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| Preview Thursday 9 June
Freed from captaincy to concentrate on defence Monty Betham returns to lock for the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors home match against Melbourne Storm at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland. Lance Hohaia returns to hooker. In the absence of injured skipper Steve Price, Stacey Jones takes over the captaincy for the rest of the season. Warriors lock Sione Faumuina copped a one match ban for a high tackle against St George last week. The Vodafone Warriors have passed the halfway mark of a 26 match season in the NRL Telstra Premiership in Australia. Warriors: Brent Webb; Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (c); Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Richard Villasanti, Lance Hohaia, Ruben Wiki. Interchange : Iafeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Awen Guttenbeil, Manu Vatuvei Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy Bellamy has lost three players to State of Origin duties - fullback Billy Slater, hooker Cameron Smith and wing Matt King who have been replaced by Greg Inglis, Josh Graham and Nathan Friend. He has named an 18-man squad for the NRL match against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday. Melbourne Storm: Greg Inglis, Matt Geyer, Steve Bell, Josh Graham, Jake Webster, Cooper Cronk, Matt Orford, Robbie Kearns (captain), Nathan Friend, Alex Chan, David Kidwell, Glen Turner, Dennis Scott. Interchange: Ryan Hoffman, Jamie Feeney, Antonio Kaufusi, Brett White, Tevita Metuisela (one to be omitted). |
| NRL Rd 14 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sunday 12 June Crowd 7898
Match report Courageous in defence the Vodafone Warriors lifted their game to post a valuable 24-16 win over the NRL's best defensive team the Melbourne Storm. The visitors from Victoria scored first when star half Matt Orford kicked to the corner for Matt Geyer to nail his first try after 12 minutes. The Warriors hit back with a frantic scoring passage in the last 15 minutes of the first half when they ran in four tries. The first try came when a chip by Nathan Fien was mishandled by Geyer allowing Jerome Ropati to pounce on the loose ball in goal. Francis Meli followed next with a try in the corner then Stacey Jones chip kicked in goal for Todd Byrne to touchdown for the first of his two tries. Paleaaesina "Mr Effective" rounded off a strong half by bulldogging straight and hard from a tap penalty through the Storm's defenders to score for the Warriors to hold a 20-4 command at halftime. In the second half Melbourne pegged back the difference with a penalty try, followed by a second try to Geyer then a penalty goal. With the Warriors holding a slender 20-16 lead the game was up for the hungriest most desperate team. The Warriors threw everything at the Storm in the back end of a very intense match. They still had gas in the tank to attack at every opportunity with Stacey, Fien and Hohaia applying some smart kick chase plays that pinned Melbourne in their own 25. With ten minutes remaining Stacey Jones popped an accurate crossfield bomb for Todd Byrne to score his second try. The elusive Byrne has now scored 11 tries in his last 11 matches. The Warriors put in a gritty performance lifting their game to outmuscle the visitors in front of 8,000 excited fans. Their defence got the money. Koopu, Wiki, Villa, Mr Effective, Guttenbeil and the rest laid down an awesome platform for Stacey, Fien and Lance to direct the plays. Stacey stood out as this weeks Warriors Most Valuable Player. With this valuable win behind them the Warriors now face the competition's 3 front-runners, with matches against Parramatta, Brisbane and North Queensland. It dont get any easier. Vodafone Warriors: 24 Todd Byrne 2, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli, Iafeta Paleaaesina tries; Stacey Jones 2 goals Melbourne Storm: 16 Matt Geyer 2, penalty try; Matt Orford 2 goals Halftime: Warriors 20-4. |
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| home05 | draw-results | profiles | links | archives 1| Warriors 2004 | Kiwis 2004 |
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| As the Warriors gained dominance over the Storm the instinctive style of this weeks MVP Stacey Jones' lifted the Warriors direction to a 24-16 win. He made two big plays sprinting clear but each time he was cut down short of the line. Two tries came off his chip kicks. On the back of some wicked defence from his forward pack Stacey's leadership spelt the difference between the two closely matched sides.
After 11 seasons Stacey Jones will leave the club at the end of the 2005 season. The 28-year-old halfback will join the French club UTC who debut in the English Super League competition in 2006. A New Zealand sporting hero Stacey Jones made a try-scoring first grade debut against Parramatta on April 23, 1995. He holds a host of Warriors club records which include, a record 221appearances, the most tries (72), most points (563), most field goals (11) and most consecutive appearances (101). The 2002 Golden Boot winner said he was extremely proud to be a Warrior, " I asked the club to bring this announcement forward so I can get on with putting all my efforts into playing my best football for the Warriors. I love the Warriors and I always will. I'm a life member and I'm really proud of that after being here since the club started in 1995." |
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| Stacey cuts loose against the Storm |
| Brent Webb is upended by his opposi |
| Mr Effective- Paleaaesina bulldozed |
| defence wins games.. here Warriors |
| centre Jerome Ropati pounces for a try in the Warriors 24-16 win over the Storm |
| standoff Nathan Fien had a top all round game |
| Rueben Wiki put in his usual solid performance |
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| Preview
