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The One New Zealand Warriors are adjusting their lineup for the round 10 game against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. NRL veteran, Bunty Afoa, is set to start in the front row for the first time this season, a significant change after his last five games off the bench where he saw relatively short stints of 15 and 11 minutes against Newcastle and North QLD Morons.
Afoa’s move up pushes Jackson Ford to join Te Maire Martin, Demitric Sifakula, and Jacob Laban on the bench, with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava confirmed as the 18th man. This change comes at a pivotal time in the season, as the Warriors, currently sitting third on the ladder with 14 points, seek their seventh win in nine matches. However, WIN Stadium has historically been a challenging venue for the Warriors, with 11 losses in 13 attempts against the Dragons.
In other team news, a much-anticipated return for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was put on hold. The 31-year-old was named in the reserves on Tuesday, nearing a return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the round three victory over the Sydney Roosters in March.
Unfortunately, Tuivasa-Sheck was among the three players to drop out of the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline. Hooker Sam Healey, who made his NRL debut as Warrior #291 last week, and prop Tanner Stowers-Smith were also omitted from the lineup.
While Tuivasa-Sheck's return is delayed, the Warriors are welcoming back seasoned winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak from a wrist injury sustained more than 12 weeks ago. Watene-Zeleniak will resume his customary position on the right wing, while Taine Tuaupiki will switch to the left flank.
Backline adjustments were necessary due to injuries sidelining three outside backs. Preferred centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) will be out for a few weeks. Leiataua's injury will see him out of action until round 13-14, while Berry is scheduled to return in round 14-15.
Additionally, back-up winger Edward Kosi is out with a chest injury sustained in the match against the Cowboys. Kosi bravely played the full 80 minutes, but the severity of his injury has yet to be confirmed.
With Leiataua and Berry both unavailable, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres again. Capewell previously filled in after Berry left the field in the 52nd minute last week. With Capewell's shift, Marata Niukore, who started in the front row against Newcastle and North QLD Morons, reverts to the second row.
Despite the challenges, the Warriors are optimistic about their upcoming games, especially given their recent victories in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023) amid a historical struggle at the venue. With a consistent performance, they hope to continue their winning streak in the upcoming matches.
Afoa’s move up pushes Jackson Ford to join Te Maire Martin, Demitric Sifakula, and Jacob Laban on the bench, with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava confirmed as the 18th man. This change comes at a pivotal time in the season, as the Warriors, currently sitting third on the ladder with 14 points, seek their seventh win in nine matches. However, WIN Stadium has historically been a challenging venue for the Warriors, with 11 losses in 13 attempts against the Dragons.
In other team news, a much-anticipated return for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was put on hold. The 31-year-old was named in the reserves on Tuesday, nearing a return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the round three victory over the Sydney Roosters in March.
Unfortunately, Tuivasa-Sheck was among the three players to drop out of the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline. Hooker Sam Healey, who made his NRL debut as Warrior #291 last week, and prop Tanner Stowers-Smith were also omitted from the lineup.
While Tuivasa-Sheck's return is delayed, the Warriors are welcoming back seasoned winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak from a wrist injury sustained more than 12 weeks ago. Watene-Zeleniak will resume his customary position on the right wing, while Taine Tuaupiki will switch to the left flank.
Backline adjustments were necessary due to injuries sidelining three outside backs. Preferred centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) will be out for a few weeks. Leiataua's injury will see him out of action until round 13-14, while Berry is scheduled to return in round 14-15.
Additionally, back-up winger Edward Kosi is out with a chest injury sustained in the match against the Cowboys. Kosi bravely played the full 80 minutes, but the severity of his injury has yet to be confirmed.
With Leiataua and Berry both unavailable, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres again. Capewell previously filled in after Berry left the field in the 52nd minute last week. With Capewell's shift, Marata Niukore, who started in the front row against Newcastle and North QLD Morons, reverts to the second row.
Despite the challenges, the Warriors are optimistic about their upcoming games, especially given their recent victories in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023) amid a historical struggle at the venue. With a consistent performance, they hope to continue their winning streak in the upcoming matches.