New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons: NRL live scores, blog

The New Zealand Warriors and St George Illawarra Dragons will be eager to push their finals claims in this key match on the Central Coast tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6pm (AEST).

The Warriors will be hoping that a couple of mid-season recruits and a week off will see them back in the winners’ circle. The Dragons, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on an encouraging come-from-behind win against the Raiders before Origin 2.

The Warriors lose Reece Walsh for this one, after he was injured in the Maroons’ camp and denied an Origin debut. He is replaced by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who comes in from the wing. The captain in turn’s spot will be filled by new recruit Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who will play his first game for the club.

Chad Townsend is also straight into the side after coming over from the Sharks, while Wayde Egan returns at hooker. Josh Curran and Euan Aitken are out of the side and in isolation, after sharing a flight with a COVID-19 case.

The Dragons welcome back fullback Matt Dufty, who bumps Tyrell Sloan out of the team. Jack Bird shifts to centre and Gerard Beale out to the wing for the suspended Mikaele Ravalawa. The Dragons’ Origin trio of Andew McCullough, Ben Hunt and Tariq Sims are all fit to back up.

The Warriors historically have a pretty poor record over the Dragons, winning just 33 per cent of matches played. In saying that, they have beaten the Dragons in their past five clashes, including in Round 6 of this year. On that afternoon, the Warriors completed at a staggering 98 per cent, and outlasted the Dragons to win by 6 points.

Prediction:

It is time for one of these two to make a move. Both have shown enough this year that on their day they are good enough for one of those lower spots in the finals, although neither have done it on a consistent enough basis.

The Warriors may struggle a little for cohesion in Gosford. They have made a couple of smart pick-ups that will benefit them in the long run, but to think they are going to seamlessly transition into the side is a long shot.

The Dragons were resilient and controlled in their win over the Raiders. They have a number of class players coming off contract this year and they will be eager to put themselves in the shop window once again. Jack de Belin has also been a standout since his return as he builds up his attacking game.

While the Warriors are favourites going into this one, I think the Dragons have more to offer and more stability in their side. The Warriors will give a good account of themselves as they always do, but it will be the Red V taking another important step towards September.

Dragons by 8

Game Information

Kick-off: 6pm (AEST)
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
TV: Fox League
Live Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go
Odds: Warriors $1.72, Dragons $2.12 (odds via PlayUp)

Teams

Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Marcelo Montoya, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Kane Evans, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 13. Tohu Harris

Bench/Reserves: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Bayley Sironen | 18. Rocco Berry, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 22. Sean O’Sullivan

Dragons
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Wiliame, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Gerard Beale, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt (c), 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench/Reserves: 14. Josh McGuire, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Tyrell Fuimaono | 18. Adam Clune, 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Jordan Pereira