Salamanders v Hawks — Pre-Match
Skip to content
8T · 9GP
4T · 10GP
3T · 9GP
1T · 8GP
3T · 9GP
3T · 9GP
Jackson Ford
minor
Steve Price
minor
Dominique Peyroux
SUSPENDED
Dashboard
Season
PRE-MATCH · Trial 1
Miyagi Stadium · Cloudy
Salamanders v Hawks
Form, odds, scouting and the verdict — everything you need before kickoff.
Predicted
30–22
projected final
The Verdict
Hard to see past Salamanders. They hold the advantage with home advantage, the better scoring record.
Scouting Report
Salamanders
Salamanders keep opponents guessing with a varied approach. There's no single way to shut them down.
Their kicking game is built around distance — they want to pin you deep and force drop-outs.
Edge over the opponent: making more metres per player; outscoring opponents comfortably.
3 players unavailable (2 injured, 1 suspended). Significant depth issues.
1 player showing fatigue (fitness below 60) — could be rested or underperform.
Playing at home — should feed off the crowd.
Hawks
Hawks keep opponents guessing with a varied approach. There's no single way to shut them down.
A measured kicking game — they pick their moments rather than relying on one style.
Cause for concern: generating less go-forward than most; struggling to put points on the board.
Tactical Battle
No obvious tactical mismatch here. Both coaches tend to read the game and adjust, so this could develop into a chess match.
All eyes on James Maloney (Five-eighth) vs Mason Lino (Halfback). Both have been outstanding this season and when these two are firing, it's box office.
Where to Target
Salamanders' Prop depth has been a concern all season. Expect Hawks to target that channel.
Hawks' Lock depth has been a concern all season. Expect Salamanders to target that channel.
Scoring
The boot has been a weapon for Hawks this season — 82% conversion rate.
Momentum
Salamanders have been inconsistent — alternating wins and losses. Hard to know which version turns up this week.
Hawks desperately need a win to stop the rot. Expect them to come out fired up.
Key Players
James Maloney
Five-eighth
Tohu Harris
Lock
Phil Blake
Fullback
Blake Green
Halfback
Thomas Leuluai
Five-eighth
Tony Tatupu
Second-row
Chemistry
Salamanders
102%
Hawks
47%
Unavailable
Hawks: Full squad available
Head to Head
Salamanders lead the season series 2-0 from 2 meetings. They'll be confident of maintaining that record at home.
Coaches
The Dealmaker
Salamanders
v
The Showman
Hawks