wallacenz
Thats the problem with the Warriors fans, they think the Warriors have won a comp before they even play a game
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01 Jan 1970 12:00 PM |
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Our fowards would do well to watch the tape of Dylan Napa's performance against the Rabbits before they run out at the Cake Tin tomorrow night, he was a fucken brute.
I don't care who it is but someone's gotta throw self preservation out the window while still maintaining their discipline and rock these Bulldog fowards and do it early, Set the standard for the rest of the pack.
I don't care who it is but someone's gotta throw self preservation out the window while still maintaining their discipline and rock these Bulldog fowards and do it early, Set the standard for the rest of the pack.
bruce
"His Auckland coach Wayne Pivac, who along with assistant Paul Feeney has been instrumental in developing Fekitoa, says their protege still has some way to go. But he's considerably better than he was 12 months ago and in the world of professional rugby, it's those who don't stand still that thrive.
"My original assessment of Malakai was that he was a player whose positives outweighed the negatives," says Pivac. "We always felt that he was the sort of player who might make five line breaks in a game, maybe miss two tackles and throw one bad pass, so you would always be ahead. But because we felt he was coachable and had rugby smarts, that we'd see the balance in time tip more in favour of the positives."
Pivac has been proven right. Fekitoa has improved his defensive reading and post-line break awareness. He's tightened his handling and distribution, and while there is plenty more work to do, he's at a level now where he is, probably, the heir apparent to Conrad Smith."
So it was the Blues that didn't want him.
bruce
A basic requirement for playing rugby league. Our talent scouts need to consider that requirement before they sign players.
Then It's a sad indictment on proffesional players when they're not even meeting the basic requirements.
STEEDEN
Warriors eye dual dummy-half tactics
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden's decision this week to shift Tuimoala Lolohea into five-eighth effectively confirms his 2016 plans for not only the halves, but also the club's hooking rotation.
With Lolohea named at No.6 for Saturday's game against the Bulldogs in Wellington – and McFadden confirming his commitment to it being a long-term move – it all but ends speculation about where experienced playmaker Thomas Leuluai fits into the puzzle.
With no room in the halves and Issac Luke set to remain the starting hooker for the Warriors, Leuluai is now likely to play a bench utility role for the rest of the year barring any injuries to the club's spine.
"You never know how things pan out, but how we used Thomas on the weekend (off the bench as both a lock and hooker) is probably the way we will continue to use him," McFadden confirmed mid-week.
"He will probably get a bit more game time at dummy-half as well at some point.
"Thomas gives us a lot of flexibility as well because he can play a number of positions, he can play lock as well.
"There might be a time when both of them are on the field and working hand-in-hand [at hooker]."
The dual dummy-half tactic has been used to good effect by Wayne Bennett and the Broncos this year, with starting rake Andrew McCullough remaining on the field to play a middle forward role when fellow hooker Kodi Nikorima enters the game from the interchange bench.
According to Leuluai it's a style which could become more widespread in the NRL as teams learn to deal with the reduction in interchanges and the best ways to cover for players lost under the new head knock rules.
"I was playing as a lock or middle unit last weekend, we have done it a few times with the Kiwis in the past," Leuluai told NRL.com.
"I am more there just for backup in case there are injuries to key positions, but we will see where Cappy (McFadden) goes, he has talked about playing me though the middle or maybe giving Issac a rest if he needs it.
"Issac will be the dummy-half even when we are both on, but I will jump in when needed and then play through the middle as a loose forward.
"It's something they are trying out in the NRL a bit right now, obviously you need someone on the bench who can cover lots of positions in case there are injuries.
"It's becoming an interesting topic at the moment with the interchange changes and the head knock rules."
Last week, in his first game back from a ruptured ACL suffered in Round 10 last year, Leuluai made a solid impact off the bench, playing 31 minutes and running four times for 64 metres in addition to making a line break in the 34-18 loss to the Sea Eagles.
https://www.nrl.com/warriors-eye-dual-dummy-half-tactics/tabid/10874/newsid/94882/default.aspx
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden's decision this week to shift Tuimoala Lolohea into five-eighth effectively confirms his 2016 plans for not only the halves, but also the club's hooking rotation.
With Lolohea named at No.6 for Saturday's game against the Bulldogs in Wellington – and McFadden confirming his commitment to it being a long-term move – it all but ends speculation about where experienced playmaker Thomas Leuluai fits into the puzzle.
