NRL 2021: St George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors, round 6 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 18 Apr 2021, 01:16 PM

The Dragons have every right to feel good about themselves heading into Sunday's meeting with the Warriors.

After starting the season outside of most people's top eights, new coach Anthony Griffin has got everyone headed in the right direction. They've won four in a row to be sitting in fourth spot.

A feature of their surge has been the play of their forwards. That unit will be put to a stern test against the Warriors.

A last-minute loss to Manly last weekend is something they'll want to make amends for pretty quickly.

Round 6 - Round 6 - Sunday 18 Apr

Full Time

Dragons

Warriors

Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

The rundown

Team news

Dragons: Josh McGuire will make his Dragons debut via the interchange bench just days after he completed a move from the Cowboys.

In a move announced on Saturday, Blake Lawrie (cork) drops out of the side, with Trent Merrin promoted to starting prop. Jordan Pereira was the other player omitted from the squad on Saturday.

Another recent signing, former Panthers back-rower Billy Burns will be the 18th man.

Fullback Matt Dufty has scored eight tries in his past seven games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Warriors: In a series of moves, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown will start at prop with Leeson Ah Mau dropping back to the bench, Ben Murdoch-Masila will start in the second-row with Jack Murchie now the 18th man and Peta Hiku moved from the wing into the centres in a straight swap with Marcelo Montoya.

Kane Evans also moves from the bench into the front row with Tohu Harris going from prop to lock.

Josh Curran is set to start in the second row with Eliesa Katoa dropping out of the squad.

Tom Ale and Taniela Otukolo dropped off the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.

The Warriors have won their past four games against the Dragons.

Round 6 - Round 6 - Sunday 18 Apr

Full Time

Dragons

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew Dufty

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody Ramsey

Winger for Warriors is number 4 Marcelo Montoya
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jack Bird

Centre for Warriors is number 2 Peta Hiku
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey Norman

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Adam Clune

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul Vaughan

Prop for Warriors is number 16 Kane Evans
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCullough

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
Prop for Dragons is number 15 Trent Merrin

Prop for Warriors is number 21 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Josh Kerr

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Josh Curran
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims

2nd Row for Warriors is number 14 Ben Murdoch-Masila
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyrell Fuimaono

Lock for Warriors is number 10 Tohu Harris

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Kaide Ellis

Interchange for Warriors is number 8 Leeson Ah Mau
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Daniel Alvaro

Interchange for Warriors is number 13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Brayden Wiliame

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty Afoa
Interchange for Dragons is number 20 Josh McGuire

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Paul Turner

Reserves

Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Billy Burns

Reserve for Warriors is number 12 Jack Murchie

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:56 PM

Key match-up

Corey Norman v Kodi Nikorima: Both are potential match-winners on their day. Norman has benefited from the strong play of his forwards so far this year, while Nikorima has had to readjust to the loss of halves partner Chanel Harris-Tavita to injury and the arrival of Sean O'Sullivan.