Overview
March 2, 2025 11:00 am @ Allegiant Stadium
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Team News
Raiders: Zac Hosking has recovered from injury and will take a spot in the starting team and so will Corey Horsburgh in place of Josh Papalii who moves to the interchange bench. The club has named two club debutants, Owen Pattie and Savelio Tamale.
Warriors: Chanel Harris-Tavita will pair Luke Metcalfe in the halves with Te Maire Martin missing out on a spot in the team. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is out with an injury and is replaced by Taine Tuaupiki.
What We Like
The New Zealand Warriors are the favourites and will take on an under-manned Raiders side that lost ever more experience at the end of last season with the exits of Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead. The Raiders have also been involved in off-field controversy heading into the match, which is likely to play heavily on their minds.
Final Thought
Former Dally M Medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will transition from the centres and back on to the wing this week following the loss of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak due to a wrist injury. Surprisingly, Tuivasa-Sheck had some of his best years on the wing at the Roosters and was even named the 2013 Dally M Winger of the Year. Playing in a new stadium and on the global stage, you can expect the cross-code star to produce a strong display of excellence.
March 2, 2025 3:30 pm @ Allegiant Stadium
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Team News
Panthers: Jack Cole has won the vacant five-eighth spot left by Jarome Luai and beaten recruit Blaize Talagi to the position where he will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves. Star winger Brian To’o and forward Liam Henry have both been ruled out with injury. The former’s absence creates a shake-up in the back-line with Paul Alamoti moving to the wing and Luke Garner entering the centres.
Sharks: Facing an extended stint on the sidelines with injury, Sione Katoa has been ruled out and will be replaced by Sam Stonestreet on the wing. In other team news, Addin Fonua-Blake will make his club debut for the Sharks and be joined by the likes of Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton and skipper Cameron McInnes in the forward pack.
What We Like
Casey McLean enters the 2025 NRL season after a terrific performance in the 2024 Pacific Championships at the end of last year with the New Zealand Kiwis. In his most recent match for the Kiwis, he crossed the line four times during 80 minutes and will be looking to do the same on the weekend.
Final Thought
After winning their fourth consecutive NRL Premiership in 2024, the Panthers will be looking to get to the best start possible and there is no way better to do this than a decisive win overseas against the Cronulla Sharks to kick-off their 2025 campaign.