Podcasts about Kodi Nikorima

No qualms from Warriors league coach Andrew Webster over a trio missing tomorrow's pre-season trial against the Storm in Hamilton due to the NRL All Stars game. Co-captain James Fisher-Harris, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jacob Laban will feature for the Māori side against their Indigenous counterparts in Sydney tonight. Webster says he backs his players on any representative duty. Kodi Nikorima joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash between the Māori and Indigenous All Stars. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some huge signings around the NRL as an Origin star is on the move and Kyle Flanagan cops a big suspension 00:00 Kyle Flanagan found guilty of biting Stephen Crichton 07:15 Dragons snare Val Holmes on three year deal 08:10 Kodi Nikorima re-signs with the Dolphins 10:30 Wests Tigers sign Bulldogs winger Listen to The Run Home with Joel and Fletch live every weekday: 3pm AEST on SEN 1170 AM Sydney & SEN 693 AM Brisbane Catch the boys in video, live from the studios by heading to the Run Home with Joel and Fletch Youtube page. Hit subscribe and never miss a thing!  https://youtube.com/@joelandfletchsen?si=LJAudaWNKvrhGCUF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the big kick-off for League Of Our Own and Blairy and Goran as they welcome former Warrior now high-flying Dolphin Kodi Nikorima. They find out why he really signed for the start-up side and how he feels watching the Wahs from afar. Plus: Seeking silver linings in Shaun Johnson's injury; and, ahead of Sunday's Panthers v Warriors clash, considering how James Fisher-Harris is feeling about swapping sides.

The "Late and Raspy Mail" edition is here this week. Catfish croaks his way through his thoughts on some of the key players from this week - Billy Smith, Harrison Edwards, Ben Trbojevic, Heilum Luki, Kodi Nikorima, Joey Manu, Zac Hosking and the Eels' new acquisition + flow-on effects. Make sure you join the SuperCoach Champions overall group (GROUP code 473698) to go into the running for our $500 cash prize (and an extra $500 if you're a Champ i.e. one of our Patreon subscribers), as well as some prizes for 2nd to 10th in our group comp this year courtesy of Rugby League Fantasy Pro! And feel free to check out and get involved in our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/SuperCoachChampions) for all the other perks like access to the Champs Discord, extra articles and podcasts, personalised advice from current/former champions on your SuperCoach teams, a chance to be the Last Champ Standing and of course access to our highly competitive Champs Only H2H and overall competitions. Thank you as always for your kind reviews and ratings, we really appreciate them all! Follow us on Twitter (@NRLSC_Champions), or individually (@CatfishSC, @Surgebuster) to stay up to date on all things NRL SuperCoach, and to be notified about when the next podcast is out! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/supercoach-champions/message

Thanks very much Nathan Brown. We wish you well.Not one of the club's longer tenures. But the Brown era, if era isn't too grandiose a word to use, is now officially over. Stacey Jones is in for the rest of the season.It's hard to know how these things work. The likes of Sir Alex Fergusson, Phil Jackson, Bill Belichick, Sir Graham Henry, and Lois Muir, were they singularly spectacular? Could they have taken any team and made them great? Or did they have a pile of luck? Did they have a budget to recruit? Did they come along at the same time a crop of rare talent showed up? Or did a whole bunch of stuff sort of align itself and make them seem greater or luckier than they might have been elsewhere?The point being, getting rid of Nathan Brown doesn't solve anything. Brown is the usual scapegoat offered up in a sort of mid-season sacrifice. His replacement, Stacey Jones, as much as I loved what he did for us all those years ago, he's clearly not a solution because he never left the club when he retired. If he was an answer Brown would not have got the job.The trouble with the Warriors, and I speak now with over a quarter of a century's worth of observation, is their problems are so far and so wide, it's hard to know which leak to plug.Coaches are obvious. But their relocation has been brutal; you can't blame them for that. Their lack of success feeds on itself.  When you don't win, great players don't want to play for you.Their behaviour doesn't help. Matt Lodge gets into a scrap with the owner and walks with next year's wages. No real explanation is given. Kodi Nikorima is gone. Shaun Johnson's arrival is good news, but at the wrong end of his career.Every season there is a strange and frustrating series of events as to why they don't do as well as they could or should.Ownership, coaching, Covid, recruitment, and injury. It's a sad bewildering and seemingly never-ending story. The latest chapter is a coach who turned up for five minutes.This time it feels a bit “back to square one.” Hiccups you can take, hurdles you overcome, and setbacks you rebuild from.This though feels a bit more serious. Too much of what should be going right isn't. There isn't momentum in some areas to cover off the trauma elsewhere. This feels like you got over Covid but then a bus hit you.Not only isn't this our year. I'm not sure what needs to be done to ever make it our year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Souths are set to name to Kodi Nikorima against the Warriors this weekend and Jack Bird is set to extend his stay at the Dragons.

Interesting Signing but a great one!!! Is this a panic 7 switch signing though???

LISTEN | Tony ‘The Mole' Adams is notorious amongst the Rugby League community for being the first to break the big news. The Mole joins Staffy to chat about Kodi Nikorima leaving the Warriors, Volkman and Lussick's early release to the Warriors.

We're here with another weekly wrap as Mitch and Matt break down Round 9 of the 2022 NRL season.Featuring in today's episode;The Brisbane Broncos win the rights to the Team of the PodSouths have killed SmuggardWhat's the deal with wanting to move Magic Round? Kodi Nikorima, the saviourThe Sharks blast Browny's boysStorm having the best early season ever, againMagic Round meet up plansNRL game break downsOther news and notesAnd much, much more.Support us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/nrlboomrookiesLink to Game Day squads to use Promo Code BOOMROOKIES for 20% off at check out - https://support.gamedaysquad.com.au/docs/purchasing-a-pack-using-a-gds-partners-promo-code/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Exclusive footage of Kodi Nikorima at Rabbitohs training today and Mavo chats about what he saw on the day. #RabbitohsTV

Michelle joins the show for the 8.30 update

Darcie McDonald Interview

We went back Across the Ditch this afternoon to chat to SEN Sydney Mornings host Matty White. Staffy and Matty discuss Warriors release of Kodi Nikorima, Brumbies red hot form, and life post-rugby for our legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

What do you do with your Friday arvo if you're self-employed and somewhat lazy? Have a couple of beers and record a chat loosely based around the Warriors. Brad and Will talk the win over the Raiders, the torrent of roster-related news, NRL expansion and (after almost forgetting) Round 9, as well as go-to albums, vasectomy analogies, towbar covers and anagrams. 

Adrian Proszenko Interview

 In todays show, the guys cover all things oval ball and take a few pave laying detours along the way!As all great shows begin, we start at the beginning (08:53) with the Yeah/Nah Report. We cover a few transfer window rumours, the Kodi Nikorima to South Sydney Rabbitohs report and burn Jake Clifford for his "pressures" returning to red hot Townsville. We break down our Team of the Week (TOTW) and give updates in all things Fantasy (Sherpa's inbound) and Friday Footy Tip-Off (FFTO). How good is the doc guy!From there, and after a small glitch in the matrix, (30:37) the boys review Round 8. We touch on things like Karl Lawton's tackle on Cameron Murray in Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs. We break down the masterclass Adam Reynolds Broncos put on Nicholas Hynes' Sharks. Then, Lach gives Matt a 5-minute time to cream all things North Queensland Cowboys but Matt has mercy and only uses about 4 minutes to talk about the destruction of 17 Parramatta Eels.Lastly, (56:43) the boys break down how they see Round 9 going. A few coin flip games, like the Bulldogs versus the Raiders (aka Faiders). None the less, it is going to be a cracking round of footy! Will Gus get the Dogs firing again in training or will Barrett take the whistle back? We cover all this and much more on the Oval ball show! 

