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).
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Great prediction.
Gazzatron
Guest
They played the advantage so they checked the try and he knocked it on. If McDonald had been tackled before the tryline it would have been play on.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Round 1 Broncos made 1 million errors and were playing hopless. Warriors were definitely not as strong against an improved Broncos side. This game Warriors bounced back despite missing key players. Dragpns are overrated jusy deal with it man. Storm will mop them of the floor.
Beavis
Guest
I notice Cummins is mentoring Perenara again this week to get him to get close games and its working.- will they be paired again next week is the big question?
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Many agree with you there Aucklandlaurie and it is certainly a very interesting and probably true argument to put forward. However, in the end, the Dragons had that many sets on the NZ line to make up for it and couldn't so Warriors deserved winners for mine with Dragons fans perhaps just a bit dejected by that decision.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Dragons should stay on top unless Penrith flog the Sharks by 46+ points on Sunday.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Dragons are still about 50 points ahead of the Warriors
Adam
Guest
This advantage rule really bugs me. The Warriors made the decision to play on and go on the counter attack, and it came unstuck for them, they rolled the dice and lost. If, however the Warriors had raced away and scored, what would happen? Would the ref go back to the original knock on and have a scrum, or what he deem that, seeing as they scored, the Warriors had taken their advantage? What if they ran 60m downfield, but were tackled, do they play the ball deep in attack or is it brought back? I think if you run more than 10m you have elected to play on and take your advantage. Dud call at a crucial time, but well done to Warriors for a gutsy win. I see all the tin foil hat wearers are predicting the Dragons' downfall after one loss in seven weeks
Emcie
Roar Guru
;)
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
100% Renegade!
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
A sign?
Scott Pryde
Expert
No. Go away.
Jason Andrews
Roar Pro
sounds like it was a great game, disappointed that I missed it. So are the Warriors on top now?? how is there for and against??
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Then again pros and cons, yes the Warriors kept the game away from the Saint George, ans sainr George did not look like they could break Warriors D until they were down to 12 men, on the other hand I would not have felt comfortable taking away the Saint George intercept try, How in gods name can you run 20 metres downfield and say you havent had advantage???
Stu
Guest
A great game to watch.
Emcie
Roar Guru
so now the dragons have equalled their start from last year
Renegade
Roar Guru
62% possession to the dragons 13-5 penalty count against NZ Warriors played with 12 for ten mins No Johnson No Kata Lost Tohu Harris early ... and Warriors win!! Amazing effort by the kiwi club.... also could be a sign that the dragons are ready for their annual downward spiral??
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - WARRIORS 20 DEFEAT DRAGONS 12 Isaac Luke stars as the Warriors defend their way to a massive win without Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris and Solomone Kata. What did you make of the game Roarers? Join me NOW for a live blog of the Broncos vs Storm game!
Joe
Roar Rookie
This has been an outstanding game of footy by two of the top sides. Warriors deserved winners here. They have been outstanding considering no Johnson, Kata and losing Harris early. Isaac Luke has been the standout and their back three have not been far behind but its been a team effort across the park. Great defensive effort by the Warriors and took their scoring chances.
SteveSyd
Guest
The score flattered the overrated Dragons. With the lopsided penalties, 4 players out for the Warriors, 10 in the sin bin, no excuses. Be belin and Mcinnes mentioned for origin is comical.