NRL.COM MATCH PREVIEW
The high-flying New Zealand Warriors have enjoyed a surprising start to the 2018 season with a four-game winning streak, while the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have lacked the spark we have come to expect from them so far this season.
With a spine of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson and Issac Luke all in form and firing, the Warriors have managed to either put teams to the sword or come from behind to win. Can their momentum continue against last year's grand finalists?
The Cowboys have endured a disappointing start to the season. With less fluidity in their attack to start the year, both Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan are looking to rediscover their old magic while the team's star-studded forward pack has received a blow with Jordan McLean sidelined for three months with a foot injury.
New Zealand Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys
7.30pm Saturday (5.30pm AET), Mt Smart Stadium
The key match-up: Adam Blair v Jason Taumalolo. With the latter's defection from New Zealand to Tonga in the World Cup there's likely to be no love lost between these two, and they'll be the leaders of their respective forward packs.
For the Warriors to win: They need to do exactly what they did against the Roosters – walk that fine line between controlled, high-completion football and not giving away cheap ball.
For the Cowboys to win: They need to click in attack, and rein in the cheap penalties close to their line which cost them a good portion of their points against the Panthers.
Warriors Stat Attack: Peter Hiku, Solomone Kata and Ken Maumalo all ran for over 150 metres against the Roosters, and they'll want to repeat the effort to start their sets off strongly against the Cowboys this weekend.
Cowboys Stat Attack: The Cowboys conceded four tries to three against Penrith last week but the final score read 33-14, with the Panthers helping themselves to four penalty goals. They'll need to work on their goal-line defence and discipline to strangle the Warriors of any cheap points.
And another thing: The Warriors looked unbeatable against the Roosters last week without Shaun Johnson, and he'll be keen to show what he adds to the side against the Cowboys.
Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2 David Fusitua, 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 Leivaha Pulu, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair. Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga, 15 Sam Lisone, 16 Simon Mannering, 17 Anthony Gelling. Reserves: 18 Ligi Sao, 19 Mason Lino, 20 Tevita Satae, 21 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
The Warriors are boosted by the returns of Shaun Johnson from a groin strain (pushing Mason Lino to the reserves) and veteran Simon Mannering (who replaces Ligi Sao on the bench). Sam Lisone returns from suspension on the bench with Tevita Satae also dropping to the reserves.
Cowboys: 1 Ben Hampton, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Justin O'Neill, 4 Javid Bowen, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Michael Morgan, 7 Johnathan Thurston (c), 8 Matthew Scott (c), 9 Jake Granville, 10 Scott Bolton, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Coen Hess, 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 John Asiata, 16 Corey Jensen, 17 Ethan Lowe. Reserves: 18 Francis Molo, 19 Lachlan Coote, 20 Enari Tuala, 21 Kyle Laybutt.
Scott Bolton starts at prop for Jordan McLean (foot, three months) with Corey Jensen brought onto the bench.
Head-to-head: Played 37; Cowboys 19 wins; Warriors 18 wins
Matches at venue: Played 19; Warriors 13 wins; Cowboys 6 wins
2017 results: Cowboys won 24-12 at 1300SMILES Stadium in round 20
Points per game: Warriors 25.5; Cowboys 17
Points conceded per game: Warriors 13.3; Cowboys 25.3
Televised: Live on Fox League
