New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Tips, Odds and Teams – NRL 2018 Round 9

Joseph

8 years ago

Saturday’s NRL 2018 Round 9 match is between New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers. The opening kick is set to commence at 17:30 local time with the game to be played at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. The away team Wests Tigers are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers.

When: 17:30 | Saturday 05/05/2018

Where: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Preview:

Crashing back to earth last week against the Storm, the Warriors at home will be out to make amends.

I have seen enough from them this year to know this will be the case.

A team that will have the home ground support, I think they’ll be right up for the challenge.

Over the last few rounds, the Tigers’ defence has looked vulnerable and could spell danger for the black and gold.

Defence is hard to sustain over a season and you only have to be a few percent off in areas and it can really hurt you.

Just ask the Warriors coming off a 50-point drubbing.

KEY BATTLE: Back 5 v Back 5

A massive battle between the back 5 of both teams.

For the Tigers, they rely heavily on theirs for 2nd phase and metres and every back 5 player last week ran for over 100m.

While the Warriors rely on theirs to start their sets in a positive manner from the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu’a and big Ken Maumalo.

Look for some tries to rain out wide in this game and you would have to think The Fus will be odds on again.

Already leading the comp with 10 tries, I would think he’ll extend that tally.

The Verdict

Conditions could play against the expansive style and creativity the Tigers like.

I don’t think there has been a game this year in NZ where it hasn’t rained.

The Warriors have an 8-7 (53.5 percent) record as a home favourite in night matches since 2014.

Unibet Odds:

New Zealand at $1.60

Wests Tigers at $2.38

Odds:

OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!

Tip: Wests Tigers at $2.50

Value Tip: First Try Scorer: David Nofoaluma at $13.00

More Info:

Teams:

New Zealand Warriors:

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Peta Hiku, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Ken Maumalo, 6 Blake Green, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Bunty Afoa, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Agnatius Paasi, 11 Simon Mannering, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair Interchange: 14 Karl Lawton, 15 Sam Lisone, 16 Isaiah Papali’i, 17 James Gavet Reserves: 18 Anthony Gelling, 19 Mason Lino, 20 Albert Vete, 21 Sam Cook.

Wests Tigers:

1 Corey Thompson, 2 David Nofoaluma, 3 Esan Marsters, 4 Kevin Naiqama, 5 Mahe Fonua, 6 Benji Marshall (c), 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Matthew Eisenhuth, 9 Pita Godinet, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Chris Lawrence, 12 Robbie Rochow, 13 Elijah Taylor Interchange: 14 Alex Twal, 15 Josh Aloiai, 16 Michael Chee-Kam, 17 Sauaso Sue Reserves: 18 Tim Grant, 19 Matt McIlwrick, 20 Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, 21 Tyson Gamble.

NRL News:

A day after declaring hooker Issac Luke would be sidelined for four weeks with a knee complaint, the Warriors have included him in their starting lineup to face Wests Tigers.

Luke’s appearance would be remarkable after limping off 16 minutes into the Warriors’ hammering by Melbounre on Anzac Day.

Halfback Shaun Johnson, centre Solomone Kata (ankle) and second-rower Tohu Harris (concussion) are all back after missing the 50-10 drubbing from the Storm.

Making way respectively are Mason Lino, Anthony Gelling and Isaiah Papali’i, who are all on an extended bench.

Another possibility on the pine is metre-eating prop James Gavet, who has been sidelined for five rounds while battling hamstring and rib cartilage issues.

Luke trained on Monday and Kearney said the signs are positive for the Kiwis Test veteran, who had been in superb form.

“We’re not certain that we’ll play this week but we’re giving him every chance to play,” Kearney told Radio Sport.

Former Gold Coast utility Karl Lawton is on the bench and shapes as a likely replacement if Luke falls short with his fitness.

Lawton would make his Warriors first grade debut, having impressed with the club’s ISP side.

Regular hooker backup Jazz Tevaga has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.