NRL Round 2 Preview - Warriors VS Broncos
March 23rd 2007 00:23
New Zealand Warriors VS Brisbane Broncos @ Mt Smart Stadium
Sunday, 24th March, 2007
Sunday, 24th March, 2007
ANALYSIS
The defending premiers suffered a massive blow during the week, with the news that skipper Darren Lockyer and prop Corey Parker are both injured for extended periods. Karmichael Hunt was extremely impressive in his first game at halfback, and if the injury riddled Broncos are to have any chance against the rampant home side, than the rookie half will have to be at his creative best.
The Warriors were always in control against a bumbling Parramatta outfit last Saturday night, with the Auckland based team displaying a new found control and discipline to add to their flamboyant attacking skills. Wade McKinnon had a huge game against his former club, and could well prove to be the buy of the season. The custodian’s ability to support any half breaks made should see him well up in the leading try scorers tables, and he is one of the safest and most underrated fullbacks in the competition.
With both sides fielding massive, representative standard forward packs, the outcome of this match will be decided by the backlines. This is where the Warriors have a huge edge in size, strength and experience over the young Brisbane backline, and look for man mountain winger Manu Vatuvei to score a few tries against the teenage Broncos wingman, Steve Michaels.
New Zealand to win comfortably.
DANGER MEN
NZ Warriors- Grant Rovelli, Wade McKinnon, Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira
Brisbane – Karmichael Hunt, Sean Berrigan, Justin Hodges, Petero Civoniceva
INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS
New Zealand Warriors - Louis Anderson - ankle – Round 3
Wairangi Koopu – shoulder – Unknown
Patrick Ah Van – shoulder – Round 4
Brisbane-
Darren Lockyer - ankle - expected return Round 7
Corey Parker - dislocated wrist - Round 9
David Stagg - shoulder - Round 4
TEAMS
New Zealand Team –
Wade McKinnon, Michael Crockett, Tony Martin, Lance Hohaia, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Ruben Wiki (vc), George Gatis, Steve Price ©, Simon Mannering, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck
Bench - Nathan Fien, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira
Brisbane Team - Justin Hodges, Steve Michaels, Brent Tate, Joel Moon, Darius Boyd, Shane Perry, Karmichael Hunt, Dane Carlaw, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva ©, Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Tonie Carroll
Bench – Nick Kenny, Ben Hannant, Greg Eastwood, John Te Reo
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