Match Preview: NRL Round 19 vs Warriors
The Wests Tigers head across the Tasman this Sunday to face the New Zealand Warriors at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Match: Warriors v Wests Tigers
Round 19 -
home Team
Warriors
4th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
14th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Fresh off a confidence-boosting win over the Roosters, the Tigers are poised to continue their momentum against a Warriors side adjusting to key changes.
Team News – Wests Tigers
Head Coach Benji Marshall has named a strong squad for the Round 19 clash:
Halves: Co-captain Jarome Luai returns at five-eighth after State of Origin duties, partnering with Latu Fainu in the halves.
Hooker: Apisai Koroisau is back at hooker following concussion protocols.
Centres: Adam Doueihi shifts back to the centres, with Luke Laulilii moving out of the side.
Bench: Tristan Hope moves to the interchange bench, joined by Jack Bird, who returns after illness.
Team News – New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have made several changes to their line-up:
Halfback: Tanah Boyd makes his club debut at halfback, replacing the injured Luke Metcalf.
Fullback: Taine Tuaupiki returns to the starting side at fullback.
Wing: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns from injury to take his place on the wing.
Bench: Tanner Stowers-Smith is named on the interchange bench.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine TuaupikiFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Sunia Turuva
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Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Adam PompeyCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Adam Doueihi
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Rocco BerryCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Starford To'a
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Roger Tuivasa-SheckWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Jeral Skelton
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jarome Luai
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Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Tanah BoydHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Latu Fainu
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell May
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jackson FordProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua Pole
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Leka Halasima2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Tony Sukkar
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Lock for Warriors is number 13 Erin ClarkLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Te Maire MartinInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tristan Hope
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Jacob LabanInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Seyfarth
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric VaimaugaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Sione Fainu
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tanner Stowers-SmithInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Jack Bird
Reserves
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Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Eddie Ieremia-ToeavaReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Heath Mason
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Reserve for Warriors is number 20 Samuel HealeyReserve for Wests Tigers is number 19 Charlie Murray
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Reserve for Warriors is number 21 Bunty AfoaReserve for Wests Tigers is number 20 Kit Laulilii
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Reserve for Warriors is number 22 Edward KosiReserve for Wests Tigers is number 21 Brent Naden
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Reserve for Warriors is number 23 Kurt CapewellReserve for Wests Tigers is number 22 Luke Laulilii
Warriors Ins
- Bunty Afoa
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
- Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
- Samuel Healey
- Taine Tuaupiki
- Tanner Stowers-Smith
Wests Tigers Ins
- Apisai Koroisau
- Heath Mason
- Jack Bird
- Jarome Luai
Warriors Outs
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Luke Metcalf
Wests Tigers Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
The Tigers are riding high after a spirited victory over the Roosters and will look to carry that form into Auckland. The return of co-captains Luai and Koroisau adds experience and leadership to the spine, providing a steadying influence for the team.
The Warriors, currently sitting 4th on the ladder, have made significant changes due to injuries, including the loss of halfback Luke Metcalf for the season. Tanah Boyd steps in to fill the void, bringing his own flair to the halves. The inclusion of Tuaupiki and Watene-Zelezniak adds depth to the backline.
Historically, the Tigers have found it challenging to secure wins in New Zealand, but with a rejuvenated squad and growing confidence, they are well-positioned to challenge the Warriors on their home turf.
Key Matchups:
Halves: Jarome Luai & Latu Fainu vs. Chanel Harris-Tavita & Tanah Boyd
Hookers: Apisai Koroisau vs. Wayde Egan
Fullbacks: Sunia Turuva vs. Taine Tuaupiki
With the return of key players and a boost in morale, the Wests Tigers are set to deliver a strong performance against the Warriors. Fans can look forward to an exciting contest as the team aims to build on their recent success.
Fast Facts
- The Warriors have won their past eight games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have not defeated the Warriors in New Zealand since 2016.
- The Warriors have won only two of their past five games.
- Wests Tigers winger Charlie Staines has scored five tries in his past six games.
Stats supplied by NRL historian/statistician David Middleton.
