After their exhilarating after-the-siren win over the Dragons, the One New Zealand Warriors face the unbeaten competition leader Penrith in their eighth-round New South Wales Cup clash at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday (12.00pm kick-off).
It’s a challenge of the highest order against a side that has won six straight and has already opened up a four-point lead at the top of the ladder.
Leading a strong Panthers lineup is 207-game NRL veteran Tyrone Peachey while former Warrior Preston Riki is in the front row and Riley Price, son of ex-Warriors captain Steve Price, is at loose forward.
After six-point losses to the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles, the Warriors needed a dramatic last play try from Setu Tu and Taine Tuaupiki’s pressure conversion to beat St George Illawarra 26-24 last Saturday.
They’re without front rower Zyon Maiu’u this week who was called up to make his NRL debut against Gold Coast on Anzac Day.
That sees Jersey Flegg captain Harry Durbin named to start at prop with Tanner Stowers-Smith while Makaia Tafua was initially listed at hooker with SG Ball Cup co-captain Jaydee Auloa – a try scorer last week – ruled out.Ñ