With no room in the halves and Issac Luke set to remain the starting hooker for the Warriors, Leuluai is now likely to play a bench utility role for the rest of the year barring any injuries to the club's spine.
"You never know how things pan out, but how we used Thomas on the weekend (off the bench as both a lock and hooker) is probably the way we will continue to use him," McFadden confirmed mid-week.
"He will probably get a bit more game time at dummy-half as well at some point.
"Thomas gives us a lot of flexibility as well because he can play a number of positions, he can play lock as well.
"There might be a time when both of them are on the field and working hand-in-hand [at hooker]."
The dual dummy-half tactic has been used to good effect by Wayne Bennett and the Broncos this year, with starting rake Andrew McCullough remaining on the field to play a middle forward role when fellow hooker Kodi Nikorima enters the game from the interchange bench.
According to Leuluai it's a style which could become more widespread in the NRL as teams learn to deal with the reduction in interchanges and the best ways to cover for players lost under the new head knock rules.
"I was playing as a lock or middle unit last weekend, we have done it a few times with the Kiwis in the past," Leuluai told NRL.com.
"I am more there just for backup in case there are injuries to key positions, but we will see where Cappy (McFadden) goes, he has talked about playing me though the middle or maybe giving Issac a rest if he needs it.
"Issac will be the dummy-half even when we are both on, but I will jump in when needed and then play through the middle as a loose forward.
"It's something they are trying out in the NRL a bit right now, obviously you need someone on the bench who can cover lots of positions in case there are injuries.
"It's becoming an interesting topic at the moment with the interchange changes and the head knock rules."
Last week, in his first game back from a ruptured ACL suffered in Round 10 last year, Leuluai made a solid impact off the bench, playing 31 minutes and running four times for 64 metres in addition to making a line break in the 34-18 loss to the Sea Eagles.
https://www.nrl.com/warriors-eye-dual-dummy-half-tactics/tabid/10874/newsid/94882/default.aspx
Ever Hopeful
Contributor
I asked this earlier, and since then all media and quotes seems to point to Robson not coming back to FG.
Will he come back to NZ at all (If he is in Aus with family as I assume)? I hope so, his experience in the NSW cup would be excellent to pass on to others, even if it does mean stifling the real-game experience of an up and comer.
He has had issues with hands and agility, but I hope he can end his time here well. He has been an honest tradesman for a long time now and this year would have been a big sacrifice and upheaval for the Robson family. It would nice if he could have a successful send-off in one way, shape or form.
Will he come back to NZ at all (If he is in Aus with family as I assume)? I hope so, his experience in the NSW cup would be excellent to pass on to others, even if it does mean stifling the real-game experience of an up and comer.
He has had issues with hands and agility, but I hope he can end his time here well. He has been an honest tradesman for a long time now and this year would have been a big sacrifice and upheaval for the Robson family. It would nice if he could have a successful send-off in one way, shape or form.
"His Auckland coach Wayne Pivac, who along with assistant Paul Feeney has been instrumental in developing Fekitoa, says their protege still has some way to go. But he's considerably better than he was 12 months ago and in the world of professional rugby, it's those who don't stand still that thrive.
"My original assessment of Malakai was that he was a player whose positives outweighed the negatives," says Pivac. "We always felt that he was the sort of player who might make five line breaks in a game, maybe miss two tackles and throw one bad pass, so you would always be ahead. But because we felt he was coachable and had rugby smarts, that we'd see the balance in time tip more in favour of the positives."
Pivac has been proven right. Fekitoa has improved his defensive reading and post-line break awareness. He's tightened his handling and distribution, and while there is plenty more work to do, he's at a level now where he is, probably, the heir apparent to Conrad Smith."
So it was the Blues that didn't want him.
As a highlander fan I see a lot of similarities between fekitoa and kata in terms of development, both have their flaws and have understood the need for improvement in their games.
I think Kata has learnt a lot defensively from last year, he has a great work rate and is keen to learn.
Unfortunately you can't say the same about Konnie at this point. Once kata sorts out his defence he can work on his distribution and he will be the total package.
jonno
He's a talent for sure, but I think he's been his own worst enemy.
No other club would have put up with his turning up to game one out of shape either. And his defense has been non existent at times.
I'm not sure what it is, but for some reason it feels like he's just taking the piss...
jonno
Thomas Leuluai is 5 9 and 86 kgs. So year play him at lock.. He's only 14 Kegs lighter than the next smallest NRL lock forward Paul Gallen.Warriors eye dual dummy-half tactics
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden's decision this week to shift Tuimoala Lolohea into five-eighth effectively confirms his 2016 plans for not only the halves, but also the club's hooking rotation.
