Warriors v Raiders: Curran in, CHT out; Frawley to half
If Reece Walsh had landed his last two kicks at goal last weekend, this match would have featured two teams in a tie for eighth.
Instead, the Raiders are equal eighth but probably need two wins and one Cronulla loss to reach the finals due to an inferior points differential.
The Warriors - beaten by Brisbane last weekend - need two wins and for a host of other things to go their way if they're to continue beyond round 25.
Irrespective of whether these teams reach the finals, pride will ensure this match is keenly contested.
Match: Warriors v Raiders
Round 24 -
home Team
Warriors
11th Position
away Team
Raiders
9th Position
Venue: BB Print Stadium, Mackay
The rundown
Team news
Warriors: Josh Curran (head knock) is in doubt with a short five-day turnaround not helping his cause this week.
Eliesa Katoa (foot) has been named but is in some doubt.
Rocco Berry (hamstring) and Kane Evans are included in the reserves after returns from injury but are unlikely to be late inclusions.
Sean O'Sullivan is the new five-eighth with Chanel Harris-Tavita out of the side for a week with a foot injury.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Jack Murchie dropped out of the playing squad on Friday.
The Warriors have lost seven games by six points or less in 2021.
Raiders: No further changes are expected with Matt Frawley to start at halfback with Sam Williams relegated to the reserves.
Jordan Rapana holds the fullback spot for now but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is likely to make his way back into the starting side within the next fortnight.
Corey Horsburgh returns from his two-week stint on loan to the Bulldogs and slots onto the bench with Dunamis Lui dropping out.
Semi Valemai and Trey Mooney were omitted from the reserves 24 hours before kick-off.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart can achieve his 100th coaching victory for the club.
Match: Warriors v Raiders
Round 24 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece WalshFullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
-
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
-
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Peta HikuCentre for Raiders is number 3 Sebastian Kris
-
Centre for Warriors is number 20 Rocco BerryCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
-
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Raiders is number 5 Harley Smith-Shields
-
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Sean O'SullivanFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
-
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Matt Frawley
Forwards
-
Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
-
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
-
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Josh Curran2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Euan Aitken2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
-
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Bayley SironenLock for Raiders is number 13 Ryan Sutton
Interchange
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Kodi NikorimaInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty AfoaInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Eliesa KatoaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Corey Horsburgh
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 21 Kane EvansInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Siliva Havili
Reserves
-
Reserve for Warriors is number 17 Jazz TevagaReserve for Raiders is number 19 Dunamis Lui
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Key match-up
Addin Fonua-Blake v Josh Papalii. There's sure to be a ferocious battle, and plenty of respect, when this pair meet on the field. Two of the premier big men in the NRL, they love nothing more than putting their team on their back and carrying them to victory.
Stat attack
Veteran winger Jordan Rapana is having his best season in years, with his performances while filling in at fullback a highlight. Rapana ranks second in tackle busts with 118, fourth for total runs with 365 and seventh in run meters with 3231.
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