesn't look well. Friend is out there. Massive tackle there by Gubb and Rapira who somehow stopped Hannat as he surged for the line. 10 minutes remaining Warriors 19 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
That was lovely play by all the Warriors involved in that movement. Lillyman throws a lovely pass to Sebastine Ikahihifo who offloads to Laumape with Townsend backing up on the inside to complete the try. GOAL WARRIORS Johnson adds the extras making it a 9-point game. Warriors 19 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
TRY WARRIORS Warriors 17 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Friend is reported to have passed the concussion test and should be back. Broncos really lifting at the moment. Warriors 13 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Conversion unsuccessful. Warriors 13 Broncos 10 just under 18 minutes remaining. Nathan Friend is off for the Warriors after looking concussed after being run-over by Thaiday several minutes ago.
John
Guest
Tomkins man he is the worst tackler in the world. Looks like he's slowing getting worse over the season.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
TRY BRONCOS Ben Barba backs up a short-side play from Reed and shows great skill to beat Tomkins. That was the Barba of old. Put that down to the clever play from Reed whose vision started that movement. Warriors 13 Broncos 10
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
That was a huge effort from big Manu Vatuvei who desperately dived at a kick from Hunt to prevent Copley from scoring. The winger was injured two sets ago and has is limping a bit. Could that be a defining play in this game? Warriors 13 Broncos 6