The New Zealand Warriors prepare for their fifth home final in club history when they face the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium. The playoff represents the Warriors' second consecutive home final under head coach Andrew Webster.
Also read: Warriors lock in NRL finals spot as Dolphins and Sea Eagles left scrambling for survival
The Warriors' improved performance since Webster's appointment as head coach has positioned the team for consecutive home playoff appearances, marking a significant achievement in the club's NRL finals history.
The matchup features several storylines connecting both organizations through player and coaching relationships established over recent seasons.
Nathan Cleary will play at Go Media Stadium for the first time since 2018, adding another dimension to the family and coaching connections between both NRL teams.
The four-time premiers bring extensive finals experience but face a different pathway to potential NRL success compared to previous seasons.
Also read: Super Rugby final: Waikato Chiefs eye historic upset in Canterbury Crusaders' den
No changes were made in Friday's 24-hour team update, with Sam Healey and Taine Tauapiki remaining in the squad.
"We took Mitch off at half-time last week as a precaution but it's a little bit worse that we first thought," coach Ivan Cleary said. "It's still only a minor strain but it's just enough to not be at his absolute best which is what we need."
Luke Sommerton replaces Kenny at hooker. Paul Alamoti retains his wing position with Thomas Jenkins named as 18th man.
The sudden-death nature of the NRL finals encounter adds pressure to both teams, with elimination serving as the consequence for the losing side in this crucial playoff matchup.
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Warriors NRL Finals history and recent success
Home finals have remained uncommon for the Warriors throughout their NRL tenure. The current playoff opportunity builds on the team's 40-10 home final victory over Newcastle Knights in 2023, establishing momentum under Webster's coaching regime.Also read: Warriors lock in NRL finals spot as Dolphins and Sea Eagles left scrambling for survival
The Warriors' improved performance since Webster's appointment as head coach has positioned the team for consecutive home playoff appearances, marking a significant achievement in the club's NRL finals history.
Key player milestones: Wayde Egan's 150th NRL game
Hooker Wayde Egan will reach his 150th career NRL appearance against his former club. Egan's milestone game carries additional significance as he faces many Panthers players who were teammates during his time in Penrith's system.The matchup features several storylines connecting both organizations through player and coaching relationships established over recent seasons.
NRL coaching matchup: Ivan Cleary returns to Warriors
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary returns to face his former team as the longest-serving coach in Warriors history. The finals clash pits Cleary against Andrew Webster, who previously served as his assistant coach at Penrith.Nathan Cleary will play at Go Media Stadium for the first time since 2018, adding another dimension to the family and coaching connections between both NRL teams.
Panthers face unique NRL Finals challenge
Penrith encounters an unfamiliar scenario as they attempt to win the NRL competition from outside the top four for the first time. The Panthers must navigate the finals series without the advantage of higher seeding that has characterized their recent championship runs.The four-time premiers bring extensive finals experience but face a different pathway to potential NRL success compared to previous seasons.
Team news and NRL lineup changes
One New Zealand Warriors team updates:
Kurt Capewell moves from back row to centre, replacing Rocco Berry (shoulder injury). Leka Halasima enters the starting lineup in the back row position. Wayde Egan (hip) and Jackson Ford (suspension) both return for the elimination final.Also read: Super Rugby final: Waikato Chiefs eye historic upset in Canterbury Crusaders' den
No changes were made in Friday's 24-hour team update, with Sam Healey and Taine Tauapiki remaining in the squad.
Penrith Panthers team updates:
Brian To'o and Liam Martin return after two-game injury management breaks. Mitch Kenny will miss the NRL finals match due to hamstring injury."We took Mitch off at half-time last week as a precaution but it's a little bit worse that we first thought," coach Ivan Cleary said. "It's still only a minor strain but it's just enough to not be at his absolute best which is what we need."
Luke Sommerton replaces Kenny at hooker. Paul Alamoti retains his wing position with Thomas Jenkins named as 18th man.
NRL Finals statistics and key numbers
Warriors statistics:- Three victories in four NRL finals games played in Auckland
- No defeats of top-eight teams since round 14
- Adam Pompey has scored six tries in seven games
- Nine victories in last 10 games against Warriors
- 12 consecutive NRL finals victories
- Seeking first championship from outside top four
Go Media Stadium NRL Finals atmosphere
The Warriors' home ground, Go Media remains a significant factor, with the team's strong record in Auckland playoff games. The 2023 home final victory over Newcastle provides recent evidence of the team's ability to capitalize on familiar surroundings and crowd support.The sudden-death nature of the NRL finals encounter adds pressure to both teams, with elimination serving as the consequence for the losing side in this crucial playoff matchup.
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