With Lolohea named at No.6 for Saturday's game against the Bulldogs in Wellington – and McFadden confirming his commitment to it being a long-term move – it all but ends speculation about where experienced playmaker Thomas Leuluai fits into the puzzle.
With no room in the halves and Issac Luke set to remain the starting hooker for the Warriors, Leuluai is now likely to play a bench utility role for the rest of the year barring any injuries to the club's spine.
"You never know how things pan out, but how we used Thomas on the weekend (off the bench as both a lock and hooker) is probably the way we will continue to use him," McFadden confirmed mid-week.
"He will probably get a bit more game time at dummy-half as well at some point.
"Thomas gives us a lot of flexibility as well because he can play a number of positions, he can play lock as well.
"There might be a time when both of them are on the field and working hand-in-hand [at hooker]."
The dual dummy-half tactic has been used to good effect by Wayne Bennett and the Broncos this year, with starting rake Andrew McCullough remaining on the field to play a middle forward role when fellow hooker Kodi Nikorima enters the game from the interchange bench.
According to Leuluai it's a style which could become more widespread in the NRL as teams learn to deal with the reduction in interchanges and the best ways to cover for players lost under the new head knock rules.
"I was playing as a lock or middle unit last weekend, we have done it a few times with the Kiwis in the past," Leuluai told NRL.com.
"I am more there just for backup in case there are injuries to key positions, but we will see where Cappy (McFadden) goes, he has talked about playing me though the middle or maybe giving Issac a rest if he needs it.
"Issac will be the dummy-half even when we are both on, but I will jump in when needed and then play through the middle as a loose forward.
"It's something they are trying out in the NRL a bit right now, obviously you need someone on the bench who can cover lots of positions in case there are injuries.
"It's becoming an interesting topic at the moment with the interchange changes and the head knock rules."
Last week, in his first game back from a ruptured ACL suffered in Round 10 last year, Leuluai made a solid impact off the bench, playing 31 minutes and running four times for 64 metres in addition to making a line break in the 34-18 loss to the Sea Eagles.
https://www.nrl.com/warriors-eye-dual-dummy-half-tactics/tabid/10874/newsid/94882/default.aspx
Once were warriors, now just stupid...
DavidMcKay1974
Just received some great news, as an early birthday present I've been given tickets for tomorrow's night game, so I'm definatly going now. So I'm stoked. High up in the stands around the half way area. Last few years (wasn't there last year because was sick), I've been behind the goal line up in the right hand side.
jonno
That's a prime spot for some ref abusing...
snake77
Especially as we have been behind the trend of the competition and using the lock as an extra prop or having a bigger body in that role. The last few years have been better with Mannering there or interchanging him with Ikahihifo and this year we have Sao added to the mix.
Now with the interchange coming down we could be onto something. Or our forward pack could get beaten up even worse than they have been. I suppose that's why the games are played to see if the gamble will pay off or not. If it doesn't I'll be on hear on Saturday night bitching like the rest of you.
snake77
Hopefully he's just been given the weekend off and it is not due to a family issue. If he doesn't come back it will be disappointing and definitely a failed signing. He's been here all off season which you would think is the hardest time to be away from your family as during the season you get to travel back to Australia every few weeks and with the games he'd have something to focus on every week.
He would be useful to have in the lower grades to help develop the other halves. Also with such a long season if he waits things out there could be another opportunity in first grade.
I've underlined could as me being a fan I want the Johnson/Lolohea combination to succeed and we win and go on a big winning streak. As a player he needs to plug away and over the course of the season take an opportunity due to someone getting injured or due to lack of form.
snake77
That article gets brought up a lot as a failing of the Warriors and how union spotted the better player.
The article had nice timing with Fekitoa on the verge of making the All Blacks. If it was written a few years earlier comparing the two players in would have written like the Warriors picked up a block busting centre full of potential while the Blues at the time got a guy they weren't sure of keeping.
It was also written that the Blues had the choice of the two players and they went for the one they though was more of a well rounded player. The Blues may have chosen the right player but they also failed to get the best out of him similar to what could be argued with the Warriors and Hurrell.
Early birthday present or early practical joke?
Let us know at fulltime tomorrow and happy birthday, hope it's a good one.
Tonbridge (Swanley)
Does sound good with the perfect atmospheric conditions....
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