Warriors aim to back up Storm win as Titans roll into Auckland test

The Warriors are back in Auckland with momentum and a warning from head coach Andrew Webster not to get carried away.

After last week’s strong win over the Storm, attention now turns to the Gold Coast Titans, who arrive fresh off a 52-10 win over Parramatta and have often caused problems for the Wahs in recent meetings.

Saturday’s clash at Go Media Stadium carries real feeling. It’s home turf, a strong crowd expected and a Warriors side that knows it must be sharp again to keep moving forward.

A key boost to the home side is the return of experienced forward Kurt Capewell from a calf injury, named to start in the second row alongside Leka Halasima.

Mitchell Barnett is also back in the wider squad after missing two games, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been included in the group. Taine Tuaupiki keeps the fullback jersey.

In the halves, Chanel Harris-Tavita continues his run in the side alongside Tanah Boyd, and his work without the ball has been a big focus for the coaching staff.

Chanel Harris-Tavita of the Warriors. Photo/James Gourley/Photosport

Head coach Andrew Webster was full of praise for Harris-Tavita after last week’s historic 38-14 win over the Melbourne Storm.

“I thought Chanel was awesome, his defence and the way he competed was extraordinary,” Webster told the media. “He hasn’t played [at home] since his concussion, and we get a lot of energy from him.”

Harris-Tavita says the focus is not on flash moments but effort and control in defence that can set the tone for everything else.

“I don’t focus on putting big hits on,” he said. “I just try and be physical with my defence. I feel like that sets up my attack.

“If they get their first contact and they’re focusing on their defence first, their attack just flows off the back of that.”

Harris-Tavita acknowledged the Titans’ “X-factor”, but believes execution will be key.

“If we improve on last week’s defence and execute when we have the ball, I think it will be sweet.”

Webster echoed that message, warning against any drop in focus at home.

“They’re not scared of us here at Mount Smart, that’s for sure… so it’s very important that we play our best football.”

For the Warriors, the challenge is simple: back up last week, hold their shape, and bring the same energy that lifted the home crowd against Melbourne. In front of a vocal Auckland crowd, they’ll need it again.

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Kick-off: 5pm (NZT)

Teamlists:

Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ali Leiataua, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford,Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark, Interchange: Sam Healey, Marata Niukore, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, Luke Hanson, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Titans: Keano Kini, Sialetili Faeamani, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Lachlan Ilias, Jayden Campbell, Kurtis Morrin, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Interchange: Oliver Pascoe, Cooper Bai, Moeaki Fotuaika, Adam Christensen, Jaylan De Groot, Klese Haas