Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 19 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2:00 pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Eddie Ieremia, 20. Samuel Healey, 21. Bunty Afoa, 22. Edward Kosi, 23. Kurt Capewell
Tigers: 1. Sunia Turuva, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Adam Doueihi, 4. Starford To’a, 5. Jeral Skelton, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Latu Fainu, 8. Terrell May, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu, 12. Tony Sukkar, 13. Alex Twal, 14. Tristan Hope, 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Sione Fainu, 17. Jack Bird, 18. Heath Mason, 19. Charlie Murray, 20. Kit Laulilii, 21. Brent Naden, 22. Luke Laulilii
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Ashley Klein
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Once the Origin period finishes after Wednesday night’s decider, all eyes will be back on the NRL competition as teams head into the back end of the season. From here on, wins are vital. The job for teams in the top eight is to hold on to their spot. Those just outside the eight, winning gets them one step closer to making the finals, keeping their premiership dreams alive.
For the Warriors, it has been a good year so far. They have been entrenched in the top four for most of the season. The hardest part for them comes now. They will have to do it without their halfback, Luke Metcalf, who injured his knee against the Broncos in round 17. Despite Metcalf being out for the season, they still have a side that can see them play finals football in 2025.
Tanah Boyd has been named at halfback. Kurt Capewell has been named as a reserve. No doubt this is due to him playing Origin on Wednesday. If he comes through unscathed, he may line up against the Tigers. Taine Tuaupiki has been named at fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad out with a knee injury. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns early from an ankle injury. Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima have been named in the starting side. Tanner Stowers-Smith has been named on the bench.
After their two-point win over the Roosters, the Tigers will need to go on a run from here to make it into the top eight. Impossible, maybe. Doable, yeah sure. Things will need to fall into place, both in terms of injuries and results, if they are to play finals football this season. Even if they don’t, this season has been an improved one for the Tigers.
If Jarome Luai comes through Origin injury-free, he will line up at five-eighth. Adam Doueihi moves to the centres. Luke Laulilii moves from the starting side to the reserves. Api Koroisau returns from concussion, with Tristan Hope moving to the bench. Jack Bird has been named on the bench after missing last week’s win through illness. Charlie Murray and Kit Laulilii have been named as reserves.
Boyd is the new man who will lead the Warriors around in the number seven jersey. This will be the former Titans’ first game for his new side, and while it is disappointing for Metcalf, who was having a great season, this is a special chance for Boyd to come back as an NRL halfback. He will be going up against an inexperienced halfback in Latu Fainu, but he should not take Fainu lightly. Tigers fans have seen enough of the young half to be excited for the future. It will be an essential clash between two halves who will be looking to make an impact in the NRL.
Both Wayde Egan and Api Koroisau are important to their sides. Both men can play for 80 minutes and are creative from dummy half. Whoever is on top of their game can help get their team the win. But both forward packs will need to do their job in order for their number nines to make an impact.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Warriors by 8 points.
Check out our round 19 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
Follow Us on Facebook
