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| Thursday 5th February 2004 7.30pm Waikato Stadium Hamilton Before a packed house of 21,500 fans a young Warriors team led by Monty Beetham were beaten by St George Dragons 36-30 in the Waikato heartland at Hamilton. Both teams scored six tries in an exciting pre-season shakedown that featured just a handful of frontline Warriors players. What stood out was the ability displayed by the rookies, a development bunch of unknowns who are jamming the queue for game time in the 2004/2005 Warriors team. Leading 6-4 at the 1st quarter St George stretched out to 18-4 at halftime, then the Warriors hit back with 18 points to trail 22-24. Although the baby Warriors made a lot of errors Metcalfe, Manu Vatuvae, Lauaki, Waikato halfback Herangi, Rangi stood out amongst the rookies as well as regulars Tookey, Jobson and Guttenbeil. Warriors tryscorers were 16 year old centre Shaun Melcalf 2 tries, Manu Vatuvei, Tookey, Epalahame Lauaki and 18 year old Aoterangi Herangi with a chip and chase try. Once again coach Daniel Anderson displayed the "midas touch" by initiating a team of rookies who will feed through to the Warriors ranks sooner, based on this exciting outing, rather than later. In his first three seasons Anderson introduced Motu Tony, Paleaaesina, Hohaia, Jeremiah Pai, Koopu, Meli, Faafili, Vinnie Anderson, Evarn Tuimavave, Karl Te Mata, Thomas Leuluai, Vince Mellars and Tevita Latu. The downside was the recent departures from the Warriors ranks but they were far outweighed by the propects on show that stunned the Waikato rugby league fans. By all reports it was a massive effort against the Dragons. A sound debut was made by stand-off Jerome Ropati, pivot Marcus Perenara, lock Louis Anderson & second-rower Lauaki. They in turn lead the way for the next tier such as rookie centre Shaun Metcalfe, scrumhalf Herangi,Vatuvei, Rangi, Vuna & co. Not all of them will taste NRL action this year, more than likely they will join the Bartercard ranks but it leaves the Warriors healthy in talent and depth. All they need is experience, confidence and a coach that can teach them how to bring home the bacon. Despite losing coach Anderson was pleased with the Warriors effort adding ...." every player in the team made a mistake, that's what hurt us......just about every player who hasn't played NRL before can walk away from this and say I did okay." |
| 1/2/04 (Sunday News) ..prop Jerry Seseu (left) will leave the Warriors at the end of 2004. "This will be my last year at the Warriors, "I want to go out with a bang. Ive got something lined up offshore" says Seuseu. He stepped in to fill the void left when Joe Vagana went to Bradford. Tough, and hardly ever injured he is one of the coach's all time favourites players. According to reports it appears Wigan is his likely target in 2005 |
| GAINS : Matt Jobson 2yrs (x Newcastle Knights), Danny Sullivan (xParrammatta) Tony Martin 3yrs (x London Broncos), RE-SIGNED : Karl Te Mata, Thomas Leuluai 3 yrs to 2006, Marcus Perenara, Clinton Toopi 2 yrs to 2006, Awen Guttenbeil 3 years to 2006, Paul Dezolt, Epalahame Lauaki 3 yrs to 2006 LOSSES: Jeremiah Pai (Parrammatta), Logan Swann 1 yr (Bradford Bulls UK), John Carlaw 1 yr (St George-Illawarra), Motu Tony 1 yr (Brisbane Broncos), Dallas Rennie 2 yrs (Manly) Arrivals and departures at the Warriors have been minimal with the loss of Logan Swann, John Carlaw and the attacking brilliance of Motu Tony. Incumbent centres Vinnie Anderson, Clinton Toopi and 20 year old Vince Mellars will face a positional challenge from ex London Bronco Tony Martin. Former Junior Kangaroo Danny Sullivan adds more muscle to a competitive second row / loose forward area pumping with Lauititi, Guttenbiel, Karl Te Mata, Beetham and Koopu. Ex Newcastle prop Jobson also places pressure on front men Seuseu, Vilisanti, Tookey, Tuimavave and the exciting Paleaasina. A dynamic challenge driven by confidence will determine who makes the cut in this team. Watch Hooker/ utility Tevita Latu (22) when he's fully fit, Thomas Leuluai (18), Louis Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki 20, Jerome Ropati (18) and halfback Marcus Perenara (17). |
