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| Vodafone Warriors 20 v Manly Sea Eagles 26
Rd 1 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sunday 13 March 05 Crowd 13,000 |
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| Warriors Most Valuable Player second rower Wairangi Koopu had a solid 80 minute game against Manly scoring one try |
| Warriors captain Steve Price stood out with a steadying influence up front despite some special hits from the Manly forwards |
| despite bleeding profusely hooker Nathan Fien had a great game against Manly |
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PREVIEW After last weeks loss to Manly, Warriors standoff Lance Hohaia has been dropped and replaced by Jerome Ropati for the match against the Broncos. Villasanti was ruled out with a shoulder injury while Tevita Latu and Faumuina have joined Paleaaesina and Anderson on the interchange bench. Watch Ropati, Webb an Anderson. Vodafone Warriors: Brent Webb, Todd Byrne, Tony Martin, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Monty Betham (vc). Interchange: Tevita Latu, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Louis Anderson, Sione Faumuina. 18th man Lance Hoha In front of 43,438 home town fans the Broncos fought out a hard 29-16 win over the North Queensland Cowboys last week. Coach Wayne Bennett has named an unchanged side to meet the Warriors. In past seasons the Warriors have had it over the Broncos. However in 2004 Brisbane turned the tables twice 28-20 and 21-14 in Auckland. A tight game can be expected and as in past clashes the result may hang in the balance until late in the match. |
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| Stacey Jones back to his best took command with a try, an offload for Wiki to score and kicked 6 of 7 goals |
| Shane Webcke hits a wall of Warriors defenders |
| Louis Anderson shadows Brent Tate in the 24-12 win over the Broncos |
| back at the Broncos after 3 years with the Canterbury Crusader Brad Thorn hits the Warriors defence line |
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| Preview
With the 4 week suspension of Rueben Wiki, "Mr Effective" Paleaaesina will prop up with captain Steve Price against a formidable Cowboys front row in Paul Rauhihi, Carl Webb and Shane Tronc. The Cowboys posted an inspiring 24-12 win over the champs and 05 favourites the Bulldogs last Friday. Worthy semi-finalists in 2004 they have speed to burn in the backline with Matt Bowen, Ty Williams, Matt Sing, Johnathan Thurston and Aaron Payne. Either Karl Temata or Richard Villasanti will bench up with Tevita Latu, Louis Anderson and Sione Faumuina on the interchange. The Vodafone New Zealand Warriors completed 28 of 36 sets - an impressive 78% possession against the Broncos which is a dangerous sign for opposing teams. If they can build on last weeks effort and stiffen up their defence this could be a close 12 point match . Watch Stacey-Ropati combo, Latu & Mr Effective. Warriors Jerome Ropati, Todd Byrne, Faumuina, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Monty Betham. Interchange: Tevita Latu, Karl TeMata, Louis Anderson, Manu Vatuvei. |
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| Preview This will be another tight one that will need a defensive line that moves up quick for the full 80. Last week was lost in the last 8 minutes. Lack lustre performances from established players has forced some major changes in the starting squad to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 18 year former Wellington, Junior Kiwi and NZ A rep Simon Mannering has earned his first start with the Warriors replacing Toopi in the centres where he pairs up with Byrne. The promising Manu Vatuvei (18) starts on the right wing. Brent Webb's returns to fullback sees the improving Jerome Ropati move back to standoff while Faumuina moves from centre to second row forcing Guttenbeil onto the bench alongside Toopi, Latu and Temata. WARRIORS: Brent Webb; Manu Vatuvei, Simon Mannering, Todd Byrne, Francis Meli; Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones; Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina, Steve Price (c), Nathan Fien, Iefeta Paleaaesina. Res: Tevita Latu, Karl Temata, Clinton Toopi, Awen Guttenbeil. |
| Manu Vatuvei |
| Carl Webb |
| Matt Bowen |
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| Nathan Fien |
| Match Report
Ahead 20-14 at halftime the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors defence kept the South Sydney Rabbitohs scoreless in the second half to post a satisfying 46-14 win. Late changes through injury saw the withdrawal of Mannering and Webb. Ropati switched to fullback, Hohaia to standoff and Toopi in his 100th game to centre. Both teams scored three tries in the first half but the Warriors switched up the heat in the second half with 26 points from five unanswered tries to Stacey Jones, Manu Vatuvei, Awen Guttenbeil, Todd Byrne and Clinton Toopi. They came out with more confidence, self belief and determination as they cut loose with a brilliant attacking display to outclass the woeful Rabbitohs in front of 9,751 fans. Led by Price,Guttenbeil, Faumuina, Mr Effective, Koopu and Beetham the Warriors defence was impressive in stifling any hint of a Rabbitohs comeback. Stacey Jones had a top game, his timing and technique were spot on while stand off half Lance Hohaia looked sharp and confident. With Nathan Fien the Warriors have three instinctive playmakers. while Toopi, Byrne and 18 year old Manu Vatuvei all contributed to the 32 point wining margin. The turning point in this match came 10 minutes into the second half Warriors when Stacey scored. Once they tightened their defence and controlled possesion they shut down the Rabbitohs options. Then their attacking rythmn clicked in. Vodafone Warriors 46 tries: Nathan Fien, Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Stacey Jones, Manu Vatuvei, Awen Guttenbeil, Todd Byrne,Clinton Toopi. goals : Stacey Jones (7). South Sydney Rabbitohs 14 : tries Brad Watts, Ashley Harrison and Luke MacDougall goals: Joe Williams (1) Halftime : Warriors 20-14 |
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the Warriors salute their loyal fans after a brilliant 46-14 win over the Rabbitohs |
| Rabbitohs captain Bryan Fletcher takes a tumble |
| Guttenbeil improved heaps in defence and was rewarded with a try in the Warriors 46-14 defeat of the Rabbitohs |
| Byrne scores after
a good lead up by Manu Vatuvei |
| Stacey had an awesome game attacking the line, landing 7 of 9 goals, and engineering some slick plays in the gaps |
| v Rabbitohs in the donkey work dept. fearless second rower
Wairangi Koopu (24) is showing consistent positional play and grunt
in defence. Links up well and handles success and failure. He turned
up in attack anticipating a pass from Hohaia then steamed a quick 40
metres to score.
