New Zealand Warriors

Both sides are coming off big wins in Round 15 before recharging their batteries with a bye last week and while the Warriors go in as clear favourites, the Dragons should have every confidence they can produce an upset after overcoming both the Roosters and Rabbitohs in recent weeks.

With Shaun Johnson back to career-best form and leading the Warriors' charge up the NRL ladder, Andrew Webster's side has been a revelation this season, with fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak capitalising on the form of their veteran halfback.

In his second season back with the Warriors after three years at the Sharks, Johnson turned the clock back the golden days of 2014 when he collected the Golden Boot as the world's best player.

The home side got off to a flyer in the sixth minute when Johnson produced a superb solo try from close range, leaving Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich in his wake with slick footwork.

The Warriors threatened to go further ahead in the 11th minute but some desperation defence by Euan Aitken around the legs and Tesi Niu up high denied Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

The Bulldogs were pipped by the Raiders in a high-scoring clash and coming off a five-day turnaround they will benefit from a week-long preparation going into this match at Accor Stadium.

The Warriors were gallant in defeat against defending premiers Penrith on Saturday but must find some grunt after three straight losses in recent weeks after previously being well-placed in the top four. 

Andrew Webster's side has battled a heavy injury toll during this period but will view Friday night's match as a must-win and a good chance to do so.

The Warriors lost winger Ed Kosi, second-rower Jackson Ford and prop Bunty Afoa to injuries during the match and twice had to play with a man in the sin-bin but the game wasn't decided until Spencer Leniu scored in the 75th minute. 

The class of Cleary proved the difference, with the Kangaroos halfback running 129 metres with the ball, having a hand in two of Penrith's three tries and maintaining pressure on the Warriors defence with his kicking game.

Key points:

• Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a three-year deal with the Warriors
• He left the club late in the 2021 NRL season to switch to rugby union
• Tuivasa-Sheck has played three Tests for the All Blacks

Tuivasa-Sheck – who won the 2018 Dally M Medal with the Warriors – has signed a three-year contract with the New Zealand club.

He left the Warriors late in the 2021 NRL season after being granted an early release from his contract.

Playing in front of a passionate Mt Smart Stadium crowd the Warriors dug deep in defence to keep the Cowboys at bay despite having to make 80 more tackles.

It took the Warriors just four minutes to get the ball rolling when Addin Fonua-Blake powered over from close range after an Adam Pompey intercept had put the home side on the attack.

The Cowboys hit back in the 19th minute after mounting plenty of pressure on the back of Shaun Johnson putting a a short dropout out on the full and a string of six-again calls.

In their only other game in Auckland this season the Warriors snuck past the Bulldogs 14-12 and they'll be keen to make Mt Smart a fortress after two years away from their home base during the pandemic.

The Cowboys failed to make the most of their home ground advantage on Good Friday, suffering a 32-22 loss to the Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium to slip to 2-4 on the season

The Warriors managed a narrow win in the season opener but it wasn't without a scare as the Knights went close to snatching victory late. 

Both sides have had a mixed start to the year since - the Warriors winning four of their first five games while the Knights have won two and drawn once.

It is clear that there has been a change in attitude from both clubs in 2023, however, with Warriors coach Andrew Webster showing some good signs early while Adam O'Brien has found some steel from his side. 

After leading for the majority of the contest, Cameron Ciraldo's side fell behind with 15 minutes to play when the veteran playmaker wound back the clock with a superb solo try to secure the two-point victory.

After losing powerhouse lock Tohu Harris to a knee injury early in the second half, it was Warriors forward Jackson Ford who stepped up for the home side, making 41 tackles and denying the Bulldogs a chance to take the lead with a crucial try-saver. 

Canterbury haven't done that since way back in 2016, while for the Warriors it was 2018, and in both cases it marked the last time either club made the finals. 

The Warriors were impressive in a 26-12 victory over the Cowboys in the Townsville heat in Round 3, holding North Queensland scoreless from the 14th minute onwards and completing 19 of 23 sets in the second half.