Warriors v Sharks: Charnze in the mix; Ramien returns
Two of the best forward packs in the game are set to collide in a clash between two heavyweights when the Warriors host the Sharks on Saturday night.
Hooker Wayde Egan will lead the Warriors at Go Media Stadium as they look to rebound from a Round 12 loss to Penrith before last week's bye.
Despite the defeat, Andrew Webster's men remain second on the ladder and have emerged as title contenders thanks to a dominant pack and exciting outside backs.
The Warriors will be without Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell, along with prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) but they retain plenty of punch up front.
Erin Clarke continues to improve while Jackson Ford has emerged as one of the most improved players in the competition.
The Warriors pack is set to collide with a Sharks team that has found form throughout the past month.
Despite the loss of co-captain Blayke Brailey and halfback Nicho Hynes Cronulla have won three in a row thanks to inspired performances from Braydon Trindall, Jesse Colquhoun and Cam McInnes.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has also made an impressive return from an ACL injury, scoring four tries in just three games and will look to take another step towards inclusion in the Kiwis World Cup squad.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 15 -
home Team
Warriors
2nd Position
away Team
Sharks
6th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Warriors: A blow for the Warriors with skipper James Fisher-Harris sidelined ith a calf injury so Tanner Stowers-Smith starts at prop. Marata Niukore also joins the starting side in place of Leka Halasima (hamstring). The loss of back-up hooker Sam Healey to a thumb injury will see Makaia Tafua make his NRL debut while forward Jason Seu Salalilo is also in line to debut. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a neck injury while Eddie Ieremia-Toeava is back from concussion. Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett were rested from the Round 13 clash with the Panthers and again sit this one out as they join their respective Origin camps.
Sharks: Jesse Ramien returns in the centres after being a late withdrawal against the Dragons due to a knee injury. With Addin Fonua-Blake (NSW) and Briton Nikora (Qld) on Origin duty, Jesse Colquhoun starts at prop and Billy Burns comes into the second row. Mawene Hiroti and Hohepa Puru move back to the bench after starting against the Dragons while Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha is also part of the six-man interchange. Sione Katoa is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from an ankle injury.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 15 -
home Team
Warriors
2nd Position
away Team
Sharks
6th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Warriors have won four of their past six games against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have won four of their last five games at Go Media stadium.
- Warriors right winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 12 tries in his last eight games against the Sharks.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored nine tries in his last nine games against the Warriors.
- Warriors left winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in his last six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
