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Today on the show - 0.00 - Bad Dads 13.43 - Thank Fact It's Friday 19.10 - Kids Causing Injury 32.29 - Ethan DeGroot 38.31 - Rad Grandads - ANZAC Stories 55.51 - Wayde Egan 60.44 - Best Bits Of The Week
Hello ballrs, after one of the biggest swing weeks of 2025 and despite his DMs blowing up after his advice to hold Ponga, Matt is back with Tubes and usual Sunday Snap host Jono to try to ensure you avoid some traps on the horizon and build some strong culture going into Round 7.Chapters(00:00) Introduction & Recap(07:31) League update: A ballr goes No.1 overall(08:52) ballr.live updates to rave reviews(13:16) Ballr Blueprint: Fullback strategy through the byes(34:03) CTW: Who to move and who to get(44:39) 5/8: Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi(48:56) Halfback head-scratchers: Jahrome Hughes, Nicho Hynes, MItchell Moses(55:07) Exploring Hugo Savala's potential(58:01) 2RF: Dylan Egan, David Fifita, Zac Hosking's return(01:01:31) Is Corey Horsburgh a sell?(01:09:01) FRF: Naufahu Whyte, Joseph Tapine(01:11:33) Hooker: Harry Grant v Wayde Egan(01:12:54) PODs of the Week(01:17:16) Captaincy ConundrumIf you haven't already, bookmark/favourite http://ballr.live so you can see the lightning fast SuperCoach live score updates during games AND whether your player is on or off the field.Make sure you also get involved in the SC ballrs community, first by joining our unlimited league with league code 730444. The next step is to follow us on our social media channels for plenty more content so you can join the conversation and pose questions to our experts. Then go to http://ballr.promo to get on our mailing list, because there's some exciting tools coming to help you up your SuperCoach game.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scballrsX: https://x.com/SCballrsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/scballrs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scballrsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sc.ballrsDrop us your questions (via the above social channels) for this week's Q&A podcast dropping Thursday lunchtime and keep an eye out for the Sunday Snap with Jono and Tubes every Sunday to wrap up the round.
As we enter round 3. TK casts his eyes on 10 players of interest. On the radar this week is Payne Haas, Matty Nicholson, Mitch Barnett, Jack Cole, Teig Wilton, Cameron Munster, Jack Howarth, Siua Wong, Hamish Stewart and Wayde Egan.You can catch the BlackBook first on YouTube on a Monday evening at https://www.youtube.com/@talkingleague-nrl-fantasySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's Big Show, Jase has beef with Charlie Gubb, Mike's starting up another health kick, and Keyzie's got a runny nose. Check out more from us on Instagram @haurakibigshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's podcast, Azura can't believe it, but her toes are in the limelight. We catch up with Wayde Egan from the One NZ Warriors. Plus, we ask you - the oldest you've been ID, and we were shocked by some of the responses. For more, follow our socials: Instagram: Flava Radio Facebook: Flava Radio Tik Tok: Flava RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The revolving door between Warriors HQ and the hospital continues to spin and spin. Wayde Egan is out injured, but a couple of players are back from injury just in time for the team to try and put back-to-back wins together. Assistant coach Stacey Jones spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk about the win over the Panthers and the team that's been named to play the Dolphins. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Big old job for the Warriors this weekend. They're up against the high-flying Panthers, loads of the players are out injured and the team's coming off a terrible run of form. One player who is still uninjured and will be suiting up is hooker Wayde Egan and he's just re-signed with the club. He spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ZB's own D'Arcy Waldegrave returns to recap an exciting day in the world of sports! Highlights for tonight include: Warriors hooker Wayde Egan on re-signing with the club and what went wrong on the weekend. Warriors talkback. Kiwi UFC fighter Carlos Ulberg on his 12-second win over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Big League Podcast - Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess will attempt to unravel another harrowing loss and survey the damage from injuries to Shaun Johnson and possibly Wayde Egan and Freddy Lussick. The duo give their two cents on who should play halfback and whether there's a snowball's chance in hell of the Warriors turning it around against the Panthers in Brisbane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan joins to address growing speculation he's in line for a maiden State of Origin call-up for New South Wales. An exhausted Egan also reflects on the miracle 22-all draw with Manly. Nathan Limm and Michael Burgess argue whether the Warriors got lucky in winning a last-minute penalty to force the tie. The duo unpack the Zac Lomax drama at the Dragons and reminisce on high school glory days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A change of pace this week as Brad and Will catch up with West