A monster day of Round 3 action in the NRL kicks off when the New Zealand Warriors take on the Parramatta Eels at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. Join The Roar from 2:45pm (AEDT) for live coverage.
After starting their season flying against the Manly Sea Eagles, the Eels suffered a bad loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs.
We all know how strong the Warriors are when they play at home and they will be desperate for a victory after a bad loss at the hands of the Newcastle Knights before an unconvincing win last week in Canberra to start their season.
The Warriors have named a completely unchanged line-up from their victory in Canberra last Sunday. Interestingly, Nathan Friend and Ben Henry are still be on the bench, as coach Andrew McFadden continues to go with Thomas Leuluai at hooker and Bodene Thompson in the second row.
The Eels have been forced into making some changes after their crushing loss at the hands of the Bulldogs. Vai Toutai and Ryan Morgan come into the side after the double injury blow on the one side of the field to Beau Champion and Semi Radradra. If the Eels are to fly out of New Zealand with two competition points, Brad Takairangi and Reece Robinson – on the other side of the field – must stand up, particularly in defence with boom youngster Solomone Kata and Manu Vatuvei charging at them.
There is also talk that Tepai Moeroa (shoulder) and Anthony Watmough (leg gash) will miss the game, however after being named and having played on Friday night you would think they will be alright to make the trip across the Tasman.
One key match-up is the battle of the fullbacks. For the Warriors English international Sam Tomkins is in the number 1 jersey, while the Eels have the relatively inexperienced fullback Will Hopoate. Both are ridiculously talented and will play a massive part in their teams’ attack.
The other key positional battle on the field is golden boot Shaun Johnson versus Chris Sandow. The two number 7s will both be looking for a huge game, and both have the ability to change the game in a matter of minutes.
The other major factor is New Zealand’s home ground advantage. They win a lot at home and will be looking for nothing to change on that front in 2015.
Prediction
The injuries that the Eels have suffered could prove too much to overcome, particularly in defence. Warriors by 12.
Join The Roar for live coverage from 2:45pm (AEDT) and be sure to leave your thoughts below throughout the game.
Tom G
Guest
ThatI happens when a players used by date starts to show.. His ability has been in the wane for a couple of years and parramatta have invested in a long term contract. Good business?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Sorry 29 to 16.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Apologies...
Scott Pryde
Expert
Eels in fact ended on 16....
Scott Pryde
Expert
He had next to no impact today.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That wraps the Roar's live coverage of the first game of Super Saturday in round 3 between the New Zealand Warriors and the Parramatta Eels. Thanks for joining me here this afternoon and I hope you enjoyed my coverage. Remember to keep it locked into the Roar for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening as we bring you live coverage of the other 2 Super Saturday games between the Canberra Raiders and the St George Illawarra Dragons which starts at 5:30 and then the Melbourne Storm take on the Cronulla Sharks from 7:30. Joel Ericson should be with you for the first and Alan Nicolea for the later game. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon!
Tom G
Guest
How's that new challenge going for you Choc? Look like you are in great shape for the bunnies next week
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well in the end that's just way too easy for the New Zealand Warriors. They blew the Eels off the park in the first half to take a 22-0 lead into half time and then managed to come out and score first in the second half after some punishing defence and making plenty of easy meters up the middle of the park. Solomone Kata's try not too long after the halftime break realy put it beyond the Eels with a 28 points lead and only half an hour to go, however they didn't give up and started to take the fight to the Warriors. Tries to Taairangi, Gower and Robinson within 12 minutes of each other brought them back to within 12 points of the Warriors with 18 minutes to go. They were looking the better side at that point and it seemed the Warriors had fallen asleep, but they slowly got themselves back into the contest and began to control again. As time ran thin for the Eels, Shaun Johnson slotted a field goal taking it outside of 2 converted tries and with limited time remaining that would prove to be the last score of the game. For the Warriors Sam Tomkins went off just before the Eels started their onslaught of points in the middle section of the second half and I think that has shown just how important that will be to the Warriors efforts this season. The standout for the Warriors was Chad Townsend. He set up a few tries and had an all round good game always looking dangerous. Shaun Johnson was good as was Manu Vatuvei. Leuluai was really good as well providing a lot of spark for the Warriors. For the Eels their standout was undoubtedly Manu Ma'u. Every time he got the ball he looked dangerous and set up 2 of the Eels 3 tries from inside his own half. Reece Robinson was also electric in the second half making some big runs down the wing and scoring a try of his own. Sandow and Norman were god with limited opportunity. In the end the Warriors were just way too good for the Eels at Mount Smart Stadium winning 29 to 12.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Don't worry mate we have Braith Anasta and Mark Gasnier both blowing up about it on Fox saying it was a strange call. And people think ex-players are needed in the video refs box!!
Adam
Guest
fair enough. I couldnt see it. Was just listening on the radio
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Can't go for goal from a differential penalty
Scott Pryde
Expert
80' - Under a minute to go and the Warriors are finding some pretty easy meters up the middle of the ground here. Townnsend on the fifth with under 40 seconds to go kicks it over the sideline and that should be it. They wont pack a scrum and the siren has rang 8 seconds early according to the clock. Great win for the Warriors there. FULLTIME: NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 29 defeat PARRAMATTA EELS 12
Scott Pryde
Expert
79' - Now another penalty right in front for the Eels. Pressure on the Warriors to hold out and in the end they do a good job and force a mistake. Warriors 29 Eels 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
They went for a penalty goal and missed?
Scott Pryde
Expert
78' - Now a penalty for the Eels from just behind halfway. They get a chance to attack but its all a bit too little too late. Warriors 29 Eels 16
Adam
Guest
Warriors turn down two points right in front for a 14 point lead, then kick a field goal for a 13 point lead..... Did someone say betting investigation....?
Scott Pryde
Expert
77' - Now the Warriors trying to work it out of their own end and they are gifted a piggy back penalty by the Eels but they don't make the most of it as they knock on a few plays later. Warriors 29 Eels 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
WARRIORS FIELD GOAL, SHAUN JOHNSN As the Eels aren't doing much with the ball Johnson sets him self and kicks it over beautifully. That puts this one beyond doubt with 4 to go. Warriors 29 Eels 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
75' - Warriors attack looking very disorganised as Johnson points to just run forward. Warriors 28 Eels 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
74' - That would have been brilliant there from the Warriors... Johnson on the last form just over half way decides to run and as he gets to the line he chips and then chases through to regather. He then has to grubber through for Wright as he confronts Hopoate and Robinson. In the end the grubber doesn't really work but still a good play. Warriors Scrum though as the Eels knocked it on.. Now the Warriors get a penalty. Warriors 28 Eels 16