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Warriors v Broncos preview
Warriors v Brisbane Broncos
Mt Smart Stadium - Sunday 12:00pm 
Can the Warriors overcome the loss of Sam Tomkins to maintain their winning run or will the Broncos win in New Zealand for the first time since 2009.
After suffering a first-up loss to the Knights, the Warriors have responded with back-to-back victories over the Raiders and Eels to be 2-1 for the first time since 2010. On the back of strong performances from rookies Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata, Albert Vete and Sam Lisione, the Warriors will be out to keep up their strong form against the Broncos. In the absence of the injured Sam Tomkins, Tuimoala Lolohea will move to fullback, providing former Raider Matthew Allwood his first start of the season for his new club.
While the Broncos haven't won in New Zealand since 2009, the form shown by Wayne Bennett's men should make for an entertaining clash. Adding extra spice to this contest is the rivalry between the rookies in both sides, after going down 34-32 in last years Holden Cup decider, the Broncos pairing of Kodi Nikorima and Joe Ofahengaue will be out to avenge the defeat by making an impact in the top grade. The Broncos have maintained the same squad as the one that defeated the Cowboys with the addition of former Warrior Todd Lowrie coming onto the bench.
Last meeting: Round 19 2014 - Brisbane Broncos 28 New Zealand Warriors 22
Who to watch: After an illustrious career with Melbourne, new recruit Ryan Hoffman has made a huge impact in a short time across the Tasman. Scoring a try in each of the Warriors games this season, the representative back-rower has been outstanding on the left edge, forming a strong combination with Chad Townsend and Solomone Kata. Averaging 150 metres and 20 tackles a game, Hoffman has proved to be a worthwhile investment for the Warriors, if he can get over for a try this week, it will be the first time since 2006 he has scored in four-consecutive matches.
He may not be the biggest name in the Brisbane team, but that hasn't stopped Lachlan Maranta from producing tremendous efforts this season. After running for over 200 metres last week along with his two try haul, the young Bronco faces his biggest test yet coming up against Manu Vatuvei. Giving away over 10 kilograms to ‘The Beast', Maranta will need to be at his best, but if he is able to outclass the New Zealand colossus the Broncos will go a long way towards winning the match, while Maranta's representative claims will only be enhanced.
The favourite: With both sides coming into the game on the back of two-straight wins, it's hard to know who to take, but if history is any indication of form, now would be the perfect time to get off the Warriors. As soon as the New Zealander's begin to show signs of winning form, almost always, they follow it up with a disappointing performance.
My tip: If the Broncos can replicate their performance from last week it may well be a long day for the Warriors. Broncos by 13+.
1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Matthew Allwood 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathan Friend 15. Ben Henry 16. Sam Lisone 17. Albert Vete 18. Dominique Peyroux
1. Jordan Kahu 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Jo Ofanhengaue 16. Sam Thaiday 17. Kodi Nikorima 18. Todd Lowrie
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;