Podcast appearances and mentions of issac luke

The rugby league revealed he wanted to "hang the boots up" last year but decided it was time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland's historic grand final will be played in front of a capped crowd of 39,000 due to tightening COVID-19 restrictions. Issac Luke will represent every past Rabbitohs player and the links to the club's 21 premierships, two-year fight for existence and transformation since readmission when he rings the 1908 foundation bell before the grand final.

Opener

The boys are joined by former Bunnies and Broncos premiership winner Lote Tuqiri to reminisce on his time in the NRL and shares some insight into Madge Maguire and Issac Luke.

Issac Luke to retire, Penrith to face sanction + more news. Also delve deep into stats from Jayden Campbell and Sam Walker

We welcome in Sky Racing & the TAB's Nick Quinn. Most of you would've seen him with the best hair in television, best head for radio and heard his ever enticing catch phrase 'G'day Punters.' He's been in the game a long time, done his apprenticeship under some of the best in Melbourne. A tragic for the Richmond Tigers, a quaddie and even a jockey challenge. Time codes as follows: Start - 3:10 - Intro 3:10 - 42:12 - Chat to Quinny about Royal Ascot and where the money is going. Where he grew up. An in depth chat about his famous hair and how much he gets charged when getting his do trimmed. His first job working in newspapers. His family and involvement in sport. His obsession with Richmond Tigers. Adam Hamilton stories & how racing took over the paper. His 2003 Nissan crashing into everyones cars. Cameo on Ride Like A Girl. His awful debut on Sky Racing. Love of Quaddies & Jockey Challenge and disdain for multis. The thrill of horse ownership. 42:12 - End - Rugby League Chat •Ponga signing & how good the Knights can be •How good the Roosters were and can we call it a three peat already? •Issac Luke signing •Manly Broncos game •Can we stop throwing the word 'Moral' around •Dragons - Hunt from the bench and hooker •Souths and how well Latrell & Cody went •Tips and bets for the footy for the weekend Thank you to those who have rated and left us reviews, if you can please do! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter - @giveusaspellpod Follow Nick Quinn on Twitter - @Quinny_1

In this episode the boys look at Souths impressive, brutal win over the Roosters, they look at possible players movements involving Issac Luke, Semi Radradra and Valentine Holmes. We then talk about the supposed architect of expansion clubs in John Ribot, discuss Phil Gould suggestion to trial 12 players per side, and then...we have something special! Andrew revealed he is an accomplished poet of some note. Much to League Freaks surprise Andrew produces one of his works and League Freak reads some poetry. You weren't expecting that were ya! :-D To take the OFFICIAL Fergo and The Freak 2019 NRL Fan Poll CLICK HERE If you enjoy our podcast make sure you go to your podcasting app and give us a five star rating. Also, give us a great review, it all helps us to spread the word! We would love your feedback on this episode so if you have anything to say just email us at podcast@leaguefreak.com You can also follow Andrew Ferguson and The Glorious League Freak on their respective twitter accounts. Check out The Rugby League Project for all your Rugby League statistics. Also check out The Official Website Of The Glorious League Freak for all your Rugby League news and opinions. Become a supporter of the Rugby League Project Patreon. Visit Rugby League Podcasting Network and NRL Breaking News #RugbyLeague #NRL #RFL #SuperLeague #NSW #QLD #Sport #RedV #Rugby #IntRL #RugbyWorldCup #RLWC #Podcast #LiveSport #GreatAustralianPodcasts #NFL #GoldenPoint #Poetry #Thespian 

Martin Devlin chats to former Kiwi and Warriors hooker Monty Betham about Issac Luke, who appears to have played his last season at the Warriors. Rates him as the best Kiwis hooker we've ever had. 

Wowsers, plenty for the boys to cover off this week! Will and Brad take a circumspect look at the refereeing controversy, blow up over Bully's suspension, assess the Warriors' finals hopes and preview a monster showdown with the Raiders on Friday as well as the rest of Round 20. Then there's Tales of Runanga, Stats Corner a few overdue shout-outs to remind us that life's actually not too bad despite getting a few horrendous calls in the footy.

Issac Luke and Kodi Nikorima have been named in the Warriors team to face the Raiders on Friday night.Luke 's appearance is contingent on the outcome of a judicial hearing on Tuesday night while Nikorima looks set to return after being a late withdrawal from the Eels clash last Saturday.After travelling almost 15,000km and playing in four different cities in the last four weeks, the Warriors are back home for the first time since June 30 when they host Canberra (8.00pm kick-off).Luke faces a judicial hearing on a grade two dangerous throw offence he was charged with following Saturday night's loss to Parramatta.The club has accepted the offence but is disputing the grading. If successful, Luke would be clear to play on Friday night.Included in the extended 21-man squad is hooker Karl Lawton, who has been side-lined for the last three games with a shoulder injury he picked up in the Newcastle encounter.Returning at halfback is Nikorima, who missed the Parramatta encounter with an ankle complaint, while new signing Josh Curran is on the extended bench.The Warriors have endured a challenging sequence of four consecutive away games in July taking them to Newcastle, Brisbane, Wellington and Sydney.The itinerary produced the tightest series of results imaginable – a 24-20 win over the Knights, an 18-18 draw with the Broncos, a 19-18 victory against the Sharks and a 22-24 loss to the Eels for a points for and against differential of just three points.In their two previous matches in June the Warriors beat Gold Coast 24-20 away and, in their only game in Auckland in their last six games, they lost 18-19 to Penrith.Left wing Ken Maumalo goes into Friday night's match boasting 14 tries in 17 matches to be the joint top try scorer with Parramatta's Maika Sivo.Maumalo, who snared his fourth brace of the season last weekend, has doubled his career tally which stood at 14 tries in 64 appearances starting the campaign.Three players are closing in on milestones.Prop Leeson Ah Mau, one of only two players to appear in every match this year (Peta Hiku is the other), will play his 198th career match this week while fellow front rower Agnatius Paasi and Nikorima make their 96th appearances.Despite last week's controversial defeat, the Warriors remain two points off eighth place.Warriors v Canberra Raiders8.00pm, Friday, August 2, 2019Mount Smart Stadium, AucklandReferees: Matt Cecchin and Gavin BadgerWarriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 Gerard Beale3 Peta Hiku4 Blake Ayshford5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Jazz TevagaInterchange:14 Lachlan Burr15 Sam Lisone16 Bunty Afoa17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Karl Lawton20 Josh Curran21 Adam Pompey22 Adam KeighranHead Coach | Stephen Kearney 