Although Stacey, Lance and Nathan naturually were involved in more handling, Koopu's toughness, alongside Price and in the absence of Wiki, added a formidable presence for the full time onfield and earned him the Most Valuable Player. A Kiwi contender. First Grade Debut: Warriors v. Melbourne @ Ericsson, April 1999 Height 190cm Weight 100kg NRL matches 92 2 Kiwi caps |
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| Match Report
With two late tries to Rod Jensen and Matty Bowen in the final eight minutes the Cowboys slammed the Warriors 32-22. Quick plays off the ruck, slow marker defence and spot on goal kicking by Hannay ensured the Cowboys kept the Warriors at a safe but very nervous distance throughout the match. Converted tries to Ty Williams and Southern pushed the Cowboys in front before Monty Beetham scored off a nice double around Faumuina. A late replacement for injured Warriors fullback Brent Webb, Jerome Ropati put on a big play (34m) that swept the field from his goal line. Two tackles later Mr Effective charged across to score and keep the Warriors within striking distance of the Cowboys at 10-14. Just on halftime the Cowboys defence crunched Ropati forcing the ball loose for Jensen to score and hold a 20-10 lead. Sure enought the Warriors hit back with a try to Byrne 2 minutes into the second half, then rammed home a try to Nathan Fien to pull up 20-20. Stacey Jones kicked a penalty (58m) to edge ahead 22-20 before Hannay hit back to level up 22-22. Two tries later the Cowboys shut out the home side by 10 points in a close match. Captain Steve Price had an awesome game, hitting it straight up along with Mr Effective Paleaaesina. Koopu and Beetham got through a heap of donkey work while fullback Ropati had a top game. When they strung together back to back tries the match was there for the taking. Nathan Fien, the Warriors Most Valuable Player had a lot of venom for his former Cowboys mates, but as a team the Warriors undid themselves. Big hitter and big runner Carl Webb stood out for the Cowboys along with Hannay, Thurston, Bowen and Jensen. Cowboys 32 Tries: Rod Jensen 2, Ty Williams, Steve Southern, Matt Bowen. Goals: Josh Hannay 5, Johnathan Thurston. Warriors 22 Tries: Monty Betham, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Todd Byrne, Nathan Fien. Goals: Stacey Jones 3. Halftime: 20-10. |
| Warriors slammed 32-22
Rd 3 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sun 27 Mar 05 Crowd 13,388 |
| Warriors outclass the Rabbitohs 46-14
Rd 4 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sun 3 April 05 Crowd 9,751 |
| Match Report
In front of a vocal crowd of 24,719, the Warriors scored an upset 24-12 win over the Brisbane Broncos. Influential captain Steve Price delivered an awesome 223m and 27 tackles, Wiki made 161m and 20 tackles, Awen Guttenbeil 140m and 25 tackles, Monty Betham 132m and 26 tackles. The forward platform allowed MVP Stacey Jones to take command with an excellent game scoring 16 points off a try and six of seven kicks at goal. Playmaker-hooker Nathan Fien continually probed with his kicking game and threatened the Broncos line from dummy-half. "Defensively we were outstanding tonight and if we can do that week in, week out then we will be all right.� said Jones New Zealand Warriors 22 Tries: Wiki, Ropati, Jones Conversions:Jones 2 Penalties: Jones 4 Brisbane 12 Tries: Berrigan, Thorn, Hunt |
| Warriors 24 V Broncos 12 Rd 2 Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Sat 19 March 05 Crowd 24,719 |
| Match Report The highly under rated Manly Sea Eagles outscored the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors five tries to three to snatch the opening game of the season 26-20. The visitors defence was solid in shutting out the Warriors ineffective attacking plays. Atrocious handling errors cost the Warriors dearly in a closely fought match which saw the Warriors trail the Eagles 2-12 at halftime. Seven minutes into the second half Louis Anderson scored the Warriors' first try of the season as the teams traded try for try. Sea Eagles winger Scott Donald scored a runaway try late in the second half to put the visitors ahead 26-14. Centre Clinton Toopi kept the flame alive scoring a late try but at 20-26 it was too late for a miracle. Manly pivot Joel Monaghan proved a major difference between two closely matched sides. He produced an awesome kicking display twice pinning the Warriors back with 40/20's. Ruben Wiki had a solid hitout leading the match with 19 hit-ups, while Nathan Fien and Steve Price had solid games. Warriors second row Wairangi Koopu had a solid hitout as did interchange Louis Anderson and Webb. If they can reduce their error rate, sharpen their kick-chase game and tighten up their flanks they will be a handful for the Broncos next week. Vodafone Warriors 20 Tries: Louis Anderson, Wairangi Koopu, Clinton Toopi. Cons: Stacey Jones 3 Pen: Jones Manly Sea Eagles 26 Tries: Steve Menzies, Tony Watmough, John Hopoate, Scott Donald 2. Cons: Michael Witt 3 WARRIORS : Brent Webb, Todd Byrne, Tony Martin, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Awen Guttenbeil, Steve Price (captain), Nathan Fien, Ruben Wiki. Interchange: Jerome Ropati, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Louis Anderson, Richard Villasanti. |