Thursday 16 June Prop Iafeta Paleaaesina has forced his way into the Warriors starting lineup for the clash against the Eels at Hamilton, last weeks scene of the NZ Maoris victorious 19-16 win over the British Lions before 32,000 rugby fans. Nicknamed "Mr Effective" he had a blockbuster against the Storm last week topping the team's hit-ups (20) and the most metres gained (167). Off contract at the end of 2005 Paleaaesina has attracted interest from other NRL and UK clubs. Fellow prop Richard Villasanti starts off the bench and is set to top 100 first-grade matches, 86 with the Warriors and 13 with Balmain and the Wests Tigers merger. Villa joins this years 100 club alongside Toopi, Koopu, Meli and Fien. Coach TK welcomes back the hungry Sione Faumuina to bolster his selection options and devise a strategy to overcome the 2nd placed Parrammatta Eels who are riding a 5 game winning streak. This match will be an awesome must win clash. Desperation not panic will sharpen the winning team's focus. The Warriors need to sharpen their marker defence to shut down the Eels lethal halves combo John Morris & Tim Smith. Other dangers are winger Grothe, their front row, Riddell at dummy, tackling machine Hindmarsh and awesome broken play runner Dean Widders. Warriors: Brent Webb; Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (c); Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson, Iefeta Paleaaesina, Lance Hohaia, Ruben Wiki. Res: Karl Temata, Awen Guttenbeil, Tevita Latu, Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina. Parrammatta Wade McKinnon; Matt Petersen, Ben Smith, Daniel Wagon, Eric Grothe; John Morris, Tim Smith; Chad Robinson, Glenn Morrison, Nathan Hindmarsh, Nathan Cayless (c), Mark Riddell, Paul Stringer. Res: Adam Peek, Dean Widders, PJ Marsh, Aaron Cannings, Michael Vella, Luke Burt (2 down). |
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| Parrammmatta Eels 28 v Vodafone Warriors 18 Rd 15 Saturday June 18 Waikato Stadium Hamilton Crowd 17,142 Match Report As master coach Jack Gibson once said "talent is secondary to whether players are confident". Everything about everything to do with any kind of winning team or individual sportsperson has to do with confidence as Parrammatta showed in withstanding the Warriors onslaught 28-18. This was an exciting clash and a bold rewarding promotion in rugby mad Waikato. This spectacle proved a huge boost for the Warriors, the fans, the NRL and the Eels who got the money 28-18. The win was essential to gauge local support from 17,000 fans and to justify the Eels decision to forgo their fiercely loyal Parrammatta fans in favour of a foggy night in Hamilton. A gutsy 10 point winning margin answered all the unknowns. The difference between the two teams was the unique ability of the Eels playmakers Tim Smith and John Morris to switch the point of attack with some wicked passes and banana kicks "Andrew Johns" style. Up 22-14 at halftime the Eels only scored once in the second half while restricting the Warriors to just one try. The Eels were confident for each other, they were patient and resolute in defending their line against an equally talented team that never lacked in intensity but certainly missed a Price and a Wiki. The Warriors got off to an explosive start posting two tries inside 12 minutes to Toopi and Villasanti who pounced on a chip kick by Nathan Fien. Down 10-0 the Eels introduced demon tackler Nathan Hindmarsh. Immediately their game lifted with two big plays in the 21st and 25th minutes. Luke Burt gathered a John Morris kick to score followed by a try to Hindmarsh who ran onto a cut out pass from Tim Smith to even up the score 10-10. Winger Francis Meli scored in the 25th minute but the Eels replied with another double header. A clever break by winger Peterson who linked with the speedy Dean Widders saw the Eels surge 90 metres for Tim Smith to score. Minutes later Ben Smith scored off a freaky cross kick by standoff John Morris. The defence was atrocious. Trailing 22-14 at halftime the Warriors enjoyed a 73% completion rate but lax defence allowed the Eels two passages which proved to be critical turning points. On each ocassion the Eels repeated double header tries. In the second half Peterson crossed for the Eels while Stacey made a clean line break to give Todd Byrne the run into the tryline. Second rower Sione Faumuina constantly threatened the Eels but was edged out of the Warriors Most Valuable Player by standoff Nathan Fien who had a sharp and varied kicking game and wasnt afraid to take on the Eels line. Parrrammatta Eels 28 Tries: Burt, Hindmarsh, T Smith, B Smith, Petersen Conversions: Burt 3, Riddell Vodafone Warriors 18 Tries: Toopi, Villasanti, Meli, Byrne Conversions: Hohaia Halftime Eels 22-14 |
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| An honest toiler with a good sense of humour this weeks MVP Nathan Fien
was in the hunt continually probing the Eels weaknesses with kicks, chips, grubbers and long passes. A consistent player who never lets up he brings an admirable professionalism in his first year of a 3 year contract with the Vodafone Warriors. Like captain Steve Price and other Australian Warriors he brings a "I hate to lose" attitude to the team. Queenslander Fien has posted 103 NRL matches, 91 since debut with North Queensland Cowboys in 2000 and 12 since joining the Warriors. Last year he helped the Cowboys bust into their inaugral NRL finals only to go down to the Sydney Roosters one game short of the Grand Final. He started 2005 at hooker but shifted into five-eighth where he forms a dynamic link with Warriors halfback Stacey Jones to direct the teams forward momentum. A speedy deceptive player Nathan Fien is blessed with all the football instincts and skills he's got ; an awesome long pass, short ball, offloads, chip kick, grubber, high punt and he knows how to put a player in a hole. |
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| down 10-0 the Eels game plan lifted dramatically when State of Origin 2nd rower Nathan Hindmarsh stepped on the field in the 12th minute |
| the evening fog rolls across the Waikato Stadium pitch in Hamilton in the NRL match which saw the Eels overcome the Warriors 28-18 |
| Eels captain and Kiwi prop Nathan Cayless slams into Warriors prop Karl Te Mata |
