General 2022 Warriors vs Titans TRIAL GAME 2

[mt.wellington]

2022 Warriors vs Titans TRIAL GAME 2​

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 AT 5 PM UTC+13​

NRL Trial: Warriors vs. Titans​

​

Spots on the line in full dress rehearsal against Titans​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Tue 8 Feb 2022, 03:40 PM


Round one spots will be on the line when the Vodafone Warriors use their best available players in their second and final 2022 NRL trial at their new home Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe on Saturday, February 26 (2.00pm kick-off local time).

The hit-out against the Gold Coast Titans follows the Vodafone Warriors’ pipe opener against the Storm in Melbourne this Saturday (February 19).

The Vodafone Warriors are likely to mix and match their line-up for that trial, opting to give players from their wider squad time on the field.

It will be a different story against the Titans ahead of their first-round encounter with St George Illawarra at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, March 12 (4.30pm kick-off local time).

Quite apart from looking at combinations ahead of the season proper, the match is also a chance for the Vodafone Warriors to familiarise themselves with their home base for the 2022 season, a ground they have played at once before beating Canterbury Bankstown 24-10 there last year.

Vodafone Warriors assistant coach Stacey Jones says the players and staff can’t wait to see the results of months of preseason graft when they front up against the Titans.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to have a trial (at Moreton Daily Stadium) because we’ve done all our preseason here,” he said.

“We’re hoping we get lots of support from the locals and ex-pat Kiwis from around the area. This is our home now and we want to make it feel like that.”

While the Vodafone Warriors won’t be able to call on all their top-line players – most notably new captain Tohu Harris Harris – they’ll have a strong side on the park against the Titans.

“It’s our last hit out (before the season) and we’ll be playing near enough to our best squad that’s fit and healthy,” said Jones.

“We’re not focused on that just yet. We have players involved in the All Stars (on Saturday night). We’ll get through that first and then we’ve got our trial in Melbourne when a lot of players will be given an opportunity.”

The Vodafone Warriors’ build-up to the 2022 campaign closely mirrors last year’s when the Vodafone Warriors also faced the Titans in their final preseason rehearsal. On that occasion the teams drew 12-12 in Lismore before meeting again at Central Coast Stadium in the opening round of the NRL season.

This time they’ll have a sight of each other on February 26 and then face off again at Cbus Super Stadium in the second round of the season on March 19.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v GOLD COAST TITANS
Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
2.00pm, Saturday, February 26

Spots on the line in full dress rehearsal against Titans

Vodafone Warriors excited about final warm-up at new home base Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[kos]

Anyone going to this game from the GC.
I just looked up on train/train/bus its about a 3 hour trip each way!

I m not keen to lob another 300kms on my car as its main use is business and that lobs up the kms.

I ll give this game a miss live and watch it on tv.

A six hour return trip is a serious committment.

 

[matiunz]

Anyone going to this game from the GC.
I just looked up on train/train/bus its about a 3 hour trip each way!

I m not keen to lob another 300kms on my car as its main use is business and that lobs up the kms.

I ll give this game a miss live and watch it on tv.

A six hour return trip is a serious committment.

Done that with Canberra and (almost) Newcastle games
Not sure I’d do it for preseason though lol

 

[kos]

Yep.
I could walk to Mt smart from my old Auckland home.
You are right.
6 hours commute is a bit much for a trial game.

 

[Sup42]

Hopefully we see another game with good shape in the attack....that's Stacey Jones job ain't it?

More importantly we need to see the defence on point, yesterday the line started good (ignoring Dallin Watene-Zelezniak charging out of the line) the shape was good, individual lapses aside, straight line with some line speed then seriously started to disintegrate, which will happen with revolving Interchange and fatigue.

The guys look pretty fit though.

Hopefully they don't take the Titans lightly, if they do, they will get towelled up.

 

[Wrighty]

I think we should rest most of our first stringers next week except those who need a run ie
Kodi Ash Taylor Chanel Harris-Tavita in particular.
I guess Shaun Johnson will need to have a run as well.

 

[Sup42]

I think we should rest most of our first stringers next week except those who need a run ie
Kodi Ash Taylor Chanel Harris-Tavita in particular.
I guess Shaun Johnson will need to have a run as well.

I said something similar about resting too.

But according to attack coach Stacey Jones we are going to use our top line up.

 

[Wrighty]

I said something similar about resting too.

But according to attack coach Stacey Jones we are going to use our top line up.

Nobody else is playing their best in both pre season games
What do we know that everyone else doesn’t

 

[Lance155]

I think we should rest most of our first stringers next week except those who need a run ie
Kodi Ash Taylor Chanel Harris-Tavita in particular.
I guess Shaun Johnson will need to have a run as well.

I would rather roll the round 1 lineup or best possible line up. You can't protect your players all season so why bother for a game. Use it to move towards a fast start to the year

 

[Sup42]

Nobody else is playing their best in both pre season games
What do we know that everyone else doesn’t

Generally the top teams rest the starters because they know already they are top players who win you games
They know these stars will deliver the coaches plan without trials.

