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As the New Zealand Warriors gear up for the upcoming 11th-round NRL face-off against the Dolphins, the team announces the much-anticipated return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The match is set to take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with a kick-off at 3.00pm local time, translating to 5.00pm NZT.
Since being sidelined due to a hamstring injury in the round three victory over the Roosters, 31-year-old Tuivasa-Sheck's return has been eagerly awaited. Named on the extended bench in jersey #22 when the squad was initially announced on Tuesday, Tuivasa-Sheck's comeback was confirmed after the final run in Brisbane. He was included in the 19-man lineup announced 24 hours before the kick-off.
With the Warriors' outside backs, including centres Rocco Berry, Ali Leiataua, and winger Edward Kosi sidelined due to injuries, head coach Andrew Webster has decided to reinstate Tuivasa-Sheck into the midfield role he mastered last season.
This shift allows Kurt Capewell, who recently filled in as a centre, to move back into the second row alongside Leka Halasima. Marata Niukore also switches to interchange, joining forces with Te Maire Martin, Demitric Vaimauga, and Jacob Laban. Young forwards Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and Tanner Stowers-Smith have been retained in the game day 19-man lineup, while hooker Sam Healey, halfback Tanah Boyd, and Moala Graham-Taufa have been omitted.
The upcoming match also marks the return of co-captain James Fisher-Harris, who suffered a pectoral strain early in the round six match against Melbourne on April 13. However, the Warriors will miss the presence of middle forwards Bunty Afoa (knee) and Jackson Ford (concussion).
Despite these setbacks, the Warriors are currently second on the ladder, with an impressive 7-2 record, matching the club’s best start to a season, previously achieved in 2002 and 2018. The team bounced back from their heavy loss to the Storm with four consecutive victories against Brisbane (20-18), Newcastle (26-12), North QLD Morons (30-26), and St George Illawarra (15-14).
Halfback Luke Metcalf has been a standout player, lifting his season’s points tally to 79 with a try, two conversions, a penalty, and the match-winning field goal against the Dragons.
The Warriors will be facing the Dolphins for the fifth time since the QLD Morons side joined the competition in 2023. While the Warriors have won both contests at Go Media Stadium, the Dolphins have triumphed in both clashes at Suncorp Stadium. Currently, the Dolphins are 12th on the ladder with a 4-6 record but are rejuvenated after a 20-16 win over Parramatta last weekend.
This match promises to be a thrilling face-off, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of the veterans and the continued rise of the Warriors in the NRL standings.
Since being sidelined due to a hamstring injury in the round three victory over the Roosters, 31-year-old Tuivasa-Sheck's return has been eagerly awaited. Named on the extended bench in jersey #22 when the squad was initially announced on Tuesday, Tuivasa-Sheck's comeback was confirmed after the final run in Brisbane. He was included in the 19-man lineup announced 24 hours before the kick-off.
With the Warriors' outside backs, including centres Rocco Berry, Ali Leiataua, and winger Edward Kosi sidelined due to injuries, head coach Andrew Webster has decided to reinstate Tuivasa-Sheck into the midfield role he mastered last season.
This shift allows Kurt Capewell, who recently filled in as a centre, to move back into the second row alongside Leka Halasima. Marata Niukore also switches to interchange, joining forces with Te Maire Martin, Demitric Vaimauga, and Jacob Laban. Young forwards Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and Tanner Stowers-Smith have been retained in the game day 19-man lineup, while hooker Sam Healey, halfback Tanah Boyd, and Moala Graham-Taufa have been omitted.
The upcoming match also marks the return of co-captain James Fisher-Harris, who suffered a pectoral strain early in the round six match against Melbourne on April 13. However, the Warriors will miss the presence of middle forwards Bunty Afoa (knee) and Jackson Ford (concussion).
Despite these setbacks, the Warriors are currently second on the ladder, with an impressive 7-2 record, matching the club’s best start to a season, previously achieved in 2002 and 2018. The team bounced back from their heavy loss to the Storm with four consecutive victories against Brisbane (20-18), Newcastle (26-12), North QLD Morons (30-26), and St George Illawarra (15-14).
Halfback Luke Metcalf has been a standout player, lifting his season’s points tally to 79 with a try, two conversions, a penalty, and the match-winning field goal against the Dragons.
The Warriors will be facing the Dolphins for the fifth time since the QLD Morons side joined the competition in 2023. While the Warriors have won both contests at Go Media Stadium, the Dolphins have triumphed in both clashes at Suncorp Stadium. Currently, the Dolphins are 12th on the ladder with a 4-6 record but are rejuvenated after a 20-16 win over Parramatta last weekend.
This match promises to be a thrilling face-off, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of the veterans and the continued rise of the Warriors in the NRL standings.