| breakaway runner Dean Widders backed up a smart play by Peterson in a 90 metre sweep that led to Tim Smith's try |
| back from a career threatening injury former Warrior PJ Marsh was effective in defence and dummy half |
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| fullback Brent Webb catches Hindmarsh on the way to his first half try that evened up the score 10-10 |
| Toopi scored a try in the first 10 explosive minutes cmpeted for 60 then faded |
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| Preview 23 June
New Zealand Warriors: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (captain), Ruben Wiki, Lance Hohaia, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: Richard Villasanti, Karl Temata, Monty Betham, Simon Mannering Brisbane Broncos Karmichael Hunt; Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Shaun Berrigan, Leon Bott; Darren Lockyer (c), Brett Seymour; Darren Smith, Brad Thorn, David Stagg, Petero Civoniceva, Barry Berrigan, Shane Webcke. Res: Darren Mapp, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, Casey McGuire, Dane Carlaw,Tom Learoyd-Lars (two to be omitted). -------------------------------------------------------------- This match will mark a celebration of 10 years since the Warriors entered the NRL (then the Winfield Cup). Known as the Auckland Warriors their initiation in the big time as New Zealand's first professional sports team was a showstopper. TV ratings rocketed as the nation held its breath. They kicked off the 1995 season in fantastic style against the Brisbane Broncos who prevailed in a close exciting match 25-22 at Ericsson Stadium in front of 31,500 fans. The Warriors will wear a special replica strip and will have a full pre game celebration for this very auspicious occasion in the clubs history. Some of the original 1995 players such as Gene Ngamu, Duane Mann, Tony Tatupu, Tony Tuimavave, Tea Ropati and Phil Blake will be special guests. |
| Auckland Warriors v Brisbane Broncos Friday, March 10, 1995 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Crowd 31,500
Warriors 22 (Phil Blake, Sean Hoppe, Tony Tatupu, Tea Ropati tries; Gene Ngamu 3 goals). Brisbane 25 (Allan Langer 2, Willie Carne, Chris Johns tries; Julian O�Neill 3 goals; Allan Langer goal, field goal). Half-time: 16-10 Warriors. Referee: Bill Harrigan. Teams: Warriors: Phil Blake, Sean Hoppe, Dean Bell (c), Manoa Thompson, Whetu Taewa, Gene Ngamu, Greg Alexander, Gavin Hill, Duane Mann, Hitro Okesene, Stephen Kearney, Tony Tatupu, Tony Tuimavave. Interchange: Se�e Solomona, Tea Ropati, Jason Mackie, Martin Moana. Brisbane: Julian O�Neill, Wendell Sailor, Michael Hancock, Chris Johns, Willie Carne, Kevin Walters, Allan Langer (c), Glen Lazarus, Kerrod Walters, Andrew Gee, Brad Thorn, Alan Cann, Darren Smith. Interchange: John Plath, Peter Ryan. |
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| Rd 16 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sunday 26 June Crowd 15,632
Match Report What better way to celebrate the Warriors 10th anniversary game than a 30-18 victory over the NRL leaders the Brisbane Broncos. The most impressive aspect that 15,632 loyal fans witnessed was the pride and self belief the Warriors displayed in posting their best win so far this year and snapping the Broncos 10 game winning streak. It was a fitting testimont to a historic occasion which saw the Warriors move to 11th equal on the table with 16 points, just two points outside the top eight. Fans were treated to a try-scoring fest as both sides ripped into it from the start. This was a memorable occasion with Lance Hohaia, Sione Faumuina, Manu Vatuvei and Francis Meli scoring for the Warriors while Wairangi Koopu grabbed a double. Leon Bott, Steve Michaels and Brett Seymour dotted down for the Broncos. Standout players were captain Stacey Jones and the fearless Sione Faumuina who continually asked questions of the defence every time he handled and earned this weeks Most Valuable Player with an outstanding game in attack where he grabbed a try and like Guttenbeil, Koopu, Wiki and Beetham defended with pride. The Warriors led 18-12 at halftime after tries to Hohaia, Koopu and Faumuina. The second half saw a much tighter affair until Bronco Brett Seymour scored in the 60th minute to lock it up 18-all. The Warriors struck again when rookie Simon Mannering drew two players before offloading to Vatuvei to score. A try to winger Francis Meli extended the Warriors to 26 - 18 followed by Koopu's second try in the 78th which locked up a victorious 30-18 win. Warriors prop Richard Villasanti summed up the team's elation "I'm proud to play for a club with such a great history," while captain Stacey Jones looked forward by saying "No matter who we come up against, we've got to go in with the same mentality and play that same brand of football". Rookie Simon Mannering had an awesome debut for the Warriors. Warriors 30 Wairangi Koopu 2, Lance Hohaia, Sione Faumuina, Manu Vatuvei, Francis Meli tries; Stacey Jones 3 goals Brisbane Broncos 18 Leon Bott, Steve Michaels, Brett Seymour tries; Darren Lockyer 3 goals. Halftime: Warriors 18-12. Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said he would not use several contentious refereeing decisions as an excuse for the loss. "The Warriors were certainly on their game here today and we weren't far off ours either, so it was a quality game of football," he said. |
| Warriors snap the Broncos 10 game winning streak 30-18 |
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| Second rower and MVP Sione Faumuina was a constant threat to the Bronco's line every time he got his hands on the ball. In a closely contested match where inches separated the best of the best Faumuina's determination showed in all aspects of his game; ball play, trys assists, speed at the line, playmaking ability, try scoring finish and pride in defence. These attributes placed him JUST ahead of his mates Stacey, Lance Hohaia, rugged defender Guttenbeil, Wiki, Villasanti and two try hero Wairangi Koopu for this weeks MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. |
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| captain Stacey Jones leads the team out through the tunnel |
