Oracle of Delphi
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Craig HillRound 15 preview – Warriors vs Panthers
June 21st 2007 23:41
VENUE and TIME: Mt Smart Stadium, Friday, 8pm
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 19, Warriors 7, Panthers 12
COVERAGE: Channel 9 (delay), Fox Sports (delay)
LAST CLASH: Panthers 36-6, CUA Stadium, 2006
MEDICAL ROOM:
The New Zealand Warriors are relatively unaffected by injuries, with only vice-captain Ruben Wiki (ribs) and Jerome Ropati (ankle) unavailable for selection this week. Both players are expected to return next week.
The Panthers are basically at full strength for this clash, with only Trent Waterhouse (leg), Luke Priddis (groin) and Luke Rooney (neck) unavailable. All three are expected to be out for at least another four weeks.
FORM:
The Warriors produced a gritty effort last Saturday to finally break a troublesome six game losing streak against the inform Sharks. After starting the season with a string of impressive results, the New Zealanders seemingly slipped back into their old undisciplined, mistake riddled ways. Narrow losses to the Sharks, Knights, Tigers and Storm have not only seen them freefall out of the top eight, but have cost them valuable premiership points.
Penrith’s frustrating season finally came to a head last Saturday night, with the Panthers last minute loss earning coach Matt Elliott a $10,000 fine for his verbal tirade against NRL match officials. Like the Warriors, Penrith’s ill-discipline has seen them drop close matches against the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sea-Eagles and Tigers over the past month, with the Panthers currently leading the league in most penalties conceded.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
Wade McKinnon vs Rhys Wesser
Since linking with the Warriors from the Eels this season, McKinnon has been the star of a stuttering Warriors backline. Possessing the innate ability to bump off tackle after tackle, McKinnon’s attacking prowess has offered another dimension to an already unpredictable Warriors arsenal.
After enduring a quiet start to season ’07, Wesser is back to the blistering form that saw him represent at Origin level only a few years ago. Deceptively strong and as fast as lightening, Wesser will be looking to add to his 2007 tally of six tries against the inconsistent Warriors this Friday night.
Steve Price vs Joel Clinton
Price showcased last Saturday night why he is currently regarded as the best prop forward in the NRL. After playing in a grafting Origin match just three days earlier, Price ran for a season high 303 metres from 33 hit-ups in trying conditions against the Sharks, leading the team by example after the late withdrawal of Ruben Wiki.
After securing his playing future with the Broncos last week, Clinton celebrated with a dominant, barnstorming performance against the Roosters last Saturday. The burly Panthers prop produced 21 charges for 143 metres gained, and he will be primed for a big game against the giant Warriors pack this Friday night.
VERDICT:
With the Panthers heading to New Zealand without their first choice hooker and five-eighth, expect the Warriors to record back to back victories.
Warriors by 12
New Zealand Warriors -
Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Evarn Tuimavave, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Louis Anderson, Logan Swann, Michael Luck
Interchange -
George Gatis, Sam Rapira, Wairangi Koopu, Epalahame Lauaki
Penrith Panthers -
Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Nick Youngquest, Maurice Blair, Craig Gower (c), Joel Clinton, Paul Aiton, Frank Puletua, Junior Moors, Tony Puletua, Nathan Smith
Interchange -
Tim Grant, Frank Pritchard, Keith Peters, Geoff Daniella, Richie Williams
Referee- Steve Clark
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 19, Warriors 7, Panthers 12
COVERAGE: Channel 9 (delay), Fox Sports (delay)
LAST CLASH: Panthers 36-6, CUA Stadium, 2006
MEDICAL ROOM:
The New Zealand Warriors are relatively unaffected by injuries, with only vice-captain Ruben Wiki (ribs) and Jerome Ropati (ankle) unavailable for selection this week. Both players are expected to return next week.
The Panthers are basically at full strength for this clash, with only Trent Waterhouse (leg), Luke Priddis (groin) and Luke Rooney (neck) unavailable. All three are expected to be out for at least another four weeks.
FORM:
The Warriors produced a gritty effort last Saturday to finally break a troublesome six game losing streak against the inform Sharks. After starting the season with a string of impressive results, the New Zealanders seemingly slipped back into their old undisciplined, mistake riddled ways. Narrow losses to the Sharks, Knights, Tigers and Storm have not only seen them freefall out of the top eight, but have cost them valuable premiership points.
Penrith’s frustrating season finally came to a head last Saturday night, with the Panthers last minute loss earning coach Matt Elliott a $10,000 fine for his verbal tirade against NRL match officials. Like the Warriors, Penrith’s ill-discipline has seen them drop close matches against the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sea-Eagles and Tigers over the past month, with the Panthers currently leading the league in most penalties conceded.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
Wade McKinnon vs Rhys Wesser
Since linking with the Warriors from the Eels this season, McKinnon has been the star of a stuttering Warriors backline. Possessing the innate ability to bump off tackle after tackle, McKinnon’s attacking prowess has offered another dimension to an already unpredictable Warriors arsenal.
After enduring a quiet start to season ’07, Wesser is back to the blistering form that saw him represent at Origin level only a few years ago. Deceptively strong and as fast as lightening, Wesser will be looking to add to his 2007 tally of six tries against the inconsistent Warriors this Friday night.
Steve Price vs Joel Clinton
Price showcased last Saturday night why he is currently regarded as the best prop forward in the NRL. After playing in a grafting Origin match just three days earlier, Price ran for a season high 303 metres from 33 hit-ups in trying conditions against the Sharks, leading the team by example after the late withdrawal of Ruben Wiki.
After securing his playing future with the Broncos last week, Clinton celebrated with a dominant, barnstorming performance against the Roosters last Saturday. The burly Panthers prop produced 21 charges for 143 metres gained, and he will be primed for a big game against the giant Warriors pack this Friday night.
VERDICT:
With the Panthers heading to New Zealand without their first choice hooker and five-eighth, expect the Warriors to record back to back victories.
Warriors by 12
New Zealand Warriors -
Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Evarn Tuimavave, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Louis Anderson, Logan Swann, Michael Luck
Interchange -
George Gatis, Sam Rapira, Wairangi Koopu, Epalahame Lauaki
Penrith Panthers -
Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Nick Youngquest, Maurice Blair, Craig Gower (c), Joel Clinton, Paul Aiton, Frank Puletua, Junior Moors, Tony Puletua, Nathan Smith
Interchange -
Tim Grant, Frank Pritchard, Keith Peters, Geoff Daniella, Richie Williams
Referee- Steve Clark
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