On this week's show we reflect on the Rabbitohs 2021 season. After some disappointing defensive performances earlier in the year, South Sydney battled through adversity and found themselves only a few points away from premiership glory. After the loss of Supercoach Wayne Bennett and club captain Adam Reynolds, what will 2022 have in store for the boys from Redfern. On ‘The Match', we visit the New Zealand Warriors and pair two players that will be fighting for a spot in the side in 2022. Kodi Nikorima and Ash Taylor have both experienced the ups and downs so far in their career, but which player will kick into gear this season?And to round out the show in 'Rapid Fire', we commence our Legend Series and select our favourite retired player from each club. This week we take a look back on some of the best to ever play the game from the Penrith Panthers~ Tarsha, Alicia, Dana & Dan

Today we have Kodi Nikorima and Ben Kubler joining Jayden and Glenn to chat about their most recent Bro Camp.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't dream, it's over.The Warriors still have a mathematical chance, but their playoff chances are out of their own hands after an agonising 24-22 loss to the Broncos tonight.The Auckland club will need to rely on some improbable results from the teams around them, even if they win both of their remaining games.Although the Warriors have showed great spirit with their late-season revival, this was a massive opportunity lost.They led 14-12 with 25 minutes to play, after burning back from 12-4 down, but were guilty of switching off twice as Albert Kelly and Anthony Milford scored opportunist tries for the Broncos.Still they could have forced extra time, after a 77th-minute Euan Aitken try, but Reece Walsh missed the conversion, then was just wide with an audacious two-point field goal attempt with 30 seconds to play.Goal kicking made the difference on the scoreboard, with Walsh missing four from five attempts, though they were all from out wide.But that's tough on the teenager. As a team the Warriors slipped from the standards set in previous weeks, particularly in the first half.They didn't quite click for long periods, allowing the Broncos to build pressure, and lacked crispness in attack and hunger in defence.Coach Nathan Brown, as he likes to do, shuffled the deck before kick-off, leaving Wayde Egan on the bench and omitting Kodi Nikorima from the 17, which was a brave call.The Warriors dodged a bullet early, with the Broncos nearly forcing the ball under the posts, after a risky play by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak behind his own try line, before Aitken was denied minutes later for a double movement.The Broncos opened the scoring through Xavier Coates, after Walsh completely misjudged an Milford bomb. Some hot footwork from Milford set up Coates soon afterwards, after an unfortunate Watene-Zelezniak error.Walsh had struggled to get involved in the first quarter, but finally made his mark with a sizzling break, beating four defenders from deep inside his own territory. That sparked the Warriors, with Montoya finishing a sweeping backline move.But the Broncos were dominant, and should have extended their lead through Milford, who was everywhere. The Brisbane playmaker was over the line – after a sharp passing move – before a miraculous effort by Peta Hiku to hold him up.Hiku went close at the other end, after some pinball, but the Warriors spent most of the first half on the back foot, forced to make almost 80 more tackles than their opponents, not helped by eight errors.They showed great spirit to keep their line intact, defending a series of sets as the home side benefitted from a couple of charitable calls from the officials in the latter stages.Some instinctive magic from Hiku, who was having a stormer, brought the Warriors closer early in the second half, as the centre nudged the ball between two defenders with his foot, following a Watene-Zelezniak grubber, then showed agility to touch down.There was more to come, as Josh Curran forced his way over following a bumping Bunty Afoa charge.Josh Curran of the Warriors celebrates scoring a try against the Broncos. Photo / GettyThe Warriors had all the momentum but gave some back with a disappointing Broncos try. As a Milford kick bobbled around, Kelly wanted it the most, while his opponents were guilty of ball watching.But Hiku was irrepressible, with a subtle flick putting Watene-Zelezniak across, after pressure from Walsh had forced a line dropout.That levelled the scores, setting up a frantic final 17 minutes. But Milford broke Warriors hearts with an opportunistic try, after following up his own bomb and getting lucky as it was propelled back.Aitken gave some late, late hope – forcing a Walsh grubber – but it wasn't to be.Broncos 24 (Xavier Coates 2, Albert Kelly, Anthony Milford tries; Herbie Farnworth 4 con)Warriors 22 (Marcelo Montoya, Peta Hiku, Josh Curran, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Euan Aitken tries; Reece Walsh con)Halftime: 12-4Text by...

Fullback Reece Walsh will suit up for the Warriors for Sunday's NRL match against the Sharks, after returning from a hamstring injury.The 18-year-old reclaims the number one jersey, shifting captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing and Edward Kosi to the bench.Brisbane import Matt Lodge gets his first start at prop while Kodi Nikorima slots back into the halves in place of Chad Townsend.Loose forward Jazz Tevaga replaces the injured Tohu Harris and Rocco Berry swaps with Adam Pompey at centre.Warriors assistant coach Craig Hodges told D'Arcy Waldegrave more changes could be on the way."I don't know what they'll be at this stage because it'll depend how guys pull up over the next day or two."I know in training it was a bit of a warzone, there was plenty of guys who couldn't do a lot. Hopefully a lot of those guys progress really well."LISTEN ABOVE

The Warriors' finals hopes continue to dive, after a costly 10-6 loss in Newcastle.Just like the earlier clash with the Knights this season, the Warriors were sunk by a late try, with Brodie Jones crossing in the corner in the 75th minute.This defeat will be extremely tough to take. They had plenty of chances, but couldn't make anything count, with their only try coming from a Knights fumble.It's the Warriors' third straight loss, and they have only won one of their last six matches.As has happened so many times in 2021, the margins were fine, but the game was lost in the first half. The Warriors couldn't take advantage of a gale behind them, nor the Knights being down to 12 men, and the 6-4 margin was never going to be enough.The halves struggled to provide direction, amid a general lack of fluidity. The powerful charges of Ken Maumalo were also missed, in conditions that would have been perfect for him. Reece Walsh had a mixed game, though never stopped trying and provided a lot of bright moments.Conditions were awful. A blustery wind roared down the field, and the rain was near horizontal for most of the game.All eyes were on Walsh early. The fullback had a tricky take from the kickoff, as the ball blew back towards the Knights, then dropped the ball cold from an attacking scrum.But the 18-year-old soon provided an early highlight reel. He made a gutsy catch, then beat four defenders on a 70-metre run, before being caught just short of the try line.The Warriors opened the scoring in the 24th minute, probably against the run of play, after Euan Aitken scooped up a loose ball from a Knights error, sprinting from inside his own 22.But as has happened many times this season, they couldn't build on it. The team made a mess of the kickoff, conceding a line drop out in a classic coach-killer moment. The Knights forced a repeat set, before Lachlan Fitzgibbon powered past Eli Katoa from close range.But the home team lost their try scorer in the 33rd minute, binned after he caught Kodi Nikorima high. That opened the door for some late opportunities, but the Warriors couldn't profit. The final two minutes of the half were particularly painful to watch, as they couldn't engineer anything from consecutive sets on the Newcastle line.The first half was messy, punctuated by errors and cheap penalties. Nikorima was caught on the fifth tackle, while Sean O'Sullivan was pinged for a needless shepherd. While they were competing well in the ruck, they lacked structure and organisation and couldn't make the most of the tailwind, hampered by a 67 per cent completion rate.A Jake Clifford penalty levelled the scores, after Walsh spilled a towering Mitchell Pearce bomb. The Warriors were still guilty of not playing to the conditions – with low percentage plays in their own half and flat passes – and only a delightful Walsh goal line drop out prevented a repeat set.In a tight match, there was a strange lack of urgency at times, epitomised when the Warriors forced a goal line drop out, then didn't prepare for the kick, which left Ben Murdoch-Masila tracking back over his halfway line to retrieve it.There were further opportunities, without the last-tackle polish, and Walsh shanked a field goal attempt. A bust through the middle of the ruck – as Kane Evans failed to cover – set the Knights for their last raid. A magnificent Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tackle saved a certain try, but Jones crossed on the next play.Knights 10 (Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Brodie Jones try; Jake Clifford goal)Warriors 6 (Euan Aitken try; Reece Walsh goal)Halftime: 6-4text by Michael Burgess, NZ Herald 

Warriors coach Nathan Brown has stuck with the status quo in the spine for Friday's clash with the Tigers.Despite growing calls for teenager Reece Walsh to have more of a role, the 18-year-old is listed on the interchange bench.Walsh had a big impact in last week's 34-18 loss to the Eels, helping to spark a mini revival from 0-24 down after entering the fray in the 35th minute.Brown stated after the match that Walsh would be used at fullback, rather than in another position in the spine, but any shuffle involving Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could remain a mid-game strategy.The captain is retained at fullback, while Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima pair up in the halves for the fifth time this season.There may be further changes before kick-off however, as Brown has often made late tweaks this year.Nikorima is an option at No 9, even though the Kiwis halfback prefers not to play there, especially as Wayde Egan has struggled in the last two games. That would allow Tuivasa-Sheck to remain at the back, and Walsh used in the halves.In other team news, winger Rocco Berry (head) plus second rowers Josh Curran (elbow) and Bayley Sironen (knee) have all been ruled out this week.Berry is undergoing HIA protocols after leaving the field just before halftime on Sunday while Curran faces between two to four weeks on the sideline after hyper-extending his right elbow.Sironen has a meniscus issue in his left knee and it's not yet known when he will be fit to return.In their place, wing Marcelo Montoya returns from injury while back rower Jack Murchie is in line for his fifth appearance of the season. Kane Evans is named at prop after being dropped for the Eels match, while Eliesa Katoa is the 18th man.Warriors coach Nathan Brown ran through the squad changes with D'Arcy Waldegrave.Warriors team to face the Tigers1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 Marcelo Montoya3 Adam Pompey4 Euan Aitken5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Chanel Harris-Tavita8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown9 Wayde Egan10 Kane Evans11 Jack Murchie12 Ben Murdoch-Masila13 Tohu HarrisInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Leeson Ah Mau16 Bunty Afoa17 Reece Walsh18 Eliesa Katoa20 Taniela Otukolo21 Edward Kosi22 Sean O'Sullivan

Not a hint of smugness here - Will and Brad take no joy in what unfolded on Sunday arvo at Brookie - but they did say benching Reece Walsh was a recipe for disaster. So it proved, amid some associated defensive ineptitude, and their post-match debrief is sure to provide some cathartic relief for some fans. Catch the TWL match report here: BASIC BROWN BURNED BY TURBO-CHARGED MANLY

Will and Brad are still shaken up by Sunday's game of two halves. But Brad has been working hard to find an alternative nickname to the unimaginative 'Reece Lightning' for our new teen superstar, while Will has been delving deep to uncover the changes and trends in rugby league players' names over the past 40 years. Plus club news, team list chat, Round 9 preview yada yada yada 

Massive week on the show, have a listen to our Best of from the past week. Guests include: Todd Payten, Nathan Hindmarsh, Kodi Nikorima and Brett Finch.