| Lance Hohaia had an awesome game scoring a try in the Warriors 30-18 win over the Broncos |
| Manu Vatuvei |
| Awen Guttenbeil had a massive game |
| Meli contests the high ball |
| second rower Wairangi Koopu scored twice in the Warriors 30-18 win over the Broncos |
| Manu Vativei touches down after smart lead up work by 19 year old rookie centre Simon Mannering |
| Rd 17 Sat 2 Jul Dairy Farmers Stadium Townsville Crowd 21,000
Match Report The Warriors hung tough but not tough enough or smart enough to prevent the North Queensland Cowboys flooring them with 3 second half tries to steal a 24-16 win. In essence they lacked team self belief to go on with it when they held the lead. With their nose in front 16-10 just after halftime it looked like the turning point for the Warriors. They were playing smart footy courtesy of their key playmakers Stacey, Nathan Fien and Hohaia. However errors and turnovers put the Warriors on the back foot and hindered their ability to climb back in front let alone deliver the knockout punch that floored the Broncos last week. Inside the first 10 minutes Cowboy David Faiumu put on 2 big plays, scoring from a dummy half run then chipping in goal for Rod Jensen to pounce on and score. The Warriors levelled up to 10-10 at halftime with two tries to Manu Vatuvei and Wairangi Koopu. Early in the second half Lance Hohaia broke clear then offloaded to Wiki to score and put the visitors up 16-10. However the Cowboys finished stronger with 3 successive tries to grab the game from the Warriors grasp 24-16. Cowboys 24: Tries: Rod Jensen (2), Neil Sweeney (2), David Faiumu. Goals: Josh Hannay (2). New Zealand Warriors 16: Tries: Manu Vatuvei, Wairangi Koopu, Ruben Wiki. Goals: Stacey Jones (2). Halftime 10-10 New Zealand Warriors: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (captain), Ruben Wiki, Lance Hohaia, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: Richard Villasanti, Karl Temata, Monty Betham, Simon Mannering Todd Byrne |
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| For 80 minutes in the thick of the action MVP Nathan Fien had an awesome overall game against his old mob the Cowboys. Alongside his fellow playmakers Hohaia and Stacey Jones the Warriors looked to hold more aces in their game but took a 24-16 mauling. Fien put on a long pass out to unmarked Vatuvei for the first try then drew the line to create a hole for Koopu to steam in for the second try. His kicking game was awesome, he knew when to pass, hold, run and duck, looks for runners and never took a step backwards in defence. |
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| Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei had a smart game positioning himself to receive a pass from Fien that earned himself a try |
| Stacey had an orsm impact on the Warriors momentum. When he lifted not all his teammates lifted. |
| the Warriors go forward changed dramatically when impact man Villasanti came off the bench |
| home 05 | draw-results | profiles | links | archives1 | Warriors 2004 | Kiwis 2004 |
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| Rd 17
STATS Top Tacklers Sione Faumuina 38 Wairangi Koopu 38 Awen Guttenbeil 35 Lance Hohaia 33 Ruben Wiki 29 Top Hitups Ruben Wiki 14 Richard Villasanti 14 Brent Webb 13 Jerome Ropati 13 Manu Vatuvei 12 Top Linebreaks Ruben Wiki Manu Vatuvei Lance Hohaia Stacey Jones Wairangi Koopu Top Offloads Sione Faumuina 3 Wairangi Koopu 3 Clinton Toopi 2 Brent Webb Stacey Jones |
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The Warriors are desperate after a hot and cold run. They need to lift to the level that got them the money two weeks ago against the Broncos if they are to win 5 of the next 8 matches to make the top 8 playoffs. Impact player Richard Villasanti starts upfront while the mail man Todd Byrne starts on the wing. WARRIORS: Brent Webb; Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (c); Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina, Richard Villasanti, Lance Hohaia, Ruben Wiki. Res: Karl Temata, Simon Mannering, Iefeta Paleaaesina, Awen Guttenbeil. BULLDOGS: Luke Patten; Hazem El Masri, Jamaal Lolesi, Cameron Phelps, Matt Utai; Braith Anasta, Brent Sherwin; Toni Grimaldi, Andrew Ryan (c), Nate Myles, Roy Asotasi, Corey Hughes, Mark O'Meley. Res: Chris Armit, Adam Perry, Dallas McIllwain, Adam Brideson. Referee: Paul Simpkins |
| Rd 18 Ericsson Stadium Auckland Sunday 10 July Crowd 12,882
Match Report Another frustrating strikeout saw the Bulldogs snatch a 26-24 win over the Warriors. The game was lost long before the Warriors made a desperate flurry in the last frantic minutes. Its easy to see that it will continue until the coaching staff start making some serious changes in the team. The need to size up in the centres would be a priority. Perhaps Sione Faumuina and Simon Mannering would make a good pairing to muscle up in midfield and to stiffen the midfield defence which was a critical factor in the loss. Wairangi Koopu, Francis Meli, Stacey Jones and Todd Byrne scored for the Warriors with Jones adding on target with 4 conversions. Bulldogs standout player Braith Anasta bagged 3 tries while Mc Illlwain scored one. It was disappointing to see that some of the Warriors just werent putting in the effort. Fickle defence allowed in some soft tries. However on the day MVP Stacey Jones topped 600 career points from 73 tries, 152 goals, and 12 field goals in 231 matches for the Warriors. Rueben Wiki hit up solid as a rock for the Warriors while the consistent Wairangi Koopu maintains a regular try scoring habit. Faumuina, Hohaia, Fien and Webb were continually in the hunt. Awen Guttenbeil and Beetham had top defensive games but the team look far from a sure thing for the playoffs. Bulldogs 26 Tries Anasta 3, McIllwain goals 5/5 El Mazri Warriors 24 Tries Koopu, Meli, Stacey, Byrne. goals 4/4 Stacey Halftime 12-12 |
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| Warriors struckout 26-24 |
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| Totally focussed he drew the defence then passed for Koopu to score in the 18th to level up 6-6.