Low ranked sides like us have always had to give our top players a dress rehearsal because traditionally lower sides have a high turn over roster so combos form slower....which means a slower start to the season.

I guess it comes down to how secure your coach and leadership group are mentally.

The Warriors as a confidence side need to beat up a few teams to pump themselves up a bit.

Perhaps we will go well this year and that approach will no longer be needed.

 

[matiunz]

Nobody else is playing their best in both pre season games
What do we know that everyone else doesn’t

Usual trend is 1st trial use mainly squad members you want to see how they go, trial new positions, chuck new signings in to give them a chance to get amongst it , give guys coming back from injury a run and a few first graders to blow out some cobwebs.

2nd trial is usually closer to full strength, not risking injury doubts, giving a few of the wider squad who impressed another chance and trialling a couple of combinations your not sure of. Don’t want to go into week 1 completely cold.

 

[Beastmode]

I would rather roll the round 1 lineup or best possible line up. You can't protect your players all season so why bother for a game. Use it to move towards a fast start to the year

There’s a good reason why clubs rest their stars. It’s going to be another long season ahead. Two pre-trial games doesn’t sound like much, but it still drains you physically and mentally.

Selfishly I want to watch the top team play. But if I was coach I wouldn’t risk it. Too much to lose if someone gets injured.

Walsh’s headclash yesterday with Chanel Harris-Tavita for example. Could have been much worse . A fractured jaw and we would all be arguing a different story…

 

[Lance155]

There’s a good reason why clubs rest their stars. It’s going to be another long season ahead. Two pre-trial games doesn’t sound like much, but it still drains you physically and mentally.

Selfishly I want to watch the top team play. But if I was coach I wouldn’t risk it. Too much to lose if someone gets injured.

Walsh’s headclash yesterday with Chanel Harris-Tavita for example. Could have been much worse . A fractured jaw and we would all be arguing a different story…

But it isn't 2 games....it's a half of football at best. You have to have at least 20 - 30 minutes with your run on team. While the experienced guys don't need to trial others around need to trial with them. I.e going through 2 trials without Shaun Johnson then playing rd 1 with him is stupid. If noone had a trial then no issue but that is not the case

 

[Beastmode]

But it isn't 2 games....it's a half of football at best. You have to have at least 20 - 30 minutes with your run on team. While the experienced guys don't need to trial others around need to trial with them. I.e going through 2 trials without Shaun Johnson then playing rd 1 with him is stupid. If noone had a trial then no issue but that is not the case

Yeah, I was gonna say 20-30min max with the top team and hopefully they’re playing well when Brownie takes them off sounds reasonable.

 

[Blackdot]

A couple brief quotes from Browny on halves and fullback selections in the pre-season trials.

Brown reveals shock Walsh replacement candidate, how halves picture will be decided

The Warriors' coach has revealed where he is at with selections ahead of Round 1.

www.zerotackle.com

----------------------

New Zealand Warriors' coach Nathan Brown has revealed that Chanel Harris-Tavita is being earmarked as a potential replacement at fullback during the opening two rounds of the season.

The Warriors, who kick their season off with matches against the St George Illawarra Dragons on the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast Titans away from home, will be without the suspended Walsh for the those contests.

Analysis of the Warriors' best 17 shows that it would take either Dallin Watene-Zelezniak or Rocco Berry to move away from the wing or centre respectively to fill the position of Walsh.

The Warriors sprung a surprise an hour out from kick-off against the Melbourne Storm in their first pre-season trial however, pushing Walsh back to the bench with Harris-Tavita to start at the back.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Chanel Harris-Tavita of the Warriors during the round one NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium, on March 13, 2021, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Speaking to Fox League before the contest, Brown said Harris-Tavita is under consideration to take the spot at the back for the opening two weeks, with the Warriors having four halves at their disposal following the signature of Shaun Johnson.

Harris-Tavita was originally thought to be fighting for a spot in the halves for Round 1 alongside Kodi Nikorima and Ashley Taylor, who have been named to start today. Brown confirmed no one was favoured for the spot yet, with the two trials to play a big part.

"With Reece being suspended early in the year, we are going to have a bit of a shot at Chanel at fullback in the trials and see how that works out, so that will take care of one of them," Brown said.

"It's an interesting thing (selecting the halves). We don't have anyone favoured over anyone else.

"We will see how the form goes in the trials and to be honest with you, we are very confident Shaun will bring a lot to the table, so probably the one that gets his defence right, his kicking game right, will be the one we want to lean towards I'd imagine.

"Today and next week will tell a tale if Chanel can enjoy playing fullback and holds his gloves up there."

Brown also opened up on Ashley Taylor, revealing he "didn't enjoy his footy" for the last few years.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Ashley Taylor of the Titans kicks the ball in the warm up during the round 11 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Titans at Lottoland on May 24, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

"From what I understand, he didn't enjoy the last few years of his footy career," Brown said.

"I don't think he enjoyed being on the amount of money he was and being the face of the club.

"He is one of those young boys that enjoys the game of footy so first and foremost I suppose was seeing him at training happy, something that probably hasn't happened for Ash for a while.