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| The Warriors owners Cullen Sports and international rugby bosses have met secretly to form a Pacific Island team to play in the Super 12 rugby. The team drawing on players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga will be known as Pasifika. Warriors CEO Mick Watson met IRB rugby bosses including the IRB CEO Mike Miller at last months IRB conference in Auckland to plan the team. Miller says "We need to look at all possible ways of ensuring that the smaller countries can progress further. We would work with any partner that makes sense." Warriors CEO Mick Watson saId yesterday "we are discussing business options with the IRB" High powered support has convinced the IRB to put pressure on SANZAR - the body that runs the Super 12 and the Tri-Nations series - to include the Pasifika rugby team in an expanded competition in 2006 and playing international tests against the All Blacks, possibly at Ericsson Stadium and Wallabies in 2004 and 2005. The issue will be discussed at the IRB's annual meeting in Dublin in April. Owner of Cullen Sports Eric Watson who is highly regarded in the international business community and amongst powerbrokers at the highest level in rugby and league plans to propose a successful business model. Miller is confident the financially powerful Warriors could win the consent of SANZAR to allow Pasifika to compete in the Super 12 or Tri-Nations. The probable coaches are John Kirwan or All Black legend and Manu Samoa coach Michael Jones who has been a mentor with the Warriors for two years. courtesy Sunday News |
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| All Blacks legend & Warriors mentor Michael Jones |
| Warriors CEO Mick Watson |
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| In 2004 the Warriors played 3 pre-season games lost Warriors 30 v St George Premiers 36 Thursday 5th February 2004 7.30pm Waikato Stadium Hamilton crowd 21,500 lost Warriors 22 v Parrammatta 24 Saturday 21st February 7.30pm Carrara Stadium Gold Coast crowd 14,500. lost Warriors 12 v Penrith 32 Sunday 25 February North Harbour Stadium Auckland crowd 12,000 Panthers 32 F Pritchard 2, P Campbell, J Galuvao, L Rooney, B Ross tries; Campbell 4 goals Warriors 12 T Martin, H Fa'afili tries; S Faumuina 2 goals |
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| ? NRL Rd1 Warriors 20 v Broncos 28
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 14 March Before a crowd of 28,500 the match blasted off in thrilling style. Warriors prop Karl Te Mata beat a couple of Bronco defenders then off loaded to Brent Webb who chip kicked ahead. The Broncos rookie 17 year old New Zealand born fullback Karmichael Hunt made a play for the ball as Meli bundled him out. In desperation he tried to throw a pass to his teamate but the loose ball was snatched up by Brent Webb to score and put the Warriors up 4-0. Minutes later Webb picked up a grubber by Brett Seymour and dashed 90 metres for his second try. Tony Martin converted and the Warriors jumped out to 10-0 Led upfront by captain Gordon Tallis the Broncos hit back with two tries in the next seven minutes. The first a soft try to Brad Meyers and the second to Shaun Berrigan after Civoniceva, Tallis and Lockyer handled to give the Broncos the edge 12-10 at the close of a very exciting first half. In the second half the Broncos main playmaker Darren Lockyer laid on a kick to Francis Meli who mishandled the wet ball. It was snapped up by Tallis for Devere to score and convert. But still the Warriors came back to score twice; in the 69th minute to Meli and the 71st minute to Leuluai who scored near the posts after good lead up work by Stacey and Ali. In the 76th minute Broncos centre Berrigan nailed the match with his second try. With a halftime penalty count against them of 7-3 (13-8 fulltime) some of referee Hampstead's terrible calls clearly irritated the hell out of the Warriors and their fans. But there was no excuse for the handling errors and the lack of ball control when they were in good field positions only to push for the magic pass. The Broncos handling wasnt exactly perfect but the Warriors completed only 20 of 41 sets; 9 of 20 in the second half, the determining factor in their loss. "We were too arrogant with the ball, we overplayed and got a bit too excited" says coach Daniel Anderson. For the Warriors hard running prop Karl Te Mata, Tony Martin and the brilliant Brent Webb stood out in one of the first rounds most exciting matches. Broncos 28 Tries: Shaun Berrigan 2, Brad Meyers, Michael De Vere. Goals: De Vere 6. Warriors 20 Tries: Brent Webb 2, Francis Meli, Thomas Leuluai. Goals: Tony Martin 2 |