He got inside a defender then broke 40 metres before offloading to Meli to score and lead 12-6. He anticipated Faumuina's break and positioned himself to receive the pass and score near the posts to even up Warriors 18 Bulldogs18. He kicked 4 from 4 and led the way a captains supposed to lead, in front. Off to France to thread the needle next year, this weeks Most Valuable Player Stacey Jones. |
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| second rower Wairangi Koopu is making a great habit of touchdowns |
| Rueben Wiki hits up |
| STATS Rd 18 Top Tacklers Wairangi Koopu 32 Lance Hohaia 30 Nathan Fien 26 Ruben Wiki 23 Sione Faumuina 20 Top Hitups Ruben Wiki 19 Sione Faumuina 16 Clinton Toopi 16 Brent Webb 13 Richard Villasanti 12 Wairangi Koopu |
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12 July Having dropped the last 2 (the Dogs by 2 points & the Cowboys by 8) the Warriors are desperate as hell going into this weeks clash with the Roosters who are equally as desperate. As teams fight out a top 8 spot, more and more demands are placed on coaches and players to deliver a winning result with 7 matches to the end of 2005. Its time to show what you got. Home advantage and preparation may be the difference between these teams but the defining influence may explode on the day. Even though the Roosters lost last week to Wests 26-16 (down 18-6 at HT) coach Ricky Stewart will be looking to shut out the Warriors. Roosters to WATCH are hooker Heath L�Estrange, the halves combo Jamie Soward/Brett Finch and Kiwi Jason Cayless who is off to St Helens next year. WATCH Stacey, Fien, Hohaia, Wiki, Villasanti, Koopu and Faumuina. Expect Mannering in the action early and big improvement from the lack lustre Toopi and Meli. Show me the money ... Byrne to touch down in a close 12 point match. WARRIORS: Brent Webb; Todd Byrne, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli; Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones (c); Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina, Richard Villasanti, Lance Hohaia, Ruben Wiki. Res: Karl Temata, Simon Mannering, Iefeta Paleaaesina, Awen Guttenbeil. ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Amos Roberts, Chris Walker, Iosia Soliola, Joel Monaghan, Jamie Soward, Brett Finch, Jason Cayless, Craig Wing, Richard Fa'aoso, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Luke Ricketson (c). Interchange: Heath L'Estrange, Ned Catic, Adam Schubert, George Rose. |
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| Rd 19 Aussie Stadium Sydney Saturday 16 July Crowd 13,789
Match Report The Warriors are still poised on the edge of the top 8 after snatching a 24-22 victory over the Roosters in Sydney. In a breathtaking comeback the visitors posted three second half tries in the space of 11 minutes to come from 22-8 down to outsmart the home team. MVP Lance Hohaia scored two, with Brent Webb and Ruben Wiki also crossing. Captain Stacey Jones added three conversions and a penalty in a match which saw the Warriors have three further tries disallowed. Trailing 12-8 at halftime Warriors coach TK says he always knew they had it in them and proved it by playing the better football in the second half. The Warriors hung tough to their game plan with their big men punching holes in the defence. Hohaia, Fien and Sione Faumuina stood out for the Warriors. Captain Jones admitted the team could have folded on the home stretch "We bounced back and got some more controlled aggressiveness. The big guys really rolled up their sleeves and the little guys like Brent and Lance supported up the middle .... we took it out on ourselves and ran the ball harder and made our tackles harder." Roosters 22 Tries Brett Finch, Anthony Minichiello, Amos Roberts, Adam Schubert. Goals Craig Fitzgibbon 3/4. Warriors 24 Tries Lance Hohaia 2, Ruben Wiki, Brent Webb. Goals Stacey Jones 4/ 5 Halftime Roosters 12-8 |
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| Coming into some consistent form MVP Lance Hohaia shapes up as a key
instinctive playmaker in the Warriors week by week charge for a Top 8 spot. His 2 tries in the 2 point shut out of the Roosters underlines his exceptional individual skills, ability and scoring value in a team that is realizing through desperation the importance of playing and winning for each other as a team rather than a collection of hot, cold and mixed individuals. |
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| Rd 20 Ericsson Stadium Auckland 7.30pm Saturday 23 July Crowd 18,361
Match Report The New Zealand Warriors busted through some courageous defence to knockout the Canberra Raiders 24-16 in Auckland. The superior kicking game of MVP Stacey Jones along with solid efforts from Nathan Fien, Brent Webb, Lance Hohaia, Mr Effective, Rueben Wiki, Monty Beetham, Steve Price (14 tackles, 15 hit ups) and Sione Faumuina (26 tackles, 16 hit ups) saw the Warriors post a solid home win. Back from injury captain Steve Price had a sound hit out adding "It was great to be able to fit into a side who are confident, and really ground out a good win against a good team. They've been improving every week and I think they're getting a lot more confidence within each other and as a team we're developing, so it's very exciting for the weeks to come." Faumuina made the play for Jerome Ropati to score the first try inside 5 minutes. Adamson scored next for Canberra followed by a try to Warriors hooker Hohaia to lead 12-6 at halftime. The Warriors kept the pressure on the Raiders edging further ahead with a try to Nathan Fien who sliced through the line to score under the posts in the 46th minute. The big play that really had the 18,300 fans jumping came when the Warrriors put the result beyond doubt with Meli's try in the 70th assisted by Koopu. Far too often this season they've failed mentally to execute the knockout punch when in a position to win the close demoralizing heartbreakers that have slipped away from them. They try came from a high ball from Stacey Jones who also converted Meli's try to lock up a 24-16 win. The Warriors are hitting their straps and playing and winning for each other (9 wins-10 losses) as a team that still has some dynamic improvement to achieve as they charge to the top 8. Next Saturday round 21 they're away to Penrith. New Zealand Warriors 24 Tries: Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia, Nathan Fien, Francis Meli. Goals: Stacey Jones 4. Canberra Raiders 16 Tries: Matt Adamson, David Howell, Michael Robertson. Goals: Clinton Schifcofske 2. Halftime: Warriors 12-6. |
