Offload Preview - Warriors -V- Broncos, Round 2, 2007

The Matchup:
The New Zealand Warriors versus the Brisbane Broncos.
Sunday 25^th March, 4pm (NZT), Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.

History:
These two teams have a rivalry that goes right back to season one, round one. The Warriors have managed to beat the Broncos only seven times from twenty-one encounters. All seven victories have come during the last twelve matches, since the Warriors initial defeat of Brisbane in 2001.

Last Five Encounters:
2004, Round 22: Warriors 14-21 Broncos
2005, Round 2: Brisbane 12-24 Warriors
2005, Round 16: Warriors 30-18 Broncos
2006, Round 13: Warriors 18-23 Broncos
2006, Round 26: Brisbane 36-12 Warriors

Last Week:
In round one, the Warriors were decisive in putting the Parramatta Eels to the sword, running out 34-18 victors. Their first half effort was particularly impressive, and the went to the break with a 24-0 lead.

The Broncos did well to come back from a 16-6 half time deficit to draw level, before letting the Cowboys escape their grasp in the dying minutes. The final score was 23-16.

In The Engine Room:
In Steve Price and Ruben Wiki, the Warriors have a significant advantage when it comes to gaining metres. Against the Eels in round one, they gained 304 metres between them, Price in particular carrying on his impressive 2006 form.

For the Broncos, on the other hand, Dane Carlaw and Petero Civoniceva managed a respectable 216 metres, but Carlaw only contributed to 64 of those. He will need to provide more if the Brisbane backs are to reap many rewards.

Out The Back:
The Warriors found two of their new signings, Wade McKinnon and Michael Crockett, to be of particular use, as the pair started and completed attacking plays respectively. The Australians scored three of the Warriors’ six tries against the Eels.

Brisbane’s halves pairing of Shane Perry and Karmichael Hunt will be looking to make an impression in the absence of key playmaker Darren Lockyer. Hunt will especially savour the opportunity to perform well on New Zealand soil.

Injury Ward:
For the Warriors, Jerome Ropati has recovered from a hamstring injury, but has failed to make the first grade side, while Wairangi Koopu (shoulder), Louis Anderson (ankle), Patrick Ah Van (shoulder), and Aiden Kirk (knee) were unavailable for selection. Captain Steve Price fractured a finger the day before the match against Parramatta, but is still expected to lead the side against Brisbane.

The Broncos lost playmaker Darren Lockyer (ankle) and second rower Corey Parker (wrist) in round one, while David Stagg has yet to recover from a shoulder reconstruction.

Taking The Punt:
With Evarn Tuimavave joining the Warriors bench, it looks like coach Ivan Cleary is looking to turn this into a battle up front. If he gets his way, and Dane Carlaw performs similarly to the way he did last week, look to the Warriors backs to make easy metres around the tiring Brisbane forwards. Warriors captain Price will be looking forward to another opportunity to make his brother-in-law Brent Tate leave the field without two competition points. A wounded Bronco is particularly dangerous, but the Warriors should have enough firepower to put this stallion out of its misery. Warriors by 10.