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2018 NRL – New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Saturday 12th May, 06:00 (UK)

Where? Mt Smart Stadium

What channel is it on? UK - New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters will not be televised live in the UK

Australia - Foxtel, LIVE PASS

Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/...

THE STATISTICS

THE LOWDOWN

WARRIORS

Head Coach: Stephen Kearney

Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Hiku, Kata, Maumalo, Green, Lino, Afoa, Lawton, Paasi, Mannering, Harris, Blair – Interchanges: Lisone, Papali’i, Gavet, Tevaga – Reserves: Cook, Gelling

Unavailable: Nathaniel Roache, Gerard Beale, Leivaha Pulu, Shaun Johnson, Isaac Luke

  • New Zealand Warriors controlled the game against Wests Tigers last week as they improved upon their impressive start to the season. The Warriors have lost just two games from nine as they sit second in the ladder after their 26-4 triumph.
  • Shaun Johnson suffered another injury last week but may only miss a few games with an ankle problem. He is replaced by Mason Lino whilst Isaac Luke is a late withdrawal with the hooker succumbing to the shoulder issue he suffered during last week’s game with Jazz Tevaga coming onto the bench.
  • The Warriors were classy as they bounced back from their hammering against the Storm. They dictated play and with an 82% completion rate, saw the majority of the ball (57%) as they enjoyed ten more sets than Wests managed.

ROOSTERS

Head Coach: Trent Robinson

Starting 13: Tedesco, Manu, Mitchell, Aubusson, Ferguson, Keary, Cronk, Taukeiaho, Friend, Napa, Cordner, Matterson, Liu – Interchanges: Waerea-Hargreaves, Tetevano, Baptiste, Butcher – Reserves: Tupouniua, Collins

Unavailable: Daniel Tupou

  • Sydney Roosters overcame a slow start to defeat Manly last weekend. The Sea Eagles raced into a 0-10 lead early on but the Roosters managed to get themselves in front soon after and despite a low-scoring second half, managed to hold on for a 22-20 win.
  • Victor Radley copped a ban last week so he misses out for the Roosters with Nat Butcher replacing him on the bench.
  • The Roosters were yet again into double digits (11) for their error count last week, leaving their total for the season at 119. They continue to lead the NRL in terms of errors and despite the win last week, they will be punished by the Warriors if they replicate the same again this week.

THE PREDICTION

Sydney Roosters head to Mt Smart following a tough win against Manly but know a sterner test faces them in New Zealand. The Warriors are without two key men in Shaun Johnson and Isaac Luke but Stephen Kearney’s side have already coped without them this season and will back his side to have enough to add another win to keep up the pressure on league leaders St George. After constantly rolling up the pitch last week in the win over Wests, the Roosters’ forward pack will need to match the intensity of the Warriors. Despite beating Manly last week, the Roosters are still nowhere near the top of their game and the Warriors can exploit that again with a win here.

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