Coaster, legend and utter inspiration Josh Komen, before digging into the Warriors' jammy draw with Manly during the second half. Listen to Josh's incredible story on the Between Two Beers podcast: https://bit.ly/3U15Rq1 and find out more at https://www.joshkomen.com/DONATE to Josh's Rānui House fundraiser at this week's Christchurch Marathon: https://bit.ly/49BoVReBrought to you by the Warriors-mad legends at Kingz Container Crew - head to kingzcontainercrew.com if you're on the hunt for container packing/unpacking solutions across Australia and New Zealand, or hit the 'Work With Us' tab if you want to join the KCC team.Visit the Ladbrokes Blog for Will's weekly NRL previews, reviews and topical articles.Play the TWL prediction game by downloading the MixnPik app.Visit This Warriors Life's website, Twitter and Facebook for more
ON THE SHOW TODAY: Holly Jean Brooker on teenagers and phones Ben got trapped! Megan has a chanced with Elon musk... Wayde Egan from the Warriors Jonos Gen Z jean hack The yummiest shapes flavour! Chris from Six60s new segment! Check us out! Facebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono and Ben Instagram: TheHitsBreakfastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warrior #61 Monty Betham is back to talk all things season 2024, from the 3-0 run and Wayde Egan's masterclass. To Jacob Laban's debut and how the Warriors need attack Manly, on Saturday. Proudly presented by the TAB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a busy week for the team at Get Em' Onside with Dan last week hitting his first flair bet of the year, Joel revelling in a victorious coaches corner and Sean finding out it's not all sunshine and rainbows with his best bet. Will the Titans win a game? Who'll be coaching Souths in 2025? And is Wayde Egan destined for higher honours in 2024? All those questions answered as well as best bets, flair bets and of course Shooting Bambi.
Coming off the Warriors' best performance of 2024 to date, Will's joined by Fonzie - still buzzing from his Sydney gameday experience - and Keith Whitelock, making a CNK-esque difference in his first TWL outing of the season with tales of Vegas in tow. The trio dive into the skinning of the Rabbitohs, take a closer look at a couple of individual performers - including some 'greatest-ever' debates - and look ahead to Saturday's barnburner against the Sea Eagles, while Fonz puts his neck out with a 2028 prediction. Brought to you by the Warriors-mad legends at Kingz Container Crew - head to kingzcontainercrew.com if you're on the hunt for container packing/unpacking solutions across Australia and New Zealand, or hit the 'Work With Us' tab if you want to join the KCC team.Visit the Ladbrokes Blog for Will's weekly NRL previews, reviews and topical articles.Play the TWL prediction game by downloading the MixnPik app.Visit This Warriors Life's website, Twitter and Facebook for more
Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad joins the podcast to open up on how he's dealt with the public demand for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to take his spot at fullback. Nathan Limm and Michael Burgess discuss why extending Wayde Egan's deal could be the most important move of the season, dissect a ruthless win over the Rabbitohs and decide whether the Sea Eagles could be the Warriors' most difficult challenge of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Former Kiwis hooker Duane Mann discussing the form of Wayde Egan, and whether he's due for a State of Origin call up. Motorsport expert Bob McMurray discusses whether Liam Lawson is set to replace Dan Ricciardo. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Kiwis hooker Duane Mann joins Piney to the form of Wayde Egan, and whether he's due for a State of Origin call up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Strap yourself in, another episode of the Rugby League Hour is here! Brought to you by MicroBio Solutions Limited. Every Monday during the 2024 NRL season on The Platform, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin is joined by one of the best rugby league analysts going around - former Warriors coach and Kiwis representative Tony Kemp.The NRL season is beginning to take shape after round five concluded on Sunday night with a bounce back victory for the Canberra Raiders, who hammered the Parramatta Eels 41-8 at home. Currently on top of the table sit the Dolphins with three wins from four games and a bye, just ahead of the North Queensland Cowboys on points difference, who themselves have four wins from five. The Warriors have moved up to sixth after an impressive 34-4 road win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Gold Coast Titans remain the only winless team in the competition, but the bye and a better plus-minus means they are second-to-last on the ladder just ahead of the Rabbitohs. Marty and Kempy go through all eight games with a fine-tooth comb and pick out the key elements to discuss, including what was arguably the game of the year so far with the Storm beating the Brisbane Broncos 34-32 in Melbourne, and the Manly Sea Eagles upsetting the three-time defending champion Penrith Panthers 32-18.Following that, it's Up The Wahs - a talk segment solely focussed on the Warriors, and why not when they're