A magical moment beckons on Friday night as Alex Johnston chases two tries against the Roosters to become the greatest tryscorer in premiership history.

AJ’s tilt at the record comes at Allianz Stadium after we kick off Friday night footy with first-up winners the Warriors and Raiders colliding at Go Media Stadium.

Follow all the action from Round 2 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com’s live blog.

Warriors v Raiders at Go Media Stadium

Late Mail

Warriors: Marata Niukore dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off as he continues to battle a calf injury. Alofiana Khan-Pereira was the other player to make way on Thursday. Back-rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava is part of the game day 19 after being on NSW Cup duty last week while Morgan Gannon is the last man to drop out of the squad an hour before kick-off.

Raiders: No late changes for the Raiders. Morgan Smithies will start at prop after veteran Josh Papalii was placed into the HIA protocol. Emerging back-rower Noah Martin retains his place in the starting side following an exceptional performance against Manly last week. Matt Timoko comes off the bench for his first NRL appearance of the year having made a successful return from a foot injury via NSW Cup last week.

Numbers Game

The Warriors are aiming for a 2-0 start for the first time since 2018.
The Raiders have won their last three games against the Warriors.
Warriors forward Leka Halasima has scored seven tries in his last seven games at Go Media Stadium.
Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has scored six tries in his last five NRL games.
Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his 150th appearance for the Warriors. 

 

Roosters v Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium