After drama-filled victories in their last two starts, the One New Zealand Warriors can make it three straight with a win over Cronulla Sutherland in their round 14 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) match at Sharks Stadium in Sydney on Saturday (3.05pm kick-off local time; 5.05pm NZT).
The Warriors were in comeback mode against the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs before securing two vital triumphs to continue a revival which has taken them into the top eight midway through the season.
The Sharks, though, pose a much sterner test than the Warriors faced last week.
They sit fourth on the ladder on 20 points, eight ahead of the Warriors, with a 9-3 record including seven wins and just one loss in their last eight games, that loss coming last week against the Raiders.
Match: Sharks v Warriors
Round 14 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Oliver LesterFullback for Warriors is number 1 Joseph Ratcliffe
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Pharrell GrayWinger for Warriors is number 2 Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Nikora WilliamsCentre for Warriors is number 3 Brandon Norris
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Prestyn Laine-SietuCentre for Warriors is number 4 Caelys-Paul Putoko
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Richard WhaleboneWinger for Warriors is number 21 Rapheal Sio
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 20 Adrian SandyFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Jack Thompson
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Logan ClinchHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Jett Cleary
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Felix FaatiliProp for Warriors is number 10 Rodney Tuipulotu Vea
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Jai CamilleriHooker for Warriors is number 14 Jeriko Filipi-Talisau
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Setefano SeleProp for Warriors is number 16 Tepatasi Laumalili
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Lajuan Vito2nd Row for Warriors is number 5 Kahu Capper
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Dylan Coutts2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Alvin Chong Nee
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Samuel McCullochLock for Warriors is number 13 Harry Durbin
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Moustafa DiraniInterchange for Warriors is number 11 Paea Sikuvea
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Richie TupuaileiInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Presley Seumanu Tigafua
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Lachlan AraulloInterchange for Warriors is number 20 Tallan Egan
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Joe NadenicInterchange for Warriors is number 22 Emosi Ravosai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 21 Luke Raymond
Last updated:
The Warriors, though, can draw on some positives from their sixth-round encounter with the Sharks in Auckland when they gave their more-fancied opponents a serious shake.
It was a contest the Warriors led 22-4 at halftime before allowing Cronulla to climb back to level up at 22-22 with plenty of time left for either side to seal it. Ultimately the Sharks outlasted the Warriors in the arm wrestle to win 28-22.
Since that loss they’ve had three wins and a draw in six games, one of the two losses by just four points against Canberra when they were pushing for victory at the end.
The Warriors have Joseph Ratcliffe back at fullback as well as Rapheal Sio on the wing but they don’t have impressive prop Jason Salalilo who is with the New South Wales Cup side this week.