in such good form! The Auckland-based NRL club are three from five so far this season and looking better by the week. Their 30-point win over the Rabbitohs is their third successive victory, their biggest of the young season and solidifies their place inside the top eight. Is the fullback debate finally over with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's solid return in the one jumper? Should hooker Wayde Egan's form be rewarded with State of Origin selection for New South Wales? All of that and more discussed between Marty and Kempy.This week on He's A Ledge, the pair catch up with Richie Morgan from Warrior Nation. Richie's arguably the club's most passionate fan living on the other side of the ditch, and has done a stellar job for over a decade now at bringing together Australian-based Warriors fans for gamedays and meet-ups, as well as banging the drum and leading the chants at the matches outside of New Zealand. He discusses the atmosphere at Stadium Australia on the weekend in what was a South Sydney home game, but at times sounded like a clash in the Warriors' backyard.Then, Marty and Kempy go head-to-head debating a handful of rugby league subjects, including whether or not the Warriors have the best fans in the NRL, if Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco should consider retiring after suffering the 10th concussion of his career, and the case to get rid of the bunker. Kempy hands out the Effluex clean-up award for the player, coach or team who did their job better than anyone else on the weekend - someone who rolled up their sleeves and turned gunk into gold. It's a slightly left-field choice this week from Kempy.And to finish things off, Kempy lists his five best teams in the NRL right now on TK's Top 5. Spoiler alert, the Warriors aren't quite back on top just yet.The Rugby League Hour is sponsored by MicroBio Solutions Limited, solving environmental issues using green technologies. Visit microbio.co.nz.
The Sunday Triple M NRL Catch Up - Paul Kent, Gorden Tallis, Ryan Girdler, Anthony Maroon
The boys are in to rip into another shocking performance by the Bunnies, we talk the news JD has one week to save his job, the Dragons war chest & Harry Grant & Wayde Egan drop by! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The boys are in to rip into another shocking performance by the Bunnies, we talk the news JD has one week to save his job, the Dragons war chest & Harry Grant & Wayde Egan drop by! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's the TWL power throuple back together in a wee treat this week, mostly to talk about Brad's pro and Fonz's amateur decking exploits. But there's a decent wrap-up of the win over the Knights, bowing down at the altar of the Rugby League Eye Test that helps explain the Warriors' performance over the first month, a big move in their Ladbrokes premiership odds, and a preview of the showdown with bogey team Souths with CNK and TMM slotting into the team for the first time in 2024. Brought to you by the Warriors-mad legends at Kingz Container Crew - head to kingzcontainercrew.com if you're on the hunt for container packing/unpacking solutions across Australia and New Zealand, or hit the 'Work With Us' tab if you want to join the KCC team.Visit the Ladbrokes Blog for Will's weekly NRL previews, reviews and topical articles.Play the TWL prediction game by downloading the MixnPik app. Catch the Rugby League Eye Test's handiwork here.Visit This Warriors Life's website, Twitter and Facebook for more
Bunty Afoa - Warriors forward and one of the club's most popular players among fans - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, looking ahead to his side's NRL clash with the Newcastle Knights in Auckland this weekend. The Warriors are in the winner's circle after their 18-10 victory over the Canberra Raiders in Christchurch last Friday, improving their record to 1-2 on the season so far. On Sunday they take on the side who they knocked out of the NRL finals a year ago. Afoa talks to Devlin about his performances off the bench lately, key players such as Marata Niukore and Wayde Egan who are returning from injury, how he feels the team is tracking through the first three rounds of 2024, and more.
The Warriors have been boosted by the return of three frontline players for Sunday's home NRL match against the Knights with Dylan Walker, Marata Niukore and Wayde Egan all back from injury.
Good news for Warriors fans - Wayde Egan has been named in the Warriors side to play the Raiders in Christchurch this Friday. The bad news is that he was actually named in the side last week but had to pull out before gameday due to his injury so that might well happen again. D'Arcy Waldegrave spoke to Slade Griffin on Sportstalk to try and work out if Wayde is back for real this time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the show we are joined by Wayde Egan to chat about the start of the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the show - 0.00 - Cool Story Bryce 5.17 - Did You Lose An Ear? 14.48 - Useless 20.25 - Wayde Egan - Can Rog Up The Wahs 31.11 - Lame Awards 43.40 - Brad Shields 49.30 - Stuck In A Truck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An interview where we wind back the clock to our guests first NRL game!