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In miserable wet conditions the Wests Tigers dominated the Warriors 24-6 to post their third straight win. Wests centre Paul Whatuira pressed his claim for Kiwi selection when he fielded a grubber kick near his goal line. Against the run of play Whatuira sprinted 95 metres to score the opening try in the 10th. Wests lead 6-0 at halftime. Whatuira crossed again to score his second try early in the second half and narrowly missed two corner scoring plays to video decisions. Tigers MVP Scott Prince, who has been in awesome form this season, slipped through the Warriors defence to touch down with 16 minutes to run. On the back of consistent winning form Scott Prince and Benji Marshall have enhanced their respective claims to Queensland State of origin and Kiwi representative honours. The Warriors only try came in the 55th minute to Todd Bryne who's experience and skill shows in his knack of hitting the gaps. Pat Richards sealed the Tigers victory with a late try . This was an uplifting win for the Tigers and follows on tremendous performances for a team of journeyman giant killers. Their defence scrambled well, they were hungry and played for each other. They often forced the Warriors into unsettling errors that frustrated the New Zealanders out of the game. The key to the Tigers win was the game plan set by champion coach Tim Sheens and the teams execution. As Benji Marshall said in the post match interview "Our game plan was angles in the wet - short angles and not too many wide balls. We were hitting the edges pretty much all day." It was a controlled, hungry game plan with tactics that effectively neutralised the Warriors firepower. West Tigers 24 Tries: Paul Whatuira 2, Scott Prince, Pat Richards. Goals: Brett Hodgson 4 Vodafone Warriors 6 Try: Todd Bryne. Goal: Stacey Jones Halftime Wests 6-0 |
| Wests dominate the Warriors 24- 6
Rd 5 Jade Stadium Christchurch Sat 9 April 05 Crowd 18,421 |
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| A key reason for Wests 3 game winning streak. Brilliant playmaker Scott Prince scored in the second half. An early favourite for Queensland State of Origin 1 in May |
| Tigers centre Paul Whauira nailed 2 tries and missed 2 to video decisions in the 24 - 6 win over the Warriors. |
| the most likely Kiwi selections for the Test against Aussie in Brisbane on April 22 Tigers teamates
Benji Marshall and Paul Whatuira after an emphatic 24-6 win over the Warriors
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| v West Tigers the Most Valuable Player was inspiring captain Steve Price who led by
example. He straightened up the packs go forward momentum gaining valuable yardage against a fired up Tigers defence that scrambled and unsettled the Warriors attack. Last year he signed a 3 year deal with the Warriors that takes him to 2007. A veteran of 11 seasons with the Bulldogs he played in 3 grand finals (winners '95). One of the reasons Price made the switch was the exciting type of football the Warriors were noted for. The other reason was the Dogs asked him to step down from representative football. On his consistent form Steve Price ranks a frontrunner for Australian selection and captain for the test against the Kiwis on 22 April. If selected he will be the first player to gain Australian selection from the Warriors. Age 31 Height 193cm Weight 106kg NRL matches 222 4 Kangaroo caps 16 State of Origins Queensland |
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| Warriors deliver a 30-26 knockout punch
NRL Rd 6 Energy Australia Stadium Newcastle Sun 17 April Crowd 18,173 |
| Match Report
The Vodafone NZ Warriors snatched an uplifting victory 30-26 away to the Newcastle Knights. Down 20-6, it seems a stiff rev at halftime uplifted the Warriors into action and showed what a dangerous act they are when they knuckle down to their game plan. 18,173 Newcastle fans in the house saw the Knights rattle up four first half tries. With just an ounce of luck they looked set to snap a miserable 4 game losing streak. But the Warriors hung tough to score two tries at defining moments, just before and immeditely after the halftime break. Big awesome ups to the Warriors forwards for a massive 2nd half lift. Getting thru a load of work was Richard Villasanti, Mr Effective, the clever ball playing Lauaki, and Kiwis reps, .. the big hittting Louis Anderson, the consistent Wairangi Koopu, and Warriors captain Steve Price who gets a start in the Australian side for the Brisbane test against the Kiwis on Friday 22 April. The visitors quietened down their opposition. As their confidence overshadowed the Knights the Warriors turned the momentum and came back with 5 second-half tries, including a double to winger Manu Vatuvei. The critical turn unfolded by accident, 14 minutes from the end. Knights brilliant leader Andrew "Joey" Johns smashed his jaw as he made a badly timed tackle on fullback Jerome Ropati. Johns sustained a broken jaw and is out for six weeks With the loss of forward Abrahams and "Joey'" the home side stumbled as the Warriors surged home on the back of some awesome big plays and served up 32 second half points to lock up a 26-26 draw. Then they delivered the knockout punch with a thrilling try to Francis Meli in the final minute to snatch it 30-26. This win tasted sweeter because