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Joined June 2016
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The barista greeted me cheerfully, my usual order already underway before I spoke. As he handed me a steaming cup, he asked with a…
In their last three outings, the Warriors have been outscored, completed fewer sets, conceded more penalties and missed more tackles than their opposition.
Sell-out home games, plenty of away support, merchandise flying off the shelves and NZ Media outlets leading with Warriors’ game commentary on match day…
England has blamed referee Ben O'Keeffe for their exit from the World Cup rather than looking at their own style of play.
It is a sad time. A solemn time. A day of remembrance to mark the tragic passing of Australian rugby, may they rest in…
What a season for the Warriors. It's not over yet, but it's already been a success for the players, the club and the fans. …
There’s probably not a more popular Australian in New Zealand right now than Andrew Webster and deservedly so. Usually at this time of year,…
If you’re looking for an unbiased, analytical piece citing statistics, this is not the read for you. This is raw emotion – frustration, indignity…
Phil Gould said the New Zealand Warriors wouldn’t win more than four games this year. They’ve already won seven and with four games to…
Moments can define careers; moments of brilliance, pain, achieving the seemingly impossible on the biggest stages. Think that Scott Sattler tackle on Todd Byrne,…
A vasectomy. Israel Folau’s Instagram feed. Ricky Stuart after a Canberra loss. Adam Sandler’s entire filmography back to back. All are less painful than…
Today is goodbye. No, not to Phil Gould, although he assures us his departure is on his terms, assuming those terms include ‘suddenly’ and…
The Warriors hype machine was at full noise leading up to Simon Mannering’s 300th match, and rightly so for a player who has given…
Finals football is almost upon us, and for many NRL clubs the fairytale is over before it could really begin. But before September kicks…
Some turn a blind eye, some condemn it; others say it's the nature of competition. Why can't Australians stop cheating? And I'm not just…
Reports are filtering in of a spectacular crash in Penrose, Auckland, where a huge bandwagon has slammed into the harsh brick wall of reality.…
Do you like balls to get plenty of air, or do you prefer them to be held tightly to avoid popping out in heavy…
Office tipping rivalry aside, this year's NRL competition has been fantastic – even more so if you're a Dragons or Warriors fan, like me. Not…
Among the maelstrom of indignation, there's at least one group of people who must be feeling a quiet debt of gratitude towards the Australian…
I promised myself I wouldn't take them back; they'll only hurt you again. After so much pain, heartache, tears, jeers and lonely beers they…
Given the attack hasn’t looked as cohesive as it did last season I can understand the criticism. In my view the error rate, discipline and missed tackles are a bigger concern. They get their defence sorted and the points will follow. I hope.
The potentially harmful downward spiral that the Warriors need to halt quickly in order to save their season
It’s a good point about the attack. We lost metcalf early and Nuikore hasn’t played much – he keeps the forward momentum going when AFB comes off. With RTS adjusting to centre (and time at FB) and CNK returning in the last few weeks I hope it will help the attack flow a bit more. CNK was an important part of the backline plays to put DWZ in at the corner last year. Which he did a lot.
When seventh feels like winning: Time to hop on the Warriors' 'bandwagon'... before it's too late
Agree. Webster has made such an impact. Hard not to enjoy what the club is doing right now. Above all else it’s really pleasing to see the effort on defence – something the warriors haven’t been known for. I’m excited.
When seventh feels like winning: Time to hop on the Warriors' 'bandwagon'... before it's too late
Good point re the review Old Bugger, I remain hopeful they take it on board and make meaningful change but I am not holding my breath. I definitely have a soft spot for the 90s sides when I guess SR was still new and exciting. Guys like Cullen, Lomu, Brooke, Wilson or Horan, little, Lynagh, Eales, Roff and Burke set the standard.
Currently I don’t think the rules let the game flow enough so that the most skilled and talented players can show their stuff.
It's not just the Wallabies - Australasian rugby is withering on the vine as self-interest, arrogance and denial take hold
So that’s a no?
It's not just the Wallabies - Australasian rugby is withering on the vine as self-interest, arrogance and denial take hold
I like this idea. The current structure isn’t working.
It's not just the Wallabies - Australasian rugby is withering on the vine as self-interest, arrogance and denial take hold
Good point. Finally got their house in order. We are talking about what happens on the field, not off it. Usually looking for a coach by now.
With a rebel yell, fans cry Wahs, Wahs, Wahs: Fantastic year for true believers who kept the faith in NRL's surprise packets
You make some excellent points. They are two of my fav kiwi players. I’ll always have a soft spot for the best water boy the warriors ever had and his dad. Luai and Walsh cancel each other out for the carrying on like a pork chop measure. So it prob comes down to the fact that you lads have had a more than decent run at the top. Tall Poppy and all that… anyway a moot point – hopefully you’ll be playing the Wahs. Up the Wahs!
With a rebel yell, fans cry Wahs, Wahs, Wahs: Fantastic year for true believers who kept the faith in NRL's surprise packets
I think he will get overall Dally M. Although missed a few games over last month.
