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Key Changes in NZ Warriors Lineup
The New Zealand Warriors are set to face North QLD Morons in the NRL Magic Round clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. However, they will have to do so without their centre, Ali Leiataua. Initially named in the unchanged starting lineup for the round nine match, Leiataua has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during a field session on Thursday.
This unexpected turn of events has led to some reshuffling in the team. Adam Pompey, with his vast experience, will be moved back into the centres, and Edward Kosi is set to fill in on the left wing. Along with Leiataua, halfback Tanah Boyd and second rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have also been omitted from the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline.
New Lineup and Strategies
Head coach Andrew Webster has announced that Leka Halasima will be starting in the second row once again, with Marata Niukore backing him up at prop. This is the same strategy they employed in their 26-12 Anzac Day victory against Newcastle.
The bench will also see a change, with Te Maire Martin stepping in to fill the shoes of back rower Jacob Laban. Laban is currently under NRL concussion protocols due to a head knock he received during his 37-minute stint on Anzac Day.
Facing the Cowboys
The Warriors, currently in the 2025 Magic Round, are up against the Cowboys who have managed to turn their season around in just five weeks. Despite starting the year with three straight losses, the Cowboys have bounced back with four consecutive victories, the most recent one being a 50-18 win over the Titans.
Current Standings
The Cowboys are currently in sixth place with 10 points, with the fifth-placed Broncos just behind the Warriors. The Warriors, on the other hand, are tied for second place with the Storm and Raiders, each having 12 points. However, due to the points for and against differential, the Warriors are ranked fourth. The Bulldogs lead the ladder with 14 points.
The Warriors’ 5-2 start to their 2025 campaign has been one of the best in the club's history, with the only better start being in 2018 when they had a 6-1 record after their first seven games.
Looking Forward
They’ve had a good run against the Cowboys in their past three contests, winning two in Townsville and one at Go Media Stadium. The Warriors' fans are hopeful that their team will continue this winning streak in the upcoming home clash on neutral territory.
The Magic Round reminds us all of one of the greatest triumphs in the club’s history when an injury-ravaged side held off defending premier Penrith to win 22-20. Here's to hoping that history repeats itself, and the Warriors come out on top once again.
The New Zealand Warriors are set to face North QLD Morons in the NRL Magic Round clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. However, they will have to do so without their centre, Ali Leiataua. Initially named in the unchanged starting lineup for the round nine match, Leiataua has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during a field session on Thursday.
This unexpected turn of events has led to some reshuffling in the team. Adam Pompey, with his vast experience, will be moved back into the centres, and Edward Kosi is set to fill in on the left wing. Along with Leiataua, halfback Tanah Boyd and second rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have also been omitted from the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline.
New Lineup and Strategies
Head coach Andrew Webster has announced that Leka Halasima will be starting in the second row once again, with Marata Niukore backing him up at prop. This is the same strategy they employed in their 26-12 Anzac Day victory against Newcastle.
The bench will also see a change, with Te Maire Martin stepping in to fill the shoes of back rower Jacob Laban. Laban is currently under NRL concussion protocols due to a head knock he received during his 37-minute stint on Anzac Day.
Facing the Cowboys
The Warriors, currently in the 2025 Magic Round, are up against the Cowboys who have managed to turn their season around in just five weeks. Despite starting the year with three straight losses, the Cowboys have bounced back with four consecutive victories, the most recent one being a 50-18 win over the Titans.
Current Standings
The Cowboys are currently in sixth place with 10 points, with the fifth-placed Broncos just behind the Warriors. The Warriors, on the other hand, are tied for second place with the Storm and Raiders, each having 12 points. However, due to the points for and against differential, the Warriors are ranked fourth. The Bulldogs lead the ladder with 14 points.
The Warriors’ 5-2 start to their 2025 campaign has been one of the best in the club's history, with the only better start being in 2018 when they had a 6-1 record after their first seven games.
Looking Forward
They’ve had a good run against the Cowboys in their past three contests, winning two in Townsville and one at Go Media Stadium. The Warriors' fans are hopeful that their team will continue this winning streak in the upcoming home clash on neutral territory.
The Magic Round reminds us all of one of the greatest triumphs in the club’s history when an injury-ravaged side held off defending premier Penrith to win 22-20. Here's to hoping that history repeats itself, and the Warriors come out on top once again.