New podcast out now. Tim and Rich have a look at the Fantasy fortunes of the New Zealand Warriors. Players covered in this podcast include Tohu Harris, Addin Fonua-Blake, Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Shek, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Wayde Egan, Ali Leiataua and Jackson Ford. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on social media. Find us at Talkingleaguepod on Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook. Come join us in the Talking League Cup. The league code is 47RTSYKWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire joins Nathan Limm to explain why he wants Warriors hooker Wayde Egan to play for New Zealand. Michael Burgess analyses the Panthers' epic grand final win over the Broncos. The duo go through their favourite moments from the Warriors' season, take a look at the squad for next year and break down the Kiwis' injury dramas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Warriors play their first NRL Finals game since 2018 this weekend against the Penrith Panthers. Staf and Sam catch up with Warriors hooker Wayde Egan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catch the full show for Afternoons with Staffy September 7, 2023 including appearances from Kiwi tennis player Erin Routliffe, former Southern Steel legend Wendy Frew, UFC commentator Ravinder Hunia, Warriors hooker Wayde Egan, and Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Key joins Dai Henwood for another episode of NZ's #1 rugba league podcast, Mad Monday! In this episode, the guys recap the Warriors' absolute smashing of the Sharks and what it means for the Wahs Top 4 chances, 'Dai's Stats Corner', Wayde Egan's quote, and review State Of O for 2023... Plus, Dai Henwood comes 'Off The Back Fence! Brought to you by Four 'N Twenty Pies!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan joins Nathan Limm to discuss their incredible form and how they plan to derail the South Sydney Rabbitohs in front of a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Nathan argues why the next four weeks will prove whether the Warriors are capable of winning the NRL. Michael Burgess answers whether Marata Niukore has a problem with discipline in contact after a fourth charge from the NRL judiciary. The duo discuss why Ed Kosi's been left out of the team and Burge catches Nathan off-guard with some Warriors trivia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warriors Hooker Wayde Egan joined the show to preview their clash against the Dolphins at Mt Smart. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk to the oldest employees still working in NZ! Wayde Egan from the Warriors is launching our mascot race.. Jono's mate is painting the strip club... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Kiwis coach and New Zealand rugby league legend Sir Graham Lowe joins Nathan Limm to lay down the law on how the Warriors can fix their starts and opens up on his long-term battle with head trauma given Wayde Egan's latest concussion. Senior New Zealand Herald writer Michael Burgess returns with some in-depth analysis of the Warriors' injury troubles. Nathan gets exposed for being a Rabbitohs fan-boy and reflects on some very bad predictions from last week. Each Wednesday join rugby league nut and Newstalk ZB sports journalist Nathan Limm and NZ Herald lead league writer Michael Burgess as they jump aboard the Warriors bandwagon, looking at how the Warriors are tracking in the NRL. This new weekly podcast talks to the big names from the Warriors, discusses their performances plus the big issues hitting the headlines. A podcast for the league purist – Nathan and Michael discuss, debate and pontificate about this being the Warriors year. The Big League Podcast, powered by Newstalk ZB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayde Egan has been welcomed back to the NZ Warriors ahead of tonight's game against the Cronulla Sharks. He spoke to Piney about tonight's game and missing last week's win. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In episode three, Nathan Limm is joined by Warriors captain Tohu Harris to discuss how coach Andrew Webster has transformed the culture of the club and what they need to improve on ahead of their return to Mt Smart Stadium against the Bulldogs. Senior NZ Herald writer Chris Rattue analyses the Warriors' bumper victory over the Cowboys and why he's never been so hopeful for the team's prospects. Rats also picks apart the tackle technique of injured hooker Wayde Egan, and discusses why the Melbourne Storm are suddenly struggling. Each Wednesday join rugby league nut and Newstalk ZB sports journalist Nathan Limm and NZ Herald lead league writer Michael Burgess as they jump aboard the Warriors bandwagon, looking at how the Warriors are tracking in the NRL. This new weekly podcast talks to the big names from the Warriors, discusses their performances plus the big issues hitting the headlines.A podcast for the league purist – Nathan and Michael discuss, debate and pontificate about this being the Warriors year. The Big League Podcast, powered by Newstalk ZB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A straight-up-the-guts recap of Saturday's defeat to the Roosters, with Fonzie taking an optimistic but circumspect approach to the Warriors' rebirth and Will allowing himself to get caught up in the emotion of the new Webster era - albeit with a couple of concerns. Plus a look at the array of solutions available to some potential injury setbacks for Round 3 and a look ahead to a tasty Townsville showdown with the Cowboys. Support This Warriors Life on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thiswarriorslife