they won for each other when it was unexpected. The Warriors first half never predicted their second half fate while struggling Newcastle kept their losing streak intact. Kiwi reps Koopu, fullback Jerome Ropati, hooker Anderson, reserve Toopi and Kangaroo prop Steve Price all justified selection in the Anzac test at Suncorp Stadium in Bribane on Friday 22 April. Todd Byrne, Faumuina and Vatuvei had big games. The Warriors have a bye next week then prepare for the Panthers on 1 May.. Vodafone Warriors 30 tries: Sione Faumuina, Manu Vatuvei 2, Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Tries; Stacey Jones 3 goals Newcastle Knights 26 tries : Brad Tighe, Daniel Abraham, George Carmont 2, Todd Lowrie, tries; Andrew Johns 3 goals). Halftime: Newcastle 20-6 WARRIORS Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli, Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Manu Vatuvei, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (captain), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: Louis Anderson, Karl Temata, Richard Villasanti, Epalahame Lauaki |
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| v Newcastle once again the consistent inspiring leadership of captain and Warriors MVP Steve Price kept the team focus up and tightened team discipline for the clincher in the final minutes. He gained selection in Australian team that beat the Kiwis at Suncorp Brisbane by 32-16. |
| showed solid form in attack and defence Kiwi second rower Wairangi Koopu. |
| Kiwi hooker Louis Anderson 19, put on some big hits. Deserves his Kiwi spot for Fridays Anzac test in Brisbane. |
| upended in a driving tackle fullback Jerome Ropati had a sound overall game.
Selected at fullback for the Kiwis |
| Lance Hohaia had a sound game and is working his confidence back game by game. |
| Tragedy for Newcastle as Andrew Johns is led from the field with a broken jaw. This proved a critical turning point in he match. |
| an experienced confidence player tryscorer Todd Byrne knows how to get across the line and more often than not clinches the close video decisions. |
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| Australia's 32-16 win no walkover
Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Friday 22 April Crowd 40,317 Match Report The Kangaroos proved too much for the Kiwis taking them out 32-16. Superior team combinations saw the hot favourites get the money on the back of some costly Kiwi errors that would have otherwise made a winning difference. It wasnt the walkover predicted. Despite a few errors Kiwi halfback Thomas Leuluai never gave up trying. Benji Marshall had a sound debut setting up a try for Utai after a brilliant kick and chase. Jerome Ropati also had a brilliant debut at the unaccustomed position of fullback and scored 2 awesome trys to atone for some bumbling mistakes. His first try came off a Cayless offload near the line while he snatched a loose one and raced 80 metres to score again in the second half. Jason Cayless who replaced Rauhihi and Asotasi who replaced Wiki both made an immediate impact and continued to make a difference to the Kiwis go forward momentum. Penrith's Frank Pritchard who defended with pride, and all the Kiwi debutants put in an awesome performance above expectations. Steve Price had an awesome game for Australia and topped the hit ups and metres gained followed closely by experienced O'Meley, Civoniceva, Fitzgibbon, Kennedy and Hindmarsh. Australia dominated in the critical up front area and led 22-10 at halftime. This was an exciting rugby league test match played in Brisbane to commemorate the Anzac tradition before 40,000 mostly proud Australian fans and Kiwi fans. The champion Kangaroos were captained and coached by the Broncos Darren Lockyer and Wayne Bennett who guided the Kangaroos to last years Tri Nation success. Despite their relative inexperience the Kiwis came close with the new crop of stars Benji, Pritchard, Leuluai and the talented Ropati showing theyll be around for a while. Australia 32 Matt Sing, Shaun Berrigan, Tonie Carroll, Darren Lockyer, Willie Tonga, Anthony Minichiello tries; Craig Fitzgibbon 4 goals New Zealand 16 Jerome Ropati 2, Matt Utai tries; Jamaal Lolesi 2 goals . KIWIS : Jerome Ropati, Jamaal Lolesi, Nigel Vagana, Paul Whatuira, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Paul Rauhihi, Louis Anderson, Ruben Wiki (c), Frank Pritchard, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Jason Cayless, Roy Asotasi, Clinton Toopil. AUSTRALIA Anthony Minichiello, Luke Rooney, Shaun Berrigan, Willie Tonga, Matt Sing, Darren Lockyer, Brett Kimmorley, Tonie Carroll, Craig Fitzgibbon, Nathan Hindmarsh, Petero Civoniceva, Luke Priddis, Steve Price. Interchange : Ben Kennedy, Craig Wing, Mark O'Meley, Luke Lewis |
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| the Kiwis most skillful performer Benji Marshall had a strong debut and made the big chip n chase play for Utai's first half try |
| despite a few errors Jerome Ropati caused the Aussies problems when on attack. On Kiwi debut he scored one in close then latched onto a loose ball and sprinted 80
metres for his second. |
| always in the action
Frank Prichard stepped up to his Kiwi debut with an enormous defensive effort |