| NRL Rd 2 Warriors 10 v Dragons 16 Auckland 20 March crowd 16,425 Match Report A seriously under-strength St George -Illawarra Dragons put in a big team effort to sink the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors 16-10. In their first home game at Ericsson the Warriors dominated possession with Stacey Jones controlling the kicking game but the Dragons defence just seemed to get stronger as the game got longer. The hometown fans were thrilled when Francis Meli scored off a Stacey Jones bomb in the 20th minute followed up eight minutes later with a try by Henry Faafili. With the conversion the Warriors were up 10-0 which was what the fans came to see. In the 35th minute St George replied through a try to Matt Cooper then an intercept by Matthew Head converted by Riddell to tie the halftime score at 10-10. This was the turning point in the game. The Warriors had improved on their ball retention with an 84% completion rate and held 57% possession at halftime against 43% possession by St George who also sustained a high tackle count with a relentless defensive effort. But with another 40 minutes to grind the Dragons came out with their morale up. Reece Simmonds scored for the Dragons in the 53rd minute then with 3 minutes to go Riddell kicked a penalty goal to shut out the Warriors with a 16-10 win. The Warriors failed to regain their dominace in the second half whereas the Dragons played with spirit and played for each other. Best players for the Warriors were new captain Awen Guttenbeil, Stacey and interchange Tevita Latu who made an impact from dummy half. Coach Daniel Anderson threatens changes in his lineup saying " We have to bring in someone who is going to play with pride, for the jersey and for their mates." St George-Illawarra Dragons 16 Cooper, Head, Simmonds tries. Riddell 2 goals Vodafone Warriors 10 Meli, Faafili tries. Martin 1 goal |
| Penrith Panthers claw the Warriors 42-22
Rd 3 Sunday 28 March Ericsson Stadium Auckland 4pm Crowd 15,781 Warriors Brent Webb, Henry Faafili, Vinnie Anderson, Sione Faumuina, Francis Meli, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Danny Sulliva, Tevita Latu, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Clinton Toopi, Epalahame Lauaki, Awen Guttenbeil (c) Interchange: Jerry Seuseu, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Evarn Tuimavave. MATCH REPORT It was "a crazy sort of a game" as Penrith coach Johny Lang said in the postgame TV interview. For the Warriors it sure was a crazy game of unforced errors, turnovers, poor handling, untidy options and all the costly bad habits against a Panthers team that pounced with a lot of confidence to claw the Warriors 42-22. In the fourth minute Tony Puletua dived over for Penriths first try converted by Preston Campbell. The Warriors replied with tries to Tevita Latu and Louis Anderson converted by Faumuina to take them to 10-6. But the Panthers lethal attack came roaring back with four tries. Joe Galuvao barged his way over the line, then former Dragon Amos Roberts scored off a 70 metres intercept followed by Preston Campbell who found a hole behind the ruck to score. Just before the break Roberts flashed over for his second try after Trent Waterhouse split the defence to roll out a 26-12 halftime lead to Penrith. In the second half the Panthers continued to force decisions on the Warriors defence resulting in 2 more tries to speedster Amos Roberts to grab a 38-12 lead. They dominated play but the Warriors still had a exciting sparkle and a dangerous sting in their game when they were able to focus their attack. The Warriors captain Awen Guttenbeil scored a try then Toopi sparked a desperate passing rush that swept play 65 metres for Paleaaesina to score. Luke Rooney scored the final try in the corner to nail the match for Penrith 42-22. Penrith Panthers 42 : tries Amos Roberts 4, Joe Galuvao, Tony Puletua, Luke Rooney, Preston Campbell goals : Preston Campbell 3, Shane Rodney 2 Warriors 22 tries Tevita Latu, Awen Guttenbeil, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Louis Anderson. goals Sione Faumuina 3 |
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| v Broncos Brent Webb awesome on attack scoring 2 tries, one a 90 metre ripper |
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| 23 February.... Warriors and Kangaroo international prop Richard Villasantii is out for 6 weeks after injuring a knee at training last week. He joins PJ Marsh whose recovery from last years neck injury has been delayed for 3 months. |
| Former Brisbane Easts and North Queensland Cowboys hooker Paul Dezolt had an encouraging trial debut for the Vodafone Warriors against Parrammatta
on Saturday night. He was labouring in Brisbane when the call up came out of the blue. "It feels a bit funny coming in and getting a trial straight away" said
Dezolt whose performance was better than they could have anticipated, in both his fitness levels and technical skills. The Warriors have signed 25 year old
Dezolt to June 20 as cover for hooker-captain Monty Beetham while back up Tavita Latu recovers from last years TB scare.
