Webb V Patten
Warriors surely have the edge here. Webb has been playing as well as he ever has and is at the peak of his powers. Patten is a solid fullback, sound defensively, and has the so called "intangibles" that Folkesy loves.
Ah Van V Phelps
A couple of pretty good young players here. Ah van has done nothing but impress at his time at the Warriors. Hasn't done much wrong, and is starting to make a significant contribution on offense now. Phelps was once a bona-fude super prospect, but his status has somewhat slipped since then.
Martin V Tonga
Willie Tonga after being in about a year and a half slump is showing signs he is coming to his best, signalled by his return to the QLD origin squad. Martin has been serviceable, and been solid with the boot. However as a Warriors fan, this is the matchup I worry about. Martin has been pushed around defensively a couple of times by superior centres, and theretically will be targeted by Folkes.
Mannering V SBW
Mouth watering matchup. Mannering is really starting to make a difference now, and is arguably looking like our most potent attacking player close to the tryline with ball in hand. He will have his handful containing Williams though, whose offloading skills are well known, and general attacking skills are up there with the best in the league. Key matchup IMO.
Vatuvei V El Mazri
This matchup could go both ways. With ball in hand, Vatuvei should have it all over El Mazri with his power. However, I assume Sherwin will pepper Vatuvei on the ground, on El Mazri will swoop on any mistakes. Bulldogs don't score many 4 point tries.
Ropati V Holdsworth
Two similar players who play similar roles for their team. Ropati was struggling for a bit, but has started to turn things around the last couple of weeks, taking the ball to the line more often. Holdsworth is like a clone of Trent Barrett, pretty good defensively and good on his feet.
Rovelli V Sherwin
Another similar matchup. Sherwin has one of the best short kicking games in the NRL. He could pose all sorts of problems for Vatuvei and Ah Van at the back. Rovelli has been very creative in recent weeks, and with the likes of Wiki, Evarn running off him, hes looking pretty dangerous. His general kicking game it still a work in progress, but will improve over time.
Wiki V O'Meley
The battle of the packs is really going to be an awesome one. Wiki will be the fresher of the two, with O'Meley having played Weds night. Ultimately the game will be decided up front, so Wiki will have to continue his awesome form of late. Imagine if he hadn't appealed that suspension a few weeks ago... I doubt our winning streak would be 4
Fien V Grimaldi
Grimaldi is one of those pesty, nuggety types. Hes not your stereotypical hooker, more suited to the back row. I doubt he will take advantage of the ruck, and make many runs in there. Fien has been sharing minutes with Lance, and it seems to have worked well. We are now getting 80 Quality minutes out of this position, and I think the Warriors have a real advantage here. Fien should be able to pressue Patten with a couple of those massive bombs.
Prive V Asotasi
Both have had a disrupted preparation to the game. Price backing up after the Origin decider, and Asotasi leaving the club to inrease the Kiwi contingent at Redfern. The only thing Price knows how to do is make metres, and plenty of them. Asotasi's offloading skills can sometimes hinder the Bulldogs, so hopefully the Warriors can either lock him up in tackles, or hang around the ruck looking to snare the offloads.
Guttenbeil V Mason
Two towering players. Awen has been a revelation this year. Alot of people thought he was done last year, but not only has he been great on the field, hes provided that leadership factor to our young team that we needed. Mason is possibly having the best year of his career, haven;t heard of any indiscretions off the field which seems to have hampered him throughout his career. Another one backing up, but I'm sure he will make a contribution.
Anderson V Ryan
Louis has really stepped up his game since the Anzac test, and has been superb both offensively and on defense. Has overtaken Koopu on the depth chart and will be counted on for a big performance. Ryan, has never been one of my favourite players, but he always seems to be at the right place, right time. Scores a few tries for a forward, and very good defensively. This matchup is pretty even.
Faumuina V Maitua
Faumuina surprisingly didn't come to the party at Redfern, and was taken off abrubtly last week after a couple of mistakes. Look for him to rebound, and get back to his prior form. Clearly wouldve told him to tone it down a bit, but theres nothing like seeing Sione in razzle-dazzle form. Maitua missed the earlier clash after being arrested, but is a pretty good play-maker, and has found some form
Benches
The Warriors always seem to have the advantage on the bench these days. Really encouraging that Hohaia has found some confidence, Evarn has been the improver of the year, and we don't lose much when Wiki comes off. Koopu and Luck are workhorses, and the former can play in the backline if called upon, increasing his versatility. The Dogs on the other hand, have only one really solid contributor on the bench. Myles, the QLD rep. The others are either inexperienced, or not up to it. Bulldogs have been trying to leave the starters out there longer, compensating for this lack of depth, but invariably the Warriors should take advantage of this.
So, after all that I think (hope) the Warriors sneak in with a WIN, taking our streak to 5. Warriors by 6
