Rugby League: New Zealand Warriors Ready to Sink or Swim NRL Challenge Against Cronulla Sharks

The Warriors season is balanced on the razor’s edge.

In what has been one of the NRL’s most notable stories in recent years, the rootless Auckland club remains in pursuit of the top eight with three rounds to play.

But tonight, against the Cronulla Sharks, it could all end.

The Warriors are playing to keep their final hopes alive.

To do so, they will have to leave behind the memory of their last meeting with the Sharks, a 46-10 beating eight weeks ago.

Former Warriors player Shaun Johnson was in his prime, scoring one try, assisting in another two and converting seven of eight on goal attempts.

And with Johnson returning for the Sharks after a three-week injury absence, Warriors forward Isaiah Papali’i said they couldn’t allow his former teammate to regain control.

“Coming back from injury is difficult. He had a field day the last time we played them, so we are excited to face him again,” Papali’i said. “There is always an advantage when you play against former teammates and partners of a lot of the guys here. We are definitely excited to face him and happy that he is playing for the team.”

The Warriors will get a boost of their own for tonight’s game, with winger George Jennings and mainstay Daniel Alvaro on hand after the two loan players were forced to retire in last week’s loss to Parramatta Eels, their club. matrix.

But while the Sharks welcome Johnson, they won’t have a number of key players. Former Warriors running back Chad Townsend and second rower Wade Graham are suspended, while first-choice fullback Matt Moylan is out with a hamstring injury.

Tonight’s loss would see the Warriors, four points behind the Sharks in eighth place, eliminated from playoff contention.

Even if the Warriors win, they will still need results to keep going in the last two weeks, with a tough home run against the Canberra Raiders, sixth, and the Manly Sea Eagles, 10th. Manly beat the Bulldogs on Friday night to snap a five-game losing streak and the long-awaited return from injury to fullback Tom Trbojevic will make them a much more difficult proposition. The Sharks end their regular season against the Roosters and Raiders.

Still, having a chance to reach the playoffs so late in the season is not a position many expected the Warriors to be in, given all their problems related to relocation, personnel changes and injuries.

“Where we are right now is a product of everyone feeling comfortable and understanding what it takes – doing their job and supporting themselves,” Warriors interim coach Todd Payten said.

“That has been encouraged in the 18 months that I have been here, but I think it is a combination of trust and faith within the group.

“When you enjoy playing decent football, those things tend to come off.”

Warriors team to play against the Sharks: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Adam Pompey, Hayze Perham, Peta Hiku, George Jennings, Kodi Nikorima, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Karl Lawton, Isaiah Papali’i, Jack Murchie, Tohu Harris, Jazz Tevaga. Exchange (from): Wayde Egan, Adam Blair, Daniel Alvaro, Lachlan Burr, Josh Curran, Paul Turner.