2019 NRL – New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Sunday 30th June, 05:00
Where is New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Mt Smart Stadium
What channel is New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers?
New Zealand Warriors – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500032
Penrith Panthers – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500014
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Head Coach: Stephen Kearney
Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Hiku, Herbert, Maumalo, Nikorima, Green, Paasi, Lawton, Ah Mau, Blair, Papali’i, Tevaga – Interchanges: Roache, Afoa, Lisone, Pulu – Reserves: Beale, Sao
Unavailable: Issac Luke, Lachlan Burr, Tohu Harris
- New Zealand Warriors got back to winning ways after two consecutive losses as they defeated Gold Coast away from home last time out but face a tough task to make it back-to-back wins as they host in-form Penrith.
- The Warriors looked set to be without Kodi Nikorima after the five-eighth picked up a groin strain in their win over the Titans but he is listed in the side 24 hours out from kick-off and appears fine to play.
- Issac Luke, Lachlan Burr and Tohu Harris are all out for the Warriors with Sam Lisone and Leivaha Pulu coming onto the bench whilst Nathaniel Roache is also named on the bench after overcoming an injury.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Head Coach: Ivan Cleary
Starting 13: Edwards, Mansour, Yeo, Naden, To’o, Luai, Maloney, Tamou, Kenny, Fisher-Harris, Kikau, Winterstein, Martin – Interchanges: Egan, Campbell-Gillard, Leota, Sele – Reserves: Katoa, Whare
Unavailable: Tyrone May, Nathan Cleary
- Penrith continued to turn their season around after they made it four wins in a row with a solid win over South Sydney in their last game and will look to continue their push towards the play-off spots when they head to New Zealand.
- The Panthers will be without Nathan Cleary after the influential halfback suffered an ankle injury during Origin last week and his place in their starting XIII is taken by Jarome Luai with Hame Sele coming onto the bench.
- Waqa Blake has departed the club this week after signing for Paramatta but his former centre partner Dean Whare could be a late inclusion after he was named amongst the reserves.
THE PREDICTION
Penrith travel to New Zealand in good form but the loss of Nathan Cleary could be significant. He has been a key part of his side's revival recently but the ankle injury he suffered in Origin looks set to rule him out for a while and that can aid the Warriors as they edge this on home soil. The Panthers are on a great run of form but with the Warriors earning a confidence-boosting win last time out, they can earn another win back at Mt Smart.