"At least im getting a chance to play NRL again - I'd been at the Cowboys for a while" says Dezolt who came through the junior system and debuted for them in 1999 then went on to play 30 first grade games. He's impressed with structures at the club "the days are longer here, the Warriors are a lot more professional in the ways they do things". |
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| Warriors 28-10 win snaps a 3 game losing streak
Round 4 Brookvale Oval Sydney Sunday 4 April 5pm (NZST) Crowd 8722 Warriors Brent Webb, Henry Faafili, Clinton Toopi, Tony Martin, Justin Murphy, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Richard Villasanti, Tevita Latu, Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiiti, Awen Guttenbeil (c), Sione Faumuina Interchange: Epalahame Lauaki, Louis Anderson, Matt Jobson, Vinnie Anderson. _______________________________________ Match Report The Warriors snapped a 3 game losing streak by beating Manly 28-10. Their exit from the twilight zone for at least a week had coach Daniel Anderson smiling "the attitude was great today , it was a solid performance. We toughed it out and muscled up in the middle of the field" Manly hit the front with an early try then Warriors stalwart Ali Lauititi used his brute upper strength to shove two defenders aside and score the Warriors opening try. At halftime the Warriors led 6-4 lead then they cut loose in the second half. Fullback Brent Webb had an allround strong game in attack and defence. He made 12 hit-ups for a gain of 106 metres and scored 2 tries, his first try after Jerry Seuseu busted the line in the 50th minute. Three minutes later rookie forward Epalahame Lauaki scored the first of his two tries by finishing off a brilliant team play to take the Warriors to 16-4. With eight minutes to go Lauaki charged over the line to grab his second try. Webb's second try came in the closing minutes after a passing rush in which Ali, Tony Martin and Vinnie handled. The wet conditions and muddy surface slowed the game and made ball control difficult. Each side was guilty of 17 errors. However Stacey's accurate kicking game steered the Warriors into better field position to launch their attack on a Manly defence that gradually sunk into medoicrity. Manly missed 33 tackles to the Warriors' 18. Hooker Tevita Latu just gets better each week. He exploded out of dummy half, repeatedly opening holes around the ruck and attacked the Manly line where he gained valuable yards for his teamates. Lauaki stood out along with Ali, Jerry, Stacey and Villasanti. Matt Jobson, rookie Louis Anderson and Tony Martin all put in sound efforts. Warriors 28 Brent Webb 2, Epalahame Lauaki 2, Ali Lauitiiti tries; Sione Faumuina 4 goals (4/5) Manly 10 Paul Stephenson, Anthony Watmough tries; Andrew Walker goal |
| Newcastle Knights outsmart the Warriors 34-20 Rd 5 Ericsson Stadium Auckland NZ 7.30pm Saturday 10 April Crowd 14,000 Match Report "We clawed our way back and showed a lot more than we showed last week" was how Newcastle Knights captain Ben Kennedy summed up their 34-20 win over the Vodafone Warriors, after suffering a miserable 48-2 loss to St George last week. There was a lot of upside to admire about the Knights form reversal, holding out the hometown favourite Warriors who looked dangerous at times, but not all the time in the second half. The locals led 8-0 after 15 minutes only to get rundown for the third time this year. Newcastle replied with two tries on the flanks where the Warriors defence was exposed. Winger Craig Hall grabbed the first try. Second rower Daniel Abraham had a big game setting up the second try with a one handed offload to left winger George Carmont to snatch a narrow 10-8 lead. Once in front the Knights charged ahead through a try by Kurt Gidley who drove through some weak tackles to score and convert. His determination typified the clubs pride and will to win. At halftime Gidley added a penalty goal to take the visitors to 18-8 after Brent Webb was sinbinned for a foul. In the 50th minute Jerry Seuseu scored under the posts for Faumuina to convert. At 14-18 down the Warriors were within striking distance but Kurt Gidley had other ideas, making his own luck off a kick rebound to score a solo try converted by Daniel Abraham to push out to 24-14. The Warriors hit back with a converted try toTony Martin in the 70th minute but Abraham stifled any hopes of a late revival when he grabbed an intercept and blazed 65 metres to put Newcastle ahead 