Still stinging from the Cricket World Cup final outcome, Will Evans and Brad Larking dust themselves off to discuss the Warriors' frantic draw in Brisbane, their upcoming Wellington foray against Cronulla and the club's hooker conundrum. Tales of Runanga and History Corner are back again too. Head to thiswarriorslife.com for extensive preview and review coverage of the Warriors' Friday night showdown with Shaun Johnson's Sharks.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has an unchanged line-up for this Friday's match against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Wellington (8.00pm kick-off).Wing Ken Maumalo will have to pass futher concussion protocols - after leaving the field midway through the second half last Saturday after a head clash - but has progressed well in the early testing so far this week.Hooker Karl Lawton remains out of the picture, still recovering from the shoulder injury picked up against the Knights two weeks ago, which means Jazz Tevaga and Chanel Harris-Tavita will be in line for back up duties at dummy half.Gerard Beale has been preferred to Patrick Herbert at right centre.The match will be the Warriors' 10th in the capital and the first since trumping the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-20 there in 2016.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke are the only survivors from that team that beat the Bulldogs.The encounter against the Sharks will mark a milestone occasion for loose forward Tevaga.His fourth consecutive starting appearance will be his 50th NRL career game, after a gruelling 90-minute contribution in last Saturday night's 18-18 draw with the Broncos.The 23-year-old made 184 metres from 22 runs and a phenomenal 72 tackles in what was the Warriors fourth extra time draw in their historyThe most recent was a 32-32 deadlock against Penrith in 2009 while the Warriors also drew 14-14 with Melbourne in the same season and 31-31 with the Sydney Roosters in 2007.The clash in Brisbane saw the Warriors produce some remarkable statistics, which again underlines what a missed opportunity it was.The Auckland side were completely dominant for large periods of the match, but an inability to make territorial and possession advantages count, as well as some poor fifth tackle options restricted their scoring output, while defensive lapses allowed the Broncos to score some soft tries.The Warriors ran for 2443 metres last Saturday night, 500-plus more than the home side.Tuivasa-Sheck made an NRL record 367 metres from 34 carries and now leads all players for most runs this season with 313.He is second for most metres overall with 3014, just behind team-mate Ken Maumalo (3088).Maumalo, Peta Hiku and Kodi Nikorima all topped 200 metres in a dominant left edge while second rower Adam Blair (188) also impressed, on the same edge.The same interchange combination of Lachlan Burr, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa and Chanel Harris-Tavita has been selected by Kearney.The Warriors are 12th on the ladder on 15 points, one behind the Sharks, who sit ninth on points for and against followed by North Queensland and Wests Tigers.Cronulla has a 22-16 advantage in 38 games between the two clubs and the Sharks have beaten the Warriors in the last four meetings.Warriors v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks8.00pm, Friday, July 19, 2019Westpac Stadium, WellingtonWarriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Gerard Beale5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnastius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Jazz TevagaInterchange:14 Lachlan Burr15 Sam Lisone16 Bunty Afoa17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Adam Pompey20 Ligi Sao21 Blake Ayshford22 Chris Satae(Four to be omitted)Coach | Stephen Kearney 

The Warriors have announced the team for their match against the Broncos.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is part of near unchanged Warriors 17 for the match, with the only alteration to the lineup forced through suspension.Veteran Adam Blair gets a reprieve, back in the side following a one game suspension picked up by Agnatius Paasi.Bunty Afoa has been drafted from the interchange to replace Paasi, while Blair fills Afoa's spot on the bench.Blair's 298th career NRL appearance comes against his former club after missing the last two games against the Dragons (suspension) and the Panthers last week (omitted).The 33-year-old Blair is now on track to play his 299th game against his original club Melbourne on June 8 and his 300th away to Gold Coast on June 14.Hooker Nathaniel Roache hasn't been selected for the wider 21-man team, as he struggles to overcome a cork to his back suffered in the win over the Dragons. It means Issac Luke gets another chance to stamp his mark, in their ongoing battle this season for the No 9 jersey.The match-up against the Broncos has special significance. For just the second time, the NRL Indigenous Round honours New Zealand's Indigenous people and culture as well as Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.In their 25th season, it also coincides with the Warriors' 42nd encounter with original opponents the Broncos. On that night in 1995 foundation captain Dean Bell led the team into battle for the first time and he'll reprise the role on Saturday when he walks out ahead of the 2019 squad to present the Broncos with a gift as part of the indigenous round festivities.The Warriors will also pay a special tribute to the late Quentin Pongia on Saturday, to honour the former Kiwis captain.After a battle with cancer, 48-year-old Pongia passed away in Greymouth last Saturday.Pongia was a legend of the New Zealand game, carving out a fearsome reputation across 35 tests for the Kiwis and an NRL career with the Raiders, Warriors, Roosters and Dragons.There will be a video tribute to Pongia on the big screen at Mount Smart while a minute's silence will be observed before kick-off .WARRIORS1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c)2 DAVID FUSITU'A3 PETA HIKU 4 PATRICK HERBERT5 KEN MAUMALO6 KODI NIKORIMA7 BLAKE GREEN8 BUNTY AFOA9 ISSAC LUKE 10 LEESON AH MAU11 ISAIAH PAPALI'I12 TOHU HARRIS13 LACHLAN BURRInterchange:14 JAZZ TEVAGA15 ADAM BLAIR16 LIGI SAO17 KARL LAWTON18 GERARD BEALE20 LEIVAHA PULU21 CHRIS SATAE22 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITAHEAD COACH | STEPHEN KEARNEY 

The Warriors' season is back on track, after an emphatic 30-10 win over the struggling Panthers.There's a long way to go in 2019, but the manner of this performance will warm the hearts around Mt Smart way.They were almost perfect on defence, repelling a staggering amount of Penrith pressure at their own end, and attacked with precision and power.The Panthers didn't help themselves, with their lack of confidence evident in a ton of errors, including some you probably won't see again in the NRL this season.It was a strong all round performance from the Warriors, led by the men in the engine room. Kodi Nikorima showed his value with another eye catching display, while Blake Green had his best game of the season.Penrith has always been a tough trip for the Warriors, who have had a bleak run at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Not one of the Warriors' 17 who took the field on Friday night were present the last time the Auckland club tasted success at Panthers Stadium, back in 2012. It's been mostly misery; the 62-6 humiliation in 2013, the 22-6 loss in 2014 to miss the top eight on points differential and the damaging 36-4 thumping last year at the hands of the 'baby Panthers'.Issac Luke was a late change for the Warriors, as Nathaniel Roache failed to recover from a back injury, while veteran Adam Blair missed the cut.Penrith were desperate. One of the pre-season title favourites, they had held a series of crisis meetings during the week, but to no avail as the Warriors made an impressive start.After defending their line for four consecutive sets, the visitors made the most of their first opportunity, with the mercurial Luke showing his value with a strong solo try. They extended their lead on the following set, after a 50 metre burst from dummy half by Nikorima, underlining the value of his raw pace. That stretched the Panthers, and Herbert powered over after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had held up the defensive line.After a positive beginning, the Panthers looked in disarray, with 22 missed tackles recorded in the first quarter alone and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak dropped the ball cold with the line open to sum up their plight. After going ahead, the Warriors then slightly lost their way. They forced their hand, pushed things, instead of earning the right to play. Penrith still looked out of sorts, with a collision between two players as they tried to field a Green kick demonstrating their confusion.The highlight of the night was Nikorima's try in the 57th minute, as he dummied and stepped through for his first four pointer in Warriors' colours. Peta Hiku left with a suspected concussion early in the final quarter, but it didn't matter, as the result was sealed with 20 minutes to play. The Warriors had repelled more than 40 tackles, before Liam Martin finally crossed in the 71st minute. Agnatius Paasi had the final say, bulldozing over for his second try in two weeks, before Viliame Kikau's late consolation.Warriors 30 (I Luke, P Herbert, K Nikorima, A Paasi tries; P Herbert 7 goals)Panthers 10 (L Martin, V Kikau tries; N Cleary goal)Halftime: 14-0 