| Man of the Match Steve Price tackled by Kiwi defenders Price stood out amongst a dominant Australian pack. He offloaded for Willie Tonga to score in the Anzac Test won by Australia 32-16 in Brisbane |
| along with Roy Asotasi Kiwi prop Jason Cayless made an immediate impact when he subbed on for Rauhihi. |
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Not a lot separates these two but the Panthers have the mental edge from an undefeated record against the Warriors since 2002. Despite losing @ home 36-22 to the Cowboys last week the Panthers 2/4 and sitting 10th are $1.70 favourites while the Warriors 3/3 and 7th are $2.05. This is anybodys game, and if it tightens up it could be headed to a 12 point match. Wiki props up with the Anzac test Man of the match Steve Price with Louis Anderson at hooker. Nathan Fien switches to standoff while 2 try Kiwi rookie Jerome Ropati starts at fullback where he'll face a lot of demons under the high ball. Watch the Stacey-Fien combo, and the Byrne-Vatuvei combo out wide, a hungry Villasanti and the ball playing Lauaki. They cannot afford to go to sleep in the first half like they did against Newcastle. Penriths key playmakers, Wesser, Campbell, Gower and Priddis form the main dangers. They have speed to burn on the flanks. Watch Kiwi rookie Frank Pritchard and Waterhouse. Defence, discipline and patience will win Warriors: Jerome Ropati; Manu Vatuvei, Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones; Wairangi Koopu, Karl Temata, Awen Guttenbeil, Steve Price (c), Nathan Fien, Ruben Wiki. Reserves: Richard Villasanti, Epalahame Lauaki, Iefeta Paleaaesina, Lance Hohaia. Penrith: Rhys Wesser; Luke Lewis, Ben Pomeroy, Paul Franze, Luke Rooney; Preston Campbell, Craig Gower (c); Trent Waterhouse, Frank Pritchard, Joe Galuvao, Ben Ross, Luke Priddis, Joel Clinton. Reserves: Garret Crossman, Frank Puletua, Shane Rodney, Luke Swain, David McLean (one to be omitted). |
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NRL Rd 8 Penrith 16 v Warriors 14 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sun 1 May 2 Despite starting and finished strongly the Warriors suffered a heartbreaking 16-14 loss to the Panthers. Both sides scored 3 tries a piece the difference being a conversion Their game, focus and discipline was up for the best part of a closely fought match. Three minutes into the action the Warriors were up 4-0 after Wairangi Koopu cut through the defence offloaded then from the next play Stacey put KTM into a hole to post the first points of an exciting match. Penrith hit back with a try to Pomeroy in th 24th while injured centre was being treated on the sideline. Just before halftime the Warriors hit the front after Byrne touched down to hold a slender 10-4 lead at the break. Rhys Wesser and Luke Priddis scored for the Panthers in the second half. Wesser burrowed over the line in the 50th minute but Penrith conceded the lead when the Warriors 19 year old winger Manu Vatuvei latched onto a stray pass from Campbell and sprinted 90 metres to score and put the Warriors up front 14-10. In the 64th the Panthers field position had the Warriors on the turn around. Hooker Luke Priddis ran from dummy half chipped through some mediocre chased and scored for the visitors to grab the lead for the first time in the match and lock it up 16-14. Panthers coach John Lang said Priddis' effort was the turning point "It ebbed and flowed and we withstood a lot of pressure in the first half. We just hung in there and that try of Priddo's was what got us home." Lang said he thought the Warriors might have faded over the final stages, but they didn't. "You could hear them revving each other up," he said. "It was a tough game." Manu Vatuvei stood out, as did Stacey who instinctive plays kept the attack organised momentum rolling into the Panthers half. Wairangi Koopu had an awesome game Penrith 16 Tries: Todd Byrne, Manu Vatuvei, Karl Te Mata Goals Stacey Jones Warriors 14 Tries: Luke Priddis, Rhys Wesser, Ben Pomeroy Goals Preston Campbell (2) |
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| NRL Rd 9 Cronulla Sharks 28 v Vodafone Warriors 24
Members Equity Stadium Perth Sat May 7 Crowd 13,293 Match Report With just 90 seconds remaining Cronulla's Adam Dykes jinked his way over to post the winner and steal a 28-24 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Perth. The Warriors fought hard to hold sway over a scratchy Cronulla Sharks. However as in last weeks 14-16 loss at home to Penrith critical errors at crucial times bought down the Warriors like a thief in the night. They didnt deserve that. 15 minutes in the first half the Warriors centre Clinton Toopi beat two tackles down the right side and found Wairangi Koopu who steamed under the posts to score. Then Kimmorley dummied and stepped under the posts to square it up 6-6. Cronulla took the lead 12-6 (31 m) when winger David Simmons crossed out wide for Covell to add the extra's. The Warriors hit back through Lance Hohaia who popped a nice grubber in-goal that caught out Covell. Todd Byrne pounced on the loose ball to score. Hohaia's conversion locked up a 12-10 halftime advantage to the Warriors. Early in the second half Cronulla's David Peachey scored to lead 16-12. The Warriors scored the next two tries to hold a tenuous 8 point lead. The first came off a charge down by Villa who regathered and sprinted 30 metres