The Warriors failed to increase their poor first round record by falling to Parramatta 36 – 16 at Pirtek Stadium last week.
The Warriors were missing attacking fullback Kevin Lock but even allowing for his absence, asked very little of the Parramatta defence.
A controversial eight-point try just before the half-time break to left centre Carlos Tuimavave, meant the Warriors were still in touch at half time 14 – 12 despite playing catch-up for most of the first forty minutes.
A return to Eden Park will help the Warriors find some much needed enthusiasm for this week’s game but with a poor record against the Dragons who are coming off a win in week one, they’ll need to more than a home-ground advantage.
The Dragons faced off against the West Tigers in round 1 with both teams desperate to put an abysmal 2013 behind them.
The Tigers got the better of the Dragons early and led 12 – 0 after ten minutes but the new look Dragons side, driven by debutante halves pairing of Michael Witt and former Melbourne Storm five-eight Gareth Widdop, continued to improve as the game went on and they hit back with three first half tries of their own, heading into the break with their noses in front 20 – 18.
The momentum continued to build in the second half for the Dragons and three late tries in the final quarter of the match, meant they ran out comfortable victors 44 – 24.
It was the start to the season the Dragons would have hoped for and the class of Gareth Widdop is something Coach Steve Price can build a team around.
They’ll be keen to consolidate that effort with a win here but will have to man up stronger in defence, especially early in the game, as they face a wounded Warriors side that will be out to redeem themselves.
The Dragons have won the last five clashes between the two sides, even when struggling last year and the Warriors were a shot of making the finals; the Dragons were able to cause an upset.
Despite Witt missing this game through injury and being replaced by Sam William, off what we saw last week and their record against the Warriors, the start for the Dragons appears to be a generous one.
Odds Comparison:
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 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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| New Zealand Warriors | 1.32 | 1.31 | 1.32 | 1.31 | 1.32 | 1.30 |
| St George Illawarra Dragons | 3.50 | 3.55 | 3.50 | 3.55 | 3.50 | 3.60 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Tips: New Zealand Warriors to win.
Teams:
New Zealand Warriors:
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Glen Fisiiahi 3. Dane Nielsen 4. Jerome Ropati 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Rapira 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Simon Mannering 13. John Palavi 14. Jacob Lillyman 15. Suaia Matagi 16. Ben Henry 17. Feleti Mateo 20. Sione Lousi
St George Illawarra Dragons:
1. Adam Quinlan 2. Brett Morris 3. Dylan Farrell 4. Gerard Beale 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Sam Williams 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Mitch Rein 10. Dan Hunt 11. Leeson Ah Mau 12. Ben Creagh 13. Trent Merrin 14. Bronson Harrison 15. Kyle Stanley 16. Joel Thompson 17. Michael Cooper
