Never underestimate the Warriors. Being a NZer, the Warriors are my 2nd team I follow after our great team, mainly due to the patriotic factor and their adlib football style. Obviously we have the wood on them at Bluetongue and all time head to head. We pretty much are their bogey team. However if they are on their game, look out. They will be tough to beat. Their unpredictable style troubles good defences and they showed this by pushing all the top 4 teams, beating 3 this year and pushing Souths twice. The Warriors prop rotation is one of the best in the game when all fit, and I love their new prospect Matagi. He only knows one way and Ive never seem him not get over the advantage line.
The Warrior forwards will always keep them
in a contest if going forward and offloading
the ball, so shutting them down is a key to beating them and neutralizing their backline. If their backline is clicking they are a tough proposition however. They have a good mix of x factor and speed(Johnson,Locke), brute strength with speed(Vatuvei,Hurrell,Laumape) and veteran leadership (Vatuvei,Luelueai,Nielson). When they are combining well they are very dangerous.
However their backline is also their Achilles heel defensively and is were you beat the Warriors. Johnson,Hurrell and Vatuvei are players you target that can become suspect at times.
I feel the way Manlys attack is performing at the moment especially since B Stewarts return, the Warriors will have a tough time. Our attack was in a slump the last time they played, so it made it easier to shut down for the Warriors. With Snake back who missed that game, and our backline really rejuvenated since his return, it will be big ask for the Warriors to shut our attack down.
I think we win this game, but it will be physical and possibly closer than some are thinking. The one thing I will never say is we will crush them, because you never know which Warrior team turns up. If the team that played the Panthers does, then yes we will. If the team that played and beat the Storm, Roosters and us does, then im not so sure LOL!!!