| Rueben Wiki scored the Warriors first try in their 24-22 defeat of the Roosters |
| Roosters prop Jason Cayless |
| Stacey Jones kicked 4/5 goals to make a 2 point winning difference in their win against the Roosters in Sydney |
| centres Mannering & Toopi share the joy of a closely fought win |
| Brett Webb |
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| Warriors knockout Canberra 24-16 |
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| every match sees Sione Faumuina stepping up his mental game. He had a big one in the Warriors 24-16 win |
| Mr Effective pounded the Raiders defensive line |
| back from an 8 week injury captain Steve Price showed quick recovery powers to post 14 tackles & 15 hit ups. He has the unique ability to return to match condition in a short time. |
| A vital impact in the Warriors team, prop
Richard Villasanti confronts the Canberra defence |
| Up 18-16, 10 minutes to go, the Raiders breathing down their neck, MVP Stacey Jones chipped the high
"money ball" that resulted in Meli's winning try assisted by Koopu. He threaded the needle with 4/4 goals and his mental game kept the Warriors direction and momentum going forward. The people's hero, he retired from the Kiwis in 2004 to pledge his everything towards helping the Warriors, his only team of 11 years, go as far as they can go. Before France calls, pride will drive him to complete unfinished business. |
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Sione Faumuina 26 Awen Guttenbeil 25 Ruben Wiki 23 Lance Hohaia 23 Nathan Fien 21 Top Hitups Ruben Wiki 16 Sione Faumuina 16 Jerome Ropati 16 Steve Price 15 Paleaaesina 15 Top Linebreaks Brent Webb 2 Lance Hohaia 2 Todd Byrne Nathan Fien Jerome Ropati Top Offloads Stacey Jones 4 Paleaaesina 3 Brent Webb 3 Sione Faumuina 2 Awen Guttenbeil 2 |
| Rd 20 STATS |
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| Panthers deny the Warriors 42-34
NRL Rd 21 Penith Stadium Penrith Saturday 30 July Crowd 13,988 Match Report This was a disappointing 42-34 loss for the Warriors. Twice winger Francis Meli was caught out by his opposite Luke Rooney who scored on each ocassion, catching Meli on the turnaround, wrongfooting him and generally outplaying the Warriors 100 game winger. It was shocking. The Warriors showed glimpses of brilliance but their defence was awful. Penrith led 28-12 at halftime. But for the two tries to Rooney the Warriors had Penrith on a hook after launching a terrific comeback in a 15 minute spell early in the second half. In no time the Warriors clawed back to 28-24 with tries to Awen Guttenbeil and Brent Webb. In the 52nd minute the Warriors levelled up 28-28 when Warriors centre Clinton Toopi beat Lewis and ripped down the flank then off loaded to Todd Byrne to score. The Warriors looked poised to snatch this game but for a try to Panthers centre Paul Franze and a controversial penalty goal by Preston Campbell to give the hosts some breathing space. Rhys Wesser sealed the win for Penrith with a late try. Sione Faumuina scored a consolation try for the Warriors right on the full time buzzer All in all the Warriors played some real dumb football and committed some costly errors in a loss that reinforced their own self-denial. They've had 21 rounds to get it right if they were serious about playing finals football. Some players are just not giving a hundred percent. The New Zealand Warriors' hopes of making the NRL play offs are very faint. Penrith Panthers 42 Tries: Rooney 2, Waterhouse, Priddis, Gower, Franze, Wesser, Goals Campbell 7 Warriors 34 Tries: Fien, Jones, Guttenbeil, Webb, Byrne, Faumuina Goals Jones 5 |
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| Louis Anderson and Brent Webb (r) bundle up Frank Pritchard |
| centre Clinton Toopi made a brilliant 2nd half break to set up Byrne for a try |
| Rhyss Wesser |
| Sione Faumuina |
| Lance Hohaia |
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| Eels 2nd half charge floors the Warriors Rd 22 7.30pm Ercisson Stadium, Auckland Saturday 6 August Crowd 19,211 Match Report Up 14-10 at halftime after 2 excellent tries to Wairangi Koopu and Nathan Fien the Warriors dominated territory and possession to keep the Eels under constant pressure in the first half. The Eels hung tight in the face of sustained attack by the Warriors who enjoyed an 89% first half completion rate. The second half was a complete contrast. Knowing the Warrior's desperation to clinch a playoff spot the Eels lifted their game and came back with some very smart tactics that saw them clock on 5 tries. McKinnon scored after 17minutes then Ben Smith touched down after a 90 metre dash by Burt and some horrible defence by Toopi, Mannering and Webb. The Eels combined well in midfield and out wide where they effectively punished the Warriors mercilessly with further tries to Glen Morrisson, Timana Tahu and another to Ben Smith. It was obvious the Warriors centres and wingers lacked communication between each other as they appeared disorganised and tentative in the face of the Eels clever attack. The Warriors weak defence in midfield exposed a lot of doubts, risks and uncertainties about the centre pairing of the disappointing Clinton Toopi and the inexperienced Jerome Ropati who normally a halfback, was caught out of position a number of times. Against big centres Timana Tahu and Ben Smith they lacked size, but more importantly their attitude and mental game was lacking. Many of the 19,200 fans left Ericsson very disappointed that the Warriors were knocked out of contention but thats football. Halfback Nathan Fien bagged a late try but far too late to mean anything. Maybe the Warriors need to source another centre but this loss highlighted the gap between contenders and pretenders. The Eels best players were Hindmarsh, Luke Burt, Tim Smith, Cannings, Timana Tahu and centre partner Ben Smith who completely outfoxed their opposites. The Warriors best were live wire half Nathan Fien, Stacey, Guttenbeil, Price, Brent Webb and this weeks MVP Sione Faumuina. Parrammatta Eels 38 L Burt 2 B Smith 2 W MacKinnon G Morrison T Tahu tries, Burt 5/7 gls. Vodafone Warriors 20 N Fien 2 W Koopu tries, S Jones 4/4 gls. Halftime Warriors 14-10 |
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| Solid in defence and was alway a threat with the ball this week the Warriors
