Team List NYC 2014 - Round 1 vs Parramatta Line-Up + Discussion

[Fazz]

I'll be keeping an eye on James Taylor this year. I think he's got it in him to play first grade at some point. He's looked good in all of the games I've seen him in. Could be a good replacement for Lillyman in a few years as our token white boy prop.

Very interested in seeing how the English lads go too. Hopefully well. Even if they don't make it to the NRL down here, if we can send them back to Wigan in better shape than we got them, it will bode well for the relationship between our clubs.

 

[mt.wellington]

Where's Hukutai? Too old or injured?

Injured. He will be "out for a while". Last year with NYC and his current contract. Hope he gets a chance to prove something to the Warriors or any other club for that matter...

 

[Sup42]

I Even if they don't make it to the NRL down here, if we can send them back to Wigan in better shape than we got them, it will bode well for the relationship between our clubs.

It would indeed. Especially since they were two of Leeds Rhino's top Juniors...Wigan would be very greatfull

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

Last I spoke with him (mid October) he was still injured. Think he had knee surgery. I'll see what I can dig up.

ramraider78 is he still with the Hawks? Only lives down the road so you'd think he would...

He has never been with the Hawks because he was a permanent player in 20s. Hawks junior before rugby though I think.
HE had NRL potential as a winger - but no future in any position.

George Edwards - could be the next pita hiku - Skinny south Auckland Maori boy.
Made senior rep teams and while he not your traditional NRL potential player - just has a similar attitude to Hiku - humble give it a crack.

Guys like George Edwards & James Bell - would be playing for pocket money - but will rip in.

Watch Roache on Warriors coverage of - looked a real physical player.

Brad Abbey is a gun - he could be fast tracked like Lolohea and should be tomkins replacement in a few years.
He is still under 18 - so might be still at school.

Bunty Afoa - is NRL projected - still under 18.

Michael Ki plrayed for Parra last year from Papatoetoe High - not a bad player

 

[mt.wellington]

He has never been with the Hawks because he was a permanent player in 20s. Hawks junior before rugby though I think.

So he's been a Hawk then ?

NYC ROUND ONE | Nine debutants named
Richard Becht
Fri 7th March, 12:21AM

Junior Warriors' Head Coach Stacey Jones. Holden Cup Pre Season, Junior Warriors v Pt Chev Pirates at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 9th February 2014. Photo: photosport.co.nz

Club great Stacey Jones will have nine new faces in his Vodafone Junior Warriors side when he makes his NYC coaching debut in Sunday’s opening round clash against Parramatta at Pirtek Stadium (4.15pm kick-off local time; 6.15pm NZT).

Among the new faces named in the 18-man squad are fullback Brad Abbey and forward Bunty Afoa, like Jones both St Paul’s College products.

The other players in line for their first NYC appearances for the 2013 beaten grand finalists are wing George Edwards, standoff Nathaniel Roache, prop Jordan Baldwinson, second rower Matiu Love-Henry, loose forward James Bell and interchange forwards Semisi Tyrell and Mason Tonks.

Also playing for the Vodafone Junior Warriors for the first time will be back rower Michael Ki, who was actually in Parramatta’s NYC squad last year, playing twice.

The remaining eight players in the squad all have NYC experience with the Vodafone Junior Warriors, although only three players are backing up this week after playing in the 2013 grand final against Penrith (halfback Mason Lino, prop James Taylor and interchange forward Kouma Samson.

VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS v PARRAMATTA EELS

Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta

4.15pm, Sunday, March 09

VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS

1 BRAD ABBEY
2 GEORGE EDWARDS
3 LAFU FEAGAIGA
4 KEN MAUMALO
5 BRAXTON STANLEY
6 NATHANIEL ROACHE
7 MASON LINO (c)
8 JORDAN BALDWINSON
9 KURT ROBINSON
10 JAMES TAYLOR
11 MICHAEL KI
12 MATIU LOVE-HENRY
13 JAMES BELL
Interchange:
14 KOUMA SAMSON
15 SEMISI TYRELL
16 TOAFOFOA SIPLEY
17 MASON TONKS
18 BUNTY AFOA

COACH: STACEY JONES

https://www.warriors.co.nz/news/2014/03/07/nyc_round_one_nine_debutants_named.html

 

[DavidMcKay1974]

Will we see Jones one day coach the first grade side?

 

[Hitman82]

Will we see Jones one day coach the first grade side?

I'd probably prefer to have Australians / Brits in charge of the main team, just to keep it all a little more professional and less cuzzy-bro.
I don't know Jones personally of course, but I get the impression he isn't much of a hard-nose. My vision of him as our NYC coach is effectively the role of Yes Man to our coaching director (pretty much Elliot) and tactical guidance for young playmakers. I want him to replicate the systems and structures used in the NSWarriors and NRL side... consistency throughout will lead to far more fluent transition for promoted players. I get the feeling this is the direction in which our club is trying to head.