28-20. From the ensuing short kick off Timana Tahu ripped down the flank to score on fulltime. Despite the 34-20 loss the Warriors launched some exciting attacking plays then messed up through errors, slow marker defence, assorted tragic habits and two very costly decisions in both halves. One was a nothing goal line dropout, the other a desperate short kickoff at the finish. From both plays the Knights scored. One bad habit also led to an intercept. The Knights big playmakers Kurt Gidley, Danny Buderus, Abraham and captain Ben Kennedy who was offloading to his runners at will inspired their teamates. Rookie George Carmont and Robbie O'Davis also had strong games. Warriors Brent Webb and Tony Martin had sound games while Richard Villasanti, and Karl Te Mata did some heavy work in defence. Only Tevita Latu, Clinton Toopi and Jerry Seuseu shaped up as serious prospects for Kiwi selection for the test match against Aussie in Newcastle on April 23. In the the meantime it wont get any easier next Friday against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Wellington. Newcastle 34 Tries: Craig Hall, Kurt Gidley(2), Daniel Abraham, George Carmont, Timana Tahu Goals: Daniel Abraham(3), Kurt Gidley (2) Warriors 20 Tries: Jerry Seuseu,Tony Martin, Justin Murphy Goals: Sione Faumuina (4) Half Time 18-8 Newcastle Vodafone Warriors Brent Webb, Henry Faafili, Clinton Toopi, Tony Martin, Justin Murphy, Thomas Leuluai, Stacey Jones, Richard Villasanti, Tevita Latu, Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiiti, Awen Guttenbeil (c), Sione Faumuina Interchange: Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Matt Jobson, Karl Te Mata. |
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| "Auckland has been the making of me as a footie player and it's easily the best move I've ever made. I honestly couldn't say where
I'd be right now if I wasn't at the Warriors but more than likely it'd be back at the pub I worked at pulling beers."
says Warriors fullback Brent Webb In awesome form for the Warriors he's rated an early Queensland State of Origin prospect. Brent Webb (23) had a dazzling 2004 opener for the Warriors against the Brisbane Broncos scoring in the first 2 minutes then racing 90 metres to score his second try after 10 minutes. An integral part of the Warriors excitement machine Webb was born in Cairns, North Queensland and debuted with the Warriors against Newcastle in April 2002. A brilliant kick-returner and lethal in broken field play he has played 40 matches for the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors |
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| Labelled "the next big thing" 18 year old Sonny Bill Williams weighs 105 kgs and stands 191 cm. The centre/second rower is causing a huge stir in the NRL. Laurie Daley rates him big time with his speed, terrific ball skills and offloads like Ali, but Sonny aint fussed with the hype. He continues to get huge raps from he Sydney media and is a key strike weapon off the Canterbury Bulldogs bench. Born in Auckland from the Marist club he went to Sydney at 15 and played with the Bulldogs Juniors, SG Ball grade and the Junior Kiwis two years ago. He was in the Bulldogs team that beat the Warriors 24-18 in Wellington in round 6. Williams subsequently gained selection in the Kiwi squad that lost 37-10 to the Aussies on 23 April 2004 at Newcastle He had an excellent Kiwi debut. Another Kiwi doing big things in the NRL the Bulldogs want to sign him long term. |
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| news video of Sonny Bill Williams a teenage sensation courtesy TV ONE |
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| Warriors lucked out 24-18 Rd 6 Friday 16 April Westpac Stadium Wellington Crowd 13,772 Match Report The Canterbury Bulldogs nipped the Warriors with 2 early tries to centre Jamaal Lolesi down the right flank in the third and seventh minutes to shut out the Warriors 12-0 at halftime. They did the simple stuff, hit ups, completions, kicked, muscled up in defence and forced decisions on the opposition. Three minutes into the second half Brent Webb made it 6-12 when he put Stacey into a gap to score under the posts. Then Willy Mason put his stamp on the game with a brilliant play in the 56th minute. He beat three defenders to pop a pass around the corner for Reni Maitua to score. Hazim El Masri converted to take the Dogs to 18-6. Five minutes later Mason sent a signal marked urgent to the Kangaroo and NSW Origin selectors when