Will Evans and Brad Larking are all pumped up after Magic Round, dissecting the Warriors' storming comeback against the Dragons and reevaluating where the team is headed in 2019. It's another jam-packed listener mailbag, before the boys run through a list of potential engine-room recruits for 2020 and delve into Round 10 of the NRL. Stats Corner revisits the best goalkickers in Warriors history. Head to thiswarriorslife.com for extensive preview and review coverage of the Warriors' Friday night assignment against the Panthers.

New signing Kodi Nikorima is all set to make his Warriors debut at his old home ground Suncorp Stadium after being named at standoff for Saturday's NRL Magic Round encounter with St George Illawarra in Brisbane (kick-off 7.30pm NZT).The 25-year-old Palmerston North-born Kiwi international will become Warrior #236 just eight days after being signed from the Brisbane Broncos.Nikorima knows Suncorp Stadium well, after playing at the venue in almost 50 of his 86 matches for the Broncos.His last outing for Brisbane was in its 29-6 seventh-round home win against Cronulla on April 27.Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney, who worked with Nikorima in the Kiwis and when he was an assistant coach at Brisbane, has teamed up the club's new arrival with veteran halfback Blake Green.While Nikorima is the notable addition to the starting line-up, Kearney has made another significant selection by bringing in Nathaniel Roache as the starting hooker with Issac Luke moved to the extended bench in jersey #22.In line to fill the back-up dummy half role is Karl Lawton, who is recalled after making his one appearance so far this season against Gold Coast in round four.Veteran Adam Blair will miss the trip to Brisbane after an early guilty plea was entered on the dangerous throw charge he faced from Sunday's match against Newcastle. Lachlan Burr also landed a dangerous throw charge but is free to play.Right wing David Fusitu'a is again included in the hope he will return from the rib injury which has ruled him out of the last two matches against Melbourne and Newcastle while utility Jazz Tevaga and prop Bunty Afoa are in line to return from leg injuries.Named for his second outing this season is middle forward Ligi Sao, who is named in the 17.Chanel Harris-Tavita, who has played the last five games, is on the extended bench with utility Gerard Beale, prop Chris Satae and Luke.Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Patrick Herbert5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Nathaniel Roache10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Lachlan BurrInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Bunty Afoa16 Ligi Sao17 Karl Lawton18 Gerard Beale20 Chris Satae21 Chanel Harris-Tavita23 Issac Luke 

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has dismissed rumours that captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a doubt for the Anzac Day clash with the Melbourne Storm.Despite some reports that Tuivasa-Sheck was struggling with a hamstring injury, Kearney insisted the Warriors' talismanic captain is "fine to go" for the Thursday night clash in Melbourne."Yesterday was a light run, when it was two-days post our match. He completed training yesterday, and he's fine to go," Kearney told Daniel McHardy."Not unless you know something I don't. Unfortunately that's the distraction of social media where I'm pretty sure that's where it all comes from."Kearney went on to praise Tuivasa-Sheck, who has been one of the few bright sparks in the Warriors' disappointing season so far."Roger provides the team with stuff or moments that other players can't do. But what also Roger recognises is that he needs everyone doing their job for him to do his job."What I do know is we don't have a reliance on Roger. He's an important player in our team - there's no doubt about that - but everyone's important."Like I said, if they're not doing their role, not doing their job, you know Roger won't get the opportunity that he gets. And that's the way we work our gameplan."The Warriors will be without David Fusitu'a who picked up a rib injury in their loss to the Cowboys, forcing a move of Gerard Beale from centre to the right wing, with Peta Hiku coming into the centres.Blake Green – who recovered from a groin injury – returns to the starting lineup alongside rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves.The Warriors sit at 10th with two wins and four losses from their first six fixtures to start the season.Warriors team to play Melbourne Storm: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Blake Green, Agnatius Paasi, Issac Luke, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Lachlan Burr. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali'i, Bunty Afoa, Nathaniel Roache, Hayze Perham, Leivaha Pulu, Patrick Herbert, Tevita Satae.  

After five rounds of the NRL season, the picture isn't much clearer as to the Warriors' future in 2019.They produced a brave performance on the Sunshine Coast today, and the last-gasp 28-24 loss to the Rabbitohs was a heart-breaker.But at NRL level, courage and commitment aren't always enough.You need to be smart and composed as well, and the Warriors lost their way in the final 18 minutes, giving up three tries as the Sydney side reeled in a 24-12 deficit.Cody Walker grabbed four touchdowns, while Damien Cook's pace and sharpness out of dummy half was a constant threat.The result leaves Stephen Kearney's team on four competition points — this time last year they were unbeaten — and with a tough series of matches coming in April and May.To be fair to the Warriors, few would have expected them to get that close this afternoon. Especially when they lost Blake Green minutes before kickoff with a groin injury, while they also had specialist hooker Issac Luke off the field during the last quarter (concussion).They were the kind of circumstances that many Warriors fans have been dreading since Shaun Johnson's shock exit was confirmed last November, leaving Green as the only experienced NRL half at Mt Smart.The team coped relatively well, but it was a performance of fits and starts. In both halves they had periods of real momentum, but couldn't maintain their intensity and focus.When they got going the potential was obvious, but learning to compete when the chips are down is vital, and they were burned by a 67 per cent completion rate.They still have defensive issues – especially on the right edge – which was relentlessly targeted by the Rabbitohs.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was again outstanding, topping 200 running metres and two line breaks, while the forwards muscled up to match their much vaunted opposites. Harris-Tavita produced a mature display, given the situation. Sure, there was a couple of errors, but he showed enough to warrant hope for the future.The Warriors were rocked by the loss of Green, and the reshuffle saw Peta Hiku move into the halves and Gerard Beale getting his first start of the season at centre.Considering that setback, they started well enough.Tuivasa-Sheck grabbed an impressive early solo try in the 15th minute, jinking through the Rabbitohs defence after cutting back against the grain.Souths hit back with a slightly fortuitous try from a Walker miskick, and from their next set, Cook cut the Warriors defence to shreds and Walker strolled over for his second.It looked ominous, but the Warriors found some resolve late in the half. They rolled up field in waves, and were rewarded with Jazz Tevaga's try, after a smart Lachlan Burr offload.The Warriors took the initiative early in the second half as Tohu Harris crossed, before they manufactured the try of the match in the 51st minute — finished off by Lisone — after a move that featured three offloads and some brilliant second phase play.But they couldn't put the foot on the throat. Instead they seemed to tire, making three consecutive errors on attacking sets at one stage, and Ethan Lowe and Walker profited down the left edge with tries.Both teams had late drop goal attempts, before Walker skipped past two defenders to dive over and seal the Rabbitohs comeback.Rabbitohs 28 (C Walker 4, E Lowe tries; A Reynolds 4 goals)Warriors 24 (R Tuivasa-Sheck, J Tevaga, T Harris, S Lisone tries; C Harris-Tavita 4 goals)Halftime: 12-12 

