NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters: What you need to know

Warriors v Roosters

Kickoff: 8pm Friday, 21 March

Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

Form

Both teams began their campaigns with disappointing performances in the opening round, but bounced back in fine style to restore the believe among their fans.

The Warriors did not handle the bright lights of Las Vegas well, slumping 30-8 against Canberra Raiders, although the encounter pivoted on a potential 12-point try, that saw Raiders winger Xavier Savage intercept a pass on his own tryline and gallop the length of the field to score.

Back at home, the Aucklanders fell behind Manly Sea Eagles early and had to survive two dubious-looking tries awarded against them, but kept their cool to emerge 36-16 winners, with underfire half Luke Metcalf contributing 16 points, kicking 6/6 from the tee and scoring the final try.

Sydney were overrun 50-14 by Brisbane Broncos in week one, but balanced out their ledger with a thrilling 38-32 win over four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers.

Winger Daniel Tupou and hooker Connor Watson had two tries each, but they seized control midway through the second half, when Tupou scored, followed by half Sandon Smith from the kickoff.

Seven teams placed from sixth to 13th currently share a 1-1 record.

History

Since they first met in 1995, the Warriors and Roosters have battled out a close rivalry that sees Sydney with 24 wins, Warriors 22 and one draw.

More recently, the Roosters have won the last eight encounters, with the Warriors' last win - a 30-6 romp at Sydney - coming amid their five-game winning streak to start the 2018 season.

In their only meeting last year, the Roosters prevailed 38-18 at Allianz Stadium, as the Warriors lost their fourth in a row.

Winger Dominic Young and second-rower Angus Crichton each had try doubles, as the home side led 22-0 at halftime and extended that advantage, when Tupou scored after the second-half restart.

Teams

Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Ali Leiataua, 4 Adam Pompey, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris (cc), 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitchell Barnett (cc), 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark

Interchange: 14 Dylan Walker, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18 Jacob Laban, 20 Te Maire Martin

Roosters: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3, Mark Nawaqanitawase, 4 Robert Tola, 5 Dominic Young, 6 Sandon Smith, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Spencer Leniu, 9 Connor Watson, 10 Naufahu Whyte, 11 Angus Crichton, 12 Siua Wong, 13 Victory Radley

Interchange: 14 Zach Dockar-Clay, 16 Blake Steep, 18 Hugo Savala, 21 Makahesi Makatoa

Reserves: 20 Billy Smith, 22 Ethan Roberts

Warriors selection

Webster has the luxury of naming the exact same starting line-up for a third straight game, indicating no injury, suspension or form setbacks over the opening two weeks.

That provides a sense of stability to players like Taine Tuaupiki, who is still learning his craft out on the wing, and the halves combination of Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Metcalf's performance against Manly has surely cemented his hold on the No.7 jersey.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will bring up his 50th game for the Warriors, after chalking up 66 for Canberra Raiders.

Roosters selection

Coach Trent Robinson initially three important cogs back into his forward pack - Origin front-rowers Lindsay Collins (illness) and Spencer Leniu (suspension), and England international Victor Radley (concussion) - who all missed last week's win over the Panthers.

On Thursday, he was forced to omit Collins, who still hadn't recovered from illness, while Auckland-born second-rower Salesi Foketi was suspended for a careless high tackle against Penrith, forcing a reshuffle on the bench.

Former Waratahs rugby star Mark Nawaqanitawase continues his league education in the centres, alongside Auckland-born rookie Robert Toia.

Another Kiwi to keep an eye on is front-rower Naufahu Whyte, who debuted for the national team last year and keeps Collins on the interchange for his return from injury.

This fixture also sees the return of veteran halfback Chad Townsend, who played 46 games across two stints with the Warriors between 2015-21.

What will happen

Buoyed on by a Go Media Stadium crowd that exceeds 20,000 for the 15th straight fixture, the Warriors squeeze out a four-point win in a thriller.

TAB odds

Warriors $1.87, Roosters $1.95

Where to watch

Sky Sport 2, 7pm