Big show for your Tuesday, we have all the big news in the NRL as well as all the ins and outs for the games this weekend. Elly Wicks will be along later in the show for our Celebrity Fix. Kodi Nikorima from the Warriors will let us know how Camp Central Coast is going. Nathan Hindmarsh our doyen of tackling will call in to talk through the record breaking performance from Danny Houghton in the Super League

Massive show for your Tuesday. The boys have all the big news in the NRL and go through each of the teams ahead of Round 7. Elly Wicks dropped by following the finale of MAFS, Elly every week gives us our Celebrity Fix. Kodi Nikorima from the New Zealand Warriors calls in the show ahead of their ANZAC match against the Melbourne Storm. Fletch's great mate Nathan Hindmarsh calls into the show to fill us in on how the life of a Dally M judge is. We cross up north to Satts and Badge and of course we get all the latest markets from Sportsbet thanks to Sean Ormerod.

New Zealand Warriors half Kodi Nikorima calls into the show to discuss his good form to start the year. The boys ask what the current situation is with the travel bubble and what it means for the side. Kodi gives the boys an insight into the Warriors new signing Reece Walsh.

On hiatus for a couple of weeks, Will and Brad return with their longest TWL pod ever. That's not necessarily a good thing. Nevertheless, the boys are all guns blazing - with Nikorima and Egan in the firing line - after the horror show against Manly, and pondering where the team goes from here and the club goes spine recruitment-wise. Plenty around the NRL to sink the teeth into in a big news week ahead of Round 6, headlined by the Broncos' woes, the Sharks' coaching fiasco, the precocious Sam Walker, the ageless Benji Marshall, and the sizzling form  of our Sunday arvo opponents, the Dragons. Happy 40th Telly!

Sean O'Sullivan has been named to make his Warriors debut in this weekend's NRL match against the Raiders in Canberra.The young ex-Broncos and Roosters half will partner Kodi Nikorima in place of Chanel Harris-Tavita.The 21-year-old is out for 12 weeks after sustaining a stress fracture in his left foot, which he picked up in Friday's 20-16 loss to the Newcastle Knights.Coach Nathan Brown says it's an unfortunate setback, but he's a good visual learner who can pick things up quickly.Prop Bunty Afoa has been name to start in place of Jamayne Taunoa-Brown who is suspended for his side's next three games.Ex-Raider Jack Murchie moves onto the bench.LISTEN ABOVE 

Will and Brad catch up straight after a tough 20-16 loss to the Knights, admiring the Warriors' grit but bemoaning a late lead lost and an anonymous showing from Kodi Nikorima. Onwards and upwards though - and Brad has some Tales from Runanga gear to provide a silver lining on a disappointing night, as well as some TWL Chancer Warriors Fan Challenge results. 

It's far too premature for the "this is our year" chants to start circulating with any genuine intent but the first match of Nathan Brown's tenure offered hope the Warriors will be a different beast in 2021.Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, the Warriors' adopted home for the foreseeable future, turned on sweltering conditions on Saturday afternoon. Temperatures soared past 31 degrees which made drink breaks mandatory and left the big men in the middle battling for breath.By the finish, there was only one team hacking the heat.Tries to Bayley Sironen, one of eight new signings this season, Leeson Ah Mau and Kodi Nikorima propelled the Warriors to an impressive 19-6 opening round victory over the Gold Coast Titans, widely tipped to provide much sterner tests after luring Origin stars David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui during the offseason.Brown, taking the reins of his third NRL club, was expected to improve the Warriors attack by bringing back the offload and significantly bolstering the forward pack after acquiring the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila.Fonua-Blake impressed on club debut by carrying for 192 metres - his late footwork at the line, offloads and leg drive proving difficult to handle.Yet this win, in the energy-sapping heat, revealed a committed defensive attitude not seen from the Warriors for some time, with constant pressure forcing frequent mistakes from the Titans, who scored their only try through Corey Thompson with six minutes remaining.Bunty Afoa's impact off the bench and Tohu Harris' consistent efforts in the middle of the park helped lay the platform as the Warriors completed a remarkable 91 per cent of their sets (39-43) - that control merely one positive sign.The Warriors' kicking game struggled at times but Nikorima recovered from second-half cramp to assume responsibility and steadily build on the Warriors' 6-0 halftime advantage.The Warriors also had to battle on after losing hooker Wayde Egan and Sironen to head knocks in the second half.While attacking highlights were few and far between in the first spell, the Warriors defence stood out.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck pulled off two try-saving tackles, Peta Hiku and new signing Sironen put on big shots. But the most impressive stand came to close out the first half, with the Warriors repelling three repeat sets on their own line.Former Souths back-rower Sironen made an early impression with his shot forcing an error and he then scored the Warriors' first try of the season with a simple hit and spin to expose tiring Titans defence.The Warriors could have applied more pressure in the first half but several Chanel Harris-Tavita bombs to the corner lacked height to hand over possession without a contest.Led, as always, by Ken Maumalo, the Warriors backline did a solid job of helping their pack bring the ball out of their half.As far as starts go, Brown could not have asked for much more, not least given the Warriors have lost 17 round-one matches in their history.Now for the consistency Brown has demanded since taking charge.Warriors 19 (Bayley Sironen, Leeson Ah Mau, Kodi Nikorima tries; Nikorima 3 cons, Chanel Harris-Tavita field goal)Titans 6 (Corey Thompson try; Ashley Taylor con)HT: 6-0text by Liam Napier, NZ Herald

This week we brought Kodi Nikorima back with Jayden zoomed in from his last day of ISO in New Zealand.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is our first episode with Jayden since he went to New Zealand to stake his claim to make it back into the NRL with the NZ Warriors.  It was important to us that we share it with all of you because you've been living a breathing this journey with us. Jayden has made an amazing turn-around in his mindset, physical capacity and his life in the past 10 months and it culminates in this opportunity to put himself to the test and force his way into the NZ Warriors Squad.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the bro's sat down with Jayden's Big Bro - Kodi and we discussed a variety of topics from life in the bubble of the NRL to family, controlling your emotions and even to the prospect of Kodi and Jayden playing together again.  Brodie references an episode from the podcats Savvy Psychologist. That episode is linked below.  WHY NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AREN'T ALL BAD - The Savvy Psychologist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delirious from the Warriors' best win yet, Brad and Will have got love for the boys from jersey 1 to 17 - even some players they've been habitually tough on. Bit of news from around the traps, a breakdown of what has to happen for the Warriors to pull off their Top 8 dream, and a good ol' preview of the massive Eels clash and the rest of NRL Round 17.

The boys put in some overtime this week covering off the Warriors' stirring win over Manly - including Brad's hot hand at the TAB - before unpicking the massive Brown and Gould news, and running the rule over our new confirmed recruits and who we're rumoured to chasing (including that polarising target). Lightening the mood a bit, we've the all-time Brads XIII v Wills XIII and the usual NRL weekend preview.Recommended for: next-level Warriors nerds; insomniacs; fans of low-quality audio

It's a first for 2020: Will and Brad satisfied after a loss. We've got a breakdown of the gallant effort against the Roosters, a summary of news items swirling around the club - including the Warriors inclusions on the NRL rich list - and an update of the hunt for our new coach. Stick around as we dish out the TWL mid-season awards, recognise the Indigenous Australian players to turn out for the club and run the rule over Round 12.

You might find yourself double-checking you haven't pressed play on last week's ep, because the elements are the same: reviewing a woeful loss, whingeing about our terrible recruitment, debating the modest pool of coaching candidates, and previewing an unwinnable game ahead. But we somehow found the motivation to record it, so the least you can do is tune in again - if only to Brad's haunting beautiful Warriors analogy. Enjoy!

Will and Brad can barely bring themselves to discuss a horrific loss to the Titans, but there's plenty of team news to spout opinions about. Plus Will pushes the barrow hard for his preferred new Warriors coach, Brad hosts a recruitment showcase following the TWL fan forum, and big tryscoring hauls feature in History Corner after a quick NRL Round 10 run-through.

