While the finals are out of reach, the One New Zealand Warriors are motivated to finish their return to the NRLW with a strong performance in their season finale against Wests Tigers today.
After winning three of their first six games the Warriors were inside the top six in an impressive comeback campaign.
Despite being without several key personnel, they were in the hunt in each of their last four matches but couldn't provide the polish and slipped out of finals contention.
A fourth win today would see the Warriors finish a highly creditable eighth in a season which has marked a new beginning for the club.
They've shown the future looks bright for women's rugby league in New Zealand after unearthing some fresh young talent from their pathways and among their rugby union converts.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 11 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
12th Position
away Team
Warriors
8th Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Team news
Wests Tigers: Back-rower Portia Bourke has come out of the side on Saturday so Tara Reinke will start and Iemaima Etuale joins the bench. In his final game in charge, Brett Kimmorley has turned to Evie McGrath to replace Caitlin Turnbull (head knock) at fullback. Salma Nour is set to start at hooker, while back-rower Montana Clifford is preparing for her first game since Round 6.
One New Warriors: Tysha Ikenasio and Laishon Albert-Jones come straight back into the side in their return from suspension but the Warriors have been dealt a blow with the loss of promising playmaker Patricia Maliepo. Lydia Turua-Quedley will line up at halfback with Emmanita Paki shifting to five-eighth. Maarire Puketapu has also been ruled out after suffering a head knock last week. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update with Makayla Eli the 18th player.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 11 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Evie McGrathFullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Rebecca PollardWinger for Warriors is number 2 Tyra Wetere
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Harmony CrichtonCentre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Emily BassCentre for Warriors is number 4 Payton Takimoana
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Lily RoganWinger for Warriors is number 5 Lavinia Tauhalaliku
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jetaya FaifuaFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita Paki
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Faythe ManeraHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Lydia Turua-Quedley
Forwards
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah TogatukiProp for Warriors is number 8 Matekino Gray
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Salma NourHooker for Warriors is number 9 Capri Paekau
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Ruby FifitaProp for Warriors is number 10 Lavinia Kitai
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Shakira Baker
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Montana Clifford2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kaiyah Atai
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 15 Tara ReinkeLock for Warriors is number 13 Laishon Albert-Jones
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Pihuka Berryman-DuffInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Avery-Rose Carmont
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Jade FonuaInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata Butler
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Amelia HuakauInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Ivana Lauitiiti
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Iemaima EtualeInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Ashlee Matapo
Reserves
-
Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 19 Jessikah ReevesReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Makayla Eli
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat attack
- Wests Tigers have lost all three games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
- Warriors centre Payton Takimoana has scored seven tries in her last four games in Australia.
- The Tigers have kicked only seven goals from 20 attempts this season.
- Warriors winger Tyra Wetere has scored four tries in her last four games.
- Tigers captain Kezie Apps will play her 40th NRLW game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
