NRL, Match Preview, Warriors, Sea Eagles

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Fri 18 Aug 2023, 05:01 PM

The Warriors will look to move one step closer to locking in a top four finish and effectively end Manly's finals chances when the two sides clash at Daniel Anderson Stadium in Auckland on Friday.

Andrew Webster's side are four competition points from Penrith and Brisbane, who have a bye this week, with either a third or fourth place finish likely with three rounds remaining.

The Sea Eagles are three points outside the top eight and must win every of their remaining three games to give themselves a chance of a finals spot while hoping results go in their favour.

After conceding 40 points in their past two outings, the Warriors will want to tighten up their defence ahead of the finals and against a Sea Eagles side that likes to throw the ball around.

Shaun Johnson has had a remarkable season in the halves for the home side, but a challenge against Daly Cherry-Evans will prove a big test.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Warriors v Sea Eagles

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Team news

Warriors: Tom Ale, who was named to replace Jazz Tevaga on the bench after the veteran forward picked up a hamstring injury at training, is a late withdrawal from the side with reserve Freddy Lussick named on the bench. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) returns after missing last week's win over Wests Tigers. Hooker Wayde Egan (throat) will play despite spending the weekend in hospital following a knock. Bunty Afoa comes into the front row in place of Mitch Barnett who needed stitches for a laceration below the knee following the Wests Tigers game.

Sea Eagles: Jakob Arthur will partner Daly Cherry Evans in the halves, with Josh Schuster moving to the bench in a late change for Manly. With Brad Parker and Ben Trbojevic sitting out a week under the concussion protocols, Morgan Harper comes into the centres and Kelma Tuilagi starts in the back row.

Round 25 - Round 25 - Friday 18 Aug

Full Time

Warriors

Sea Eagles

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Reuben Garrick
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Rocco Berry

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Morgan Harper
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf

Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 14 Jake Arthur
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson

Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Toafofoa Sipley
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan

Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Sean Keppie
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Kelma Tuilagi
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris

Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Dylan Walker

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 6 Josh Schuster
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Bayley Sironen

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Dean Matterson
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Josh Curran

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Aaron Woods
Interchange for Warriors is number 21 Freddy Lussick

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Ethan Bullemor

Reserves

Replacement for Warriors is number 20 Taine Tuaupiki

Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:41 AM

Stat Attack

The Warriors are aiming for six consecutive wins for the first time since 2002 when they won eight on the bounce between Round 7 and 14.
The Sea Eagles have won their past three games against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 16 tries in his past 11 games.
Manly fullback Reuben Garrick has scored 38 points in his past two games against the Warriors.
The Sea Eagles have won 11 out of 15 games against the Warriors in Auckland.
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has come up with a career-high 24 try assists this season. His previous best for try assists in a season was 23 at Cronulla in 2020.