The Warriors will be without Kodi Nikorima for this Friday's NRL match against the Titans.The five-eight has failed to recover from a head knock suffered in the win over the Broncos.Chanel Harris-Tevita will take his place in the run-on side.Meanwhile, they will welcome back Jazz Tevaga coming onto the interchange bench. Returning from an ankle injury and calf strain, the back-rower has been named on the interchange.The only other change sees captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck return from suspension to start at fullback, pushing Peta Hiku back to the centres and Gerard Beale out of the side altogether.Listen to Todd Payten discuss the team changes with D'Arcy Waldegrave above

Warriors 26Broncos 16The Warriors have won the Battle of the Bottom to show that their spirit is well and truly alive, even if other parts of their game are not so healthy.The nomad Warriors piled more misery on Brisbane with a 26-16 victory on the Central Coast, handing the glamour club their sixth straight NRL loss.Ken Maumalo, among three players who want to return home early, was among the Warriors' stars, as they powered home with an impressive second half against a collapsing Broncos effort.The Warriors' victory came without suspended captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, while they lost playmaker Kodi Nikorima to a head injury in the opening minutes.The result gave interim coach Todd Payten his first win in charge of a first grade side, and the Warriors their third win of the disrupted NRL season.There were so many crucial moments in the second half, including captain's challenges which went for and against the Warriors in front of about 2500 spectators.When Peta Hiku let an Anthony Milford bomb bounce, gifting a try to Herbie Farnworth, the Warriors looked in trouble.But hooker Wayde Egan came to the rescue, ripping the ball free of two tacklers to score a try which gave the Warriors an 18-16 advantage. It was all the Warriors in the final stages.No one could complain about the entertainment, and that was before the game had even started.The drama surrounding Brisbane's horror run of results included a claim by the club's greatest player Wally Lewis that the current squad was divided over pay.Not to be outdone, Warriors owner Mark Robinson entered the fray during the week, effectively packing the bags for Blake Green - who was an increasingly dominant figure in the match - and Gerard Beale at the end of the year.Neither side will go close to troubling the NRL trophy engraver on this form, but it was a captivating battle between two desperate sides.The Broncos dominated possession in the first half but led by just 10-6 after a 39th minute try to Maumalo gave the New Zealand side the boost they had been desperately but ineptly chasing.Maumalo and Chanel Harris-Tavita had bombed a try minutes earlier, but with Gerard Beale providing a sharp pass, they made amends this time.Brisbane were never convincing but had taken a 10-0 lead through tries to flying right wing Xavier Coates.The second seemed to predict a frustrating night for the Warriors, who gifted Coates the ball when in sight of the Brisbane tryline.With giant Broncos prop Payne Haas setting the early tone, Coates also scored in the eighth minute, when their disorganised attack suddenly sharpened and they created an overlap for the wing.The Warriors had already lost Nikorima at this point. The little five-eighth had advanced to confront big Tevita Pangai jnr and suffered a head clash, his head also smacking into the ground.Despite their awkward attack Brisbane looked in the box seat to set up a victory, until Maumalo's late first-half try changed the mood.And it was the Warriors who came out of the blocks fastest in the second spell, and they carried on to a stunning win.Warriors 26 (K. Maumalo 2, A. Paasi, W. Egan, I. Papali'i tries; C. Harris-Tavita 3 goals)Brisbane 16 (X. Coates 2, H. Farnworth tries; J. Isaako 2 goals)Halftime: 6-10text by Chris Rattue

Warriors chief executive Cameron George has rubbished suggestions the club will consider withdrawing from the NRL if the players are unable to be joined by their families.Reports out of Australia suggested the NRL was worried the Warriors would return home after their game against the Sharks in just under three weeks if the players' families can't get into the country.However, speaking to the Herald, George quickly set the record straight when asked if the team would look to pull out of the competition."Where are you getting that from?" George responded."It's never been discussed; it's never, ever been on the table; it's never been a suggestion at all - ever."The Warriors met with the NRL at the weekend to discuss the situation of getting the players' families into Australia, with murmurs that some of the playing group would return home if nothing changed.The club agreed they would see out the next three weeks and see if anything changed. If not, they would revisit the situation. George said while some players may wish to return home at that point, the team would still be a part of the competition.It is expected the club and the NRL will have a better understanding of where the situation is by the conclusion of the next three rounds in what is an ever-changing environment thanks to the pandemic.The Warriors' situation this season has been a talking point even before it was put on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, with travel restrictions playing a major part in the narrative.From relocating to Australia to seeing their head coach fired and their performances lacking consistency, it's been a chaotic and unusual time for the club.But while some players may wish to turn home in the coming weeks, others are taking the opportunity for what it is.Rookie prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown said there was a silver lining to the situation."I guess it's pretty special because this will probably never happen again, so I guess it's good to be a part of it," he said."I'll be better off for everything that's gone on in the past couple of months. Long term, I think it'll be a good thing."Despite being on the wrong side of lopsided results in recent weeks, the Warriors have shown plenty of potential in their play, though lacking in execution against two of the perennial contenders in the competition in the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm.The Warriors were the dominant side in the opening exchanges of both matches, but dropped their heads after their efforts came to nothing and they found themselves behind on the scoreboard.Over the next three weeks, they face a lower calibre of competition with the Brisbane Broncos (15th), Gold Coast Titans (13th) and Cronulla Sharks (11th) next on the schedule.While posting a 2-5 record through seven rounds, the Warriors have only played three matches against sides currently outside the top eight - winning two of the three."We just have to keep putting our best foot forward and try to do all the right things," Taunoa-Brown said."We all know what we've got to do. It's just a matter of going out there and doing it."Warriors team to face Broncos: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Patrick Herbert, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Green, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Wayde Egan, Agnatius Paasi, Jack Murchie, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange (from): Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jack Hetherington, Karl Lawton, Josh Curran, King Vuniyayawa, Isaiah Papali'i, Adam Pompey, Gerard Beale.

Todd Payten will be in charge of the Warriors for the remainder of the 2020 season.The interim head coach was thrust into the role over the weekend after Stephen Kearney was axed.Payten says the team will take it's time to find Kearney's long term replacement."I'm interim coach for the rest of the season. It was made clear to me that this decision was a club decision and it was based around the future and getting the best coach available."Kearney's departure has made one thing clear to players – the Warriors are on notice.It's been a season of inconsistencies for the Kiwi side through the opening six rounds. They've been shut out twice, shut an opponent out themselves and have looked promising on attack only to struggle once they get sight of the try line. As a result, they sit 13th on the ladder with a 2-4 record.Speaking to media on Tuesday, Warriors back Gerard Beale said the team knew they had work to do to turn things around."All of us as NRL players, we're all aware of that," Beale said."You've seen it in the NRL, coaches having to leave midway through their contract. It's never fun, but we understand every game, every training session we do is on notice, and I'm sure that's the same with every other club."Things came to a head for the Warriors last Friday following their 40-12 loss at the hands of the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a game where they missed a host of opportunities and failed to close down those of the opposition. Kearney was fired from his role as head coach the following morning, with Todd Payten stepping up from assistant coach to take the reins in the interim while the club looks for a permanent option.Beale said it had been an emotionally charged few days at the Warriors camp in Terrigal, but they had to begin looking toward this Friday's tough test against the sixth-placed Melbourne Storm."The first couple of days everyone was quite emotional and their heads were all over the place; some were probably angry, some were confused, some were just unsure," Beale said. "But with all that, speaking about it and understanding that we have each other here, we're in this together and the way out is to work hard to still create that trust within each other and take it onto the field."Todd is stepping up and is going to lead us, and it's important at the moment that us as a playing group support him. It's tough for him as well. We do trust him; he's been in and around our environment for a while now so we'll focus on now and see where that takes us."One thing Payten hopes charges is the referring.As an insult to injury Payten says the NRL called Kearney following the loss to Souths, to explain they'd missed a high shot on wing David Fusitu'a that should have been a penalty try.He says it's disappointing that referees continue to miss stuff like that in their games."That play potentially had a big bearing in the game and possibly Steve's future, so it was a really difficult one to swallow." This weekend's match will see plenty of changes in more areas than one. Originally set to be played in Melbourne, the match has been moved to Sydney after a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Victoria.In the Warriors line-up, the return of winger Ken Maumalo sees Beale drop to the reserves in one of many changes to the team from a week ago.The suspension of hooker Wayde Egan sees Karl Lawton start in the No9 jersey, while an ankle injury to rookie second rower Eliesa Katoa brings Jack Murchie into the starting side.On the interchange bench, talented youngsters Chanel Harris-Tavita and Isaiah Papali'i look set to return to the match-day 17 alongside Agnatius Paasi and Poasa Faamausili.Melbourne return to full strength for the clash, with star winger Josh Addo-Carr and halfback Jahrome Hughes returning to the starting squad.Warriors team to face the Melbourne Storm: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Patrick Herbert, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Green, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Karl Lawton,...

