NZ Warriors Adjust Lineup for Clash Against Bulldogs

The NZ Warriors have confirmed changes to their lineup ahead of their match against the Canterbury Bulldogs, scheduled for 9:35 PM on August 9, 2023, at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will continue to play at centre, while three key players are set to make a possible return from injury.

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita and interchange forward Demitric Vaimauga have been named in the matchday squad after missing last week’s narrow defeat to the Dolphins. Meanwhile, co-captain James Fisher-Harris is listed among the extended reserves and will undergo a fitness test prior to the game. Initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks due to a calf injury, Fisher-Harris has managed some training sessions this week.

“I’m not surprised,” Fisher-Harris stated regarding his recovery. “Day by day, bro… it’s a pretty simple mindset, but that’s how I roll. When the time’s right.” Coach Andrew Webster is cautiously optimistic, stating, “There’s still doubt over who’s available, so we’re waiting to see how they all go and then make a decision from there.”

Strategic Adjustments in the Lineup

With specialist centres Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua both out with injuries, Webster has opted to shift Nicoll-Klokstad into the midfield alongside winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Kurt Capewell has returned to the second row, and Adam Pompey has moved to strengthen the right-edge defence. Taine Tuaupiki is set to take the fullback position.

“We’re a bit low on centres at the moment,” Webster acknowledged, praising the adaptability of his players. “Taine did a really good job at fullback, and Charnze was particularly defensively sound. He was awesome at off-the-ball stuff, getting back to help the back five.”

In contrast, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has opted for consistency, naming the same players following their unexpected loss to the Wests Tigers last week. Despite the setback, the Bulldogs were poised to top the NRL table with a win before being caught off guard by their opponents.

Warriors and Bulldogs Lineups

The NZ Warriors lineup for the match includes:

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Marata Niukore
9. Sam Healey
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark

Interchange players consist of Te Maire Martin, Edie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, and Tanner Stowers-Smith. The reserves include Freddy Lussick, Ed Kosi, Kayless Fatialofa, James Fisher-Harris, and Bunty Afoa.

The Canterbury Bulldogs lineup features:

1. Jacob Kiraz
2. Jethro Rinakama
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon

Their interchange players are Kurt Mann, Harry Hayes, Josh Curran, and Bailey Hayward, with reserves including Mitchell Woods, Blake Wilson, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Kurtis Morrin, and Toby Sexton.

As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the Warriors aim to capitalize on their adjustments, while the Bulldogs seek to rebound from their recent defeat. Fans eagerly await the kickoff, hoping for an exciting display of NRL action.