The Warriors produced some slick hands for Marcelo Montoya to dive over in the corner as the Warriors lead the Knights 16-0 in their semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
The Warriors have sold out their first home final since 2008 as they bid with the Knights to meet the Broncos in the preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium.
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Greg Marzhew produced an early blunder to gift the Warriors field position and they took full advantage.
Shaun Johnson held up a perfect pass for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to slice through and score the first try of the afternoon.
“He is moving as well as he has all season,” Andrew Voss said of Johnson.
Wayde Egan looked tro have barged over from close range, but it went up as no try and the Bunker found no evidence to overturn.
“Oh boy that is close,” Ennis said.
“I think this is a try.”
However, moments later a rampaging Addin Fonua-Blake charged through to score the Warriors’ second and extend the lead to 10-0.
“The Knights are absolutely rattled by the energy from the Warriors,” Ennis said.
The Warriors produced some slick hands for Marcelo Montoya to dive over in the corner as the Warriors took a commanding lead.
“The attacking juggernaut that is Shaun Johnson, that is absolutely brilliant,” Ennis said.
MATCH PREVIEW
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been locked in for their clash against the red-hot Newcastle Knights in a blockbuster semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Johnson’s return sees Te Maire Martin shift to five-eighth and Dylan Walker switch back to the bench utility role.
Freddy Lussick drops off the bench to the reserves after he was a late inclusion last week with Taine Tuaupiki named 18th man.
The Knights suffered a huge blow with prop Daniel Saifiti ruled out with a hamstring injury on Friday, with Brodie Jones replacing him on the bench.
The Knights are already without playmaker Jackson Hastings, with Adam Clune replacing him in the halves.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) is also out with Dylan Lucas taking his place in the back row.
Adam Elliott received a monetary fine for a careless high tackle charge and will line up at lock.
Kalyn Ponga again carries a shoulder injury into the game and all eyes will be on his battle with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in a key battle that could decide the contest.
The winner will book a preliminary final showdown with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium while the loser has Mad Monday and can start planning for 2024.
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TEAMS
Warriors vs Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium, 4.05pm AEST
Warriors team:1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran
18th Man: 20. Taine Tuaupiki
Players cut: 18. Freddy Lussick 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Tom Ale 23. Edward Kosi
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones. 18th man: 20. Fa’amanu Brown
Players cut: 15. Daniel Saifiti 19. Enari Tuala 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Jack Johns
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