Key match-ups

Ken Maumalo v David Fusitu’a

Maumalo and Fusitu’a are used to being on the pitch together, but this weekend, they’ll be in the unfamiliar position of facing off against one another. For the Warriors this season, Maumalo has been the more in-form of the two and has become one of the team’s most reliable options on attack. Fusitu’a’s scoring prowess is well documented, leading the NRL in tries last season, and will likely be a focus of the Tongan attack at the end of sets. Both will want to best their NRL teammate, so keep your eyes on them.

Shaun Johnson v John Asiata

It’s a case of the veteran taking on the rookie. Shaun Johnson, who has missed a chunk of the NRL season due to injury, will likely outshine Asiata in the attacking game. Johnson has proven ability to run the attack, be it through his playmaking or taking on the defence. Asiata has spent most of his NRL career in the forwards but is a great ball player and more than capable of making gains. But in his Tongan debut, the question is whether he’s up to the task of test football and if he will be able to steer the ship when called on.

Brandon Smith v Siliva Havili

If we know one thing for sure, it’s that the dummy halves will be in for a busy night on the defensive end. Both teams are fielding forward packs that aren’t just big, but mobile, too. Smith and Havili will be required to make a lot of tackles playing in the middle of the pitch, with the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Isaac Liu charging up the middle. They’re not going to play 80 minutes but making their tackles and organising the defence will go a long way to getting their team a result.