Warriors vs Roosters, Saturday afternoon footy, May 12

3pm Saturday May 12, 2018, at Mt Smart Stadium

One of the games of the year so far takes place across the Tasman as the New Zealand Warriors host the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium.

Following their poor showing on ANZAC Day against the Melbourne Storm the Warriors bounced back in emphatic fashion, smashing the Tigers by 22 points in New Zealand.

It was a win that helped alleviate the Kiwi fears that their season was about to go into free fall following a promising start to the season.

The Sydney Roosters notched up their fifth win of the year in round 9, but the fact they could only manage a two point win over the wooden spoon favoured Sea Eagles would concern the fans.

Had it not been for a poor Cherry-Evans missed conversion in the second half we could be discussing what a disappointing opening two months of the year it has been for the Tricolours, but as it stands they are inside the eight.

The Chooks will be out to prove they are a genuine premiership threat this Saturday, while the Warriors can lock away a place inside the top-two with another win on home soil.

It promises to be a fascinating contest.

Players to watch – Warriors v Roosters

Knights– Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Current Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be out to prove to his former side that he is the real deal. With Sean Johnson out with an ankle injury the team will look to the Samoan strongman for a guiding performance.

Roosters – James Tedesco: Teddy’s form this season has mirrored that of his teammates this season, but at his best the mercurial fullback is capable of winning a game on his own. Look for the former Tiger to carry the ball as much as possible to create options for his side.

Warriors team

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Peta Hiku, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Ken Maumalo, 6 Blake Green, 7 Mason Lino, 8 Bunty Afoa, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Agnatius Paasi, 11 Simon Mannering, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair

Interchange: 14 Karl Lawton, 15 Sam Lisone, 16 Isaiah Papali’i, 17 James Gavet

Roosters team

1 James Tedesco, 2 Joseph Manu, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Mitchell Aubusson, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner (c), 12 Ryan Matterson, 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Kurt Baptiste, 17 Victor Radley

Warriors v Roosters – who will win?

This match will a defining one for both sides and the bookies would have you believe it is more or less a flip of the coin.

We think it’s the Warriors’ chance to solidify their position as a genuine premiership contender. The loss of Johnson hurts, but the Kiwis have been far from a one man show this season.

The hometown factor will be a huge one for the Warriors, who have won 12 of 18 games at Mt Smart Stadium. We believe the Warriors are the real deal and they should prove it on Saturday.

Tip:New Zealand Warriors by 1-12 points ($2.88 with Sportsbet)