Over the past few seasons, consistency has eluded the Warriors. But heading into Friday night's clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, it's something the Kiwi side hopes to find.It's early in the season, but matches like this one could make or break the season. The sides sit just outside the top eight, each with a 2-3 record through the opening rounds, and with the middle of the table pack with teams on four points, it is game like these where a team can kill two birds with one stone."It would be a big boost, especially for us," Agnatius Paasi said. "Hopefully we can stay consistent and get the job done. It's going to be a big test."Both sides come into the game on the back of their best attacking performances since the competition restarted. The Warriors ran in seven tries in their win over the North Queensland Cowboys, with the forwards led by Adam Blair and Tohu Harris setting the tone with high workloads on both sides of the ball. The Rabbitohs come in after putting 32 points on the Gold Coast Titans – finally seeing glimpses of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell's talent in the process. Mitchell joined the club from the Sydney Roosters this season but has yet to really settle into his new surroundings.Despite his inconsistencies this season, the Warriors are well aware of what Mitchell can deliver on his day."We've got to keep our guard up," Paasi said.Whether or not Paasi plays a role in the match will remain to be seen, with the veteran forward named on the extended bench. Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has named an unchanged 17, again giving promising young prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown the start alongside Lachlan Burr, while Eliesa Katoa, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair fill out the back row.However, there could be a change to the backline closer to game day, with dynamic back David Fusitu'a also named on the extended bench.Fusitu'a has been out of action for the past three matches after remaining in Auckland for personal reasons when the team travelled to Australia before the restart of the campaign. As a result, he was forced to observe 14-day quarantine and has therefore been unavailable for selection until now.Warriors squad to play the Rabbitohs: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Patrick Herbert, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Adam Pompey, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Green, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Wayde Egan, Lachlan Burr, Eliesa Katoa, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange (from): Karl Lawton, Poasa Faamausili, King Vuniyayawa, Jack Murchie, David Fusitu'a, Agnatius Paasi, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Isaiah Papali'i

Before the NRL returned to action, rule changes were introduce to help speed up the game. They've done just that, but Warriors hooker Wayde Egan believes the changes will do more to the game in the long run.The introduction of repeat sets in lieu of penalties at ruck infringements has seen the ball stay in play for longer over the past couple of weeks, with very little down time during games.For now, the six-again rule has put the debate around lowering the number of interchanges teams are allowed on the backburner. But should interchanges be lowered in the future, Egan says it could change the game as we know it."Talking to a few of our middles, it's tough as and they're mostly all fit, pretty mobile guys. I can just imagine what it would be like for the 120kg fellas that are all-power athletes," Egan says."It's tough to say at the moment, we've only had a couple of games with the new rules. But I think it's going to get rid of the really big fellas in the long run, especially if they cut down the interchange."It could have a real big effect on how teams are lining up, how big they want their pack and the more mobile players will come into their own."Signs of the shift have already been seen in the NRL. Last weekend, the Melbourne Storm started Brandon Smith at prop. The 94kg hooker held his own in a role historically played by big bodies well over 100kg, running for more than 110m and making 20 tackles in 42 minutes of work.The Penrith Panthers have taken a similar approach since the new rules were introduced, shipping James Fisher-Harris to prop. A standard fixture in the second row or at lock for the Panthers, Fisher-Harris has been running riot up the middle over the past fortnight."Players like Brandon Smith, I think they'll start to shine in this sort of game when it's fast, they're fit, have good offloads and stuff like that, I think those guys will really relish it," Egan says.In the past fortnight, the Warriors forwards have put in big shifts on both sides of the ball. In their loss to the Penrith Panthers, there were only two forward who did not take double-digit carries - Egan and lock Isaiah Papali'i.Heading into Friday night's clash against the North Queensland Cowboys at Central Coast Stadium, the battle up front again looms large. Papali'i, however, looks unlikely to take part after being relegated to the reserves.With prop Lachlan Burr returning to the starting squad after missing last weekend's match due to a head knock, Adam Blair shifts back to lock. The move sees Blair displace Papali'i, who has been overlooked in favour of Poasa Faamausili, King Vuniyayawa and Jack Murchie in the 17. No other changes have been made to the team that were held scoreless by the Panthers, with Adam Pompey and Hayze Perham named in the backline in place the injured Ken Maumalo and Peta Hiku.Hiku has the chance to be a late inclusion in the squad, however, being named in the reserves.Warriors team to play the North Queensland Cowboys: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Patrick Herbert, Hayze Perham, Gerard Beale, Adam Pompey, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Green, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Wayde Egan, Lachlan Burr, Eliesa Katoa, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange (from): Karl Lawton, Poasa Faamausili, King Vuniyayawa, Jack Murchie, Agnatius Paasi, Peta Hiku, Isaiah Papali'i, Chanel Harris-Tavita. 

Will Evans and Brad Larking are back for 2020, blowing off the cobwebs by breaking down the Warriors' potential line-up - the contenders for each position, who they'd like to see picked and who they think Kearney and co. will go with. Tales of Runanga is on the shelf until next week, but there's some Stats Corner and a new TWL Music Box segment.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has shuffled the deck slightly for the clash with the Rabbitohs on Friday.Kearney has resisted making any major changes, but has dropped Chanel Harris-Tavita and Lachlan Burr back to the bench.Harris-Tavita had been preferred ahead of Kodi Nikorima for the last two matches, after some strong displays, but Kearney has opted for the experience of Nikorima in the penultimate game of the season.Burr started in place of Agnatius Paasi against the Sharks, but the two reverse roles this week.A new-look Paasi will make his 100th career appearance in the Warriors' last home game of the season (8.00pm kick-off).The 27-year-old front rower had gone four years without a haircut but will sport a sleek look after having it all cut off on Tuesday in support of the Shave for a Cure charity.The cause is deeply personal for 'Iggy', whose aunt Ponisitia (Tia) Paasi, a former Black Ferns rugby union international, died from cancer last year.The shave coincides with Paasi achieving his significant milestone.After making his NRL debut with the Warriors in 2014 — his sole appearance that season — he went on the play 54 times for the Gold Coast Titans from 2015-2017 before returning to Mt Smart last year.The only other change sees middle forward Ligi Sao come in for centre Blake Ayshford among the four interchange players.Ayshford is on the extended bench with Bunty Afoa, Adam Keighran and Adam Pompey.Centre Peta Hiku and prop Leeson Ah Mau will be making their 23rd appearances of the year, the only players involved in every game so far.With his try against the Sharks last week, David Fusitu'a lifted his career tally to 60 in 95 games, fifth equal with Francis Meli (110 games) on the club's all-time list behind Manu Vatuvei (152 in 226 games), Stacey Jones (77 in 261) and Shaun Johnson (63 in 162) and Simon Mannering (63 in 301).In 34 previous encounters, the Warriors have a 19-15 edge in wins over South Sydney, but they have only beaten the Sydney team just once since winning in Auckland in 2012.That victory was in the opening round in Perth last year.Warriors v South Sydney Rabbitohs8.00pm, Friday, August 30, 2019Mount Smart Stadium, AucklandReferees: Grant Atkins and David MunroWarriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Patrick Herbert5 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 Ligi Sao17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Bunty Afoa20 Blake Ayshford21 Adam Keighran22 Adam Pompey(Four to be omitted) 

Warriors youngster Chanel Harris-Tavita has been retained in the halves for the clash with the Roosters on Sunday, despite the possible return of Kiwis halfback Kodi Nikorima.It's just reward for Harris-Tavita, who was outstanding in the Warriors' surprise 24-16 win over Manly last Friday.He was involved in most of the Warriors' best moments on attack, including two try assists for Ken Maumalo and also made an impact on defence, not afraid to put his body on the line, typified by a memorable shot on Tom Trbojevic.That performance followed up a best-on-field display in the 46-12 loss to the Raiders, when the 20-year-old was singled out by Stephen Kearney (as an example to the others) during his now infamous halftime tirade that night.Harris-Tavita is part of an unchanged 17 for the game in Sydney, though Nikorima is on the extended bench.If the 25-year-old, who has struggled with an ankle complaint over the last month, comes through this week's training indications are he will be used as a dummy half option against the reigning premiers.Nikorima first hurt his ankle scoring a late try in the 19-18 win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.Nikorima then missed the loss to Parramatta and then re-injured his ankle early in the match against Raiders, which ruled him out last week.The clash with the Roosters will be extra special for front rower Leeson Ah Mau, who becomes the NRL's newest 200-game player in the historic contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground (4.00pm NZT).Ah Mau's career milestone coincides with the first time the Warriors have played at the famed SCG.The 29-year-old Mangere East junior is one of only two players to appear in each of the club's 20 matches this season,Ah Mau returned to the Warriors this season after starting his NRL career with two appearances in 2009.The New Zealand and Samoa international then made 33 appearances for the Cowboys in 2010 and 2011 before spending seven years with the St George Illawarra Dragons from 2012-2018 (144 games).The ultra consistent Ah Mau is averaging 111 metres a game this season and he's also one of the most effective defenders in the game, making 577 tackles and missing just 10.In the win over Manly he ran for 137 metres from 12 carries and made 29 tackles without a miss.The Warriors lie 11th on the ladder on 19 points, two behind eighth-placed Brisbane and three behind seventh-placed Penrith.They face a Roosters side coming off an impressive 22-18 win over the in-form Canberra Raiders to sit second on the table.Warriors team:1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 Adam Pompey3 Peta Hiku4 Gerard Beale5 Ken Maumalo6 Chanel Harris-Tavita7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Jazz Tevaga10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Lachlan BurrInterchange:14 Adam Keighran15 Sam Lisone16 Bunty Afoa17 Ligi Sao18 Kodi Nikorima20 Blake Ayshford21 Leivaha Pulu22 Hayze Perham 

