Stay cool, Chanel. Glory comes to those who learn the art of patience.
Returning Warrior Blake Green looks to free up Chanel Harris-Tavita amid Kodi Nikorima speculation
stuff Marvin France
Blake Green is hoping to give rookie halves partner
Chanel Harris-Tavita a chance to take a "big breath and relax" when they reunite against the Knights this weekend.
Faced with the prospect of being replaced by Kiwis halfback
Kodi Nikorima in the coming weeks, it's advice
Harris-Tavita could well use off the field as well.
The 20-year-old five-eighth is set to team up with Green for the first time since his NRL debut in the round four win over Gold Coast, the Warriors' chief playmaker insisting he was good to go after three weeks out with a groin injury.
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Blake Green will return from a groin injury against the Knights this weekend.
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Blake Green will return from a groin injury against the Knights this weekend.
Green's expert game management has been sorely missed during that time as the Auckland club failed to win a game in his absence, despite coming close on all three occasions.
But the veteran halfback was hugely impressed by the way
Harris-Tavita shouldered the playmaking responsibilities, alongside makeshift halves
Peta Hiku and
Tohu Harris, in the face of so much adversity.
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Blake Green was impressed by the way
Chanel Harris-Tavita stepped up in his absence.
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Blake Green was impressed by the way
Chanel Harris-Tavita stepped up in his absence.
"It's been a tough job but I think he's been really good," Green said following Wednesday's training session.
"Three of his four NRL games he's played on his own without an experienced half next to him.
"He had some really nice moments in games. It's tough when you're out there playing on your own.
"He's obviously excited, [in the] early stages of his career. He's got a lot going on through his head but I think he's handled it really well."
Green said it was now up to him to take the pressure off in attack and allow
Harris-Tavita to play to his strengths on Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium.
"Hopefully he can just take a big breath and relax," he added.
"I'll do my best to make sure I can control the game and the way we move around the field as much as possible.
"He's got a bit of flair about him, Chanel, and hopefully he gets a chance to get some space and gets to show that on the weekend."
The combination may not last for long if the Warriors secure the mid-season transfer of
Nikorima from the Broncos, which Stuff understands is close to be being finalised.
That would almost surely see
Harris-Tavita drop out of the first grade side and the speculation and uncertainty over his place in the team could be difficult to handle for such a young player.
He at least had the experience of dealing with all the outside noise during the race to replace
Shaun Johnson in the pre-season.
And the well-travelled Green, who joined the Warriors from Manly at the end of 2017, urged
Harris-Tavita not to get distracted by things he couldn't control.
"It's not new any more, the way the game is. It sort of happens all the time.
"I found myself in that situation coming to the club over here. Obviously it wasn't during the season, it was at the end of the season.
"It's just part and parcel of the business now. Everyone just has to deal with it."
Quizzed on the prospect of playing next to
Nikorima, Green said: "He's the Kiwi No 7 mate, the best halfback you've got in the country.
"He's a very good player. If that eventuates, it eventuates."
Much will be expected of Green against the Knights as the Warriors look to improve on a 2-5 record.
Skipper
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and wing
David Fusitua (rib) have also been named to return, although the latter still has work to do before he is given the all clear.
After watching his teammates fall agonisingly short in each of the last three matches, Green is confident they were not far away from clicking.
"We've had a couple of close losses but our physicality's been really good. We've been competing hard," he said.
"It's only a matter of time, if we keep producing efforts like that things will turn for us. Hopefully it can start with a good result this week."
