Warriors v Knights NRL semi-final: What time, team list, injuries - everything you need to know

NRL: NZ Warriors v Newcastle Knights

Kickoff 6pm Sunday, 20 September

The road to glory has become a little longer.

Defeated by the Dolphins in round one of the NRL play-offs, the Warriors will call on their lifeline courtesy of a second place finish in the regular season.

The Auckland club now host the Newcastle Knights in a semi-final at Eden Park on Sunday afternoon, with a spot in the preliminary final on the line.

But this is do or die. Lose, and their season is over.

Coach Andrew Webster said the team have quickly refocused after last weekend's result.

"We've got to move on fast, we're taking a different path now. It's not a direct one, it's scenic. It's going via the water. You get an ocean view. But once you achieve it and get to your destination, it's probably more enjoyable, harder, but more enjoyable."

It's not unfamiliar territory for the Warriors, who earned the right to host a home play off last year, but were well beaten by the Panthers in the opening round of the finals.

"We're a different team. It's not copy and paste and we're going to create our own history and the way we want to do things. But, yeah, I think everyone can take a lesson from that moment."

The side has been forced to move their semi-final fixture to Eden Park, a ground synonymous with rugby union, in order to accommodate the high demand for tickets.

However, with tickets being snapped up in a matter of minutes, it became clear it didn't matter where they played, the fans would turn up.

"We are going to play in front of the biggest crowd in Warriors history on New Zealand soil. So why would you be sulking? Just be excited!"

Star centre Leka Halasima has also been named on the extended bench for this weekend's match but remains under an injury cloud.

Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Since the mid-90s these sides have met a total of 53 times with the Warriors enjoying a winning record with 29 victories, 23 losses and a draw. The biggest winning margin came in their naugural season in 1995, when Newcastle gave the Warriors a harsh welcome to the NRL with a 46-8 rout.

The Warriors got their revenge four years later with a 42-0 victory, as Jason Death bagging a brace. Their last clash came just three weeks ago, with the Warriors winning 46-32. This will be the first meeting of these teams at Eden Park. The Warriors have won just one of six matches played at the county's biggest stadium.

The Warriors have won six of their last seven games against Newcastle while the Knights have not won in New Zealand since 2019. The Warriors are of course coming off a shock loss to the Dolphins on the first round of the finals while the Knights claimed a 20-10 win over the Rabbitohs. The Warriors require just two tries and five points to break club records for most tries and points in a season.

Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been included in the extended squad less than four weeks after breaking his right clavicle.

If he plays, Watene-Zelezniak will make his 250th NRL appearance in a 13-season career which has spanned time with the Panthers, Bulldogs and Warriors.

Centre Leka Halasima has also been named on the extended bench after missing last Saturday's 16-26 qualifying loss to the Dolphins. Ruled out is prop Jackson Ford, who suffered an ankle injury in his comeback after being sidelined since June with a pectoral tear. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has been called up in his absence.

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 18. Jett Cleary, 20. Morgan Gannon.

Reserves: 21. Makaia Tafua, 22. Leka Halasima, 23. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe, 7. Sandon Smith, 8. Tyson Frizell, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Cody Hopwood, 11. Jermaine McEwen, 12. Francis Manuleleua, 13. Mat Croker

Interchange: 14. Harrison Graham, 15. Lachlan Crouch, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Thomas Cant, 18. Fletcher Hunt, 19. Toby Winter.

Reserves: 20. Kyle McCarthy, 21. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, 22. Dylan Lucas.

Stung by the Dolphins, expect the Warriors to respond with a ruthless performance. The Knights possess plenty of firepower, but the occasion at Eden Park should see the Warriors rise to book their spot in a preliminary final.