 

[ToiletDuck]

Will we see Jones one day coach the first grade side?

Ugh, only if he goes and does his apprenticeship somewhere else. And not an U20 apprenticeship. First grade coaching in the NRL, for a good period of time, with proven success.

 

[Hitman82]

Ugh, only if he goes and does his apprenticeship somewhere else. And not an U20 apprenticeship. First grade coaching in the NRL, for a good period of time, with proven success.

Stacey Jones Announced as Warriors Head Coach - seems like an ultra feel-good, cringe-worthy headline yeah? Maybe I am still grouchy after the Bluey debacle, but I just get pain in my gut every time someone suggests a locally produced coach for the Warriors. But yeah maybe if they are developed overseas and able to pick up tactics and systems of superior organisations.

But I do think Jones was a good choice for the under 20s. Partially as I don't really give a toss how they go in terms of results. I genuinely believe he will be good for attracting local talent and passing on experience and tactical nous... and if he proves to be a good coach in general, then that would be a nice bonus.

 

[ramraider78]

This team has speed to burn on paper, that's a fast back line with a few players with NYC experience. All of those kids picked were solid in the trials; never been sold on braxton really an thought he was ok in the trials.

Roache is a 6 now, should be interesting since I heard a whisper last year Steve price had been working with him on his kicking game at MAGS - this kid has a ton of pace; Confident with Lino steering the ship.

Propping rotation looks solid good mix of experience in there.

Jones has picked a well balanced team, excited to see how they go, for there 1st hit out under him.

 

[Sup42]

This team has speed to burn on paper, that's a fast back line with a few players with NYC experience. All of those kids picked were solid in the trials; never been sold on braxton really an thought he was ok in the trials.

Roache is a 6 now, should be interesting since I heard a whisper last year Steve price had been working with him on his kicking game at MAGS - this kid has a ton of pace; Confident with Lino steering the ship.

Propping rotation looks solid good mix of experience in there.

Jones has picked a well balanced team, excited to see how they go, for there 1st hit out under him.

Thanks bro, we're reliant on these posts to get a feel of the team, most of us have never heard of them.

Am I reading it right that Jones has gone for a future development team , growing some specialists maybe , instead of Aklands crude but effective best kids at Bullrush teams ?

 

[Weno]

That George Edwards played fullback for Kura in the Fox last year. He was real impressive for mine, didnt realise he was U20. Will be keeping an eye on him. Was probably Kura's best player.

He got game bro.

 

[ramraider78]

Thanks bro, we're reliant on these posts to get a feel of the team, most of us have never heard of them.

Am I reading it right that Jones has gone for a future development team , growing some specialists maybe , instead of Aklands crude but effective best kids at Bullrush teams ?

Michael Ki had IMO excellent footwork for guy his size,solid kick return in the trials. Robinson is solid at Hooker he gave us a hard time in the Fox last year, Tyrell is the utility on the bench we had him at center but he can play hooker.

Wait to you see Bunty Afoa (18 man) at full speed on the kick off, carries that ball up hard - definitely a regular in the 20's IMO - he was the most impressive prop in the trials , put his hand up for a spot , can bang as well on defense.

Yeah that's what I think Jones has gone for a future development team. Bro you should be rapt Papakura have 2x "Actual" Juniors in the 20's starting line up, Edwards and Bell. Edwards has a ton of Pace for a wing/center but Bell is the surprise package IMO tackling machine but was an excellent support runner in the trials - I never seen that from him before scoring tries.

 

[Sup42]

Michael Ki had IMO excellent footwork for guy his size,solid kick return in the trials. Robinson is solid at Hooker he gave us a hard time in the Fox last year, Tyrell is the utility on the bench we had him at center but he can play hooker.

Wait to you see Bunty Afoa (18 man) at full speed on the kick off, carries that ball up hard - definitely a regular in the 20's IMO - he was the most impressive prop in the trials , put his hand up for a spot , can bang as well on defense.

Yeah that's what I think Jones has gone for a future development team. Bro you should be rapt Papakura have 2x "Actual" Juniors in the 20's starting line up, Edwards and Bell. Edwards has a ton of Pace for a wing/center but Bell is the surprise package IMO tackling machine but was an excellent support runner in the trials - I never seen that from him before scoring tries.

lol @ actual true that no born and breds since Kelly Shelfford lett haha

Good news for the Auckland league nursery , Kura's population has changed from a working class semi Rural pakeha and Maori Army population to bro town. Kura High Feilds are packed out in the thousands with Whanau Touch teams.

Hopefully it's just the beginning and Kura finaly catches up with the rest of South Auckland , Big population now, big League swing , happy days.

Come on Mud Kura !!!

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

Michael Ki had IMO excellent footwork for guy his size,solid kick return in the trials. Robinson is solid at Hooker he gave us a hard time in the Fox last year, Tyrell is the utility on the bench we had him at center but he can play hooker.