Young Warriors half Adam Keighran will spend time in reserve grade this weekend, with Chanel Harris-Tevita set to make his NRL debut.After jostling with Keighran for the starting spot to begin the season, Harris-Tevita will get his chance this weekend against the Gold Coast Titans as the Warriors look to move on from their recent woes.Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said Harris-Tevita would be coming into the squad"It's part of the business. Everyone knows how this game works. The positive side is we give someone else an opportunity," Tuivasa-Sheck said."Now that Chanel gets a shot with us, we're looking forward to see how he goes in the top side."The side started the season with a dominant win over the Canterbury Bulldogs, but have been thoroughly outplayed in their past two outings with losses to the Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles. As a result, Kearney hinted that things would change in his line up."On the back of a couple of disappointing performances there will be some adjustments to the side," he said."When you find yourself in a bit of a hole, which is where we are at the minute, you've got to work hard to get yourself out of it."In the last fortnight, the Warriors have struggled to match it with their opponents and have leaked points. Against Manly and Wests, the team conceded 80 points - including 14 tries - missed a combined 78 tackles and committed 23 errors. For anyone who hadn't seen the games, the statistics alone don't paint a pretty picture.Kearney chose not to make changes after an ugly 34-6 loss to the Tigers in round two, but after an equally unappealing result in Manly, the Warriors coach has sought a change in personnel to address some of the concerns in the team's performance."We understand with the last two performances … there's a certain expectation that we have in the footy team," Kearney said."At the end of the day, if there's going to be some adjustments, I'm doing what I think is going to be best for the footy team to get a performance on Friday night."For everyone, that's the business we're in - performance. It's no different every week."Issac Luke and Nathaniel Roache will both be unavailable for the Titans clash, opening a spot in the match day squad for former Titan Karl Lawton, who will share hooking duties with Jazz Tevaga. 

Issac Luke has been named at hooker while Karl Lawton has been included on an extended bench for the Warriors ahead of Saturday's clash with the Sea Eagles at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.The Warriors will head into the "away" game looking to bounce back after an awful 34-6 loss to the Wests Tigers last Sunday.All 17 players who took the field at Campbelltown have been named in this week's line up with Lawton's inclusion in the place of Nate Roache the only change to the squad named by coach Stephen Kearney last Tuesday.Roache was a late withdrawal from the Tigers game after suffering from calf tightness at the captains' run."Last week's performance against the Tigers was disappointing," said Kearney."I'm expecting our players to respond accordingly and Saturday's game against Manly gives us a good chance to do that."Nate's still got a bit of tightness in his calf so we won't be risking him this week."Although he has been charged by the NRL judiciary for dangerous contact on Tigers forward Mikaele Thomas, prop Sam Lisone has been included on the Warriors' bench.He is pleading not guilty and his hearing will take place at NRL headquarters in Sydney at 9pm (NZT) on Tuesday evening.If he fails to overturn the charge, Lisone will be sidelined for two games.Likewise, Lawton, who played for the club's Canterbury Cup NSW team last weekend, has been charged with tripping. After also pleading not guilty, his hearing will take place on Wednesday night.If found guilty, Lawton will miss one game.Should either player be ruled out, the Warriors will be able to replace them in the 21-man squad for Saturday's game against the Sea Eagles.Manly, who are officially the home team this weekend, will head into the game having yet to record a win this season after losses to the Tigers and Roosters.Warriors team to face the Sea Eagles:1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Adam Keighran7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Bunty Afoa11 Adam Blair12 Tohu Harris13 Lachlan BurrInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Sam Lisone16 Leeson Ah Mau17 Isaiah Papali'i18 Gerard Beale20 Ligi Sao21 Karl Lawton22 Chanel Harris-Tavita(Four to be omitted) 

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE AS TONY KEMP SPEAKS TO MARTIN DEVLINWarriors hooker Issac Luke is on track to start the NRL season and has his sights set on reclaiming his Kiwis test jersey for tests against Tonga, Australia and Great Britain.Luke is confident of being ready to play in the Warriors' campaign opener against Canterbury at Mt Smart Stadium next Saturday, after making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery at the end of last season.The Warriors coaching staff have had a hard time holding him back from full contact training and Luke feels he'll be ready for anything the Bulldogs can throw at him."I'm happy," said Luke. "I did full contact [on Wednesday]. I've been doing full contact anyway even while wearing a pink bib."I'm ticking a lot of boxes and have another contact session [today], which will be a good step for next week."However, despite his talent and experience, the 31-year-old is aware he may have to settle for a spot on the bench, given the impressive trial form of young No 9 Nathaniel Roache."It just depends. Nate's been going really well, so we'll see how that goes," he said."I'll just do what's best for the team. At the moment, it's not about me.Warriors hooker Issac Luke is firming to be fit for next week's NRL season opener against Canterbury. Photo / Photosport."If Nate's doing a great job, then he needs to be a part of it, and hopefully I'm a part of the team week in and week out and we can both do a good job."Having recently won a contract upgrade after eventually re-signing with the Warriors on a heavily reduced one-year deal last October, everything is falling into place for the 254-game veteran leading into his 12th season in first grade.Rumours out of Sydney last month suggested Parramatta were preparing to lure him away from Auckland with a two-year deal worth $700,000.Luke said he was unaware if a formal offer ever materialised."I don't know. [Player agent] Bruce [Sharrock] would know more than me but it was probably just music to our ears," he said."[Parramatta] have got a great young hooker [Reed Mahoney] at the moment, I don't know why they wouldn't just want to throw him in the deep end."The speculation worked in Luke's favour, with the Warriors moving quickly to find extra cash to keep him and his family in New Zealand.Warriors coach Stephen Kearney made it clear he remained an integral part of his plans for the year and Luke was pleased with how the matter was resolved.Luke is determined to replicate his strong form from last season and reclaim his Kiwis test jersey. Photo / Photosport.Extending his time in the NRL remains a priority, giving him plenty of added incentive to perform at his best again this season."Mooks [Kearney] wanted a meeting and I talked to him about it and he said 'we'll figure something out because I don't want you to go anywhere'."Once I got that word, a lot of weight fell off my shoulders."My manager did a really good job and managed to get me a bit more money, but as a family, we're really happy. We were happy anyway but extra cash is good."I'm just playing for another contract, whether it's here or somewhere else, I'll figure that out."Once he's back on the park, Luke hopes his form will be good enough to convince Kiwis coach and his old South Sydney mentor Michael Maguire to recall him for the June test against Tonga and end-of-year fixtures against Australia and Great Britain.Having missed the 2017 World Cup when the Kiwis were humbled by the Pacific Island side in Hamilton, Luke would love a chance to help New Zealand even the ledger."It's a great calendar with a couple of games against the Lions and a big game in June against Tonga."Hopefully I'm a part of that because I wasn't a part of the last game."I just want to be able to be a part of that atmosphere and I'm looking forward to it."