he sprinted 30 metres to score off a Sherwin break after clever lead up by fullback Luke Patten and Andrew Ryan and lax defence by the Warriors. Down 24-6 the Warriors surged back with an awesome two man play in the 69th minute. Ali Lauitiiti broke the line then offloaded to Hame Lauaki who outsmarted 3 defenders as he stepped, switched, fended and galloped 20 metres to score. At 24-12 the Warriors threw the kitchen sink at the Dogs in a late flurry of attacks. Vinnie Anderson broke through with a try under the posts in the 76th minute to close the gap to 24-18 but the Dogs held them at bay. The Warriors were competitive, but lucked out, short on confidence hence the lack of timing and execution undid some of the positive aspects of their game. However there is a lot of upside to the team, the belief that they're not far away from hitting their rythmn once they find some balance. It's a pride thing. For the Bulldogs, Willy Mason gained huge metres up the middle, Luke Patten and captain Steve Price had solid games as did the halves combination and the dominant centre pairing of Lolesi and Tonga. Sonny Bill, Roy Asotasi, Jamaal Lolesi and Matt Utai may have caught the Kiwi selectors eye for the test against Aussie on 23 April at Newcastle Once again Brent Webb not lacking in confidence was voted Warriors MVP. He put in such a brilliant effort that his kick returns and broken plays would have him in front for the most metres gained of his rivals for the Queensland State of Origin fullback spot. He must be in the Origin selectors frame. Like teamates Lauaki who had a huge game, Karl Te Mata who hits hard going forward and can take a hard hit, Tony Martin, Louis and Vinnie, Webb played with a purpose and was always in the hunt even if others were not. At 1 win, 5 losses they have a bye then its the Storm in their face. Canterbury Bulldogs 24 Jamaal Lolesi 2, Reni Maitua, Willie Mason tries; Hazem El Masri 4 goals Vodafone Warriors 18 Stacey Jones, Epalahame Lauaki, Vinnie Anderson tries; Sione Faumuina 2 goals. Halftime: Bulldogs 12-0. Warriors Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Clinton Toopi, Tony Martin, Justin Murphy, Thomas Leuluai, Stacey Jones, Richard Villasanti, Tevita Latu, Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiiti, Epalahame Lauaki, Sione Faumuina Interchange: Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Vinnie Anderson, Karl Te Mata. |
| Monday 26 April 2004 After a week in crisis star Warriors second row forward Ali Lauitiiti has agreed
to be released from the club. At 24 he's a unique talent, voted the 2002 Dally M second row forward and the most offloads, Ali is a veteran of 116 first grade games for the Warriors. One of the highest paid players on the roster he has yet to fulfil his true potential. Its understood he's considering an offer his mangers have fielded from Wigan. click for full report |
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| v Bulldogs Brent Webb ..another gutsy effort , puts his hand up every week and was always in the hunt when others weren't |
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| v Newcastle Knights Brett Webb |
| v Manly Epalahame Lauaki 2 try hero |
| v Penrith Panthers Tevita Latu explosive out of dummy half where he gained valuable metres for the Warriors |
| v St George Dragons Awen Guttenbeil |
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| 11 May ... with his future in dire straits PJ Marsh has refused to concede that his playing career may be over, after
being told he needs another neck operation. He received a vertebrae neck injury in round 14 last year. There is no immediate prospect of PJ playing again for the Warriors. A brilliant hooker he was prepared for the news and wants to have the operation as soon as possible as he intends to play again next season. |
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| 5 April ..Promising rookie stand off half Jerome Ropati suffered a fractured jaw in the Warriors 28-10 win against Manly...returns round 14. A talented prospect, he's out for 10 weeks |
| 21 March Warriors prop Mark Tookey who has been struggling with weight issues has been given the chance to look elsewhere and can leave the Warriors anytime if another club wants him. He's been told to trim down or spend the season in the NZ Bartercard comp |
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| 11 May 2004 ...The Leeds rugby league club currently leading the UK Super League competition and runners-up last season have signed Ali Lauitiiti for $1 million for the next two and a half years. Lauitiiti debut for Leeds in May 2004. |
