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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, a key player for the One New Zealand Warriors, is one of three players who won't be part of the 10th round NRL match against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. The match is scheduled for Saturday, with a local kick-off time of 5.30pm (7.30pm NZT).
The 31-year-old was initially named in the reserves on Tuesday, with hopes of a return from a hamstring injury that has kept him off the field since the round three win over the Sydney Roosters in March. However, the squad had to reduce to 19 players, 24 hours ahead of kick-off, leaving out Tuivasa-Sheck.
In addition to Tuivasa-Sheck, Sam Healey – the hooker who made his NRL debut last week as Warrior #291 – and prop Tanner Stowers-Smith were also omitted from the squad. With Healey not being used, Te Maire Martin has been moved into the interchange, while Tanner Boyd and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava remain in the game day squad until the final lineup is declared an hour before kick-off.
On a brighter note, seasoned winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak is set to make his comeback after a 12-week break due to a wrist injury from the Preseason Challenge match against Cronulla Sutherland.
The 29-year-old is selected for his usual position on the right wing, while Taine Tuaupiki, his stand-in, has been switched to the left flank.
Unfortunately, the team faces more challenges due to multiple injuries. Centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) are expected to remain out for a few weeks. Leiataua’s injury, which occurred during training, is expected to keep him out of action until rounds 13-14, while Berry is anticipated to return around rounds 14-15.
Moreover, back-up winger Edward Kosi is out with a chest injury. Despite the injury, Kosi courageously played the full 80 minutes during the match against the Cowboys. The severity of his injury is yet to be confirmed.
With Leiataua and Berry on the sidelines, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres, a position he filled last week after Berry left the field in the 52nd minute. Capewell was also used in the centres in the round seven win over Brisbane.
With Capewell’s shift, 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. Jacob Laban returns to the interchange after observing concussion protocols last week.
Despite these hurdles, the Warriors, who are third on the ladder with 14 points, are seeking their seventh win in nine matches this season. However, historical records show that WIN Stadium has been one of their most challenging venues with 11 losses against the Dragons in 13 attempts. That being said, they have won two of the last three games in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023), despite losing 12-30 last year.
The 31-year-old was initially named in the reserves on Tuesday, with hopes of a return from a hamstring injury that has kept him off the field since the round three win over the Sydney Roosters in March. However, the squad had to reduce to 19 players, 24 hours ahead of kick-off, leaving out Tuivasa-Sheck.
In addition to Tuivasa-Sheck, Sam Healey – the hooker who made his NRL debut last week as Warrior #291 – and prop Tanner Stowers-Smith were also omitted from the squad. With Healey not being used, Te Maire Martin has been moved into the interchange, while Tanner Boyd and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava remain in the game day squad until the final lineup is declared an hour before kick-off.
On a brighter note, seasoned winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak is set to make his comeback after a 12-week break due to a wrist injury from the Preseason Challenge match against Cronulla Sutherland.
The 29-year-old is selected for his usual position on the right wing, while Taine Tuaupiki, his stand-in, has been switched to the left flank.
Unfortunately, the team faces more challenges due to multiple injuries. Centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) are expected to remain out for a few weeks. Leiataua’s injury, which occurred during training, is expected to keep him out of action until rounds 13-14, while Berry is anticipated to return around rounds 14-15.
Moreover, back-up winger Edward Kosi is out with a chest injury. Despite the injury, Kosi courageously played the full 80 minutes during the match against the Cowboys. The severity of his injury is yet to be confirmed.
With Leiataua and Berry on the sidelines, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres, a position he filled last week after Berry left the field in the 52nd minute. Capewell was also used in the centres in the round seven win over Brisbane.
With Capewell’s shift, 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. Jacob Laban returns to the interchange after observing concussion protocols last week.
Despite these hurdles, the Warriors, who are third on the ladder with 14 points, are seeking their seventh win in nine matches this season. However, historical records show that WIN Stadium has been one of their most challenging venues with 11 losses against the Dragons in 13 attempts. That being said, they have won two of the last three games in Wollongong (18-12 in 2018 and 48-18 in 2023), despite losing 12-30 last year.