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney's been forced to shuffle his side for Friday's NRL encounter with the Sea Eagles in Auckland.There have been four changes to the 17 that were hammered by the Raiders, with Chanel Harris-Tavita replacing the injured Kodi Nikorima in the halves and Jazz Tevaga starting at hooker for the sidelined Karl Lawton.Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone and Ligi Sao come onto the bench, with Josh Curran demoted to the extended bench.While some changes have been injury enforced, Kearney still has faith in those selected."The majority of the group has worked really hard before Friday for six weeks and done a really good job, so your capability and your ability can't disappear in a week, attitude can, so that's what we've been working on the last week." 

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is calling for a review of the NRL judiciary system, in the wake of the Issac Luke's three-game suspension on Tuesday night.The Auckland club was unsuccessful in their attempts to have Luke's charge downgraded, with the Kiwis hooker found guilty of a grade two dangerous throw.That means Luke is ruled out until round 24, when the Warriors face the Rabbitohs in Auckland.It's lead to accusations of inconsistency from the match review committee and the judiciary, as Manly and NSW Origin lock Jake Trbojevic is free to play this week, despite the ugly incident with Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes, which resembled a spear tackle from the 1970s.Several coaches across the NRL have had issues with the constantly changing interpretations of foul play, and Kearney added his voice to that chorus on Wednesday.While emphasising that he is completely focused on Friday's game against the Raiders, Kearney said there are things to fix in the current system."That is probably not a conversation for today," said Kearney. "[But] what has been highlighted, not only over the last week but over the season, [is that there] needs to be some kind of review, [a] process where we make the system better for everyone. Ricky [Stuart] made a pretty strong point about it also."On Tuesday night the Warriors contested the gravity of Luke's tackle, arguing that it should have been assessed as a grade one dangerous throw, but the judiciary panel took just nine minutes to dismiss their argument, after lawyers for both sides had put their cases."It says that it was pretty quick," said Kearney. "[I'm] fairly disappointed, we thought we had a good case but you always take the risk when you go in and fight the charge to get it downgraded."We thought it was worthwhile but it didn't turn out that way. But it's happened. Karl [Lawton] comes into the frame and we will get on with it."It leaves Chanel Harris-Tavita as the likely back up option to Lawton, though Jazz Tevaga and Kodi Nikorima could also spend some time at dummy half.Like Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kearney was reluctant to dwell too much on the controversial Eels clash last Saturday, with all four match officials being stood down after a string of mistakes.NRL head of football Graeme Annesley is coming to Auckland on Friday to address the club's concerns about recent events and will meet with CEO Cameron George and football manager Brian Smith but Kearney is only looking forward."I can't sit on the frustration and disappointment for too long," said Kearney. "That's not my job to do that. I'm here to coach the footy team and move on as quickly as possible."And that's the point I made to the team. Put yourselves in the opposition shoes this week. Do you think they will be feeling sorry for us? Absolutely not. And we can't either."Patrick Herbert (hamstring) is in line to return next week, though David Fusitu'a (hamstring) is at least two weeks away. And the prognosis is uncertain for Tohu Harris, who may not play again this year as he comes back from surgery on a stress fracture in his foot."There's a possibility [he won't play again this season]," said Kearney. "We need to see how he pulls up at the back end of round 22. He goes back to see a specialist in and around that time. It's a wait and see." 

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 

Wing Ken Maumalo returns from a one-game absence for the Warriors' clash with Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Saturday (5.00pm NZT).The team's top try scorer slots back into the line-up on the left flank after missing the 19-18 win over Cronulla last Friday following a head knock in the draw with Brisbane on July 13.Maumalo was ruled out during the final field session last week after appearing in each of the Warriors' first 16 games of the season.He replaces last week's debutant Adam Pompey in a line-up otherwise unchanged from the one which prevailed for the club's seventh win of the season.It means there is no recall for Karl Lawton - who picked up a shoulder injury against the Broncos while Patrick Herbert has been overlooked, with veteran Blake Ayshford preferred.This campaign has been a watershed year for Maumalo, whose tally of 12 tries so far is almost double his previous best in a season (seven in 2017).Despite missing last week's match in Wellington, he boasts the most post-contact metres among all players with 1008 while he is second for most metres (3088), third for most runs (310) and fourth equal for most line breaks (12).Kodi Nikorima picked up an ankle injury scoring his second half try against the Sharks but has been named for his 96th NRL appearance.Gerard Beale, who made 126 metres from 15 runs last week, again starts on the right wing for the injured David Fusitu'a while Ayshford remains as his centre partner in his 47th outing for the Warriors and the 171st of his career.Front rower Leeson Ah Mau, closing in on his 200th NRL game, starts his 18th consecutive match of the season; the only other player who has appeared in every game is centre Peta Hiku.The bench again comprises middle forwards Lachlan Burr, Bunty Afoa and Sam Lisone plus utility Chanel Harris-Tavita.The Warriors moved up to ninth on the table with their success against the Sharks, just one point behind eighth-placed Newcastle (18 points).The Eels, who lost 24-36 to the Sea Eagles on Sunday, are in sixth spot on 20 points along with Penrith.They've prospered at their new home ground Bankwest Stadium, winning five of the six games they've played there so far.Warriors v Parramatta Eels5.00pm, Saturday, July 27, 2019Bankwest Stadium, SydneyReferees: Chris Sutton And Chris ButlerWarriors1 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 Lisone 16 Bunty Afoa17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Adam Pompey20 Adam Keighran21 Ligi Sao23 Chris Satae 

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 

Warriors 24Knights 20The Warriors season is still alive – just.If there was ever a game they had to win it was this one, especially as Newcastle were missing almost half their starting XIII.They did, but made extremely hard work of it, with the result only confirmed by a Sam Lisone try with five minutes to go, to clinch a 24-20 victory.The away-game result will be a massive relief for everyone associated with the Mt Smart club, as a defeat in the circumstances would have been almost terminal.The Warriors were edgy all night, but showed great resolve to fight back after a flat first half, where nothing went right and they were down 12-2.Ken Maumalo capped a superb display with two tries, while the Auckland team were also bereft of luck, with at least two crucial refereeing calls going against them.There is still a lot to work on – and a better team would have punished for their first half display – but the team showed glimpses of their best in the second half with some compelling attack.But we can't forget that the Knights were severly weakened, with five players on State of Origin duty, including David Klemmer, Mitchell Pearce and Daniel Saifiti, while Kalyn Ponga was out injured.The Warriors worked hard in the first half, for no reward, but the biggest problem was the predictable nature of their attack.It's been an issue all year; little variation, change of angles or second phase, just sweeping side to side moves against a set defensive line. It also didn't help that there were the usual range of errors and poor execution.The Warriors spent most of the half camped in the Knights half but rarely came close, while Newcastle scored with their first real opportunity.There was some doubt over the try – and there will probably be an apology from the NRL forthcoming – as the officials seemed to miss a clear Mason Lino knock on.But aside from that, it continued a pattern from this Warriors season; lack of urgency from a fifth tackle rebound, followed by a poor defensive read, as a Lachlan Fitzgibbon offload put Sione Mata'utia over.The Knights soaked up the pressure, their team of greenhorns gaining confidence with every set, which also kept the vocal crowd in the game.David Fusitu'a came close after soaring for a Green bomb, before Fitzgibbon scored for the Knights on the hooter. There was an element of luck – as Fusitu'a failed to ground a Connor Watson grubber – but the Knights were rewarded for chancing their arm.Thankfully, the Warriors snapped out of their slumber after halftime, with three tries in space of 12 minutes.Peta Hiku grabbed the first – after a Blake Green double round – before the centre set up Maumalo with a wonderful no look pass at speed.A Knights penalty – one of several conceded by Jazz Tevaga – briefly stopped the comeback – before Maumalo was over again, following nice work from Kodi Nikorima and Hiku.Maumalo looked to have his hat trick in the 65th minute, with another spectacular diving finish, but the bunker claimed that the 24 year-old had lost the ball, when the end on replay suggested he regained control.That mistake was accentuated moments later when Mata'utia crossed near the posts. That try was also contentious, as the officials ignored the plight of Hiku, who was concussed on the ground, though the try also exposed poor Warriors defence.But Lisone was the late hero, as he showed great poise to scoop up a Green grubber and dive over.Warriors 24 (K Maumalo 2, P Hiku, S Lisone tries; I Luke 3 cons, pen)Knights 20 (S Mata'utia 2, L Fitzgibbon tries; M Lino 2 cons, 2 pens)Halftime: 12-2 

