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An inspired Warriors have welcomed the return of Shaun Johnson’s spark in a dominant 34-14 NRL win over Manly in Christchurch.
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Final score
Manly Sea Eagles 14
New Zealand Warriors 34
The Manly Sea Eagles take a home game to Christchurch, as they take on the New Zealand Warriors at AMI Stadium. Join The Roar for for live scores and a blog of the match from 3pm (AEST).
Off the back of a disappointing Round 13 loss to the Cowboys, Manly will be looking to rediscover some of their early season form and stay in the hunt for a top-eight spot.
While the Warriors enjoyed a bye in Round 13, their last start was an emphatic defeat at the hands of a rampant Rabbitohs.
In team news, Manly have named influential brothers Tom and Jake Trbojevic to back up from rep duty with NSW, with Shaun Lane moving to the back row after filling in at lock last week. Youngster Jack Gosiewski is missing due to suspension, with Taniela Paseka coming on to the interchange bench.
The Warriors will welcome the long-awaited return of Shaun Johnson from an ankle injury, which will see Blake Green move back to five-eight, Peta Hiku to the centres, and Gerard Beale dropping out of the starting side. Elsewhere, Isaiah Papali’i also returns to the second row, with Simon Mannering moving back to the interchange bench.
This game shapes as a do-or-die clash for the underperforming Sea Eagles. However, they can’t expect an easy afternoon in Christchurch as fans will turn out in huge support for the away team in this match.
Prediction
The Warriors will have too much attacking flair for an underwhelming Manly defence.
Warriors by 20.
Join The Roar for for live scores and a blog of the match starting from 3pm (AEST).