LISTEN TO SHAUN JOHNSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEWarriors halfback Shaun Johnson has dismissed stinging criticism of his form in the NRL finals and says he feels no added pressure to perform for the understrength Kiwis in next Saturday's trans-Tasman test against the Kangaroos.The 28-year-old enjoyed his best season since 2015 in helping the Warriors through to their first playoff appearance in seven years, but wore the brunt of the blame for the side's 27-12 qualifying final defeat to Penrith last month.The pressure will again be on him to spark the Kiwis' attack when they face the World Champions at Mt Smart Stadium, and on their end of year tour of England, but Johnson is relaxed ahead of his first test outing since last year's failed World Cup campaign."I don't feel any added pressure. I feel like that's something I want to do," said Johnson."It's not like 'oh, you're going to have to do it now'. I want to do that."It's important that not just myself but every player has that same intention and I'm sure that will be the case. So it's not [something I] need to [do], it's definitely [something I] want to [do]."With the side going through a changing of the guard following the international retirement of several players including Simon Mannering, and the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Kieran Foran unavailable through injury, Johnson is among the Kiwis' most experienced campaigners with 25 tests to his name.Together with former captains Adam Blair (45 tests) and Jesse Bromwich (24), and Sydney Roosters front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (24), he is a frontrunner to lead the Kiwis, with coach Michael Maguire due to appoint his skipper in the coming days."It's not something that I've even thought about," he said."I'll get in there and play my usual role. I'll lead with my actions and voice and make sure that boys are feeling comfortable."It would be a massive honour for anyone to captain their country but at this stage it's not in my mind at all."The upcoming tests present another opportunity for Johnson to silence his doubters, who grew louder in voice following the Warriors' limp playoff exit.He admits to being below his best against the Panthers but believes it is wrong to single out individuals for praise or blame in victory or defeat."It was people who have no idea rambling on again," he said of the criticism. "I'm not saying I had the best game of my career, no doubt about it [I didn't]."I know if we win, it's a team sport. People try to pin good performances on me, it's never that case when we win."We're all responsible for what happened that night and people are going to say what they want but ultimately it's in the past now."Wearing the No 7 on his back and being the club's highest paid player means he will always be a target, but Johnson says the only opinions that hold weight are those of his teammates."When you're the halfback of a team and the team doesn't perform you're always going to be in the firing line. So it's nothing new."If I'm getting blamed by my teammates, that's a bit different. But if it's just Joe Bloggs in the public who has never laced up a pair of boots, it is what it is. I'm here for the Kiwis now and really excited."Maguire insists he won't be relying on Johnson to carry the side and says it's up to the other players around him to help make his job easier."I don't think there is [more pressure]. It's about [Shaun] just doing his role," said Maguire."We'll have a very basic style of play that we're trying to build and Shaun's going to be a big part of that but everyone else needs to play their part as well."New Kiwis assistant coach Stacey Jones sympathises with Johnson's predicament but believes he needs to rise to the challenge of being the side's main playmaker and lead the way for young halves Kodi Nikorima and Jahrome Hughes.As an assistant to Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney, Jones says there will be...

LISTEN TO BRIAN SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEVeteran hooker Issac Luke will stay with the Warriors but a potential shoulder reconstruction could delay his start to next season.The 31-year-old has signed new one-year deal for next year, while young second-rower Isaiah Papali'i has penned a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.It's understood Luke accepted a heavily reduced offer to remain in Auckland after talks to join Newcastle broke down following news he requires shoulder surgery which could keep him sidelined until March next year."It's good to have the contract all sorted out," said Luke."We always wanted to stay in New Zealand, my wife and the kids. I'm really happy here at the club and I'm pleased I have another season with the boys."Luke's new deal follows lengthy negotiations with the Warriors first tabling their offer for him to consider back in July.The 254-game veteran was hoping for a longer contract but will now hope to maintain his strong form next season to inspire either the Warriors or another rival club to sign him for 2020 and beyond.However, Luke is in doubt to be fit for the early rounds of next season with the club fearing he could require a full shoulder reconstruction and face a lengthy recovery of up to four to six months.The former South Sydney Rabbitoh visited a specialist on Wednesday to have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage and is expected to go under the knife in the next week.Luke has a history of shoulder issues and missed the round 10 loss to the Sydney Roosters after suffering a dislocation in the previous week's win over Wests Tigers."It's probably likely to be some kind of reconstruction," Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith told Radio Sport."The decision for anyone to have an operation at any time is always with the individual, in sport as well as out in the public."So no one's telling Issac what he has to do, but if he wants to play football he's got to get that shoulder tidied up so that he and we can get a lot more of the contact training in that he wasn't able to do for much of 2018."The operation will be in the next few days and it will be a few months, I would say, in a full recovery, depending on exactly what they find in the MRI."Meanwhile, Papali'i's extension comes after 20-year-old was named on Monday in the Kiwis squad for next week's transtasman test against Australia in Auckland and the end of year tour of the UK.The Warriors NRL Rookie of the Year was also selected for the Junior Kiwis and may drop out of the senior squad to captain the Under 20s team in their curtain-raiser clash against the Junior Kangaroos, before re-joining the senior side for the three-test series against England.His re-signing comes after the club also recently locked in fellow Warriors junior products David Fusitu'a, Ken Maumalo, Jazz Tevaga and Bunty Afoa."Isaiah is a great young prospect who has quickly established himself at NRL level," said Warriors coach Stephen Kearney."He's a wonderful example to players aiming to make it into the NRL coming through our system. He really impresses with his attitude and resilience." 