With a rebel yell, fans cry Wahs, Wahs, Wahs: Fantastic year for true believers who kept the faith in NRL's surprise packets
Loving the way the Broncos have played the game this year. Great to watch. If the Wahs don’t get up tonight I hope they roll the Panthers. And Payne vs AFB should be a cracker. Two best props in the game this season. I’m excited. Up the wahs!
With a rebel yell, fans cry Wahs, Wahs, Wahs: Fantastic year for true believers who kept the faith in NRL's surprise packets
Niukore’s deal was reported as $2.5m for 4 seasons, which is $625k a year.
The Bulldogs were still paying half DWZ salary as part of the early release deal. However, to be fair to him, he’s earned his coin this season. Reduced the errors, runs hard as anyone out of his own end and has shown some spectacular finishing for tries.
Not sure you can underestimate what Tohu brings to the Warriors either, tackles like a machine, does his share of tough stuff and links with the spine. All on one leg. Great leader. Worth every cent in my view.
Webster has worked wonders with the Warriors - now they can't let him wander
Agreed. I thought the South’s outcome was good for them. A timely reminder there is still work to do.
Johnson has been the team barometer for me, I’ve never seen him defend like he has this year. And everything else has flowed out of that.
Could they win it this year? Possibly… Will they? Probably not, but the impact for the game here has already been huge. Another sold out game this weekend – big props for the Tigers for making it happen too.
Webster has worked wonders with the Warriors - now they can't let him wander
Three years currently I believe but the club is looking to review and extend his contract. I know it’s early days and we haven’t won anything yet, but his impact has been immediate and obvious.
Webster has worked wonders with the Warriors - now they can't let him wander
I miss the biff too Barry; at least the players can defend themselves. Hard to do that with both feet off the ground.
Warriors see yellow, fans see red
The NRL has some amazing fullbacks – Tedesco, Ponga, RTS, Papenhuyzen, Trbojevic to name a few. Human highlight reels. The game is far better with them in it. The NRL have clamped down on grapple tackles, pressure tackles, introduced concussion tests etc, but yet it’s still ok to take out the legs of their most valuable talent while completely vulnerable 5 feet off the ground? It’s inconsistent and It’s dangerous. I hope they don’t wait until someone is seriously hurt before protecting those guys.
Warriors see yellow, fans see red
I thought Melbourne got the rub because Cam Smith is currently an extra on-field official. But when they played the warriors they got whacked 7-3 in the penalty count. It went unnoticed as Melbourne still won 50 – 6. Ouch. So maybe the top performing teams do get rough calls but it’s less noticeable as they still get the result? But I hear you, sure feels like there is sub-conscious bias in there somewhere… surely..
Warriors see yellow, fans see red
Cheers Dutski, it was a soft call. I would’ve enjoyed watching Tevaga and Brown going at each other over the next few sets, but we were robbed of the spectacle by weak officiating. But can’t fault the boys effort, it’s been the biggest improvement this year, they just don’t give up. Agree, hopefully it will continue to improve with stability. Very pleasing.
Warriors see yellow, fans see red
I guess it would need to be considered along with NZ fans and sponsors who want home games too. But I think theres definitely scope for the NRL to better manage the travel aspects. Some good suggestions in this thread.
Warriors light up through lockdown
I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said. Cutting 7 – 8 hours travel time out of the road matches has to help. Maintaining form is certainly the challenge, particularly with more change ahead for the club and uncertainty around what next year might look like with Covid.
Warriors light up through lockdown
I was disappointed Payten declined the opportunity, which seemed a clumsy process tbh. Nathan Brown’s NRL coaching record doesn’t read well, but if you include his results while in the U.K. super league It looks much better. He built a good roster at Newcastle, but didn’t get results. They have improved since – how much of that was his influence? really hard to know, but Brown is experienced and seems a safe choice after Payten’s last minute withdrawal. Here’s hoping he can continue the improved efforts.
Warriors light up through lockdown
If they hadn’t achieved the results they have so far this year, the usual doom and gloom merchants would be calling for more hardened aussie players etc. Its been satisfying to see senior players step up and I agree the junior talent coming through is very promising. In my view Katoa has been the find of the season for the warriors Harris-Tavita has played well above his weight and with a maturity far greater than his experience. Great stuff.
Warriors light up through lockdown
Thanks SP. Perhaps if the Warriors had Benji or players who could match his consistency in their performance and attitude they would enjoy more success.
Redefining the career of Benji Marshall
Fair enough Tazz, couldn’t agree more re the frustration.
Another Knight to forget for Warriors
Have a look at my earlier articles, plenty of optimism about the Warriors. But right now they are playing poorly. Its frustrating because they showed last year they can compete. I’d love them to turn things around and if they do, you can read my article about it.
Another Knight to forget for Warriors
I can feel your comment.
The Warriors would rather not remember the Titans: Historic loss puts Wahs' season on life support - but is there still a pulse?