Wait to you see Bunty Afoa (18 man) at full speed on the kick off, carries that ball up hard - definitely a regular in the 20's IMO - he was the most impressive prop in the trials , put his hand up for a spot , can bang as well on defense.

Yeah that's what I think Jones has gone for a future development team. Bro you should be rapt Papakura have 2x "Actual" Juniors in the 20's starting line up, Edwards and Bell. Edwards has a ton of Pace for a wing/center but Bell is the surprise package IMO tackling machine but was an excellent support runner in the trials - I never seen that from him before scoring tries.

Yeah Ki has enough size to be potential pick something up for next year imo.
Love-Henry is good just needs some more size. More a prop the 2nd row.

Tyrell is a bit of a braith anasta utility.
Hopefully he is fit / inshape. Watched him play on tv last year and had a bad knee and looked a bit overweight.

Your right re: papakura havent had too many nyc plalyers recently.Trent Bishop.
How are the hawks looking for Fox? I heard Roman Hifo left did he take any players with him.

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

lol @ actual true that no born and breds since Kelly Shelfford lett haha

Good news for the Auckland league nursery , Kura's population has changed from a working class semi Rural pakeha and Maori Army population to bro town. Kura High Feilds are packed out in the thousands with Whanau Touch teams.

Hopefully it's just the beginning and Kura finaly catches up with the rest of South Auckland , Big population now, big League swing , happy days.

Come on Mud Kura !!!

Kelly Shellford was from MAnurewa or Manukau wasnt he lol.
Even Taumlolo was really from Otahuhu.

Yeah Papakura has more a maori rather than a polynesian mix.
They have been good in the Fox recently - I think there school team.

I think it is good sometimes for junior stars to play for other clubs - to make them grow.
Did Papakura go after some more Mangere junior

 

[Sup42]

Kelly Shellford was from MAnurewa or Manukau wasnt he lol.
Even Taumlolo was really from Otahuhu.

Yeah Papakura has more a maori rather than a polynesian mix.
They have been good in the Fox recently - I think there school team.

I think it is good sometimes for junior stars to play for other clubs - to make them grow.
Did Papakura go after some more Mangere junior

Kelly moved , played seas eagles , left after U 16 grade.

 

[mt.wellington]

Did Papakura go after some more Mangere junior

With their budget this year, who havent they gone after?

Hawks have had a pretty rough start to the season. Head Coach died in a workplace accident. Who have you got there now ramraider78 ?

BTW if anyone is interested Otablu will be taking the Hawks to task tomorrow

Saturday 8th March 2014 – Four pre-season games. All games will be played on Walter Massey Park (our designated training area, behind our club rooms next to the soccer club) First game:
U18 Otahuhu Leopards vs U18 Mangere East Hawks 9.30am - Kick off – 2 halves

Second game:
U20 Otahuhu Leopards vs U20 Mangere East Hawks 11am - Kick off – 2 halves

Third game:
Premier 1st Papatoetoe Panthers vs Premier 1st Mangere East Hawks 12.30pm - Kick off – 2 halves

Final game:
Pat Walsh Challenge Cup Premier Otahuhu Leopards vs Premier Mangere East Hawks 2.30pm - Kick off – 2 halves

Shot ramraider78 for the heads up.

OTABLU OTABLU OTABLU!!!

 

[ramraider78]

Kelly Shellford was from MAnurewa or Manukau wasnt he lol.
Even Taumlolo was really from Otahuhu.

Yeah Papakura has more a maori rather than a polynesian mix.
They have been good in the Fox recently - I think there school team.

I think it is good sometimes for junior stars to play for other clubs - to make them grow.
Did Papakura go after some more Mangere junior

Yeah roman was a mistake letting him back in, a few following him over - but that move to Kura ain't for everyone, culture is different; I know i've been over there for a look and many of our juniors playing there still hang around the club telling us, it's for the $. Trustme Roman ran kura down to the ground to us , and 12 months later lol he bargained his way back in.

We are losing some NYC juniors, people in the 20's set up are telling our kids that same line to move to Howick or Papakura to make them grow - what a load of crap, both money clubs that have no decent juniors coming through. Funny that a NYC Junior said those exact words to us this week at training ,why he's leaving for Kura????? I don't think James Taylor developed much when he moved from Northcote over to Kura in 2012 - he was on good coin that year as well.

Hasn't come from the coach more the support staff I hear,about kids moving around to other clubs,so I'll take that back what I said about Jones last year on here,pushing south players to Pt Chev. Maybe James Bell might come to Mangere and grow more as a player????

 

[DANZ]

Kura definitely has the money - and they've attracted good talent to the club in the past few seasons.

The difference with Papakura this year is that they have Richie Blackmore in charge. He'll make use of that talent. They will have a big year.