2019 NRL – New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Saturday 20th April, 08:30
Where is New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Mt Smart Stadium
What channel is New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys?
New Zealand Warriors – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500032
North Queensland Cowboys – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500012
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Head Coach: Stephen Kearney
Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Beale, Kata, Maumalo, Harris-Tavita, Hiku, Paasi, Luke, Ah Mau, Blair, Harris, Burr – Interchanges: Tevaga, Lisone, Afoa, Papali’I – Reserves: Roache, Pulu, Keighran
Unavailable: Blake Green
- New Zealand Warriors allowed South Sydney to score three unanswered tries in the final quarter as they failed to hang on to a 10-point lead in what would have been an unlikely win having been forced into a reshuffle before kick-off.
- Blake Green was a late withdrawal with a sore groin for the Warriors and despite initially being named to return, the halfback has again had to pull out with Peta Hiku shifting from the centres and Gerard Beale slotting into the three-quarter line.
- Adam Keighran remains an option to come into the side late on with him listed amongst the reserves whilst there is also doubt over Sam Lisone’s place on the bench with Leivaha Pulu on standby.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Head Coach: Paul Green
Starting 13: Martin, O’Neill, Kahu, Tuala, Hampton, Clifford, Morgan, Scott, Granville, McLean, Cooper, McGuire, Asiata – Interchanges: Baptiste, Hess, Bolton, Molo – Reserves: Jensen, Dunn
Unavailable: Kyle Feldt, Murray Taulagi, Jason Taumalolo, Nene Macdonald
- North Queensland Cowboys couldn't take advantage of an under-par performance by Melbourne as they suffered a fourth-straight defeat and now head to New Zealand to try and kick-start their season.
- Cowboys' winger Nene Macdonald suffered a gruesome injury last week and will be out indefinitely after fracturing and dislocating his ankle with Justin O’Neill coming into the side to take his place this week.
- Scott Bolton is back in the mix for the Cowboys after he completed a ban and will come onto the bench with Josh Asiata starting at lock although he could be a late withdrawal due to an elbow injury.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand Warriors will feel bitterly disappointed that they couldn't hold on against South Sydney last week but a home fixture against the 1-4 Cowboys gives them a chance to bounce back. The Cowboys couldn't capitalise on an error-strewn Melbourne performance last week and are really struggling for consistency. They have shown glimpses in attack so far this season but don’t look to have the weapons in the outside backs to cause serious problems. A trip to New Zealand will pose all sorts of issues for the Cowboys and they should go down again despite the Warriors missing Blake Green.
