Traditionally an Anzac Day fixture, th ‘s home clash against the will this year become a Round 2 early-season contest with plenty riding on it.
This year, the Warriors are hosting their own game on Anzac Day which facilitates the big change to what had become a traditional fixture, but it’s left the Auckland-based club with a big hurdle to overcome early in their campaign.
The Warriors were sensational last year in pushing to the top four and then onto a preliminary final, but old questions around consistency flared up after a disappointing second half in Round 1 as they ultimately came up short against the at home in front of a full house.
The Melbourne Storm’s home match versus the New Zealand Warriors, traditionally held on Anzac Day, will now be a highly anticipated Round 2 early-season match.
The Warriors are playing on Anzac Day this year, which makes it easier to break the long-standing tradition. However, it presents a significant challenge for the Auckland-based team to overcome early in the season.
The Warriors were amazing the previous year, making it to the preliminary final and the final four. However, after a lackluster second half in Round 1, they lost to the Cronulla Sharks at home in front of a boisterous crowd, raising old concerns about consistency.
They will undoubtedly need to put on an 80-minute show to compete with the Storm, and Shaun Johnson’s kicking ability and a fierce forward effort will be crucial.
In the meantime, the Storm performed admirably in their opening round, keeping the Penrith Panthers, the three-time defending premiers, scoreless at home.
Throughout the game, the purple-clad players, who were rolled in the forwards when it mattered in September of last year, were fierce, sharing possession and defending every move as if their life depended on it.
Although Cameron Munster is currently sidelined as he recovers from an injury, Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return and the play of players like Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant, who will need to return to peak form, were encouraging.
