The One New Zealand Warriors face off against the Raiders in a crucial round 20 match at GIO Stadium in Canberra, with just seven games remaining and a bye.The One New Zealand Warriors face off against the Raiders in a crucial round 20 match at GIO Stadium in Canberra, with just seven games remaining and a bye. Head coach Andrew Webster acknowledges the challenge ahead, with the Warriors sitting just outside the top eight in 12th place, one point behind the Raiders. He emphasizes the importance of winning games and playing well to secure a spot in the playoffs. Both teams head into the match with a loss, and Webster expects the Raiders to bring their energy. He urges his team to stay focused, execute their game plan, and not get frustrated. The Warriors have won the last three encounters against the Raiders, but the Raiders hold a narrow overall advantage (26-25). Injury updates for both teams include the return of Jamal Fogarty, Hudson Young, and Zac Hosking for the Raiders. For the Warriors, Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell will start, while Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will fill in for injured players. Key statistics reveal some interesting trends. The Raiders have struggled against the Warriors recently, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been a consistent scorer against them. The Warriors have a poor record in Australia this season, and the Raiders have lost their last four home games.
With just seven games remaining plus a bye, things are heating up for the One New Zealand Warriors when they take on the Raiders in round 20 tonight at GIO Stadium in Canberra (kick-off 8pm local time; 1pm NZT).
Head coach Andrew Webster usually has a standard response when the media discusses the ladder.
But he said this week the staff and players are not shying away from the challenge they face as they sit just outside the top eight in 12th place on 19 points, one behind the Raiders.
“We have a big push now towards the end of the season. The bye prepares us well for that, but it’s been a long two weeks,” he said.
“The future is the key. We have to win. It’s extremely exciting. We’re only two wins away from eight.
“We know what awaits us. We have tackled it so that we can stay present. It is all in our power. We have to win games, play well.
“Our performance and the way we do it is the most important thing and then we will get the right outcome. We are looking forward to the challenge. It will not be easy, but it is so exciting and many teams are playing against each other.”
The Warriors and Raiders are starting tonight’s game in identical fashion, having both had a free game and lost.
“We know that our opponents will bring their energy and they will come after us, so we have to make sure that we are prepared for that,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure we do what we do well, give ourselves the best chance and not get frustrated. Some of our games have been a bit tight and we haven’t got what we wanted. Just keep going, stick to what we know works and be the best we can be.”
This will be the 52nd meeting between the two teams, with the Raiders generally leading by a narrow margin (26-25). The Warriors have won the last three encounters.
Team News
Looters: A big one for the Raiders with halfback Jamal Fogarty named to play his first game since suffering a biceps injury in round seven, while Hudson Young returns from a groin injury in the back row and Zac Hosking is back from a shoulder injury. Seb Kris has been recalled in the centres for his first game since round 16. No changes for Thursday’s 24-hour update with Zac Woolford and Adam Cook remaining in the squad.
One New Zealand warrior: Origin representatives Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell arrived in Canberra on Thursday afternoon and will replace the Warriors. Injuries to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) and Marcelo Montoya (groin) have led to another positional shuffle, with Taine Tuaupiki starting at fullback, Ali Leiataua at centre and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing. Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has recovered from a head injury sustained in round 18. Captain Tohu Harris has been ruled out for the season with a wrist injury. Tom Ale and Moala Graham-Taufa remained in the squad when it was reduced on Thursday.
Stat attack
- The Raiders have won just one of their last five games against the Warriors.
- Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored five times in his last seven games against the Raiders.
- Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored five goals in his last six games.
- The Warriors have won just three of nine games in Australia this season.
- The Raiders have lost their last four games at GIO Stadium.
Statistics supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the NRL’s official annual report.
