Any chance of finishing fourth disappeared with the Broncos’ win over the Storm last night but the One New Zealand Warriors have plenty to play for in their final regular season clash against the Sea Eagles tonight.

Not least is the improvement they’re desperately seeking to take into their week one finals encounter, now confirmed for Go Media Stadium.

Victory tonight will lift the Warriors into fifth spot but the Sharks would go ahead of them again if they beat the Bulldogs in their final game tomorrow night.

The Sea Eagles need to win by a massive margin in Daly Cherry Evans’ final game for club to keep a faint finals flame flickering.

Manly needs an 82-point turnaround on points differential with the Roosters, who would need to lose big to Souths in tonight’s second game.

Team news

Sea Eagles: The loss of Tolu Koula (knee) brings Clayton Faulalo into the starting side at centre while young gun Joey Walsh gets his first taste of NRL action off the bench. Prop Toafofoa Sipley failed in his bid to have his dangerous contact charge downgraded at the judiciary on Tuesday and copped a four-game ban so a replacement will be needed on the bench.

One New Zealand Warriors: Just the one change for Andrew Webster with Sam Healey taking over at hooker from Wayde Egan (hip). Tanner Stowers-Smith has been listed in the #10 jersey this week after being swapped in from the bench to start the last two matches against the Titans and the Eels. Webster has been able to name the same backline for the third game running since centre Rocco Berry’s return.

Stat attack

The Sea Eagles have scored 98 points in their past two games.
The Warriors have won only one of their past six games at 4 Pines Park.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored 10 tries in six games against the Warriors.

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