The Warriors take on the Roosters for the second time in six weeks with both sides set for short turnarounds following their Anzac Day matches.
The Roosters got a first-up victory in Round 2 but the Warriors showed enough signs that day to prove they're more than capable of beating any team on their day – a storyline which has continued throughout the 2023 season so far.
Heading into Round 9, the Warriors find themselves firmly entrenched inside the top eight as one of seven teams level on 10 competition points.
Their close defeat to the Melbourne Storm on Anzac Day would have no doubt been tough to take given their early dominance, but a return home across the ditch – where they are yet to taste defeat this season – will be a welcome relief.
Battered and bruised from an Anzac Day thriller of their own, the Roosters will take plenty of confidence from their one-point victory over the Dragons but not without a measure of concern – particularly in the manner of their edge defence.
Having led by 14 points on two occasions during the match, coach Trent Robinson will certainly want to see more from his side defensively after allowing the Dragons back into the contest. He will have been pleased, however, with the combination of Joseph Manu and Luke Keary in the halves, having made the decision mid-week to involve the 2022 Golden Boot winner more in his team's attack.
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Team News
Warriors: There are plenty of changes for the home side with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (head knock) already out, the Warriors were dealt a second blow at fullback with Taine Tuaupiki ruled out due to a leg injury. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is the new fullback, with Marcelo Montoya moving to the wing and Viliami Vailea coming into the starting side at centre. Demitric Sifakula will make his NRL debut off the bench while Marata Niukore will start at prop with Josh Curran moving to the edge and Addin Fonua-Blake listed at lock.
Roosters: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is a late withdrawal, which sees Matt Lodge start at prop and Fletcher Baker join the squad on the bench. There are otherwise no other changes to that which was named mid-week, with Nat Butcher returning from suspension and Angus Crichton moving to the interchange. Corey Allan comes in on the wing for Daniel Tupou, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Dragons on Anzac Day. Sam Walker will be 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Warriors have won three from three in New Zealand this season.
- The Roosters have won their past six games against the Warriors.
- Edward Kosi has scored six tries in five games at Mt Smart Stadium.
- The Roosters play in New Zealand for the first time since 2018.
- Six Warriors players have never achieved a victory against the Roosters.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .