Konrad Hurrell of the Warriors breaks through the Raiders defence during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders. Photo / Getty Images.
Konrad Hurrell of the Warriors breaks through the Raiders defence during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders. Photo / Getty Images.
Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden has named an unchanged starting line-up for Sunday's away clash against the NRL's table-topping Bulldogs at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
The same interchange bench of Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Sione Lousi and Kevin Locke has also been named with prop Charlie Gubb added following theside's 54-12 thrashing of the Raiders on Saturday.
The Bulldogs won the round six clash between the two sides 21-20 through a late field goal at Eden Park.
"While there was much to like about our effort and also our execution against the Raiders, the Bulldogs are another challenge completely," said McFadden.
"They fully deserve their spot at the top of the table, proving time and again that they know how to close out tough games.
"We've improved in many areas, especially our effort levels, but we're still a long way off where we need to be. This game will be another huge test for us."
Over the last four games the Warriors have conceded an average of less than 16 points a game; they're currently the ninth best defensive side in the competition.
The nine-try trouncing of the Raiders has also boosted their points for numbers to the point they rank sixth best on attack behind the Bulldogs, Manly, Parramatta, the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney.
Warriors side to face the Bulldogs in Hamilton 1 Sam Tomkins, 2 Ngani Laumape, 3 Konrad Hurrell, 4 Ben Henry, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Chad Townsend, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Suaia Matagi, 9 Nathan Friend, 10 Jacob Lillyman, 11 Jayson Bukuya, 12 Ben Matulino, 13 Simon Mannering (c). Interchange:14 Feleti Mateo, 15 Sebastine Ikahihifo, 16 Sione Lousi, 17 Kevin Locke, 20 Charlie Gubb.
