logo
NRL match preview: Warriors host Panthers in first Auckland clash since 2019

NRL match preview: Warriors host Panthers in first Auckland clash since 2019

Economic Times15 hours ago

NRL round 16 preview: Warriors vs Panthers returns to Go Media Stadium
Live Events
Complete team lists: Warriors and Panthers finalize squads for key matchup
Stat Highlights and Match Officials
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
For the first time since 2019, the Penrith Panthers will play at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, where they will face the One New Zealand Warriors in Round 16 of the NRL. The Panthers secured a narrow 19-18 golden point win during their last visit to the venue, courtesy of then-halfback James Maloney.Several players who featured in that 2019 fixture have since retired, moved clubs, or transferred overseas. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remains the only current Warrior from that match. James Fisher-Harris and Wayde Egan were then with Penrith, while Isaiah Papali'i, now with the Panthers, played in the Warriors' back row.Also read: New Zealand coroner warns against dangerous Rugby-inspired 'Runit Championship' following player death The Warriors enter this match third on the ladder, having won seven of their last eight games. Penrith, after a poor 1-5 start, have climbed to ninth with three wins and a draw in their last five matches. The match is a sellout, contrasting the 12,952 attendance in 2019.Warriors starting line-upBacks:1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak3. Adam Pompey4. Moala Graham-TaufaAlso read: Dylan Walker released by One New Zealand Warriors, joins Australia's Parramatta Eels 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck6. Chanel Harris-Tavita7. Luke MetcalfForwards:8. James Fisher-Harris9. Wayde Egan10. Marata Niukore11. Leka Halasima12. Jacob Laban13. Erin ClarkInterchange:14. Te Maire Martin15. Jackson Ford16. Demitric Vaimauga17. Tanner Stowers-SmithReserves:18. Samuel Healey22. Edward KosiIns: Edward Kosi, Moala Graham-Taufa, Wayde EganOuts: Kurt Capewell, Taine TuaupikiPanthers Starting Line-UpBacks:1. Daine Laurie2. Thomas Jenkins3. Izack Tago4. Casey McLean5. Paul Alamoti6. Blaize Talagi7. Brad SchneiderForwards:8. Moses Leota9. Mitch Kenny10. Lindsay Smith11. Scott Sorensen12. Isaiah Papali'i13. Matthew EisenhuthInterchange:14. Trent Toelau15. Liam Henry16. Luron Patea17. Luke GarnerReserves:18. Luke Sommerton19. Jack ColeIns: Daine Laurie, Jack Cole, Liam Henry, Matthew Eisenhuth, Paul Alamoti, Trent ToelauOuts: Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Nathan Cleary1. The Warriors aim for consecutive wins over Penrith for the first time since 2012.2. The Panthers have won eight of their last nine meetings against the Warriors.3. The Warriors are 4-1 at home this season.4. Brian To'o has scored seven tries in his last six matches against the Warriors.5. Te Maire Martin will mark his 100th NRL appearance.Match Officials:1. Referee: Todd Smith2. Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe3. Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Delhi Slums To Rugby Premier League, The Journey Of Javed Hussain
From Delhi Slums To Rugby Premier League, The Journey Of Javed Hussain

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

From Delhi Slums To Rugby Premier League, The Journey Of Javed Hussain

Javed Hussain says he isn't playing the RPL for the money or fame, but the experience and exposure. A week into the Rugby Premier League (RPL) season, the Hyderabad Heroes have won all four of their matches and stand on top of the standings with 15 points and at the heart of their success is Javed Hussain, a player whose journey has been anything but ordinary. With four tries and 20 points to his name, Javed is not only the league's best performing Indian but also ranks seventh overall in the points tally. 'I am very happy with my team. We understand and support each other. We trust each other and are united as a team," Javed said. That unity has been key in the big wins including their last victory over the Mumbai Dreamers where Javed was named as 'Player of the Match'. Although he is on top of his game at the moment, Javed recalled his pre-match jitters ahead of his first game at the RPL. 'When I played my first match, I was a little hopeless. I didn't know how I was going to play against such big names. But everything changed after that first game and the first try I scored. When the match ended, my coach selected me as the Hero of the Day and gave me a jersey. I started crying when I got the jersey," he said. Javed hails from a very humble background in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi and has a peculiar story on how he got into a sport like rugby. On how his journey started, he shared, 'We used to live in Juggis (makeshift houses). There was a jungle behind where we used to go to relieve ourselves since we didn't have a bathroom. Slowly an NGO (Earth Foundation) came, cleared the jungle and made a ground." 'The coaches from Delhi Hurricanes rugby club came in collaboration with the NGO and used to train kids there. I was standing there and watching as my friends used to play but I didn't understand the sport and I was scared of the older kids and hence didn't want to play. I started playing because the coaches told me they would give me a 'Tiger' biscuit packet after training and for those biscuits I got greedy and started playing," he explained. Despite his humble beginnings, Javed made it clear that he isn't playing the RPL for the money or fame, but the experience and exposure. He stated, 'When I joined the league, I didn't care about money or anything else. I just wanted to play with the people I used to watch on TV. I wanted to learn from them. It doesn't matter if I play well or not. I just wanted to experience playing with and against them." Javed is surrounded by world-class players in the Hyderabad Heroes camp. Olympic medallists like Joji Nasova and Terio Tamani from Fiji and global stars like his Spanish Captain Manu Moreno share a locker room with him which is the kind of exposure invaluable for a budding rugby player. Javed is enjoying training under one of the biggest names in world rugby DJ Forbes who is also a former captain of the All Blacks Sevens team. About Forbes, Javed expressed, ' I don't have any pressure from my coach and he is the best person that I could train under. He knows my potential and strengths and directs me very well on the field. Even our captain Manu Moreno is very supportive. Whenever I make mistakes, he helps me a lot and he is very insightful." Javed plays every match with his hand taped with 'Mom' 'and Dad' and a heart drawn on it. When asked about this gesture, he replied, 'When I used to play earlier, my family didn't have much money but my dad still used to support me the best he could. Despite everything, whatever I asked for, if they had the facilities, they would give that to me and I am very grateful for them." About the Author Sports Desk First Published: June 21, 2025, 19:47 IST

