NRL Round 7 Preview - Warriors v Dragons @ Mount Smart Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
Preview – It’s a top of the table clash as the Dragons head across the ditch to take on the Warriors in a Friday night blockbuster at Mount Smart Stadium. The Warriors’ amazing 5-0 start to the year was finally punched last week, as they went down 27-18 to the Broncos in a game which saw them give up a few soft tries. The Dragons kept up their perfect record, battering their local rivals the Sharks 40-20 to register a 6th straight win to start 2018, as well as a 2nd victory over the Sharks in 5 weeks, to stay the outright leaders and remain the only undefeated team left in the competition. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - A massive late los for the Warriors with Shaun Johnson ruled out with injury. He is replaced at halfback by Ata Hingano. Centre Solomone Kata is unlikely to play as despite being named earlier in the week, he could be sidelined for up to a month with an ankle injury. Veteran Simon Mannering starts in the back row for Leivaha Pulu who is out injured, with Albert Vete joining the bench. Bunty Afoa starts at prop for Sam Lisone who reverts to the bench. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - Paul McGregor has named an unchanged side to the one that dominated the Sharks in the local derby last week. Matt Dufty really exploded on the scene last week with his best performance at fullback, despite being solid ever since his introduction last season. 
 
Verdict - Dragons by 4-10 in a high quality game

I like the Dragons to keep the roll going as I think they are, by a distance, the best team in the competition at the moment. They have an unbelievably dominant record against the Warriors, both home and away, having beaten them on 13 of the past 14 occasions and often by big margins. I’m a little bit wary of the bounce factor for the Warriors, and the fact the Dragons have a few niggles, however the Warriors gave up a few soft tries last week and will be heavily tested by this powerful Dragons’ outfit. I expect this game to be very physical and high quality, given it is a top the table clash. However, I just think the Dragons are playing with much more confidence right now, whilst maybe one or two doubts might have crept into the Warriors after their loss last week.