The New Zealand Warriors put a horror week behind them after beating the Knights, but they face a Bulldogs side this weekend with their backs against the wall and a man named Sonny Bill ready to unleash.
The under pressure New Zealand Warriors answered their critics by beating the Newcastle Knights 26-20 at Auckland’s Mt Smart, and preserving their 50% record. But it doesn’t get easier with the Bulldogs next on the menu this Sunday.
The Warriors faithful are expected to turn up in droves to ensure the Warriors can add to their two wins. But many will be attending the game to catch a glimpse of Bulldogs star Sonny Bill Williams, who was made to eat humble pie last Friday when his side went down to the Roosters. Sonny Bill was one of the few Bulldogs to stand out in the 40-12 drubbing as his former team-mate Willie Mason took the head-to-head honours scoring two tries against his former team. A war of words erupted between Sonny Bill and Mason prior to the game where loyalty was a central theme. The announcement that Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes will also step down at the end of the season also added drama to the fixture.
Sonny Bill has traditionally lifted his game when he plays his countrymen. The Warriors will need to pull off the defensive stops as Sonny Bill looks to lead the Bulldogs back to winning form in his Auckland homecoming visit.
NRL leaders Broncos went down to reigning Storm 28-8 in their first loss of the season. Broncos new signing Israel Folau was a key player for the Storm.
The Titans and the Sharks also got good wins against the Raiders and Dragons respective, to keep their place in the top four.
The injury hit Rabbitohs continue their miserable run with another loss, this time to the Manly Sea Eagles 20-2. The Panthers won the Monday night feature game 30-8 over the Tigers.
Results – Round 4
Bulldogs 12-40 Roosters
Storm 28-8 Broncos
Dragons 16-18 Sharks
Titans 32-12 Raiders
Cowboys 38-14 Eels
Warriors 26-20 Knights
Sea Eagles 20-2 Rabbitohs
Tigers 8-30 Panthers
Round 4
1. Broncos 6
2. Roosters 6
3. Titans 6
4. Sharks 6
5. Sea Eagles 4
6. Storm 4
7. Knights 4
8. Bulldogs 4
9. Panthers 4
10. Tigers 4
11. Raiders 4
12. Eels 4
13. Warriors 4
14. Dragons 2
15. Cowboys 2
16. Rabbitohs 0
Round 5 Draw, April 11-14
Storm v Sea Eagles, Olympic Park, Fri 7.30pm
Eels v Titans, Parramatta Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Dragons v Cowboys, WIN Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Panthers v Roosters CUA Stadium, Sat 7.30pm
WARRIORS v Bulldogs, Mt Smart Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Raiders v Wests Tigers, Canberra Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Knights v Broncos, Energy Australia Stadium, Sun 3.00pm
Rabbitohs v Sharks, Telstra Stadium, Mon 7.00pm
