"nz warriors" - Google News
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The NZ Warriors continue to keep their supporters and coaching staff on their toes, as they manage to pull off just enough to maintain a strong start to the 2025 NRL season. The term 'nailbiting' seems to have become a cliché, as their previous three games have all gone down to the wire. However, their recent 15-14 victory over St George Illawarra Dragons at Wollongong was a historical moment for the current Warriors team, pushing them to second place on the competition ladder.
Line-up Changes and Injuries
Coach Andrew Webster made a late switch to his starting line-up, bringing Bunty Afoa into the front row and dropping Jackson Ford to the interchange bench. However, Ford is likely to miss the next game after failing a concussion test during the second half. The Warriors' squad will face another test next week, with Ford missing due to concussion and front-rower Bunty Afoa leaving the field with a knee injury.
The WIN Stadium Curse
The Warriors have historically not had much luck at Wollongong, with a record of 10 consecutive losses between 2000 and 2018. However, this trend seems to be changing, with the Warriors winning three of their last four visits to the venue.
Return of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak made his return from a wrist injury and although he had to shake off some rust, he managed to carry 14 times for 132 metres and made seven tackles.
Metcalf's Clutch Performance
Halfback Luke Metcalf has been instrumental in the Warriors' narrow escapes this season. He was pivotal in the victory over the Dragons, slotting a 30-metre field goal at his first attempt. Metcalf added a personal tally of 11 points, including a try - his seventh of the season.
Ladder Climbers
With the Canterbury Bulldogs' victory over Canberra Raiders, the Warriors seized the opportunity to secure second place on the competition ladder with their win over the Dragons. They are now ahead of the Raiders and out of reach of Melbourne Storm for the rest of the weekend.
Dragons' Performance
The St George Dragons are now 2-4 in games decided by a converted try or less. They currently sit 13th on the table, but they have the potential to turn their luck around with the right adjustments.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will next face the Dolphins at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. The Dolphins are currently 12th on the competition ladder with a record of four wins and six losses. This will be an important clash, as both teams strive for consistency in their 2025 campaigns.
Line-up Changes and Injuries
Coach Andrew Webster made a late switch to his starting line-up, bringing Bunty Afoa into the front row and dropping Jackson Ford to the interchange bench. However, Ford is likely to miss the next game after failing a concussion test during the second half. The Warriors' squad will face another test next week, with Ford missing due to concussion and front-rower Bunty Afoa leaving the field with a knee injury.
The WIN Stadium Curse
The Warriors have historically not had much luck at Wollongong, with a record of 10 consecutive losses between 2000 and 2018. However, this trend seems to be changing, with the Warriors winning three of their last four visits to the venue.
Return of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak made his return from a wrist injury and although he had to shake off some rust, he managed to carry 14 times for 132 metres and made seven tackles.
Metcalf's Clutch Performance
Halfback Luke Metcalf has been instrumental in the Warriors' narrow escapes this season. He was pivotal in the victory over the Dragons, slotting a 30-metre field goal at his first attempt. Metcalf added a personal tally of 11 points, including a try - his seventh of the season.
Ladder Climbers
With the Canterbury Bulldogs' victory over Canberra Raiders, the Warriors seized the opportunity to secure second place on the competition ladder with their win over the Dragons. They are now ahead of the Raiders and out of reach of Melbourne Storm for the rest of the weekend.
Dragons' Performance
The St George Dragons are now 2-4 in games decided by a converted try or less. They currently sit 13th on the table, but they have the potential to turn their luck around with the right adjustments.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will next face the Dolphins at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. The Dolphins are currently 12th on the competition ladder with a record of four wins and six losses. This will be an important clash, as both teams strive for consistency in their 2025 campaigns.