Warriors forward Adam Blair admits the team have a problem dealing with adversity in games – and belief dips when things go against them.Speaking after the side's 32-10 loss to Melbourne on Saturday night, the 33-year-old veteran said the team is currently "not tough enough as a group" to stay in the contest when momentum turns late in matches.It's a staggering admission, especially from a senior player, but is also refreshingly honest.And it's the only way to explain the bizarre sequence on Saturday night, where one of the Warriors' best opening 30 minutes of the season was followed by an ugly collapse, as the Storm scored 30 unanswered points.The worst aspect of the reversal was just after halftime; Melbourne scored from their opening set after the kickoff, which seemed to drain all the fight out of the Warriors.Saturday's defeat was their fourth on the trot at home, and continued a pattern of fading after halftime."You start the second half and something doesn't go your way, and it's kinda like we think it is too tough," said Blair. "We forget about all the hard work that we have done in the first half and we don't go back to doing the same thing we were."It seems like when we get on the back foot it's too hard for us to get back in it, or we are thinking that someone else will do the job for us. When you go back over the performances [at home] we do struggle in the back half of games; sometimes it's because things don't go our way and we are not tough enough as a group to find our way of it."The Warriors led 10-2 after 19 minutes, thanks to well-constructed tries to Ken Maumalo and Kodi Nikorima.Momentum began to turn soon after that, helped by a succession of penalties to the visitors, but the Warriors were staying in the fight, though Jahrome Hughes' try four minutes before halftime was critical.Storm coach Craig Bellamy conceded it gave his side a boost, after they had struggled for much of the first spell, and it also seemed to deflate the Warriors."We didn't start well in the second half," said Blair. "You go into halftime thinking about what you are going to do in the second half, your attitude and what you are going to put out there and we didn't do what we said we were going to do. Felt like we were on the back foot for the rest of the half."Blair conceded the Warriors' belief seemed to go south early in the second half, and they never recovered."It shouldn't drop because what we did in the first half, and what we have done in most games in the first half we have been in the game and really competitive.""It shouldn't drop but I think at times…not the whole group, but there might be subconsciously in some people's heads, the games getting too tough and we are looking for other people to do a better job or other people to do a job that we should all be doing."Blair is in line to celebrate his 300th NRL match on Friday against the Titans, but admits that impending milestone has been a distraction in 2019."Hopefully everything goes well after this game and I am in the team," said Blair. "It was half my problem this year, most probably trying to protect that. Getting caught up in that, not playing the game in front of me and thinking what's ahead and the big picture." 

Will Evans and Brad Larking break down the Warriors' convincing win over the Panthers and look ahead to a big NRL Round 11 match-up with the suddenly in-form Broncos. The boys also pay tribute to the late Quentin Pongia, discuss Origin team selection and look at which off-contract players the Warriors should hang onto. Meanwhile, Paul Gallen gets his dues in Stats Corner. Head to thiswarriorslife.com for extensive preview and review coverage of the Warriors' Saturday night showdown with the Broncos.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George joins Radio Sport Morning's Jason Pine to talk through the current 2019 season, how the club went about signing Kodi Nikorima, how they viewed the NRL's Magic Round, and much, much more.

RSB Monday May 20th - On the podcast today: Is Steven Bates as baffled by the Lions home penalty count as we are? Is Tony Kemp as convinced by Kodi Nikorima as we are? and did Nate’s kid set a new record for eating donuts?

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 

Today we talked about Kodi Nikorima and the Warrior's next few games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a month of misery for the Warriors, they found some joy on the NRL's Magic Weekend, with an improbable comeback to beat the Dragons 26-18.The Warriors scored four second-half tries to reel in an 18-6 halftime deficit, producing probably their best 40 minutes of the season with 20 unanswered points.The result will give the Warriors a platform to build on, and relieve the mountain of pressure that was building at Mt Smart.It was far from a perfect performance, but the team showed impressive courage and conviction in the circumstances.The forwards hunted as a pack and the attack was dangerous on both edges, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck particularly effective in the clutch moments.The focus, of course, was on Kodi Nikorima. After spending more than half of his life aligned with Brisbane – and 86 NRL games for the Broncos behind him – he was back at Suncorp Stadium in the Warriors jersey. He made an impact from the start, and showed what an asset he will be, especially as combinations are built around him.Ligi Sao – making only his second appearance of the season – offered great energy from the bench and has surely done enough to keep his spot.It was the classic game of two halves. The Warriors were all at sea in the first period, as the Dragons dominated territory and constantly found open spaces, and probably lucky to still be in the contest. But they were a transformed outfit in the second half, with committed, precise, football.It was the first time a Warriors home game had been held outside New Zealand, and there was no shortage of support. A whole range of Warriors jerseys – from the 1990s to the present day – could be spotted on Caxton street on Saturday afternoon and around the stadium precinct.The Warriors made an awful start. The Dragons' first try was well worked, but Tyson Frizell had no right to take an uncontested catch of a Ben Hunt bomb, before sending over Zac Lomax. It got worse quickly, as Jai Field scorched across open pasture at Suncorp Stadium to dot down, following a James Graham bust. Like last week, the genesis was ineffective, grabbing tackles.Agnatius Paasi has been probably the most effective Warriors forward over the recent month of discontent, and his close range try exhibited pure grunt and guts. That should have settled the Warriors down, but they still looked jittery. A Hunt bomb was allowed to bounce, before Cameron McInnes burrowed over under the posts for the third Dragons try.There were occasional sparks in the first half – Tuivasa-Sheck was set free with a beautiful offload – but they were generally spoilt by poor decisions. The state of the Warriors current mindset was summed up late in the first half, when no one chased a Blake Green attacking grubber.The Warriors found some verve to start the second half – they seemed to channel their anger from their poor first period and got their eventual reward with Peta Hiku's try, the Kiwis centre showing his deceptive ability to find a gap after Nikorima drew players in.That gave the Auckland team some momentum and belief, as they noticeably grew in confidence. There was variation in the attack, and Nathaniel Roache was finding some space up the middle. A blindside raid paid dividends, as quick hands sent David Fusitu'a over, after smart work from Tuivasa-Sheck and Herbert. Maumalo's try took the Warriors ahead with 11 minutes to play – and after they navigated some nervous moments – Hiku's second sealed a memorable win.Warriors 26 (P Hiku 2, A Paasi, D Fusitu'a, K Maumalo tries; P Herbert 3 goals)Dragons 18 (Z Lomax try, J Field, C McInnes tries; Z Lomax three goals)Halftime: 6-18

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 

Featured in today's podcast: Sky Sport UK's Ben Ransom, What is the All Blacks Kryptonite? Gareth Dinnenn from The 1014, Ian 'Kamo' Jones joins Instagram and Andrew Vos on what we can expect from Kodi Nikorima.

Warriors CEO Cameron George talks with D'Arcy and Goran about Kodi Nikorima's move from the Brisbane Broncos to the Warriors.Nikorima's signed a three and a half year deal with the New Zealand club effective immediately.George says they've been on the lookout for someone of his calibre for a while."Kodi's name has come up a couple of times, but it's probably more the recent weeks that we've really hotted up on the idea of Kodi."Nikorima has played 88 first grade games with the Broncos.LISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.

Will Evans and Brad Larking break down the Warriors' gutsy loss to the Storm, gush over Patty Herbert and talk about the pros and cons of Kodi Nikorima's impending arrival at Penrose before launching into a preview of NRL Round 8. Check out thiswarriorslife.com for extensive preview and review coverage of the Warriors' crunch Sunday afternoon clash with the Knights.

This week we discuss Kodi Nikorima to the Warriors and Paul likens the Rabbitohs-Broncos game to an awkward family photo.

