The Warriors returned from their season-opening trip to Las Vegas with plenty to fix, but things don’t get any easier as they prepare to host a red-hot Manly side in Auckland.
Their 30-8 loss to Canberra exposed major issues—passive defense, sluggish attack, and a lack of leadership in the spine. Luke Metcalf has already come under pressure in the No.7 jersey, but without a dominant forward pack laying the foundation, his job becomes even tougher.
Andrew Webster has opted for consistency, naming the same 17 that struggled in Round 1. However, Warriors fans will be hoping for smarter middle rotations after some questionable decisions in the opener.
Meanwhile, Manly came out firing in their 42-12 demolition of North Queensland, effectively sealing the win by the 55-minute mark when they led 42-0.
Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans were in complete control, creating endless opportunities for attacking weapons Haumole Olakau’atu, Jason Saab, and Lehi Hopoate. In the middle, Taniela Paseka, Jake Trbojevic, and Ethan Bullemor dominated the contest.
The Sea Eagles’ only change sees Josh Aloiai replacing Siosiua Taukeiaho (knee) in the front row.
History favors Manly, who have won five of their last six against the Warriors, including a 24-10 victory at Brookvale late last season. However, they haven’t won at Mt Smart Stadium since 2017.
The last Auckland meeting between these sides saw the Warriors erase a 16-point deficit to force golden point in a controversial finish, ultimately ending in a 22-all draw.
Despite selling out every home game last year, the Warriors posted just a 4-1-5 record at Mt Smart, with many of their wins lacking conviction. Manly’s 6-1-9 away record from 4 Pines Park wasn’t much better, but based on Round 1 form, the visitors look far better positioned to take control.
One bright spot for the Warriors? Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, their best performer in Vegas, has scored in each of his last five NRL games on the wing.