The New Zealand Warriors vs. Wests Tigers game on Sunday at Go Media Stadium in Auckland is sure to be a thrilling contest as the 2025 NRL season heats up. Both teams are at a turning point in their season; the Tigers want to keep winning after a thrilling victory over the Roosters, while the Warriors want to end a losing run
We’ll examine the main games, injuries, and possible game-changers in this in-depth preview. Let’s examine the specifics that will influence this thrilling confrontation.
Details of the match:
Date: July 13, 2025, Sunday
Time: 4:00 PM (NZST)
Location: Auckland’s Go Media Stadium
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Team News & Important Updates for the Warriors
The goal of the New Zealand Warriors is to end their two-game losing streak. They have struggled recently against the Raiders and Panthers, despite their early success this season, such as their first three home wins. In front of their home crowd, coach Andrew Webster believes a powerful reaction from his team.
The Warriors’ main change is that Taunze Tuaupiki replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, who is out due to a knee injury.
- After Luke Metcalf sustained a knee injury that ended his season, Tanah Boyd took over at halfback. Boyd will play a key role in the Warriors’ offensive strategy.
- The Warriors’ backline has been greatly boosted by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s early return from an ankle injury.
- Following his involvement in the State of Origin decider, Maroons star Kurt Capewell has been added to the reserves list. He may be called up at the last minute after his fitness is evaluated. Depending on Rocco Berry or Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s injury updates, Capewell could line up in the second row or even slot into the backline if included.
- Tanner Stowers-Smith is back on the bench, and Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima have been chosen to start.
Updates on injuries: Mitch Barnett: After suffering an ACL injury during Origin, the co-captain will not play this season.
Rocco Berry: A player with a history of injuries, such as recovering from shoulder surgery and persistent hamstring problems. He wants to end the season on a high note.
Starting lineup for the Warriors – Tane Tuaupiki
- Watene-Zelezniak, Dallin
- Pompey, Adam
- Rocco Berry
- Tuivasa-Sheck, Roger
- Harris-Tavita, Chanel
- Boyd Tanah
- Fisher-Harris, James (c)
- Egan Wayde
- Ford, Jackson
- Halasima Leka
- Niukore Marata
- Clark, Erin
- Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, and Te Maire Martin alternate
- Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Sam Healey, Bunty Afoa, Edward Kosi, and Kurt Capewell are the backups.
Team News & Essential Updates for the Wests Tigers
After their surprising victory over the Roosters, the Wests Tigers are hoping to build on their recent improvement. They are committed to having a strong season finale even though they are still outside the top eight race.
- Key Changes for the Tigers: If healthy after Origin, Tigers captain Jarome Luai will try to fill in at five-eighth.
- Luke Laulilii abandons the team, and Adam Doueihi moves to the centres to make room for Luai.
- After missing time due to a concussion, Api Koroisau returns, offering much-needed stability at hooker.
- After missing last week due to illness, Jack Bird is back on the bench.
- Kit Laulilii and Charlie Murray have been placed on the reserves.
Tigers starting lineup – Sunia Turuva
- Staines, Charlie
- Adam Doueihi
- To’a Starford
- Skelton, Jeral
- Luai, Jarome
- Fainu Latu
- Terrell May
- Koroisau Apisai
- Pole of Fonua
- Fainu Samuela
- Sukkar, Tony
- Twal, Alex
- Swap out: Jack Bird, Sione Fainu, Alex Seyfarth, and Tristan Hope
- Heath Mason, Charlie Murray, Kit Laulilii, Brent Naden, and Luke Laulilii are the backups.
Preview of the Match – Key Player Matches:
Tanah Boyd vs. Latu Fainu, halfback battle:
Following Luke Metcalf’s injury, Tanah Boyd will presume the starting halfback position for the Warriors. As the starting halfback for the first time, he will play a key role in guiding the Warriors around the field. Boyd will take on the Tigers’ youthful and talented halfback, Latu Fainu. In this pivotal game against Boyd, Fainu, who has shown potential in his NRL appearances, will attempt to leave his mark.
Wayde Egan vs. Api Koroisau in a Dummy Half Battle
Wayde Egan has been one of the Warriors’ best players this season, contributing inventiveness from the dummy half. Api Koroisau, a vital member of the Tigers who recovered from a concussion, will be his opponent. Both players will be essential in establishing their team’s offensive strategy and managing the game’s tempo.
Impact of Kurt Capewell
Origin star Kurt Capewell would strengthen the Warriors’ backline or second row if he were included. His leadership and defensive skills would be crucial to the Warriors, so they must make sure he is sound after his State of Origin duties.
Important Takeaways
- Warriors: With Tanah Boyd filling in for Luke Metcalf due to injury, the team will be willing to recover from two defeats. Their lineup depends upon Kurt Capewell’s level of fitness after Origin.
- Tigers: With Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau back in the lineup, the Tigers are hoping to win two straight games. Despite their recent competitiveness, they will face a formidable opponent in the Warriors.
Stat Attack
- In their last eight meetings with the Wests Tigers, the Warriors have come out on top.
- Since 2016, the Wests Tigers have failed to win in New Zealand.
- The Tigers’ winger Charlie Staines has scored five tries in his last six games, demonstrating how valuable his form is to the team.
Advice and Forecasts for Betting:
- Warriors: With important players like Tanah Boyd stepping up, the Warriors should put on a strong showing. With or without Kurt Capewell, the Warriors should win because of their abilities as a team.
- Wests Tigers: This is a difficult task, even with their recent performance. The Warriors’ home advantage and general depth should be too much for the Tigers to overcome, even with the return of Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau.
Final Note
The Wests Tigers will be looking to build on their recent upset victory as the Warriors attempt to break their losing streak and keep pushing for football in the finals. This game at Go Media Stadium looks to be an exciting contest with important players on both teams hoping to leave their mark. With both teams trying to earn a crucial victory, fans can anticipate a fierce contest.
Important Takeaways:
- Warriors: With Tanah Boyd at halfback and Kurt Capewell’s fitness being a key factor, we’re hoping for a solid comeback.
- Tigers:With important players like Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau coming back to action, the Tigers are vying for a top-eight spot.