to score under the posts. More strong running by Louis Anderson led to the next try in the 58th minute when Hohaia crossed for a controversial try. At 24-16 the Warriors looked likely but tries to Nigel Vagana after a knock-on from Warriors fullback Brent Webb brought the Sharks back into the game at 24-22. Then Dykes's late try gutted the Warriors. While the Sharks ran up 5 tries to 4 in this tense nail-biter, both sides were guilty of some terrible errors. It was an evenly matched contest with little between the sides, but for the mental anguish displayed by the once explosive Warriors. This aspect is reflected in the quote of master coach Jack Gibson '"Talent is secondary to whether players are confident". Certainly some players are still not hitting their straps such as the error riddled Toopi and the experienced Francis Meli who's lack of self belief reminds fans of the tragic stigma of last years departed wingers Henry Faafili and Justin Murphy who struggled to turn a trick. In contrast Manu Vatuvei showed a lot of confidence under the high ball, on attack and in his overall play to completely overshadow Meli. The Warriors battled hard but lacked the organisation skills of the injured Stacey Jones and the instinctive direction and authority he apply's around the rucks. Nonetheless this weeks MVP Lance Hohaia had an awesome kicking game, scored one and showed a swift foot to cut down the speedy Vagana when he had the line in front of him. The Warriors had the Sharks rattled and forced some unsual errors on fullback David Peachey who committed four forgettable errors. Once again Wiki and Price set up the platform for the Warriors. They were ably supported by Villasanti, Guttenbeil, Te Mata Anderson and standout forward Wairangi Koopu who in his 100th match scored and had an awesome overall game in defence and attack. Cronulla Sharks 28 B Kimmorly D Simmons N Vagana D Peachey A Dykes tries; L Covell 4 goals Vodafone Warriors 24 W Koopu T Byrne R Villasanti L Hohaia tries; Hohaia 4 goals Halftime: Warriors 12-10 WARRIORS Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia, Ruben Wiki, Louis Anderson, Steve Price (C), Awen Guttenbeil, Karl Temata, Wairangi Koopu, Interchange: Iafeta Paleaaesina, Richard Villasanti, Epalahame Lauaki, Evarn Tuimavave |
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Sharp, speedy and intelligent MVP Lance Hohaia is an instinctive player who possesses a brilliant kicking game and is highly rated by many NRL analysts and commentators such as Phil Gould. On the improve weekly, when he regains his confidence and natural football instincts he and the Warriors will go places ... he had a big hand in this match and edged Wairangi Koopu for the Warriors MVP. Born 1 Apr 1983, Hamilton, New Zealand Weight 86kg height 175cm Five-Eighth, Halfback 6 Kiwi Tests 2002 First Grade Debut Warriors v North Queensland April 6, 2002. 60 matches for the Warriors 17 tries, 20 goals, 108 points |
| on the charge prop Rueben Wiki had a strong game against the Sharks |
| interchange prop Richard Villasanti scored an awesome individual try from a kick charge down in the 28-24 loss to the Sharks. He adds vital impact and a fearsome presence |
| hooker Louis Anderson had a busy time in defence and around the rucks |
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| Roosters snatch a 10-6 heart-breaker
Rd 10 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sun 15 May Crowd 10,082 Another heart-breaker going down 10-6 in an uncompromising ferocious game with some brilliant attacking raids by both sides that had the home crowd on edge to the end. The Roosters winger Joel Monaghan scored after only six minutes off a Brett Finch kick to the wing. The home side hit back with an unconverted try to oustanding Warriors centre Todd Byrne off a Stacey Jones kick just four minutes later. This was a tough physical clash between two very aggressive packs hungry for victory. The Warriors had more opportunities, more hit ups and were forced to make less tackles. They spent more time in the Roosters territory but were unable to crack a defence that dug deep to withstand the Warriors onslaught. Sydney Roosters 10 (Joel Monaghan, Iosia Soliola tries; Craig Fitzgibbon goal) New Zealand Warriors 6 (Todd Byrne try; Lance Hohaia goal). Halftime: 6-4. VODAFONE WARRIORS: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Todd Byrne, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Sione Faumuina, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Lamce Hohaia, Steve Price, Louis Anderson, Richard Villasanti, Wairangi Koopu. Interchange: Iafeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Awen Guttenbeil, Tevita Latu. SYDNEY ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello; Amos Roberts, Ryan Cross, Iosia Soliola, Joel Monaghan; Jamie Soward, Brett Finch; Luke Ricketson (c), Craig Fitzgibbon, Chris Flannery, Adrian Morley, Craig Wing, Jason Cayless. Res: Richard Fa'aoso, Ben Hannant, Heath L'Estrange, Anthony Tupou, Stuart Webb, George Rose (two to be omitted). |
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| Warriors shut out the Rabbitohs 34-16
