NRL 2020: New Zealand Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons, round 3 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 30 May 2020, 02:01 PM

The New Zealand Warriors have sacrificed plenty to be lining up for this clash against St George Illawarra.

After relocating from Auckland to NSW due to the travel restrictions in place between Australia and New Zealand because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warriors will have a lot of sentimental support for the rest of their 2020 premiership campaign.

But the most important focal point for Stephen Kearney is for his team to get a win after losing their first two matches in March.

The Dragons are in the same boat after suffering defeats at the hands of the Wests Tigers and Panthers to open their season.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Warriors

Dragons

Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Highlights Latest

The Rundown

Team news

Warriors: Former Raider Jack Murchie has been elevated into the interchange for his new club. Eliesa Katoa has been promoted to the starting second row with Isaiah Papali'i switching to lock and Adam Blair to prop. Front-rower Lachlan Burr was omitted 24 hours from kick-off along with bench back Adam Pompey, while Chanel Harris-Tavita and Josh Curran dropped out on game day. The Warriors have won their past three games against the Dragons.

Dragons: St George Illawarra are 1-17, with Trent Merrin and Adam Clune dropping off the extended bench on game day after Jacob Host and Jackson Ford were culled from the reserves on Friday. Cameron McInnes returns from injury for an 80-minute stint at hooker at the expense of Issac Luke, who has been under the weather and underwent COVID-19 testing as a precaution. The veteran rake was cleared to return to training last week but has missed several sessions and selection as a result.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Warriors

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew Dufty
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Patrick Herbert

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Jordan Pereira
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Peta Hiku

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Brayden Wiliame
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Gerard Beale

Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey Norman
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Blake Green

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Korbin Sims
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Cameron McInnes
Prop for Warriors is number 13 Adam Blair

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul Vaughan
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Tohu Harris

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Tyson Frizell
2nd Row for Warriors is number 17 Eliesa Katoa

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims
Lock for Warriors is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i

Lock for Dragons is number 13 James Graham

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Karl Lawton

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Josh Kerr
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 King Vuniyayawa

Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Blake Lawrie
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Agnatius Paasi

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Tyrell Fuimaono
Interchange for Warriors is number 22 Jack Murchie

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Euan Aitken