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan joins the show following the Warriors round one victory against the Newcastle Knights. Sammy and Wayde discuss what went well on the night and what the team needs to do to stay undefeated going into round two against a very strong Sydney Roosters side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Running it Straight returns for another week after a very exciting start to the NRL season. Sammy kicks off the show with a round one wrap up showcasing some of the big games from round one. Wayde Egan joins the show to have a chat with Sammy about the Warriors dream start after defeating the Knights in round one. Kempy joins the show from Fiji to talk about the Warriors vs Knights game with Sammy as well as a preview for round two this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will and Brad coming at ya on a Sunday to mark a momentous Warriors Round 1 victory on Friday - though Larking is still a bit bleary-eyed from from his birthday celebrations that meant he only caught the game on Saturday morning. Plenty to unpack from the gritty 20-12 defeat of the Knights, plus bonus chest freezer chat. Support This Warriors Life on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thiswarriorslife
The boys kick the show off with Kempy's call, an editorial of the rugby league world. Today, Kempy runs over Warriors Wayde Egan heading to the dentist after a cheap shot from Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the weekend.
Warriors 22Tigers 2Boy, the Warriors needed this.Not just the team, but the club, the staff, the sponsors and the fanbase.It was for just about everyone who has worn a Warriors jersey or cap, and all those supporters that have sworn at their television in frustration over the last three seasons of isolation.This was much more than a game – it was a restart – but the Warriors desperately needed the result.They got it, with a hard fought but ultimately convincing 22-2 victory over the West Tigers.It might not mean much come the end of the season, but it means everything now.After 1038 days the Warriors were back at Mt Smart – and they delivered. It was their first win since April 30, breaking a seven-match losing streak – and achieved off the back of rock solid defence.The Tigers are another struggling outfit – but they were up for this contest – and it took a committed team effort to get the job done.Tohu Harris and Josh Curran anchored the pack, while Bunty Afoa marked his 100th game with some trademark charges and Wayde Egan was strong at dummy half. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak played like a man possessed – clearly inspired by the sellout 26,009 crowd – while Chanel Harris-Tavita was everywhere he needed to be at fullback and Shaun Johnson kicked and organised well.The attack is still a work in progress – often on the predictable side – but the team will take great heart from this result, ahead of the bye next weekend.Sunday was a special occasion, with faint echoes of the opening game of 1995. Dave Dobbyn roused the crowd – especially with the "Loyal" singalong – before the team emerged to smoke, drums and fire from the far tunnel.The atmosphere was electric and the team almost provided a fairytale start, with Harris-Tavita just losing his footing as he backed up an Egan break in the first minute.The home side responded to the support and dominated the first quarter, camped in opposition territory for almost the entire time.They kept banging at the door – with Harris-Tavita and Ronald Volkman going close – against a surprisingly tenacious Tigers defence, evidenced when they settled for a 24th minute penalty to open the scoring.Frustration and tension was starting to build, before Harris crashed over in the 28th minute, off a smart Egan pass.That was the cue for wild celebrations, which were extended minutes later when Harris-Tavita was first to react after Watene-Zelezniak contested a Johnson bomb. Jesse Arthars took a lot of the credit, as he caught Jackson Hastings on the fifth tackle.The Warriors should have had a greater advantage at halftime, given their dominance, with 62 per cent possession, 946 metres gained to 604 and 21 tackle busts to eight.But they didn't, with a failure to convert numerous opportunities, which made for a tense second half.The Tigers came back into the match, as they were always going to, enjoying some periods of prominence. A superb Harris-Tavita tackle stopped a likely try, as the Warriors were tested defensively.They had their moments – but lacked patience and precision on attack – though a 65th minute Johnson penalty restored their 12-point advantage.Watene-Zelezniak then defused a dangerous bomb as Ken Maumalo lurked dangerously.Brilliant defence from Curran and Harris-Tavita stopped another menacing moment, before half the team converged to take James Roberts over the right sideline.The long-awaited victory was confirmed when Arthars slipped through near the right touchline, to cue celebrations that went long into the night.Warriors 22 (Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jesse Arthars tries; Shaun Johnson 3 cons, 2 pens)Tigers 2 (Adam Doueihi pen)Halftime: 14-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They're coming home! That's right the Warriors are back playing on home soil this Sunday for the first time in two and a half years. Mount Smart is sold out, and if there ever was a time to get their season back on track it's now. Joining us is hooker Wayde Egan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pat & Heals full show - An historic day, the Socceroos have made it to the World Cup. All the news and excitement including an interview with football writer Marco Monteverde and plenty more
The Warriors play their final Australian home game against Penrith and Wayde Egan joins Pat and Heals
Sharks 38Warriors 16The Warriors continue to go through the motions of a forgettable year.Like reruns of Friends, their season has gotten to a point where you know what's coming when you tune in. They're going to have moments where you think they could compete with the top six, but they're going to make unnecessary and, at times, inexcusable errors to invite pressure and concede cheap points.Their 38-16 loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday night followed suit in their sixth straight defeat."We start good then we go to crap," Josh Curran told Sky Sport after the game. "We just need to put an 80-minute performance together."Everyone needs to transition. If we make an error, we need to go straight back into defence. But we're not doing that. We're just getting points put on us and, honestly, it's embarrassing."As usual, there were moments that caught the eye. Curran looked as though he hadn't missed a step in his return from injury, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak executed a try put-down that we'll be seeing replays of for some time.But far more of those moments were negative. A passive first-half defence was exemplified by Shaun Johnson allowing Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo to run the ball closer to the posts on the first of his two tries rather than make him put the ball down out wide. Fullback Reece Walsh had a forgettable night after running in the first try of the match and throughout the contest, their inability to slow down the Sharks play-the-ball and a few bad errors saw the Warriors take themselves out of the contest.In their first game under interim head coach Stacey Jones, the Warriors got off to a flying start and, to be fair, put on a much better display than last week's demolition by Manly. The Sharks started slow and thanks to a few ruck infringements and penalties, the Warriors were allowed to play the opening minutes in Sharks territory.And thanks to two moments of brilliance from Wayde Egan – one pinpoint pass to set up Walsh followed by a sneaky dart from dummy half – saw the Warriors lead by 12 inside as many minutes.Then things went predictably wrong.The Sharks hit back just two minutes after Egan's try – their first attacking chance in opposition territory – and the Warriors put the following restart out on the full.The Sharks ran in three tries in 10 minutes to take the lead, ultimately scoring five tries in the first half to take a 24-12 lead into the break.Again, the Warriors showed plenty of fight in the first 20 minutes of the second half while the Sharks staggered out of the blocks following the restart. After not getting the ball for what would have been a sure try moments earlier, Watene-Zelezniak took to the heavens to score a try out wide with a spectacular diving finish.The last time they played the Sharks, the Warriors didn't score a point in the second half. So, things were looking up – until the Sharks got going again.It took a try through wing Sione Katoa – initially ruled a no-try but overturned by the bunker after a long review – to get the Sharks going again, but just like in the first half, once they got started they were too much for the Warriors.Tries to Mulitalo, William Kennedy, and a final, length of the field effort from Katoa put the result to bed.Sharks 38 (Sione Katoa 3, Ronaldo Mulitalo 2, Siosifa Talakai, Matt Moylan, William Kennedy tries; Nicho Hynes 3 cons)Warriors 16 (Reece Walsh, Wayde Egan, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak tries; Walsh 2 cons)HT: 24-12- Christopher Reive, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chattin' with... Aaron Schoupp, Johnny Bateman, Mick Cronin, Wayde Egan, Willie Peters, Luciano Leilua, Craig Coleman, Junior Paulo, Ash Taylor, Joe Tapine, Andrew McCullough and Michael Morgan!
