Roar Guru
Will the New Zealand Warriors prove last week’s loss was a mere speedbump? Or will the St George-Illawarra Dragons march towards their seventh-straight victory? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 6:00pm (AEST).
New Zealand’s 27-18 loss to Brisbane last week was no real surprise given the unpredictable nature of this year’s competition. However, this week’s clash with the undefeated Dragons shapes as far more important as they need to ensure they respond quickly.
Otherwise, a form slump may loom given that in the weeks coming they face the Storm, Tigers and Roosters.
A victory over Paul McGregor’s outfit would certainly verify the Warriors as genuine premiership contenders this season. However, they will have to do it without injured forward Leivaha Pulu (foot) who is replaced by Simon Mannering in the starting line-up. Powerful centre Solomone Kata is also in doubt.
Meanwhile, the Dragons are no such injury concerns and now are the only undefeated team in the competition after last week’s 40-20 win over Cronulla. St George Illawarra’s attack was electric, with the Red V running in six tries and busting the line on eight occasions.
Coach McGregor will want an improved effort in defence, however, after his side conceded four relatively soft tries to the Sharks. Fullback Matt Dufty was the Dragons’ best last week with 144 running metres, two tries, three line-breaks and three tackle busts.
Prediction: The Red V should prove too strong on the back of their superior forward pack. Dragons by 8.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 6:00pm (AEST).