The end is nigh for Issac Luke's protracted contract negotiations.It's understood Luke has accepted a heavily reduced offer to remain in Auckland after talks to join Newcastle broke down following news he requires shoulder surgery which could keep him sidelined until March next year.Warriors boss Cameron George told D’Arcy and Goran the deal is not quite done, but a meeting tomorrow between Luke and the club will sort it once and for all.George responded last week to being asked about the deal with "how long is a piece of string", but now is confident the matter will be settled."That's why we catch up tomorrow when I'm in Auckland and we can go from there."The new contract comes after lengthy negotiations between the two parties with the Warriors first tabling their offer for Luke to consider back in July.The 31-year-old was hoping for a longer two or three year deal but will now hope to maintain his strong form next season to inspire either the Warriors or another rival club to sign him for 2020 and beyond.Luke enjoyed a standout season in helping the Warriors to their first finals appearance in seven years before their campaign ended in the qualifying final loss to Penrith in week one of the playoffs.His dynamic running and creativity out of dummy-half saw him rediscover his best form after his play suffered during his first two years at the Warriors (2016-17) as he battled weight and fitness issues.His resurgence was rewarded when he reclaimed his Kiwis jersey for the June test against England in Denver before he finished the season among the nominees for the Dally M Hooker of the Year award.The Warriors will be expecting more of the same from him next year as the club's first-choice hooker while looking to further blood young No 9 Nathaniel Roach who missed the entire season recovering from back surgery.Luke's pending signing comes after the Warriors last week announced versatile forward Jazz Tevaga had re-signed for next season with an option for 2020, while the club has further depth in the position through back-up hookers Karl Lawton and Sam Cook.Tevaga last week celebrated winning the Dally M Interchange Player of the Year after an impressive campaign that saw him come off the bench to play loose-forward while he also filled in at dummy-half in Luke's absence.However, the extent of Luke's shoulder injury is still to be confirmed after he carried the problem throughout the season while also managing an Achilles strain.Luke has a history of shoulder issues and missed the round 10 loss to the Sydney Roosters after suffering a dislocation in the previous week's win over Wests Tigers. The injury has ruled him out of next week's transtasman clash against the Kangaroos in Auckland and the Kiwis' end of year tour of the UK.Meanwhile, the Warriors on Monday confirmed former Kiwis World Cup winning captain Nathan Cayless has signed a two-year deal to coach the club's Intrust Super Premiership side.The Warriors have also announced they will play a home game at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in each of the next two seasons. The date of next year's game will be confirmed when the 2019 premiership draw is released in November.- with content from NZ HeraldLISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

LISTEN TO MICHAEL MAGUIRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORANFresh off winning the NRL premiership with the Sydney Rooster, young centre Joseph Manu is in line for a taste of the international stage.The 22-year-old from Tokoroa was one of five debutants named in Michael Maguire's Kiwis side of this month's match against the Kangaroos in Auckland and a three-match series against England at the end of the year. Second-rowers Corey Harawira-Naera (Penrith) and Isaiah Papali'i (Warriors), and Storm duo Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes are also in line to make their debuts.The squad gives a clear indication that Maguire has decided to look to the future, with 16 of the 23-man squad having fewer than 10 international caps, while only 11 of the team who played in the Denver Test against England earlier this year remain in the squad.The were some notable absences from the squad. Destructive Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona suffered an ankle injury in Sunday night's Grand Final and was expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. Roosters forward Zane Tetevano also missed out on the squad after being injured in the Grand Final. A player will be added later to take the remaining spot left by their injuries.Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Dally M medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are also not with the team."This is a new era for the Kiwis and that's again reflected in the make-up of this squad as it was for the Denver Test," Maguire said."A lot of experienced players have moved on in recent years in the shape of Simon Mannering, Thomas Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei, Jason Nightingale, Ben Matulino, Kieran Foran, Russell Packer and others."For us it's really exciting bringing in these new players as we strive to take the national side to the place we want it to be. That starts with the Test against the Kangaroos."Kiwis: Gerard Beale, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Jahrome Hughes*, Jamayne Isaako, Jesse Bromwich, Shaun Johnson, Joseph Manu*, Esan Marsters, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jordan Rapana, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kenneath Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Isaac Liu, Isaiah Papali'i*, Kevin Proctor, Brandon Smith*, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.* - uncapped players. 

LISTEN TO WARRIORS CEO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEThe Warriors have re-signed versatile forward Jazz Tevaga and front-rower Bunty Afoa.Fresh from collecting the Interchange Player of the Year trophy at the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, Tevaga has re-committed to the club on a one-year deal for next season with an option for 2020.The club has also moved to secure Afoa on a new contract that will keep him in Auckland at least until the end of 2021.Tevaga's re-signing comes as Warriors fans continue to await news on off-contract hooker Issac Luke's playing future with the Kiwi international still in talks to re-sign for next season.After missing the opening two matches of the season, Tevaga went on to appear in 20 of the next 23 games to complete his strongest NRL campaign since his debut in 2016.The Christchurch-born, Papakura-raised forward extended his career tally to 35 appearances this season, averaging 56 minutes, 10 runs, 85 metres and 37 tackles a game."We've been really pleased with the way Jazz has developed his game this year and were thrilled when he won the Dally M interchange award this week," said Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney."He was important to our success, the way he came off the bench to bring energy and toughness playing big minutes."Afoa's contract extension comes after an impressive season in which the 22-year-old Samoan international made 23 appearances to establish himself as one of the club's first-choice forwards.The Pt Chevalier junior and St Paul's College product missed just two games and has appeared in 40 of a possible 49 matches in the last two years following his NRL debut in 2016.Afoa started seven games and was used 16 times off the interchange bench and now sits just six games short of the 50-game milestone."Bunty has been terrific for us, even more so when you consider he was only 21 for almost the entire season," said Kearney."What he gives us is real consistency in effort and performance which makes him one of the most impressive young forwards in the game. He also brings a wonderful attitude in all he does as well and will improve even more."Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith said the pair's re-signing was vital as the club sought to retain the best talent to have emerged from their junior development system."We have a really good crop of young players making their way in the NRL," said Smith."Jazz is another one of them who now joins David (Fusitu'a), Ken (Maumalo) and Bunty from that group who have re-signed."What Bunty has done in such a short time in the NRL is inspirational, a fine example for all young kids in this country who have dreams of making it. He's a pleasure to have at our club in the way he conducts himself as a footballer and in the community."The beauty with him is that he causes no fuss. He's always helpful, low maintenance and very coachable." 

Former Warriors coach Tony Kemp talks to Martin Devlin on the DRS about the Warriors loss to the Panthers and how resigning Issac Luke should be a priority. LISTEN ABOVE TO ISSAC LUKE ON THE DRS.

LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEBlake Green and James Gavet both return from injury to start in the Warriors' first NRL finals match in seven years when they face the Penrith Panthers in Saturday's sudden-death play-off at ANZ Stadium (7.30pm NZT).Green missed the back-to-back wins over Penrith and Canberra while Gavet was ruled out last week.Veteran Blake replaces Mason Lino providing the Warriors with extensive big-game experience from eight NRL finals appearances since 2008 for Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly as well as title success with Wigan in the English Super League.Gavet, a finals rookie, replaces Bunty Afoa in a side showing a number of players set to play finals football for the first time this week.While Green and Gavet return, captain and just-crowned Simon Mannering Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as well as the 300-game man Mannering have been included as they look to recover from injuries picked up in the 20-16 win over the Raiders.Apart from prop Gavet, others named to line up in the finals for the first time are the David Fusitu'a, fellow winger Ken Maumalo and centre Solomone Kata plus interchange forwards Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali'i and Afoa. On the extended bench, Lino, Chris Satae and Karl Lawton also have no finals experience.At the same time the selected 17 includes several players who have appeared in multiple finals including premiership winners Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris and Gerard Beale.Mannering has played 10 finals matches including the 2011 grand final while Issac Luke also has vast finals experience although he missed South Sydney's 2014 grand final win through suspension.The Warriors head into the play-offs after a seven-year absence to start the club's eighth finals campaign following previous appearances in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.They finished level on 32 points with four teams in the most congested top eight finish in history with the leading four teams just one win ahead on 34 points.The Panthers clinched fifth place on points for and against while the Warriors were eighth after a season in which they were inside the top eight every week of the regular season en route to a 15-9 win-loss record.In their two encounters in the regular rounds, Penrith beat the Warriors 36-4 at its home ground in July but the Warriors avenged the loss with a compelling 36-16 victory to clinch their finals berth at Mount Smart Stadium on August 24.The rivals have met in the play-offs only once before, the Panthers prevailing 28-20 in the preliminary final in 2003 before claiming the premiership against the Roosters.In 17 previous finals matches, the Warriors have won eight and lost nine while the Panthers have a 13-14 record including two grand final victories in 1991 and 2003.WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS5.30pm, Saturday, September 8, 2018ANZ Stadium, SydneyVODAFONE WARRIORS1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c)2 DAVID FUSITU'A3 PETA HIKU4 SOLOMONE KATA5 KEN MAUMALO6 BLAKE GREEN7 SHAUN JOHNSON8 JAMES GAVET9 ISSAC LUKE10 AGNATIUS PAASI11 ADAM BLAIR12 TOHU HARRIS13 SIMON MANNERINGInterchange:14 JAZZ TEVAGA15 ISAIAH PAPALI'I16 BUNTY AFOA17 GERARD BEALE18 LEIVAHA PULU20 MASON LINO21 CHRIS SATAE22 KARL LAWTONHEAD COACH | STEPHEN KEARNEY 

Simon Mannering's Warriors teammates have nothing but praise for him as he plans to play his 300th NRL game against the Raiders tonight.Warriors hooker Issac Luke has known the backrower since they played together for Wellington in 2004.He says nothing about Mannering has changed in that time - except his hairline."He's always been a competitor, selfless, he's always put the team first, and just the ultimate club man."Former Australian team mate Brent Tate says he is not surprised that Mannering has made it to 30.."So reliable, a great fella, such a great team man."He says it's wonderful that it's fallen on the last home game of the year.LISTEN TO BRENT TATE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

Negotiations between Issac Luke and the Warriors are at a stalemate.The hooker wants to extend his stay at Mount Smart Stadium, but he's yet to be offered a deal for the 2019 NRL season and beyond.Warriors general manager Brian Smith told D'arcy and Goran they're struggling to reach a resolution.Luke will play his 250th NRL game tonight when the Warriors host the Newcastle Knights at Mount Smart Stadium.Smith also says that it's unlikely that the same situation that is affecting the Panthers will happen here, insisting Stephen Kearney is in charge of the coaching.The Penrith's caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo has said he is glad club boss Phil Gould was able to talk him out of leaving.Ciraldo tried to resign from his role as assistant coach for the NRL side twice, while now sacked coach Anthony Griffin was still in charge.He says he wanted to leave for himself and his development as a coach, but is happy he has remained at the club.Gould sacked Griffin this week, saying he was too controlling and old school to help the team win a premiership.LISTEN TO BRIAN SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN

LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEVeteran hooker Issac Luke is set to bring up his 250th career appearance when he lines up in an unchanged starting side for the Warriors' clash against Newcastle at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday night (8.00pm kick-off).The 31-year-old Luke, who has been in outstanding form this season, was on target to achieve the 250-game milestone against St George Illawarra last weekend until a calf injury side-lined him for the Gold Coast defeat on July 29.Returning for his 249th game last weekend, Luke produced another stellar performance in the memorable 18-12 win over the Dragons. He scored a try – his fifth of the season – made five dummy half runs and came up with 49 tackles.The 43-Test Kiwi plays his 62nd game for the Warriors on Friday after moving to Mount Smart Stadium in 2016 following 188 games for South Sydney since his debut in 2007.Luke will take his place in a starting line-up unchanged from the one used in the club's first win over the Dragons in 11 attempts at Wollongong's WIN Stadium.Adam Blair will again be on the right edge this week with Simon Mannering at loose forward for his 297th NRL appearance.Bunty Afoa has been included on the bench with the club hoping to overturn a one-match suspension he's facing for a dangerous contact charge from Saturday's match.Also listed in the four frontline choices on the bench are utility Jazz Tevaga – coming off an exceptional 56 tackles on Saturday – plus Leivaha Pulu and utility back Peta Hiku.The other four players completing the extended bench are centre Anthony Gelling, back rower Joseph Vuna, prop Chris Satae and hooker Karl Lawton.Friday's night encounter is the only meeting between the Warriors and the 11th-placed Knights this season.Having achieved the best away record in the club's history last week – 8-3 with one game to go – the Warriors go into the match in eighth spot on 26 points. A win in this match would give them their 13th victory of the year, their best regular-season return since 2011.In 38 matches so far, the Warriors have a 19-18 edge over Newcastle with one match drawn.The Knights won the last time the teams met in Newcastle last year following four wins on end by the Warriors. The Warriors have won 11 of the last 12 matches against the Knights in Auckland, their last loss coming in 2012.Warriors v Newcastle Knights8.00pm, Friday, August 10, 2018Mount Smart Stadium, AucklandWarriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Adam Blair13 Simon Mannering Interchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Leivaha Pulu16 Bunty Afoa17 Peta Hiku18 Anthony Gelling20 Joseph Vuna21 Chris Satae22 Karl LawtonHead coach | Stephen Kearney 

The Warriors are welcoming back a trio of experienced forwards for their crucial NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair have all been named in the side that has eight players named on the interchange bench.Blair returns from suspension, while Harris and Luke have overcome injuries.The side comes after a bad loss against in the Gold Coast last weekend. Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran he's confident the recovering pair won't be late withdrawals, like they were against the Titans."They had an extra week's preparation now, and they got through that really well, so I'm pretty confident that they'll be good to go."Leivaha Pulu, who has been named on the bench, has avoided suspension for a hit on Titans halfback Ash Taylor thanks to an early guilty plea.Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Adam BlairInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Simon Mannering16 Leivaha Pulu17 Bunty Afoa18 Peta Hiku20 Mason Lino21 Sam Lisone22 Joseph VunaLISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

The Warriors are welcoming back a trio of experienced forwards for their crucial NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair have all been named in the side that has eight players named on the interchange bench.Blair returns from suspension, while Harris and Luke have overcome injuries.The side comes after a bad loss against in the Gold Coast last weekend. Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran he's confident the recovering pair won't be late withdrawals, like they were against the Titans."They had an extra week's preparation now, and they got through that really well, so I'm pretty confident that they'll be good to go."Leivaha Pulu, who has been named on the bench, has avoided suspension for a hit on Titans halfback Ash Taylor thanks to an early guilty plea.Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Adam BlairInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Simon Mannering16 Leivaha Pulu17 Bunty Afoa18 Peta Hiku20 Mason Lino21 Sam Lisone22 Joseph VunaLISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

