The longest ‘road trip’ in the NSW Cup got even a little longer with the Sharks taking on the New Zealand Warriors on the east coast of the South Island in the seaside town of Gisborne.
In a one-off NSW Cup promotion, the game has attracted plenty of local media attention in the town of Gisborne, with the Sharks coming to the party in naming a strong line up for the Warriors clash.
The Sharks will be keen to atone for a last start loss to the Cutters in a match they very much had in control before a second half fight back by their opponents.
Helping the Sharks cause will be the inclusion of a number of quality players, with four – Nathan Stapleton, Nathan Gardner, Jacob Gagan and Tupou Sopoaga - returning from NRL duty from last weekend.
If they hope to be successful the Sharks will have to reverse the result from earlier in the season, with the Warriors dominating the home team in running our 44-6 winners in the match played at Remondis Stadium.
The match is set to kickoff at 3.00pm local time (1pm AEST) at Gisborne Rugby Park.
NSWRL.com has again provided it weekly synopsis of the Sharks v Warriors match and while not agreeing with the predicted result, concede the Kiwi boys will provide stern opposition for the visiting Sharks.
Summary: The VB NSW Cup makes history this weekend when the NZ Warriors take their round 14 clash against the Sharks to the picturesque seaside town of Gisborne.
Historically a rugby town, Gisborne, located on the eastern side of the north island, will be exposed to some of the finest talent that the VB NSW Cup has to offer.
The Warriors and Sharks will be desperate for the two competition points after they both head into this match off the back of losses.
The Sharks shot out to a 22-4 lead against the Cutters last weekend, only to concede the next 19 points and go down 23-22, while the Warriors never bothered the Bulldogs in a 28-0 defeat at Belmore Sports Ground.
In team news, Tui Lolohea and Siliva Havili have both been named to return for the Warriors after travelling to Perth with the NRL side last weekend, while for the Sharks, a number of quality inclusions will come into the team.
Nathan Stapleton, Jacob Gagan, Nathan Gardner, Matt Prior and Tupou Sopoaga will all bring a wealth of NRL experience into this Sharks side for their trip across the Tasman.
Things you didn’t know about Gisborne: 1) In December last year, Gisborne set a world record for the most people skinny dipping in the one place, with 745 people getting their kit off at Midway Beach.
2) Australian Basketball player, and member of the San Antonio Spurs, Aron Baynes was actually born in Gisborne prior to moving to Australia with his family.
3) Due to its eastern location, Gisborne generally sees more sun on average than most NZ towns and as a result has higher than average temperatures all year around.
Prediction: Tend to think the home side will be up for this one. Warriors by 4.
NZ Warriors Vs Cronulla Sharks
Gisborne Rugby Park, Saturday, June 14
Kick-off: 3.00pm (NZT), 1.00pm (AEST)
Referee: Aaron Donald