Wayde Egan x Searley Talks Warriors
The Warriors Hooker joins Piney to discuss their bounce back win against the Raiders.LISTEN ABOVE
If you want to get close to the Melbourne Storm, everything has to go right.At AAMI Park on Monday night, just about everything went wrong for the Warriors – after a promising first half – as they fell to a record defeat in the Anzac clash, eventually losing 70-10.They conceded a staggering thirteen tries, in what ended up as the biggest loss and worst humiliation in the club's history.The Warriors had only trailed 16-10 at halftime, but three tries in six minutes early in the second half ended their resistance.The Storm disappeared out of sight after that, as the Warriors could barely completed a set in the second half.The visitors were left to rue costly errors in the first half, which gifted two tries to the Melbourne team when the contest was still in the balance.To compound their nightmare, the Warriors also lost Josh Curran and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to serious injuries.It was the Storm's 12th successive win over the Auckland team, a run that dates back to 2015.The manner of the defeat will be a hammer blow for Nathan Brown's team, after they competed well in the first period before completely falling away in the second.The Storm are a brutally efficient machine and once they clicked into gear, there was no respite for the Warriors.There was a late switch before kick-off, with Jazz Tevaga moving to lock, Josh Curran to the right edge and Bayley Sironen supplanting Eliesa Katoa on the bench.After a wonderful, poignant Anzac ceremony, the Warriors made a solid start, before an oh-so-typical Melbourne Storm try out of nothing, with Jahrome Hughes finishing a 90 metre counter attack after an unfortunate Ed Kosi spill, with the visitors hot on attack.That was tough to take, but the Warriors rebounded quickly and a superb flat ball from Chanel Harris-Tavita sent Dallin Watene-Zelezniak across in the corner.The Warriors then enjoyed their best period of the first half – with some flat passes and dynamic offloads – but an impetuous Reece Walsh kick released some pressure, then another Kosi fumble gifted Xavier Coates a try.The same unfortunate pattern continued, with Nick Meaney intercepting a risky Shaun Johnson no-look pass, to extend Melbourne's lead.But the Warriors didn't buckle and a superb Johnson chip – and devilish bounce – put Wayde Egan in beside the posts on the half hour mark.That lifted the Auckland team, though they needed some impressive scrambling defence, with Harris-Tavita then Euan Aitken coming up with vital stops on a flying Ryan Papenhuyzen.Papenhuyzen penalties either side of halftime extended the Storm's lead, before Curran limped off with a knee injury.Things got much worse quickly, as Watene-Zelezniak was stretchered off after an awful collision with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, as he unsuccessfully tried to defuse the prop's bomb, which was instead collected by Papenhuyzen.That double blow felt like the end of the road and that was confirmed by Nick Meaney's try three minutes later, after Walsh had – for the second successive game – sent the kick off long.Harry Grant powered over, before Coates grabbed three more tries, as things started to get embarrassing, with the Warriors shellshocked and their edges all at sea, before Hughes, then Bromwich, then Justin Olam completed the rout.Warriors 10 (Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Wayde Egan tries; Reece Walsh goal)Storm 70 (Jahrome Hughes 2, Xavier Coates 4, Nick Meaney 2, Ryan Papenhuyzen 2, Harry Grant, Jesse Bromwich, Justin Olam tries; Ryan Papenhuyzen 7 goals, Nick Meaney 2 goals)Halftime: 16-10- Michael Burgess, NZ Herald
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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...
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In this weeks episode, we tackle all the weekly news including injuries to popular fantasy options Tohu Harris, Wayde Egan, Jamal Fogarty and Mitchell Moses. We also discuss the top teams/players for h2h finals and the best loophole options.
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
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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!
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
NZ Warriors hooker talks about their upcoming clash against the Gold Coast Titans
The Warriors have named three of their new recruits in their starting 13, with another on the interchange for Saturday's NRL opener against Gold Coast.Euan Aitken starts at centre, with prop Addin Fonua-Blake and Bayley Sironen in the second row also starting.Ben Murdoch-Masila has been named on the interchange.Wayde Egan and Eliesa Katoa have both been cleared from injuries to start at hooker and second row respectively.The full team is Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitua, Aitken, Hiku, Maumalo, Nikorima, Harris-Tavita, Fonua-Blake, Egan, Taunoa-Brown, Katoa, Sironen and Harris.The seven man interchange is Tevaga, Murdoch-Masila, Ah Mau, Afoa, Pompey, O'Sullivan, Ale, Curran.Listen above as coach Nathan Brown talks with Elliott Smith
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.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan joins NRL.com's Chris Kennedy and Kenny Scott to discuss his side's impressive win over the Dragons and gives his thoughts on the highs and lows of the other seven games in round three's return of rugby league.