MVP is Sione Faumuina. Against the Eels he put in an awesome 80 minute real deal effort for his team mates and for the fans. If others had matched his desire and equalled his input it could very well have been a different result. The fans never left Ericsson Stadium early because of him. |
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| Warriors Stormed 22-10
Rd 23 Olympic Park Melbourne Saturday 13 August Report The theme repeats itself, almost but not quite. This was the tale of an assertive but unconvincing 22-10 win to the Melbourne Storm who scored 4 tries to 2 with big Matt King grabbing a double. The Warriors conceded a lot of errors as they trailed 10 - 4 at halftime. Francis Meli scored only his 8th try of the year while his team mate and Warriors MVP Nathan Fien weaved his way through the middle of the Storm ruck to score a converted try in the 63rd minute to reduce the gap to six points. The result hung in the balance until 3 minutes from the end when Matt Orford stormed from the scrumbase brushing aside Toopi to score under the posts. Melbourne's Kiwis Jake Webster and second-rower David Kidwell were among their best and furthered their end of year Tri nations prospects. The game went down to the wire, with Melbourne repelling a relentless onslaught by the Warriors who gave the Storm a pounding. The Warriors best were the usual dependable ones, Faumuina, Webb, Fien, Stacey, Koopu, Price etc. "It was a tough game, The Warriors came to wear us down, they're a big team and they didn't do too much of their offloading tonight � their completion rate was great and we had to match that but I was really happy with our defence," said Storm coach Craig Bellamy . "We are still struggling a little bit with our attack but there were a couple of close calls in the second half where we couldn't quite get it over the line but to the guys' credit, they didn't get frustrated. Storm 22 (M King 2 B Slater M Orford tries, Orford 3 goals). Warriors 10 (F Meli, N Fien tries, S Jones goal). Halftime Storm: 10-4. Warriors: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Sione Faumuina, Simon Mannering, Todd Byrne, Nathan Fien, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Monty Betham, Steve Price (captain), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson. Interchange: Richard Villasanti, Karl Temata, Clinton Toopi, Iafeta Paleaaesina. |
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| This weeks MVP ... worth his weight in diamonds and gold the dependable Nathan Fien. One of many closely aligned winners (such as Stacey, Lance, Price, Wiki, Webb, Faumuina, Villasanti, Koopu, Byrne, Rhino) in this team who as a playmaker handles more than most while contributing enthusiasm to attack (scored a brilliant individual try against the Storm) and defence whether the Warriors win or lose. The real deal. |
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| blessed with speed, anticipation and a ton of guts Storm fullback Billy Slater who scored an awesome try confronts a Warriors defender |
| Brent Webb was one of the Warriors standout players against Melbourne |
| lock Louis Anderson and Stacey bundle up the Storms forward David Kidwell |
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| Stacey's farewell iced by the Knights 16-4 Rd 24 7.30pm Ericsson Stadium Auckland Saturday 20 August 2005 Crowd 17,000 Report Despite having territorial advantage and momentum in the first half the Warriors failed to finish off the Newcastle Knights. The Warriors blew it 16-4 after leading 4-0 in the first half. Their execution, their hooks, their jabs just never hang together at the critical times when they had the Knights reeling on the back foot. Maybe their preparation lacked mental focus or maybe the coaching never had a clear strategy, tactical approach or a game plan to overcome the Knights strengths and weaknesses. What happened on the field was big on emotion but lacked a winning football logic. Perhaps the coach lacks confidence, all we know is its their fourth straight loss. The Warriors only try to winger Manu Vatuvei's came in the 17th minute. The overall confidence of the 19 year old winger raises the question of why the coach hadn't brought him into replace Meli some weeks back when they were a real chance at the top 8 but dropped 3 close games 42-34, 38-20 and 22-10. As in previous matches it was anyone's game, but to think that 17,000 fans would get them the bacon is a crazy way to run a football team. Nevertheless Stacey in his last at Ericsson put in an awesome effort despite being denied 3 scoring decisions by the ref. Fien, Price, Guttenbeil, Wiki, Paleaaesina, Webb and this week's MVP Vatuvei all lifted their efforts for Stacey's final home game. Sione Faumuina had an awesome game continually punching and probing the line. Mr Effective Paleaaesina also had his last home game before joining Wigan while Tevita Latu joins the Sharks and Francis Meli joins St. Helens next year. Andrew Johns kept the ball moving laterally amongst his runners continually changing the point of attack while rarely hitting the line himself. The Knights were unspectacular but patient and withstood a lot of pressure in the first 60 minutes. Johns iced a few nice touches like the round the corner pass in the 60th minute to Tighe who raced away to score and also put Gidley in near the posts in the 64th. Newton touched down in the 67th for the Knights to take home the bacon. Knights 16 Tries: Brad Tighe, Kurt Gidley, Clint Newtown. Goals: Andrew Johns 2. Warriors 4 Try: Manu Vatuvei Halftime Warriors 4-0 |
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| This weeks MVP, big and strong, 19 year old winger from Otara Manu Vatuvei played his heart out for the fans, his team mates, the coach and most of all for Stacey's final home game. Collected a high kick then barged over the line to score. His overall game exuded confidence and he continues to go from strength to strength |
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| This match was Stacey Jones' last in front of his home crowd at Ericsson Stadium before he joins UTC in France for next years Superleague. Despite the 16-4 loss to Newcastle the fans were proud to honour and celebrate this match for him. Stacey's Vodafone Warriors records to date include:
* Most appearances (236) * Most points (644) * Most tries (74) * Most goals (168) * Most field goals (12) * Most consecutive appearances (101 � 1995-99) |