Kodi Nikorima could be a Warrior by the end of this week.The switch of the Kiwis halfback to Mt Smart now seems like a matter of when, not if.The Warriors have made a formal offer to the 25-year-old for the 2020 season and beyond, and it's a lucrative one, a significant upgrade on his current deal at Brisbane.Nikorima is currently signed at the Broncos until the end of next year, but has an option in his favour for next season.However, his agent Issac Moses will pursue an early release for the 13-test Kiwi, and the Herald understands that is likely to be granted.The final step is up to the Broncos — who are under pressure following a less than ideal start to their 2019 campaign — but they are expected to grant Nikorima an early release, with several promising youngsters among their halves contenders.Once that happens, Nikorima will be free to ink what will be a long term deal with the Warriors.Nikorima has been in the Warriors sights since December last year, after the surprise departure of Shaun Johnson in late November.Warriors football manager Brian Smith said by text on Tuesday he had "no comment on the situation", while CEO Cameron George wasn't able to be contacted.Coach Stephen Kearney admitted the club was chasing Nikorima for 2020, but couldn't speculate on the prospect of him arriving before that."We've had an interest in Kodi for a while — I've been working with him for a while about getting him here for 2020, where he has an option on his contract at the Broncos,"Kearney told D'Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport. "Anything before then is in the hands of the Broncos and his agent. So I can't anything about questions before 2020 but I will say we had an interest in him for next year and beyond."Kearney added that he has been extremely impressed with the work of young half Chanel Harris-Tavita, and the Nikorima move is just about adding depth to a crucial area.Harris-Tavita will again be key on Sunday against the Knights, but the teenager is expected to have Blake Green back beside him, after the Australian has missed the last three matches will a groin injury.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and David Fusitu'a have also been named, though they will have to pass fitness tests later in the week.A notable feature of the 17 is the retention of Patrick Herbert in the centres, after his impressive debut against the Storm.Veteran Adam Blair has also been demoted to the bench.He was much improved in Melbourne — with a huge effort on defence — after intense criticism of his recent performances.However Isaiah Papali'i will offer much more of an offensive threat, and has been named to start in the second row. 

Brisbane-based rugby league writer Phil Lutton thinks Kodi Nikorima is a great fit for the Warriors, giving them some much needed experience in the halves.He spoke with Radio Sport's Jason Pine on whether Brisbane would be happy to let him go and what he'd offer to the New Zealand club.

Fox Sports NRL commentator, Andrew Voss, told Radio Sport Kodi Nikorima would be a nice pick-up for the Warriors but isn't the long-term answer in the halves.

Radio Sport league analyst, Tony Kemp, says he isn't convinced Kodi Nikorima from the Broncos would be a good signing for the Warriors. He thinks this is a more intricate story than it appears, and the Warriors may be struggling to balance their salary cap.

Happy FriYAY! Today Stav, Abby and Matt spoke about dating a Fabio, the strange things that came up on your credit check and Kordi Nikorima dropped by. We also had behaviour expert Simon Rea come on to talk about the PM on the Project and it's not Friday unless we find out what Matty learnt for the week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Maguire, Kiwis' coach, after an impressive 34- nil win over England in Leeds. He thinks Kodi Nikorima and Shaun Johnson can form a halves combination for years to come. He was also particularly impressed by the Kiwis' defence in the first half and thinks it was based on 3-4 weeks of hard work and finally some cohesion.LISTEN ABOVE AS MICHAEL MAGUIRE SPEAKS WITH RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

The team preview the England vs New Zealand Rugby League three Test series from the launch at Elland Road. They interview Kodi Nikorima, Elliot Whitehead, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jesse Bromwich ahead of the first Test in Hull.

The team preview the England vs New Zealand Rugby League three Test series from the launch at Elland Road. They interview Kodi Nikorima, Elliot Whitehead, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jesse Bromwich ahead of the first Test in Hull.

LISTEN TO KIWIS HALFBACK KODI NIKORIMA TALK ABOUT THE FANS WITH RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST ABOVEThe Kiwis deserved to have won by more, and there should have been more people at Mt Smart Stadium to witness it.So where have test league crowds gone?Saturday night was a victory and a defeat.The Kiwis turned around a dreadful few years with an emphatic victory over Australia, a new young team delivering the sort of performance we should come to expect.But the crowd was put at a mere 12,763, an almighty embarrassment quite frankly and even more so when you consider how rarely the Kiwis play at home. Compare that to the Warriors, who averaged around 11,700 during a troubled 2017 season, and played before an average home crowd of nearly 17,500 this year (according to the club's official release).There was a lack of spark to the test build-up last week, with attention already focusing on the predicted Australia-Tonga sellout this Saturday.And the reaction to Saturday night's win is nothing compared to the surge of interest a young Kiwi team created with a shock victory over Australia in Melbourne in 1991. Something has definitely changed.Where has it all gone so wrong for the Kiwis?Thirty years ago, the New Zealand Rugby League nervously booked giant Eden Park for the World Cup final against Wally Lewis and the Australians and sold the ground out.There was an unprecedented build-up to that game, and the Kiwis included some famous players even if a few were past their prime.That was a one-off occasion, but it does portray how bad the decline has been.And it's not just here. Check media coverage of Australia's shock defeat on Saturday night — it is hardly a headline-grabbing moment across the Tasman either.Australia talks State of Origin selections endlessly. In comparison, tests hardly rate.Potential reasons for a lack of spectators at Mt Smart Stadium for Saturday night's test.-1) The Kiwis constantly fail and are often well beaten by Australia. Their public image is dreadful. 2) They have lost a connection with the public because players emerge out of Australian clubs, even if they were brought up here. 3) Test football is seen as an NRL sub-plot, consciously or sub-consciously. 4) Players swapping teams dilutes international "tribalism". (It's still going on - Agnatius Paasi quit Mate Ma'a Tonga for the Kiwis recently). 5) Once the NRL grand final is played, the league season is considered finished by many.  6) Poor promotion. 7 The weather (poor excuse, but we're struggling for ideas). 8) Stadium crowds are no longer a good barometer for actual support 9) Pass - it is not fully explainable. 10) Traffic (It's an ingrained Auckland thing) 11) ...BUT NZ v Tonga will be a sellout next year. Thank you....Tonga. 

LISTEN ABOVE AS DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEFullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has today become one of the youngest captains in New Zealand rugby league history after being named to lead the Kiwis in Saturday's transtasman test against the Kangaroos at Mount Smart Stadium.The ascension to the captaincy is a triple celebration for the Hamilton-born Penrith Panthers star, who turned 23 in August.His appointment coincides with he and his wife Purdy's third wedding anniversary while Watene-Zelezniak emulates the achievement of his great grandfather Tipene (Steve) Watene, one of New Zealand rugby league's most revered figures. He was the first Maori to captain the Kiwis in 1936-1937 and the only person who has represented the New Zealand rugby league side and become a Member of Parliament."I was really humbled when Madge (Michael Maguire) offered me the chance to captain my country. It's a huge honour, especially following in my great grandfather's steps," said Watene-Zelezniak.His first test as captain will be the eighth of his career since debuting against the Kangaroos in Newcastle in 2016."Dallin lives the values we're looking for and embodies the new direction we're heading in with the Kiwis," said Kiwi head coach Michael Maguire.Of Maori heritage through his mother, Watene-Zelezniak is of Tongan and Polish extraction on his father's side. With 96 NRL appearances across five seasons, he retains the fullback role he filled in the one-off Test against England in Denver in June.The 17-man squad includes two debutants in grand final-winning Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu and Melbourne's Brandon Smith at hooker.Tokoroa-raised 22-year-old Manu, 192cm and close to 100kg, made 26 NRL appearances this year, lifting his career tally to 45 with a try-scoring contribution in the Roosters' 21-6 premiership victory over the Storm.Smith (22), born on Waiheke Island near Auckland, was used off the bench in the grand final, his 18th NRL outing in 2018 and the 21st of a first-grade career which started last year. Another of the squad's new faces Melbourne utility back Jahrome Hughes is named in jersey No 19.The Kiwis' starting pack includes four players who appeared in the grand final with another two also in the 17, Manu in the centres and Kenny Bromwich, reunited in a Kiwi test side with his elder brother Jesse, on the interchange.Kiwis team named to play Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday, 7.45pmKiwis: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Isaac Liu, 13. James Fisher-HarrisInterchange: 14. Kenny Bromwich, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Adam Blair, 18 Peta Hiku, 19. Jahrome Hughes

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 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. 

Broncos assistant Jason Demitriou reponded to Johnathan Thurston's criticism of halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima and revealed his future coaching aspirations.

Tevita Pangai Junior reveals who he dislikes at the club. He also drops some news on where he's going on holidays soon and Andre Savelio knows the real story why. Also featuring Matt Gillett, Jimmy the Jet, Jordan Kahu and Kodi Nikorima.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brisbane Bronco boys love to head into the games room at HQ in their down time and play a bit of Fifa and Fortnite. JYY chats to Andre Savelio, Kodi Nikorima, Troy Dargan, Marion Seve and Jonus Pearson to find out who is the best player.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Kiwis international Tony Kemp, who enjoyed the Tonga v Samoa game in Hamilton, is tipping Tonga to make the semi-finals while Scotland shouldn't even be at the Rugby League World Cup.He thinks the Kiwis will go with their strongest team to play Tonga, which means Kodi Nikorima will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves ahead of Te Maire Martin.LISTEN ABOVE AS TONY KEMP SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

Rugby league commentator Dale Budge says the Kiwis have made the best decision in partnering Kodi Nikorima in the halves with Shaun Johnson, but he doesn't believe either has the skillset to compliment the Warriors star.LISTEN ABOVE AS DALE BUDGE SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

There's plenty to talk about with State of Origin potentially having a big impact on NRL Fantasy this week. Plus the Kodi Nikorima and Tui Lolohea debate, cash cow discussion and much more.