NRL playoffs: NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers - what we need to know

NRL playoffs: NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers

Kickoff 6.05pm, Saturday, 13 September

Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

History

In 53 previous meetings between these two teams, Penrith have won 33 and the Warriors 19, but that advantage is only 11-10 in games played at Mt Smart.

In playoff games, the Panthers are 3-0 against the Warriors. Their last postseason meeting was in 2023, when they overpowered their guests 32-6 at BlueBet Stadium at the same stage.

Penrith's biggest win came in 2013, when Kiwis Isaac John and Lewis Brown scored five tries between them in a 62-6 result at then-Centrebet Stadium.

The Warriors' biggest win was 52-8 in 2001, when Francis Meli, Justin Murphy, Logan Swann and Clinton Toopi all had try doubles, while current Penrith coach Ivan Clearly kicked six goals, playing at centre.

The Panthers have won nine of the last 10 encounters, including a 28-18 victory in June, when they rested five State of Origin players.

The Warriors' lone success came when they prevailed 22-20 at last year's 'Magic Round' in Brisbane.

Form

Both teams have had a rollercoaster season, with the four-time defending champions sitting last on the NRL table after eight rounds, but finding momentum with a nine-game winning streak that propelled them as high as fourth.

Their form fell away again, with consecutive defeats to the top three teams in August, although Cleary played his reserves against Canterbury Bulldogs to give his stars some much-needed rest.

They finished the regular season with a 40-20 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.

By contrast, the Warriors peaked at second in Round 11 and probably had their best performance two weeks later, with a 40-10 road win over Cronulla Sharks. Since then, they've gone 4-7, despite having the easiest run home of any playoff team.

They finished with back-to-back defeats to Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd. 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Eddie Ieremoa-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves: 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Sam Healey

With centre Rocco Berry (shoulder) again sidelined with injury, coach Andrew Webster has named veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell in the midfield, but it remains to be seen if he's still there at kickoff.

Front-rower Jackson Ford returns from his three-game suspension, while hooker Wayde Egan is back from a week off, nursing a hip niggle. Understudy Sam Healey, who was one of the Warriors' best against Manly, is relegated to the extended bench.

Taine Tuaupiki is No.18 for now, but may be summoned into the playing line-up, if Webster switches fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to centre.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Paul Alamoti, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To'o, 6. Blaize Talagi, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Luke Sommerton, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Scott Sorenson, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Brad Schneider, 15. Liam Henry, 16. Isaiah Papali'i, 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Thomas Jenkins, 19. Matt Eisenhuth

Meanwhile, Cleary will have NSW Origin stars Brian To'o and Liam Martin back on deck, after extended injury breaks, but hooker Mitch Kenny will miss the contest.

The Penrith line-up also includes Kiwis Casey McLean, Moses Leota, Scott Sorenson and Isaiah Papali'i.

Player to watch

As a kid, he was a Warriors ballboy, but more recently, Nathan Cleary has emerged as the game's most dominant playmaker, guiding his Panthers to a championship dynasty. Closing him down - or limiting him - will be near the top of the Warriors' priorities in this encounter.

Kiwi to watch

Last time these two teams met, Scott Sorenson had a try double, but he was also put on report and subsequently suspended two games for a dangerous tackle. His impact may be less pronounced this time, with the return of Origin stars, but he provides a physical presence the Warriors will need to overcome.

What will happen

NRL icon Phil 'Gus' Gould has boldly predicted a Warriors v Bulldogs grand final - Gould is currently Bulldogs general manager and was previously engaged as a consultant at the Warriors, so may be a little biased.

Hard to see the Warriors stopping the Panthers in their drive for a fifth straight championship, but plenty to appreciate about their return to the playoffs this season.

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