Having slipped out of the top four on the back of three straight losses, the Warriors face a dangerous opponent in the Dragons who have taken on the role of giant killers in the past fortnight.

After a season characterised by narrow losses the Dragons have buried those demons with hard-fought wins over the Raiders and Sharks to move within two games of the top eight with four games to play.

While they appear destined to come up just short, Shane Flanagan’s men would love nothing better than playing spoiler against the Warriors this week and Sea Eagles in Round 26 before confronting Penrith in Round 27.

The Warriors have lost their past two home games against the Titans and Dolphins so the motivation will be high to put in a big one for their loyal fans on Friday.

Another defeat could see the Warriors drop as low as seventh if the Broncos and Sharks come up with victories.

Team News

Warriors: Tanah Boyd gets a recall at halfback with Te Maire Martin sidelined with concussion. A big in at hooker with Wayde Egan overcoming a shoulder injury to take his place but Kurt Capewell (concussion) will miss the game. Leka Halasima moves into the starting side in the back row and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava joins the bench for his second career game.

Dragons: One centre returns in Mat Feagai (groin) and one goes out in Moses Suli (knee) while last week’s debutant Hayden Buchanan retains his spot. Michael Molo returns from an ankle injury on the bench alongside Loko Pasifiki Tonga in his first NRL game since Round 18. Winger Christian Tuipulotu is listed among the reserves after he returned to the field in NSW Cup last weekend from more hamstring dramas.

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have not won in New Zealand since 2017.
The Warriors have lost four of their last five games at Go Media Stadium.
Dragons lock Jack De Belin will make his 250th NRL appearance.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Dragons.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.