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| PJ Uncertainty |
| Ropati out for 10 weeks |
| Tookey given option |
| Warriors Pasifika |
| Jerry 2 UK in 2005 |
| Dezolt in |
| Villa out for 6 |
| Villa re-signs to 2006 |
| 22 March prop Richard Villasanti has resigned with the Warriors for a further 2 years to 2006. |
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| Brent Webb |
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| Sonny Bill Williams |
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| Warriors 2004 articles at NZ Herald |
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| Warriors archive news, match reports, pictures and articles from the preseason matches and from Round 1 to Round 6 of the 2004 NRL season |
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| the Bulldogs match the Warriors became embroiled in a crisis that led to management releasing star player Ali Lauitiiti. Maybe he wasnt happy with the coach or management but he just was'nt the same, others weren't lifting and the team wasnt hitting their straps. It was evident in their performances. The Warriors lost 3 key home games by 6 points when they should have delivered the knockout punch that would have shut down the Dragons, the Knights and the Dogs. Fullback Brent Webb regularly showed consistent touches of brilliance as did Tevita Latu who's speed off the mark gained huge yardage around the rucks. Lauaki also showed up with some strong performances along with Martin, Toopi, Guttenbeil, Te Mata, Villasanti, Jerry, Stacey and the Anderson brothers.. The loss of captaincy through Beethams injury and suspension affected their leadership early in the season although stand in Awen Guttenbeil did a great job.. The next 5 matches were to lead to another crisis. Check ARCHIVES 2 for Warriors archive news, match reports, pics and articles from Round 8 to round 13 of the 2004 NRL season |
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| Broncos warhorse Petro Civoneciva is dragged down by Awen Guttenbeil and Iafeta Paleaaesina |
| Shaun Berrigan scores his second try in the Broncos tough 28 |
| Stacey after the final whistle
signals a loss to the Broncos |
| One of the Dragons best forwards Lance Thompson faces a line of Warriors defenders Tevita Latu and Wairangi Koopu (16). St George beat the Warriors 16-10 |
| St George centre Matt Cooper and fullback Ben Hornby (lifting) rough up Warriors fullback Brent Webb. The tackle was placed on report for lifting. |
| Dragons centre Matt Cooper confronts Warriors Vinnie Anderson (3) and Thomas Leiluai (6) |
| 19 year old Warriors forward Louis Anderson had a strong debut against Penrith scoring a try in the first half. |
| former Warrior, Panthers & Kiwi International forward Joe Galuvao scored a barging try & played a big role in Penrith's huge forward pack. With second row partner Tony Puletua they look the likely starters for the Kiwis in April's test against the Kangaroos in Newcastle. |
| winger Amos Roberts scored 4 tries in Penrith's 42-22 defeat of the Warriors |
| Panthers fullback Rhys Wesser trys to evade the clutches of Warriors forward Epalahame Lauaki |
| Louis Anderson |
| Clinton Toopi |
| Ali Lauitiiti on the burst |
| Newcastle Knights captain
Ben Kennedy had a big hand in his side's win |
| centre Tony Martin |
| Jerry Seuseu carts it up |
| Newcastle winger George Carmont (x Otahuhu, New Zealand A ) scored a try against the Warriors |
| Timana Tahu |
| Warriors prop Richard Villasanti on the charge |
| Bulldogs MVP Willy Mason pushes Stacey aside on the way to setting up Reni Maitua for a try. |
| Epalahame Lauaki scored a try off an Ali offload |
| every time he hit up Ali Lauitiiti dragged a lot of Dogs defenders |
| Warriors lock Wairangi Koopu breaks the
line and scrambles the Bulldogs defence |
| Bulldogs centre
Jamaal Lolesi scored 2 tries |
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| following .... |
| best viewed @ 1024 x 768 |
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| February 2004 |
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| Rd 1 lost Warriors 20 v Broncos 28 Brisbane
Rd 2 lost Warriors 10 v Dragons 16 Auckland Rd 3 lost Warriors 22 v Penrith 42 Auckland Rd 4 won Warriors 28 v Manly 10 Sydney Rd 5 lost Warriors 20 v Knights 34 Auckland Rd 6 lost Warriors 18 v Bulldogs 24 Wellington Rd 7 BYE |