Sports
Warriors Gear Up for Season Opener with Full-Strength Side Against Dolphins
The Warriors are prepared to face off against the Dolphins in their final pre-season challenge, showcasing a full-strength lineup in anticipation of the upcoming season.
Notable inclusion in the team is halfback Shaun Johnson, who returns after missing the last game due to an ankle issue. Fullback Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, on the other hand, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, making way for Taine Tuaupiki to fill in.
Warriors’ coach Andrew Webster expressed concern over Nicholl-Klokstad’s injury, highlighting the importance of player fitness leading into the regular season.
The Dolphins, under the guidance of Wayne Bennett, have introduced key former Broncos players such as Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler, with Farnworth already making his mark by scoring in the previous trial against the Titans.
The battle for the center position in the Dolphins’ lineup has been a topic of interest, as Jake Averillo finds himself starting from the bench while Tesi Niu takes the field in the initial lineup.
Another intriguing development is the international allegiance switch of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who transitions to representing Tonga after previously captaining New Zealand, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming game.
Tohu Harris will lead the Warriors as team captain, while players like Addin Fonua-Blake and Wayde Egan aim to ensure cohesion within the team as they gear up for the looming season opener in less than two weeks.