| Stacey and his kids did a lap of honour to recognise the Warriors loyal fans. |
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| Warriors toss Manly in 22-20 finale Rd 25 Brookvale Oval Sydney Saturday 27 August 05 Crowd 14,219 Match Report In his last game for the Warriors, Stacey Jones inspired his teamates, scoring the match-winning try in the closing moments of a thrilling 22-20 win the Manly Sea Eagles. In a see-sawing affair Ben Kennedy scored for Manly after four minutes before the Warriors scored 3 tries to Sione Faumuina (16th), Ruben Wiki (19th) and Wairangi Koopu (30th) in the space of 13 minutes to shoot to an 18-6 lead. Stacey Jones was involved in all three tries. Winger Paul Stephenson scored in the 38th minute for Manly to trail the Warriors 18-10 at the break. Kennedy bagged his second try in the 51st minute, but was forced off the field with nine minutes to go because of neck spasms. In his absence Manly's game sagged as the Warriors asserted control. Down 18-16 winger Chris Hicks scored in the 64th minute for Manly to hit the front 20-18. But Stacey had the last word clinching the winning try in the 76th minute. This was the Warriors final game of 2005 as they have a bye in round 26. Warriors 22 S Faumuina R Wiki W Koopu S Jones tries, Jones 3 goals Sea Eagles 20 B Kennedy 2 P Stephenson C Hicks tries, L Williamson 2 gls Halftime Warriors 18-10. Warriors: Brent Webb, Manu Vatuvei, Clinton Toopi, Simon Mannering, Todd Byrne, Sione Faumuina, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (C), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Monty Betham, Interchange: Iafeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Jerome Ropati, Louis Andersoni |
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| This was MVP Stacey Jones' NRL Finale and he duly left it to the last minutes to nail the winning try as he has invariably done in the big plays that matter. The "Little General" inspired the team when it looked like Manly would have toughed it out. He had a hand in 3 tries and kept the team on their game plan. Above, he applauds the Warriors fans who honoured him at Ericsson after the previous weeks clash with Newcastle |
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| H = home A = away Rd 14 H v Storm won 24-16 Rd 15 A v Eels lost 28-18 Rd 16 H v Broncos won 30-18 Rd 17 A v Cowboys lost 24-16 Rd 18 H v Bulldogs lost 24-26 Rd 19 A v Roosters won 24-22 Rd 20 H v Raiders won 24-16 Rd 21 A v Panthers lost 42-34 Rd 22 H v Eels lost 38-20 Rd 23 A v Storm lost 22-10 Rd 24 H v Knights lost 16-4 Rd 25 A v Manly won 22-20 Rd 26 Bye 3 Sep Warriors end of season |
| NRL Ladder Rd 26 end of regular season Eels 36 Dragons 36 Broncos 34 Tigers 32 Cowboys 32 Storm 30 Sharks 28 Sea Eagles 28 -------------------- Roosters 26 Panthers 26 Warriors 24 Bulldogs 23 Souths 23 Raiders 22 Knights 20 |
| Played Won Lost Bye For Against Points Standing
Final Results 24 10 14 2 515 528 24 11 of 15 home 5 7 away 5 7 |
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| Wests Tigers 30 defeat the North Queensland Cowboys 16
Sydney Olympic Stadium, Sunday October 2nd 2005 Crowd 82,354 Wests Tigers 30 Tries Daniel Fitzhenry, Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Laffranchi, Todd Payten, Pat Richards Goals Brett Hodgson (5) North Queensland Cowboys 16 Tries Sing, Norton, Bowen Goals Hannay 2 How the Tigers won "The message was, '25 to go, they've used nine and we've used six. Keep working them up the middle'." Tigers coach Tim Sheens confirmed it was the turning point, saying his players quickly appreciated the simplicity of the mathematics. The Cowboys had used 9 replacements, the Tigers 6 and there was a quarter of the match to go. Sheens reckons "We had to tire their forwards. We were going too wide too soon. It was letting them off the hook. Plus sending the ball to the flanks affected our kicking game in that we couldn't get in the right position to get a good kick away." "With the Cowboys' giant props, Paul Rauhihi and Shane Tronc, having to stay out there, we were able to exploit their problems moving laterally." The Cowboys were forced to replace Rauhihi twice, giving him only 47 minutes on the field, offering some insight into the pace of the game. The number of play-the-balls was 291, considerably fewer than the NRL record of 356 set in the 2003 grand final. But with 8 tries scored (5:3), compared to 4 (3:1) in the Panthers-Roosters grand final, more time was taken up with conversion attempts. Furthermore, there was a high ratio of second-phase play, with the ball kept alive, reducing the number of play-the-balls. Wests Tigers' Benji Marshall's improvisational style of always seeking supports, together with the Cowboys' second-half strategy of long shifts, sending the ball from side to side and back again, kept the play-the-ball count down. The Cowboys had slightly more ball but Wests Tigers used it better. The dummy-half running against a tired defence told in the statistics. Wests Tigers made 27 dummy-half runs for 255 metres; the Cowboys 19 runs for 175m. Sheens's team also tested the ruck defence with angled runs behind the markers, making 14 of them for 122m compared with the Cowboys' five for 45m. Sheens told a well-wisher: "There would be a few coaches tonight sitting there, asking themselves how did that happen? How did they get there? What did they do?" |
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| With all the attention on the changes at the Warriors, interchange prop Karl Temata wasted no time in signing a 2 year deal with the London Broncos and slipped into Heathrow last Tuesday 6 September. The hard nosed 27 year old (height:189cm, weight: 106kg) clocked on 52 games for the Warriors since debut against the Wests Tigers in September 2002. He joins former Warriors Thomas Leuluai and Mark Tookey for the Broncos remaining games as they push for a playoff spot in the Superleague. Broncos coach Tony Rea commented "This is a great opportunity for him and he'll be a valuable addition to the squad in the weeks ahead". No one could deny the solid hard working Te Mata, who like Paleaaesina called his shot knowing his prospects at the Warriors were limited to standing in the shadow of the awesome duo, Rueben Wiki and Steve Price. |
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| Karl Te Mata joins London Broncos 14 September |