Warriors v Sharks preview

New Zealand Warriors v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Can the Warriors overcome the loss of Shaun Johnson against Cronulla?

After working their way into the top four a fortnight ago, the Warriors have endured a horror past two matches which has seen them fall to eighth on the ladder as well as losing their star halfback Shaun Johnson. With Johnson gone for the remainder of the season, boom rookie Tuimoala Lolohea will be handed the responsibility of wearing the number seven jersey. In other changes, Ben Matulino will move to the second row, Albert Vete will start at prop, while Manu Vatuvei, Konrad Hurrell and Ken Maumalo all return in the backline. While the Warriors have pulled off wins over the Sharks in their past two matches, before that the New Zealanders lost five straight matches dating back to 2012.

Following the junior league controversy, both Andrew and David Fifita have been suspended indefinitely. Having been a major factor in Cronulla's resurgence, the absence of the props has been minimised by the return of Anthony Tupou from a broken jaw sustained against the Warriors in their last encounter. In a major blow, Luke Lewis is expected to miss the next 2-3 matches with a knee injury sustained late last week against Canterbury. Currently sitting in sixth place, the Sharks will be eager to keep in touch with Melbourne and South Sydney as they look the secure a top four finish with a guaranteed second chance in the finals.

Last meeting: Round 9 2015 - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 16 New Zealand Warriors 20

Who to watch: With Shaun Johnson out for the season, the Warriors will be desperate for Sam Tomkins to deliver on his talent before he returns to Wigan in 2016. At his best Tomkins is capable of single-handedly winning a match, having spent a large portion of the season on the sidelines with injury the English international will have to be at his best if the Warriors are to make the top eight.

Having won two Under 20s premierships with the Warriors in 2010-11, Sosaia Feki will be out to make a mark against many of his junior teammates. Unwanted by the Warriors, Feki has been a consistent performer for Cronulla since debuting in 2013. While Valentine Holmes has largely overshadowed Feki so far this season, the Tongan international will know what is required for the Sharks to produce a win in New Zealand.

The favourite: Despite the loss of Shaun Johnson and the Sharks strong form of late, the Warriors have been backed to pull off a win on Saturday afternoon.

My tip: The Warriors have the natural talent to win, but the Sharks have played so well as a team in recent weeks that it's hard to see them losing. Sharks by 8.

1. Sam Tomkins 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Tuimoala Lolohea 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Albert Vete 11. Ben Matulino 12. Simon Mannering 13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Sam Lisone 18. Sione Lousi 21. Jonathan Wright

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Anthony Tupou 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Ben Barba 15. Matt Prior 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya 21. Junior Roqica

Referees: Ben Cummins, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Phillips;

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