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The One New Zealand Warriors find themselves gearing up for a demanding round 10 face-off against the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, this Saturday. The kick-off is scheduled for 5.30pm local time, equivalent to 7.30pm NZT.
The top news for the Warriors’ squad this week is the return of seasoned wingers Dallin Watene-Zeleniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the selection mix. Andrew Webster, the head coach, has confirmed the inclusion of 212-game veteran Watene-Zelezniak, marking his first NRL appearance of the year. The 29-year-old winger had been sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained during the Preseason Challenge match against Cronulla Sutherland over 12 weeks ago. He is set to reclaim his customary position on the right wing, pushing his stand-in, Taine Tuaupiki, to the left flank.
Meanwhile, 216-game campaigner Tuivasa-Sheck (31), is also inching closer to his comeback from a hamstring injury. He was included on the extended bench this week after being escorted off the field 55 minutes into the third-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters on March 21.
However, Webster has also had to make backline adjustments due to injuries to three outside backs. Preferred centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) are both expected to be out for a few weeks. Leiataua's injury, incurred during last Thursday's training, will see him out of action until rounds 13-14, while Berry is projected to return in rounds 14-15. Edward Kosi, the back-up winger, is also sidelined due to a chest injury he played through in the match against the Cowboys.
With Leiataua and Berry unavailable, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres, a role he performed after Berry's early exit in the 52nd minute and during the round seven win over Brisbane. Marata Niukore, who started in the front row against Newcastle and North QLD Morons, reverts to the second row with Jackson Ford starting at prop.
Sam Healey, who made his NRL debut against the Cowboys, is named in #14, with second rower Jacob Laban returning to the interchange after following concussion protocols last week.
The Warriors, currently third on the ladder with 14 points, are eyeing their seventh win in nine matches this season, and their fourth consecutive one. However, their history at WIN Stadium doesn't paint a promising picture, with 11 losses against the Dragons in 13 attempts. Nevertheless, they have managed to win two of the last three games in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023), despite a 12-30 loss there last year.
The upcoming match against the Dragons will be a crucial test for the Warriors, as they attempt to maintain their standing on the ladder and build on their recent winning streak.
The top news for the Warriors’ squad this week is the return of seasoned wingers Dallin Watene-Zeleniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the selection mix. Andrew Webster, the head coach, has confirmed the inclusion of 212-game veteran Watene-Zelezniak, marking his first NRL appearance of the year. The 29-year-old winger had been sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained during the Preseason Challenge match against Cronulla Sutherland over 12 weeks ago. He is set to reclaim his customary position on the right wing, pushing his stand-in, Taine Tuaupiki, to the left flank.
Meanwhile, 216-game campaigner Tuivasa-Sheck (31), is also inching closer to his comeback from a hamstring injury. He was included on the extended bench this week after being escorted off the field 55 minutes into the third-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters on March 21.
However, Webster has also had to make backline adjustments due to injuries to three outside backs. Preferred centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) are both expected to be out for a few weeks. Leiataua's injury, incurred during last Thursday's training, will see him out of action until rounds 13-14, while Berry is projected to return in rounds 14-15. Edward Kosi, the back-up winger, is also sidelined due to a chest injury he played through in the match against the Cowboys.
With Leiataua and Berry unavailable, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres, a role he performed after Berry's early exit in the 52nd minute and during the round seven win over Brisbane. Marata Niukore, who started in the front row against Newcastle and North QLD Morons, reverts to the second row with Jackson Ford starting at prop.
Sam Healey, who made his NRL debut against the Cowboys, is named in #14, with second rower Jacob Laban returning to the interchange after following concussion protocols last week.
The Warriors, currently third on the ladder with 14 points, are eyeing their seventh win in nine matches this season, and their fourth consecutive one. However, their history at WIN Stadium doesn't paint a promising picture, with 11 losses against the Dragons in 13 attempts. Nevertheless, they have managed to win two of the last three games in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023), despite a 12-30 loss there last year.
The upcoming match against the Dragons will be a crucial test for the Warriors, as they attempt to maintain their standing on the ladder and build on their recent winning streak.