NZ Warriors Make Strategic Changes Ahead of Clash with Bulldogs

The NZ Warriors have announced their squad for the upcoming match against the Canterbury Bulldogs, scheduled for 9:35 PM on August 9, 2024, at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will continue to play in the centre position, while three key players have been named for potential returns from injury.

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita and interchange forward Demitric Vaimauga have been included in the starting lineup after missing last week’s narrow defeat against the Dolphins. Additionally, co-captain James Fisher-Harris is listed among the extended reserves, pending a fitness assessment. Initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks due to a calf injury, Fisher-Harris has shown progress with limited training.

“I’m not surprised,” Fisher-Harris stated. “Day by day, bro… it’s a pretty simple mindset, but that’s how I roll. When the time’s right.”

Harris-Tavita’s return is a strategic decision, as he has been preferred over Te Maire Martin, who stepped in during the match against the Dolphins. Martin has been effective as a utility player this season, providing flexibility across the backline and at dummy half as needed.

Coach Andrew Webster acknowledged the ongoing uncertainty regarding player availability. “There’s still doubt over who’s available, so we’re waiting to see how they all go and then make a decision from there,” he explained. “I just want to wait and see how everything goes.”

With specialist centres Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua both out for an extended period, Webster has opted for a tactical adjustment, moving Kurt Capewell back into the second row and shifting Nicoll-Klokstad into the midfield alongside winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Adam Pompey will shore up the right-edge defence, while Taine Tuaupiki steps in at fullback.

“We’re a bit low on centres at the moment,” Webster noted. “Taine did a really good job at fullback, and Charnze performed excellently at centre. I thought Charnze was particularly defensively sound, and he was awesome at off-the-ball stuff, getting back to help the back five.”

As the Warriors prepare for this crucial match, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has chosen to retain the same squad despite their recent upset loss to the Wests Tigers. Canterbury had an opportunity to secure the top position in the NRL standings but was thwarted by a determined Tigers side.

The full line-up for the NZ Warriors includes:

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Marata Niukore
9. Sam Healey
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark

Interchange players are:

14. Te Maire Martin
15. Edie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves include:

18. Freddy Lussick
21. Ed Kosi
22. Kayless Fatialofa
23. James Fisher-Harris
24. Bunty Afoa

The Bulldogs line-up features:

1. Jacob Kiraz
2. Jethro Rinakama
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon

Interchange players are:

14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Josh Curran
17. Bailey Hayward

Reserves include:

19. Mitchell Woods
20. Blake Wilson
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
22. Kurtis Morrin
23. Toby Sexton

Fans can stay updated with live blog coverage on RNZ Sport throughout the match.