3 minute read
Injuries have been hurting the New Zealand Warriors in recent weeks but they have been given a significant boost with the return of Shaun Johnson for Friday’s clash with the Parramatta Eels.
Despite their injuries, the Warriors still find themselves just three points outside of the top eight, with five games of their regular season remaining.
The Warriors have a bye week in the final round so they will know they have to get points on the board early and hope that will be enough to see them through to finals football.
Parramatta meanwhile sit down in 16th place on the ladder and will already have one eye on how they can improve for next season.
This is a game the Warriors can't afford to slip up in, especially with just six points separating fifth and 15th in the NRL standings.
. What: New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels
. Where: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
. When: 18:00 (AEST), Friday 2nd August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: New Zealand Warriors 1.21, Parramatta Eels 4.50
Boosted Warriors look to home comforts
When Shaun Johnson is fit and in form there are few better playmakers in the NRL.
Back from an Achilles injury, Johnson returns to the No.7 jersey on Friday night, while the Warriors will also be boosted by the return of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad from a calf issue.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves back to the wing to help form a backline that should cause the Eels significant problems in Auckland.
Tuivasa-Sheck has scored eight tries in 11 games against the Eels and he's 1.72 to score anytime in this game, while he's 7.00 to bag the opening try of the contest.
The Warriors have won three of their past four games at Go Media Stadium and are the 1.21 favourites to win Friday's showdown on the North Island.
Looking at the Line market, the hosts are 1.87 with a -13.5 handicap.
Eels can look back at past glories
While Parramatta have struggled for much of this season, the Eels can look back on past success against the Warriors.
Winning four of their past five games against the Warriors, the Eels have shown they can be more than capable in this fixture.
Having suffered defeat to Melbourne Storm in Round 22, interim coach Trent Barrett has stuck with the same squad for this trip across The Tasman.
Dan Keir looks set to make his second NRL appearance off the bench after making his debut in the competition last week against the Storm.
Despite their strong record in this fixture, the Eels are the 4.50 underdogs for Friday's game and they will need to produce something special at Go Media Stadium to head back to Aussie soil with the spoils.
