NRL Round 22 Preview - Warriors v Knights @ Mount Smart Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
Preview - The Warriors will be looking to lock up their finals’ position when they host the Knights at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday night. The Warriors secured a vital and gutsy 18-12 win over the Dragons, as they withstood a second half comeback from the home side to cling on to a win. The Knights suffered a disappointing 25-16 loss to the Tigers at home in a game they trailled 22-4 before making a late rally.
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report -  Adam Blair moves into the back row with Simon Mannering into lock as the only change to the starting side for the Warriors. 
 
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report -  The Knights have named both their star players in Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga, despite both being under an injury cloud. Young prop Pasami Saulo debuts on the bench, with Herman Ese'ese starting. 
 
Verdict - Warriors by 10-20 in a high scoring game The Warriors should have too much firepower and too much to play for against the Knights. Newcastle have the worst defence in the NRL this season and, with little to play for, they’re going to have their hands full containing a full strength Warriors spine on their home deck. The Warriors have a chance to push up into a Top 4 spot and I expect them to ram home the advantage here