Warriors changes for vital game vs Dragons
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Kurt Capewell is set to miss the NZ Warriors'vital home game against St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday with concussion, but halfback Tanah Boyd returns to the starting line-up.
Boyd was a last-minute exclusion from the team that fell to Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend, but has been ushered back into the line-up to replace the man who replaced him, Te Maire Martin who lasted just 23 minutes, before also succumbing to concussion.
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Capewell left the field in the 60th minute for a head check and was cleared to return, re-entering the game with five minutes left on the clock, but has apparently not recovered as hoped afterwards.
His spot in the second row will be filled by teenage sensation Leka Halasima, with rookie Eddie Ieremia-Toeava promoted to the interchange. Hooker Wayde Egan also returns from a shoulder niggle, replacing Freddy Lussick in the playing line-up.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have tweaked the team that defeated Cronulla Sharks last week, with Hastings-born centre Mat Feagai returning from a groin injury to replace Moses Suli, who has injured a knee.
Prop Michael Molo is back from an ankle injury, while Auckland-born youngster Loko Pasifiki Tonga is named for the first time since Round 18.
The Warriors sit fifth on the NRL table, but just two points clear of Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks, with eighth-placed Dolphins and ninth-placed Sydney Roosters another two back.
St George are 11th, four points outside the playoff eight, but have accounted for tabletoppers Canberra Raiders and Cronulla in their last two outings.
Warriors v Dragons, Go Media Stadium, 8pm, Friday, August 15
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 20. Ed Kosi, 21. Tom Ale, 22. Kayliss Fatialofa, 25. Bunty Afoa
