Neds Match Preview: Round 20
Wests Tigers are set for a massive game at Suncorp Stadium when they host the Warriors on Friday evening.
With six rounds remaining in the regular season, it’s crunch time for Wests Tigers as they look to make a late charge towards the finals.
A win would keep Michael Maguire’s side in touch with the top eight, while a loss would be a major blow to their finals aspirations.
Still fresh in their minds, Wests Tigers will be seeking revenge for their Round 11 loss to the Warriors, where they missed an opportunity to steal the game on the bell.
The Warriors have won the three of the past four games against Wests Tigers, however the Concord-based club won the previous four encounters prior.
Wests Tigers will be without Luke Garner (ankle) and Alex Seyfarth (knee) for the Round 20 clash after the pair suffered serious injuries during last week’s loss to the Sea Eagles, while James Tamou is also a late withdrawal.
Garner suffered a syndesmosis injury and will undergo an additional assessment this week while Seyfarth has sustained a high-grade injury to his medial collateral ligament — also ruling him out for several weeks.
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The Warriors are also missing two key forwards — Addin Fonua Blake (finger) and Matt Lodge (suspension) — as well as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who will beat the bubble and return to New Zealand to begin his rugby career.
The team has recalled Jamayne Taunoa-Brown from his brief stint at the Dragons, while Josh Curran's late omission will see further changes to the pack.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Wests Tigers: Luke Garner (ankle), Thomas Mikaele (shoulder), James Tamou (ankle) and Alex Seyfarth (knee) are all out — replaced by Tom Amone, Shawn Blore, Michael Chee Kam and also Alex Twal, who returns after missing out last week. Moses Mbye starts at centre in place of Junior Pauga, while rookie forward Kelma Tuilagi comes on to the bench for his NRL debut.
NZ Warriors: Josh Curran won't play after dropping out of the squad on Thursday, with Bayley Sironen shifting to lock. Viliami Vailea starts at centre with Euan Aitken moving to the back row. Ben Murdoch-Masila and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown start for Addin Fonua-Blake (finger) and Matt Lodge (suspension) in a new-look side.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 20 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine LaurieFullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece Walsh
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David NofoalumaWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Moses MbyeCentre for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Tommy TalauCentre for Warriors is number 18 Viliami Vailea
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Ken MaumaloWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Adam DoueihiFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Peta Hiku
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Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke BrooksHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan
Forwards
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Warriors is number 8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
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Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob LiddleHooker for Warriors is number 9 Taniela Otukolo
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 14 Alex TwalProp for Warriors is number 10 Ben Murdoch-Masila
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Warriors is number 4 Euan Aitken
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Eliesa Katoa
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Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Joe OfahengaueLock for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen
Interchange
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Tom AmoneInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Kodi Nikorima
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Tukimihia SimpkinsInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Michael Chee KamInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Kane Evans
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Kelma TuilagiInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Jazz Tevaga
Reserves
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Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 20 Zac CiniReserve for Warriors is number 21 Pride Petterson-Robati
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
MATCH DETAILS
Date — Friday, 30th July, 2021
Time — 6:00pm AEST
Venue — Suncorp Stadium
TV, RADIO AND LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
TV — FOX League (Ch.502)
Radio — AM 702 ABC Grandstand, FM 104.9 Triple M
Live Stream — KAYO Sports, Watch NRL (int.)
Maguire: 'We have a good opportunity'
LATEST NEDS ODDS
Head-to-Head — Wests Tigers ($1.62), Warriors ($2.30)
Line — Wests Tigers -5.5 ($2.00), Warriors +5.5 ($2.00)
Odds correct as of 11:00am, Tuesday, 27th July. 18+ only, Gamble responsibly.
HISTORY
Head-to-Head — Played 33, Wests Tigers 16, Warriors 16, Draw 1
At Suncorp Stadium — Yet to play at the venue
Last Time They Met — Warriors 30 def. Wests Tigers 26 (Rd.11, 2021)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee — Ben Cummins
Touch Judges — Darian Furner and Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker Review Official — Henry Perenara
