The New Zealand Warriors welcome back Sam Tomkins as they seek their third straight victory against an out of sorts Newcastle Knights team at Mt Smart Stadium. Join The Roar from 1.50pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
After a promising start to the season, the Knights have recorded just one victory from their last seven, including a second half collapse against the Broncos last Monday. An upset victory in New Zealand might just be the catalyst in turning their season around.
However, the Warriors will come into the game confident and well-rested after two hard-fought victories in succession over the Sharks and Eels followed by a bye.
Neither side will be too affected by last Wednesday’s Origin with Jacob Lillyman, Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott the only players involved.
The return of Tomkins sees Tuimoala Lolohea shifted into the centres. Nathan Friend will start at hooker, as Thomas Leuluai will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Seb Ikahihifo also comes in for Sione Lousi on the interchange.
For the Knights, Adam Clydsdale returns in the number nine jersey, pushing Tyler Randell back to the bench. Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith are also back in the side, with Clint Newton, Chad Redman and Pat Vaivai dropping out.
Despite a pair of unconvincing victories, the Warriors’ halves of Johnson and Townsend have been in ominous form running the football, combining for 296 metres gained, three try assists and two tries over their past two wins.
The returns of Tomkins and Vatuvei will give the Warriors two more attacking threats to help share the load.
Prediction:
After winning their round one clash 24-14, a victory for the Knights here would make it three in a row against the Warriors.
However with the return of a couple of star backs and the fact they are coming in fresh off a bye, the Warriors should be too strong.
Warriors by 8.
In any case, it should be compelling viewing so join The Roar from 1:50 (AEST) to follow our live coverage, and remember to leave your comments as the game progresses.
James Silver
Roar Guru
That will be all from me today. The local derby between the Dragons and Sharks is about to start. The Roar will be providing live coverage. Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
A brave effort from the Knights today, with so many injuries. Uate and Gagai were electric in the back, while Stockwell was my pick in the forwards. For the Warriors, Johnson and Townsend were on song, and definitely out played their Knights halves. However the loss of Roberts after four minutes helped contribute to that. Kata's try was special, while Bodene Thompson was highly influential all game. Warriors 24 Knights 20
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Thanks.
James Silver
Roar Guru
He's been a bit up and down. Definitely more up than down though with a great grubber for the Wright try, and had a hand in the Lolohea try. Missed one very easy conversion, but overall a good game.
James Silver
Roar Guru
A third consecutive victory for the Warriors and all three games have been hard-fought. Simon Mannering: 'We have to improve, but happy to get the two points.' Tariq Sims hilariously photobombs the Mannering interview. Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
80' FULL TIME Gagai is pulled down 20m out. LAST tackle, last chance. Tuimavave bombs in the air, The Knights come away with it through McManus, throw it back inside through Leilua and put in a grubber kick towards the posts, but Townsend will win the race and plant it down in his own in-goal. The Warriors survive... just. Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' NO TRY Well, well the Warriors weren't going anywhere, looking to run the clock down, but Lolohea picked it up and burst straight though for a try. However on replay there is no way this can be given as Bodene Thompson didn't allow the Knights #19 to make a tackle on Lolohea. Knights penalty. 67 seconds remain. Warriors 24 Knights 20
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
How has Johnson being playing? I saw the last few minutes where he put in a good end of set kick into the corner and then made an excellent tackle to deny Newcastle a good break. But I missed the match before that.
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' Uate nearly bursts through again. He is on fire. But Leilua has let them down, spilling the ball on the next play. Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
78' One out runs for the Warriors, Johnson chips into Gagai on the bounce who can't get back to the 10m line. A responsible set from the Warriors. Warriors 24 Knights 20
steveng
Roar Rookie
Referees as usual spoiling a game. The NRL really has to look at the refereeing standers that they have. Bad look for the NRL!!!
James Silver
Roar Guru
77' Randall puts it high in the air, but Tomkins is under no pressure whatsoever as the Warriors start with the ball 20m out. Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
77' Conversion Change of kicker as Gagai steps up 15m in from touch to put it through. A converted try will win it! Warriors 24 Knights 20
James Silver
Roar Guru
76' TRY He has scored, what strength from Uate. Three Warriors near the play-the ball but he charged through them. This game is going down to the wire. Warriors 24 Knights 18
James Silver
Roar Guru
75' Gagai finds Mata'utia on the burst taken just short. Uate picks up the play-the-ball and looks to have scored! Warriors 24 Knights 14
James Silver
Roar Guru
74' Penalty for the Knights against Matulino who had a hand on the ball as Fa'alogo went to play it. Warriors 24 Knights 14
James Silver
Roar Guru
73' Vatuvei nearly burst through but was just taken by Beau Scott by the jumper. Kata nearly scores in the corner but Dane Gagai makes a great tackle rolling him into touch. Warriors 24 Knights 14
James Silver
Roar Guru
72' Strong defence from the Warriors means Tuimavave will kick from 30m out. Lolohea returns to 35m out from his own line. Warriors 24 Knights 14
James Silver
Roar Guru
71' Hoffman spins out of a couple of tackles getting to halfway. Lisone charges over the 40. Townsned puts a bomb, tapped backwards by Vatuvei and cleaned up by Beau Scott. Warriors 24 Knights 14
James Silver
Roar Guru
70' Johnson's kick from near the touchline is hooked, but coming back but will hit the post again! Warriors 24 Knights 14