The Florida Panthers turn celebrations into public mockery as Connor McDavid becomes target of wild Stanley Cup antics
The Florida Panthers turn celebrations into public mockery as Connor McDavid becomes target of wild Stanley Cup antics

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

The Florida Panthers turn celebrations into public mockery as Connor McDavid becomes target of wild Stanley Cup antics

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) (Credit: Getty Images) The Florida Panthers are basking in the glory of their Stanley Cup victory, but their behavior off the ice has started raising eyebrows. Instead of simply celebrating their achievement, players have used the spotlight to mock Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers repeatedly. It began in the locker room after Game 6, when the Panthers blasted 'Pink Pony Club,' the Oilers' unofficial playoff anthem. The act was seen by many as a direct jab rather than a playful gesture. — PuckReportNHL (@PuckReportNHL) Matthew Tkachuk keeps stirring the trade rumor mill What should have been a jubilant post-win party has now turned into a string of controversial moments. Footage from a Miami club showed the Panthers dancing to the same anthem once again, this time in front of fans and cameras, further fueling accusations that they are going out of their way to disrespect McDavid and his team. Matthew Tkachuk, known for his edgy style of play and bold personality, didn't hold back during the post-game chaos. For many, it was a step too far, especially considering McDavid's herculean playoff performance, which saw him break records and carry the Oilers through multiple tough rounds. Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov caught in awkward fan moment A particularly telling moment came when a fan at the party asked Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov about McDavid. Before Barkov could respond, teammate Sam Reinhart was caught on video telling the fan to shut up. While Barkov claimed they were only drinking water that night, the comment suggests the team may have been worried about what could be said in an unguarded moment. This wasn't just a case of over-exuberance. The repeated mocking and deliberate targeting of McDavid are being seen as excessive by fans and analysts alike. The NHL community urges a little more respect The backlash is now spreading beyond Edmonton. Across social media and fan forums, many NHL supporters are saying the Panthers' behavior reflects poorly on the sport. McDavid may have lost the Stanley Cup, but he won the hearts of hockey fans with his performance and leadership. The Florida Panthers may have the Cup, but how they carry themselves with it will also define their legacy. Also Read: Brad Marchand goes viral again, with the wild Dairy Queen stunt after Stanley Cup Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand turns Pizza delivery hero after Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win
Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand turns Pizza delivery hero after Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand turns Pizza delivery hero after Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win

Brad Marchand delivers pizza to fans at Elbo Room after Panthers' Stanley Cup win (Image via: Getty Images) Fresh off the Florida Panthers' historic Stanley Cup victory, Brad Marchand added a personal touch to the celebration by hand-delivering pizza to fans at a popular beachfront bar. The veteran forward brought a wave of cheers to the Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale, turning a championship night into a community moment fans won't soon forget. Brad Marchand delivers Pizza during Panthers' Cup celebration at Elbo room Just hours after the Florida Panthers secured their 2025 Stanley Cup win, veteran forward Brad Marchand made his way to the Elbo Room—a well-known beachfront bar in Fort Lauderdale—carrying boxes of pizza for fans still celebrating the historic moment. Marchand was seen in casual gear—a t-shirt and baseball cap—as he delivered the pizza to a crowd of cheering fans. The scene, captured by a supporter and shared on social media, showed Marchand smiling and interacting with the crowd, adding to the excitement of an already unforgettable night. This postgame pizza delivery wasn't entirely unexpected. The Panthers have made it a tradition to celebrate their championship wins at the Elbo Room, following their home-ice victories. The bar has become a go-to spot for both fans and players after the final buzzer, turning into an extension of the team's locker room energy. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final concluded Tuesday night, with celebrations continuing into the early hours of Wednesday. Marchand's appearance at the Elbo Room quickly stood out, not only for its fan-friendly gesture but also for its possible significance. Marchand, who joined the Panthers for this playoff run, is set to become a free agent this summer. The team is facing salary cap limitations, which could impact the ability to re-sign players like Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad. While nothing has been confirmed, Marchand's act of appreciation may also mark his final moments as a Panther. The gesture resonated with fans and reflected the team's close connection to the South Florida community. Also Read: Sam Bennett declares 'Ain't f****** leaving' after Stanley Cup win, hints at staying with Panthers despite no official deal From hoisting the Stanley Cup to handing out pizza, Brad Marchand delivered more than just goals, he helped deliver joy to Panthers fans on a night they'll never forget. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store