"nz warriors" - Google News
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This coming Sunday, the NZ Warriors and Canberra Raiders will be locking horns at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The clash, which promises to be one of the most exciting of the season, follows the Warriors' strong start with five consecutive wins and the Raiders' impressive performance against the Titans in Round 11. The outcome will determine who secures the second spot on the ladder.
Strong Performance from Both Teams
The Raiders displayed a commendable performance in their last game against the Titans, ending the match with a convincing 40-24 victory. Standout performer Xavier Savage bagged a hat-trick, while Matt Timoko added a double to his name.
On the other side, the Warriors have been unstoppable lately, securing a 26-12 win against the Dolphins last week. Their performance has been consistent throughout the season, winning all four games played in New Zealand.
Key Players to Miss the Match
The upcoming match, however, will witness key players from both teams missing out due to various reasons. For the Raiders, second-rower Hudson Young will not be playing due to his selection for NSW for Origin Game I. Noah Martin will make his NRL debut replacing Young. Simi Sasagi will move from the interchange bench to second row.
Warriors' James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett will also miss the match due to suspension and Origin selection respectively. Bunty Afoa (knee injury) and Jackson Ford (concussion) will be returning this weekend to fill in.
Head-to-head Stats
Historically, the Raiders have had an edge over the Warriors. Since 1998, they have played 49 times with the Raiders claiming victory on 25 occasions. However, the Raiders have not won in New Zealand since 2019.
Key Matchup: Jamal Fogarty v Luke Metcalf
The key matchup to watch out for will be between the Raiders’ Jamal Fogarty and Warriors' Luke Metcalf. Fogarty, known for his strong playmaking ability, has already had 11 try assists this season, almost surpassing his season record of 15. His impressive average of 441 kicking metres per game and a goal conversion rate of 78% makes him a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Metcalf's agility and speed on the field make him a threat to the opposition. So far this season, he has assisted four tries and made five line break assists. Under the guidance of the coaching staff, he is emerging as one of the strongest playmakers in the competition.
The Bottom Line
This weekend's showdown between the Warriors and the Raiders is set to be a thrilling one. Both teams have been in spectacular form and will be looking to exploit each other's defensive weaknesses. The absence of key players and the introduction of debutants add to the drama of the game. Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious and secure the coveted second spot on the ladder.
Strong Performance from Both Teams
The Raiders displayed a commendable performance in their last game against the Titans, ending the match with a convincing 40-24 victory. Standout performer Xavier Savage bagged a hat-trick, while Matt Timoko added a double to his name.
On the other side, the Warriors have been unstoppable lately, securing a 26-12 win against the Dolphins last week. Their performance has been consistent throughout the season, winning all four games played in New Zealand.
Key Players to Miss the Match
The upcoming match, however, will witness key players from both teams missing out due to various reasons. For the Raiders, second-rower Hudson Young will not be playing due to his selection for NSW for Origin Game I. Noah Martin will make his NRL debut replacing Young. Simi Sasagi will move from the interchange bench to second row.
Warriors' James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett will also miss the match due to suspension and Origin selection respectively. Bunty Afoa (knee injury) and Jackson Ford (concussion) will be returning this weekend to fill in.
Head-to-head Stats
Historically, the Raiders have had an edge over the Warriors. Since 1998, they have played 49 times with the Raiders claiming victory on 25 occasions. However, the Raiders have not won in New Zealand since 2019.
Key Matchup: Jamal Fogarty v Luke Metcalf
The key matchup to watch out for will be between the Raiders’ Jamal Fogarty and Warriors' Luke Metcalf. Fogarty, known for his strong playmaking ability, has already had 11 try assists this season, almost surpassing his season record of 15. His impressive average of 441 kicking metres per game and a goal conversion rate of 78% makes him a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Metcalf's agility and speed on the field make him a threat to the opposition. So far this season, he has assisted four tries and made five line break assists. Under the guidance of the coaching staff, he is emerging as one of the strongest playmakers in the competition.
The Bottom Line
This weekend's showdown between the Warriors and the Raiders is set to be a thrilling one. Both teams have been in spectacular form and will be looking to exploit each other's defensive weaknesses. The absence of key players and the introduction of debutants add to the drama of the game. Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious and secure the coveted second spot on the ladder.