NRL Rd 11 North Sydney Oval Sydney Saturday, May 21 Crowd 6195 Match Report The Vodafone New Zealand Warriors snapped a 3 game losing streak with a 34-16 victory over struggling South Sydney before a meagre crowd of 6195. Riding a 5 game losing streak the woeful Rabbitohs had no answer to the superior class and discipline of the Warriors who outscored the home side 6 tries to 3 in a spiteful clash. First try scorer Sione Famuina nailed a brilliant try followed by Brent Webb in the opening 5 minutes. Jerome Ropati was in the right place to score off a Stacey chip behind followed by Richard Villasanti who touched down off a tap back by Vatuvei to put the Warriors up 24-10 at halftime. In the second half the Warriors laid on two tries; the first to Francis Meli after good lead up yards by Karl Te Mata then a try to Manu Vatuvei. Standoff Lance Hohaia kicked three conversions and Stacey Jones two. Although they conceded a couple of soft tries the Warriors cleaned up their defence and with playmakers Stacey, Fien, Faumuina and Lance leading confidently they mounted good attacking raids throughout the whole 80. This timely win is underpinned by the fact that the Warriors previous 6 losses have each been by less than 6 points. Had they closed out 3 of 6 losses they would be not be sitting at 10 but in top 4 company where they belong. While Faumuina, Rueben, Vatuvei, Meli, Stacey and Lance had top games the teams attitude won this game. Vodafone New Zealand Warriors 34 Sione Faumuina, Brent Webb, Jerome Ropati, Richard Villasanti, Francis Meli, Manu Vatuvei tries; Lance Hohaia 3 goals; Stacey Jones 2 goals South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 Todd Polglase, Shannon Hegarty, Lee Hookey tries; Ben Walker goal, John Sutton goal Halftime Warriors 24-10.. WARRIORS Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Todd Byrne, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Sione Faumuina, Stacey Jones (c), Ruben Wiki, Lance Hohaia, Richard Villasanti, Louis Anderson, Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Interchange Iafeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Clinton Toopi, Tevita Latu. 18th Man: Evarn Tuimavave. |
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| at stand off half MVP Sione Faumuina had a brilliant incisive impact on the Warriors forward momentum and proved a handfull to the Roosters defence every time he had the ball. Excellent ball player and support. Born 27 Mar 1981, Auckland, New Zealand Weight 103kg height 190cm Position Lock, Second Row, stand off half Two Tests for NZ 2003-04 Previous Club Canberra 2001 First Grade Debut Canberra v Warriors at Ericsson Stadium, February 18, 2001 (Rd 1) |
| quicksilver Roosters fullback Minichello had an awesome game causing the Warriors all sorts of headaches everytime he touched the ball |
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Warriors forward Richard Villasanti runs into
Jason Cayless right and Soliola (4) |
| former Junior Kiwi now Roosters
centre Iosia Soliola scored a try |
| Minichello holds off Wiki |
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| Stats Top Tacklers Louis Anderson 36 Nathan Fien 34 Richard Villasanti 27 -------- Top Hitups Ruben Wiki 17 Manu Vatuvei 16 Louis Anderson 15 ------ Top Linebreaks Manu Vatuvei Sione Faumuina Francis Meli ------------- Top Offloads Manu Vatuvei 2 Lance Hohaia 2 Louis Anderson |
| back after a 2 week injury playmaker Nathan Fien had a strong game |
| Warriors interchange prop
Evarn Tuimavave made a solid impact in their 34-16 win over Souths |
| centre Todd Byrne had a sound game and improves his combination with winger
Manu Vatuvei |
| Rueben Wiki charges straight at the Rabbitohs line |
| Meli had an awesome game scoring 1 try |
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| At 32 MVP Ruben Wiki is still regarded as one of the most lethal hitters around and leads consistently by example doing what he does best, the donkey work, 149 metres hit up 25 tackles against the Rabbitohs. The basic stuff, building the platform for the teams playmakers to create attacking opportunities * Born 21 Jan 1973, Auckland, New Zealand * 43 Tests for NZ 1994-2004 * Junior Club Otahuhu * Position: Prop/Second row * Height: 186cm. * Weight: 106kg * NRL Debut: 1993 Canberra Raiders 11 seasons |
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| Warriors sink the Tigers 21-4
NRL Rd 12 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sunday May 29 Twelve games into 2005 and the Vodafone Warriors finally post their first back-to-back wins, slamming Wests Tigers 21-4 in atrocious rain-swept conditions. The big hard running Warriors forwards proved too strong for the smaller Tigers side who's strategy came unstuck in a match coach Tim Sheens called the teams " worst game of the season". The home side adapted better to the wet conditions with Louis Anderson, Wairangi Koopu and Sione Faumuina leading the way forward in attack. Back after time out the enigmatic Clinton Toopi had a strong game The Warriors scored through Todd Byrne and Richard Villasanti, with MVP Clinton Toopi crossing twice. New Zealand Warriors 21 Tries: Clinton Toopi 2, Todd Byrne, Richard Villasanti. Goals: Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones. Field goal: Jones. Wests Tigers 4 Try: Pat Richards. |
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| winger Francis Meli had a sound game against the Tigers in his 100th first-grade match (54 tries) for the Warriors.
