NRLW Match Preview: Atai named as captain for clash against Roosters
With captain Apii Nicholls sidelined, back rower Kaiyah Atai has been named to lead the One New Zealand Warriors in today's round eight NRLW clash against the Roosters in Sydney.
The Roosters remain the competition's standard bearers after producing a stunning second-half comeback to beat Brisbane 34-20 while the Warriors enter the contest after a narrow 22-30 loss to Wests Tigers.
Sydney's depth, execution and ability to lift under pressure continue to separate them from the rest of the field. The Roosters continue to show they can score points from anywhere on the field, while also possessing one of the competition's strongest defensive systems.
Despite the loss, New Zealand displayed plenty of attacking spark and remains a difficult side to contain when their expansive game clicks into gear. The Warriors have the weapons to trouble the ladder leaders, but they'll need to be close to perfect for the full 70 minutes.
The key challenge for the Warriors will be finding a way to slow the Roosters' relentless attack.
Will be a cracker.
Match: Roosters v Warriors
Round 8 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Warriors
6th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Roosters: With Jillaroos forward Rima Butler suffering a head knock in last week's win over the Broncos, Taneisha Gray has been named on the bench for her first appearance of the season. The only other change to the winning line-up sees Mia Wood taking over the 18th player role. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update.
One New Zealand Warriors: A blow for the Warriors with Apii Nicholls ruled out on Saturday due to a hand injury. Nicholls is facing up to four games on the sideline. Emmanita Paki has been switched from standoff to fullback with hooker Patricia Maliepo moved into the halves. Jay Huriwai has been promoted from the bench to start at hooker and Capri Paekau joins the interchange. Maarire Puketapu shifts from prop to the second row with Metanoia Fetalaiga coming from the bench to start in the front row. Ivana Lauitiiti has been promoted from 18th player to the bench.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban BaxterFullback for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita Paki
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie ParkerWinger for Warriors is number 2 Payton Takimoana
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Warriors is number 3 Mele Hufanga
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Warriors is number 4 Stacey Waaka
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme FressardWinger for Warriors is number 5 Tysha Ikenasio
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn KelleherFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 7 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn AikenHalfback for Warriors is number 9 Patricia Maliepo
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie ElliottProp for Warriors is number 8 Annetta Nuuausala
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley NizzaHooker for Warriors is number 14 Jasmin Huriwai
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa PuleProp for Warriors is number 10 Metanoia Fetalaiga
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Sariah Paki2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Maarire Puketapu
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia KernickLock for Warriors is number 13 Kaiyah Atai
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Taina NaividiInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata Butler
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Aliyah NasioInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Ivana Lauitiiti
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Taneisha GrayInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Mya Hill-Moana
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Amber HallInterchange for Warriors is number 19 Capri Paekau
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Mia WoodReplacement for Warriors is number 21 Natalia Hickling
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Shawden BurtonReserve for Warriors is number 22 Matekino Gray
Roosters Ins
- Mia Wood
- Shawden Burton
- Taneisha Gray
Warriors Ins
- Capri Paekau
- Matekino Gray
- Natalia Hickling
Roosters Outs
- Nikiah Campbell
- Rima Butler
Warriors Ins
- Apii Nicholls
- Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat attack
- The Roosters have won their last two games against the Warriors
- The Warriors have lost three from four in Australia this season
- Roosters winger Brydie Parker has scored five tries in her last two games
- Warriors winger Tysha Ikenasio has scored five tries in her last two games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