"As a player, he is looking forward to not reading how much money he is on."

The Warriors will have a second trial next week against the Gold Coast Titans before they kick their season off in Round 1 against the Dragons.

 

[matiunz]

A couple brief quotes from Browny on halves and fullback selections in the pre-season trials.

Brown reveals shock Walsh replacement candidate, how halves picture will be decided

The Warriors' coach has revealed where he is at with selections ahead of Round 1.

www.zerotackle.com

----------------------

New Zealand Warriors' coach Nathan Brown has revealed that Chanel Harris-Tavita is being earmarked as a potential replacement at fullback during the opening two rounds of the season.

The Warriors, who kick their season off with matches against the St George Illawarra Dragons on the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast Titans away from home, will be without the suspended Walsh for the those contests.

Analysis of the Warriors' best 17 shows that it would take either Dallin Watene-Zelezniak or Rocco Berry to move away from the wing or centre respectively to fill the position of Walsh.

The Warriors sprung a surprise an hour out from kick-off against the Melbourne Storm in their first pre-season trial however, pushing Walsh back to the bench with Harris-Tavita to start at the back.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Chanel Harris-Tavita of the Warriors during the round one NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium, on March 13, 2021, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Speaking to Fox League before the contest, Brown said Harris-Tavita is under consideration to take the spot at the back for the opening two weeks, with the Warriors having four halves at their disposal following the signature of Shaun Johnson.

Harris-Tavita was originally thought to be fighting for a spot in the halves for Round 1 alongside Kodi Nikorima and Ashley Taylor, who have been named to start today. Brown confirmed no one was favoured for the spot yet, with the two trials to play a big part.

"With Reece being suspended early in the year, we are going to have a bit of a shot at Chanel at fullback in the trials and see how that works out, so that will take care of one of them," Brown said.

"It's an interesting thing (selecting the halves). We don't have anyone favoured over anyone else.

"We will see how the form goes in the trials and to be honest with you, we are very confident Shaun will bring a lot to the table, so probably the one that gets his defence right, his kicking game right, will be the one we want to lean towards I'd imagine.

"Today and next week will tell a tale if Chanel can enjoy playing fullback and holds his gloves up there."

Brown also opened up on Ashley Taylor, revealing he "didn't enjoy his footy" for the last few years.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Ashley Taylor of the Titans kicks the ball in the warm up during the round 11 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Titans at Lottoland on May 24, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

"From what I understand, he didn't enjoy the last few years of his footy career," Brown said.

"I don't think he enjoyed being on the amount of money he was and being the face of the club.

"He is one of those young boys that enjoys the game of footy so first and foremost I suppose was seeing him at training happy, something that probably hasn't happened for Ash for a while.

"As a player, he is looking forward to not reading how much money he is on."

The Warriors will have a second trial next week against the Gold Coast Titans before they kick their season off in Round 1 against the Dragons.

Reckon it’s just a sneaky move by Brown? Commentators can’t tell the difference between Chanel Harris-Tavita and Walsh so just name Chanel Harris-Tavita and roll out Walsh knowing they won’t know the difference anyways lol

 

[6Again]

Obviously another trial but after the last time we met the Titans I expect there to be some added fire. Wish I could be there to catch it live but will have to wait for round 1.

 

[Noitall]

Gold Coast Titans Coach Justin Holbrook has tested positive to COVID-19 today and will be in isolation for the next week.

He will miss Saturday’s trial game against the Warriors at Redcliffe.

 

[1995Warriorsfan]

Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

2.00pm, Saturday, February 26

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 Chanel HARRIS-TAVITA

2 Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK

3 Rocco BERRY

4 Viliami VAILEA

5 Marcelo MONTOYA

6 Kodi NIKORIMA

7 Shaun JOHNSON

8 Addin FONUA-BLAKE

9 Wayde EGAN

10 Bunty AFOA

11 Euan AITKEN

12 Eliesa KATOA

13 Josh CURRAN

Interchange:

14 Jazz TEVAGA

15 Otukinekina KEPU

16 Ben MURDOCH-MASILA

17 Aaron PENE

18 Bayley SIRONEN

20 Taniela OTUKOLO

21 Ash TAYLOR

22 Edward KOSI

 

[Waipiro]

Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

2.00pm, Saturday, February 26

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 Chanel HARRIS-TAVITA

2 Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK

3 Rocco BERRY

4 Viliami VAILEA

5 Marcelo MONTOYA

6 Kodi NIKORIMA

7 Shaun JOHNSON

8 Addin FONUA-BLAKE

9 Wayde EGAN

10 Bunty AFOA

11 Euan AITKEN

12 Eliesa KATOA

13 Josh CURRAN

Interchange:

14 Jazz TEVAGA

15 Otukinekina KEPU

16 Ben MURDOCH-MASILA

17 Aaron PENE

18 Bayley SIRONEN

20 Taniela OTUKOLO

21 Ash TAYLOR

22 Edward KOSI

That looks like the round one 13 to me. Pene first drop for the props seems logical too....