He debuted against Souths at Ericsson on May 2, 1999 and is the ninth player in history to appear in 100 first-grade matches for the Warriors |
| Richard Villasanti flies off the ground |
| Warriors stand off Nathan Fien tackles the Tigers Lanfranchi in his 100th first-grade (19 tries, 4 field goals) .
With 91 matches for North Queensland Fien has added eight for the Warriors so far this season. He debuted for the Cowboys against Penrith on February 7, 2000 |
| this weeks MVP centre Clinton Toopi hit his rythmn with 2 linebreaks which resulted in 2 tries against the Wests Tigers. A seasoned player with 11Tests for NZ 2001-04 and a World Cup for the New Zealand Maori in 2000, Toopi dances sharp and footloose, he uses a strong fend and has speed to burn. He played in the Warriors 2002 30-8 grand final loss to the Sydney Roosters and was in teams 2003 charge into the NRL semi's. � Born 21 Feb 1980, Stratford, New Zealand � Weight 100kg � height 185cm � Usual position Centre � 106 matches (55 tries) for the Warriors since debut against Souths at Ericsson in May 1999 |
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After a six-match suspension hooker Monty Betham will captain the Warriors against St George who have won the last 3 clashes between the two sides at WIN Stadium. Unless Beetham changes his discipline and attitude he will continue to be a liability. In his 98th NRL match prop Richard Villasanti replaces Steve Price's who was injured last week. Price will have surgery for ruptured medial ligaments in his knee and is expected to be out for 12 weeks . Price's experience, captaincy and overall leadership has been a determining factor in the teams progress this year. His absence will pose a serious challenge to the teams aspirations for the remainder of the season. In other news centre Tony Martin is out for the remainder of the year with a serious neck injury. St George 32 v Warriors 18 Rd 13 Sat 4 Jun 7:35PM WIN Stadium Wollongong Match Report The Dragons looked set for an easy win at 18-nil after after just 20 minutes, but tries to Manu Vatuvei and Todd Byrne and a Stacey Jones penalty made it 18-12 at halftime. The Warriors then managed to get within four points at 22-18 down midway through the second half through a try to interchange prop Iafeta Paleaaesina that was converted by Stacey Jones. However late tries to centre Matt Cooper who outpaced fullback Brent Webb and sprinted 85m for a try and Michael Ennis and Colin Best sealed victory for St George Illawarra . St George Illawarra Dragons 32 (Wes Naiqama, Mark Gasnier, Trent Barrett, Matt Cooper, Michael Ennis, Colin Best tries; Ennis 1, Naiqama 3 goals) Warriors 18 (Manu Vatuvei, Todd Byrne, Iafeta Paleaaesina tries; Stacey Jones 3 goals). Halftime: 18-12. DRAGONS: Ben Hornby; Colin Best, Matt Cooper, Mark Gasnier, Wes Naiqama; Trent Barrett (c), Matthew Head; Shaun Timmins, Lance Thompson, Ben Creagh, Jason Ryles, Dean Young, Luke Bailey. Res: Willie Manu, Justin Poore, Corey Payne, Michael Ennis. WARRIORS: Brent Webb; Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (c); Sione Faumuina, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Richard Villasanti, Monty Betham (c), Ruben Wiki. Res: Iefeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Awen Guttenbeil, Manu Vatuvei. |
| NRL Ladder Rd 13 halfway point Club Points Broncos 22 Sea Eagles 20 Cowboys 18 Eels 18 Sharks 18 Storm 16 Raiders 16 Roosters 14 Dragons 14 Warriors 12 Tigers 12 Bulldogs 11 Panthers 8 Souths 7 Knights 4 |
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| Welcome to the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors archives. 2005 is the Warriors 10th year in the NRL Telstra Premiership (previously the NSWRL Winfield Cup, ARL, Super League) since their debut against the Broncos at Ericsson Stadium Auckland in March 1995. This page archives the Warriors previews, match reports of who did what, who scored and details of every Warriors NRL match played in 2005 starting from their kick off match against Manly in March. Included are the match stats, pics, teams, crowd and the Warriors Most Valuable Player of every match. The first 13 matches of their 26 match (2 byes) season are covered here. This page may take a minute to load. |
| Warriors 2005 matches H - home A - away H v Manly lost 20-26 Mar 13 A v Broncos won 24-12 Mar 19 H v Cowboys lost 22-32 Mar 27 H v Souths won 46-14 Apr 3 A v Wests lost 24-6 Apr 9 A v Knights won 30-26 Apr 17 BYE H v Panthers lost 16-14 May 1 A v Sharks lost 28-24 May 7 H v Roosters lost 10-6 May 15 A v Souths won 34-16 May 21 H v Wests won 21-4 May 29 A v Dragons lost 32-18 Jun 4 H v Storm won 24-16 Jun 12 |
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| At the halfway mark after 13 rounds of the 2005 NRL season here are the Warriors match results. Played Bye Won Lost For Against Points Standing 13 1 6 7 289 256 14 10 of 15 |
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| click the Warriors Archive banner for the second half of the 2005 NRL |
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| This weeks MVP Iafeta Paleaaesina AKA "Mr Effective" is one of the most dangerous impact forwards in the NRL he debuted against the Northern Eagles at Ericsson Stadium on June 2001. He started 50 of his 74 first-grade appearances as an interchange specialist and has scored eight tries. |