Warriors CEO, Cameron George spoke to Radio Sport Breakfast about Simon Mannering’s retirement. He also said the money saved on Mannering’s salary will have absolutely no bearing on the possible re-signing of Issac Luke. LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST 

Warriors CEO, Cameron George spoke to Radio Sport Breakfast about Simon Mannering’s retirement. He also said the money saved on Mannering’s salary will have absolutely no bearing on the possible re-signing of Issac Luke. LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST 

Warriors coach Steve Kearney with news that Issac Luke has been named to start at hooker this weekend against the Tigers.  Just yesterday, Luke was rubbed out for up to a month. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE 

Warriors coach Steve Kearney with news that Issac Luke has been named to start at hooker this weekend against the Tigers.  Just yesterday, Luke was rubbed out for up to a month. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE 

It's a case of why fix what isn't broken for Warriors coach Steve Kearney as they chase six consecutive NRL victories.Kearney has named an unchanged 17 from the side who beat the North Queensland Cowboys for this weekend's match against the Brisbane Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium.He says all players pulled through last weekend's game well, so consistency of selection was always expected."We'll sort of see how everyone pans out over the next couple of days, once again have a really close look at Brisbane, and what we feel is going to be the best for the team on Saturday."Meanwhile, Isaiah Papali'i and Sam Cook are the new inclusions on the extended bench. The match kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium at 5pm. Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Simon Mannering, Anthony Gelling, Isaiah Papali'i, Mason Lino, Chris Satae, Sam Cook. LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

It's a case of why fix what isn't broken for Warriors coach Steve Kearney as they chase six consecutive NRL victories.Kearney has named an unchanged 17 from the side who beat the North Queensland Cowboys for this weekend's match against the Brisbane Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium.He says all players pulled through last weekend's game well, so consistency of selection was always expected."We'll sort of see how everyone pans out over the next couple of days, once again have a really close look at Brisbane, and what we feel is going to be the best for the team on Saturday."Meanwhile, Isaiah Papali'i and Sam Cook are the new inclusions on the extended bench. The match kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium at 5pm. Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Simon Mannering, Anthony Gelling, Isaiah Papali'i, Mason Lino, Chris Satae, Sam Cook. LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

The Warriors have named a fresh faced 21 man squad for this weekend's NRL season opener against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.New recruits Blake Green, Peta Hiku and Tohu Harris have been included in the run on 13, while Ligi Sao will start at loose forward in place of the injured Simon Mannering.Fellow new faces Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi and Anthony Gelling have been named on an extended bench.Issac Luke starts at hooker, with Sam Cook in line for his NRL debut off the bench.Coach Steve Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he thinks the side has come together pretty well."They've had a tough pre-season. We've had a couple of pretty OK performances in the trials, so it's put us in a good position to have a real crack on Sunday against the south Sydney side."LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

The Warriors have named a fresh faced 21 man squad for this weekend's NRL season opener against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.New recruits Blake Green, Peta Hiku and Tohu Harris have been included in the run on 13, while Ligi Sao will start at loose forward in place of the injured Simon Mannering.Fellow new faces Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi and Anthony Gelling have been named on an extended bench.Issac Luke starts at hooker, with Sam Cook in line for his NRL debut off the bench.Coach Steve Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he thinks the side has come together pretty well."They've had a tough pre-season. We've had a couple of pretty OK performances in the trials, so it's put us in a good position to have a real crack on Sunday against the south Sydney side."LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

Manaia Cherrington of the Warriors joined D'Arcy and Goran, in studio, to talk about some positive results in pre-season, and where he sees himself fitting into the mix.  He is a hooker, and would sit behind Issac Luke and Nate Roache (when injury-free).LISTEN ABOVE AS MANAIA CHERRINGTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN 

Manaia Cherrington of the Warriors joined D'Arcy and Goran, in studio, to talk about some positive results in pre-season, and where he sees himself fitting into the mix.  He is a hooker, and would sit behind Issac Luke and Nate Roache (when injury-free).LISTEN ABOVE AS MANAIA CHERRINGTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN 

 The Warriors have hauled out their big guns for Saturday's pre-season trial against Gold Coast Titans on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Having deployed a mostly second-string squad for the side's 20-14 trial win over Melbourne last week, Warriors boss Stephen Kearney has named a near-full strength squad for the clash, including Shaun Johnson. The star Kiwis halfback will play, as will fullback and captain Roger Tuivasa- Sheck and recruits Adam Blair, Blake Green and Tohu Harris. Simon Mannering, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke have been named on the bench, as have Tonga halfback Ata Hingano and prodigy Hayze Perham.Leivaha Pulu will also play, and the match will see him facing his old side in the Titans.He told D'Arcy and Goran that the opposition may be at threat from some elbowing and kneeing - joking, of course.  WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Sam Cook, James Gavet, Tohu Harris, Leivaha Pulu, Bunty Afoa.INTERCHANGE: Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Sam Lisone, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Simon Mannering, Joseph Vuna, Anthony Gelling, Hayze Perham, Ata Hingano, Issac Luke.- with content from NZ NewswireLISTEN TO LEIVAHA PULU AND PAT SIPLEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

 The Warriors have hauled out their big guns for Saturday's pre-season trial against Gold Coast Titans on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Having deployed a mostly second-string squad for the side's 20-14 trial win over Melbourne last week, Warriors boss Stephen Kearney has named a near-full strength squad for the clash, including Shaun Johnson. The star Kiwis halfback will play, as will fullback and captain Roger Tuivasa- Sheck and recruits Adam Blair, Blake Green and Tohu Harris. Simon Mannering, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke have been named on the bench, as have Tonga halfback Ata Hingano and prodigy Hayze Perham.Leivaha Pulu will also play, and the match will see him facing his old side in the Titans.He told D'Arcy and Goran that the opposition may be at threat from some elbowing and kneeing - joking, of course.  WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Sam Cook, James Gavet, Tohu Harris, Leivaha Pulu, Bunty Afoa.INTERCHANGE: Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Sam Lisone, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Simon Mannering, Joseph Vuna, Anthony Gelling, Hayze Perham, Ata Hingano, Issac Luke.- with content from NZ NewswireLISTEN TO LEIVAHA PULU AND PAT SIPLEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE

This week the boys talk about the Parramatta Eels boardroom battle, Issac Luke going to the Warriors and Former Legend's date night.

This week the boys talk about the Parramatta Eels boardroom battle, Issac Luke going to the Warriors and Former Legend's date night.

This week the boys talk about the Parramatta Eels boardroom battle, Issac Luke going to the Warriors and Former Legend's date night.

Issac Luke and Matt Bowen to team up for Olympic Diving in 2012? Petero Civoniceva speaks out against Penrith board, AFL marketing targets young NRL fans, FreddyLand Flashback, Braith Anasta's seen it all, NRL Tweet Player of the Year Award Show Date Revealed, Finals Fantasy League OPEN, Eyes picks his Grand Finalists, plus the Round 25 NRL Preview. | This week's show is packed with the regulars Enjoy the show? Let us know.