TeamList Preseason 2025 Trial 1 - Warriors vs Sharks

[Inruin]

TMM and Metcalf is the halves combo i wanted but i wasnt picking Metcalf in the on the ball 7 role tbh.

Strength's are more suited as a ball runner rather than distributor while TMM is the opposite. Im hoping for a bit of a mix n match between them with Metcalf taking responsibilty for getting the team into field position (sounds like he's been given the kicking duties), then id be more than happy TMM playing first receiver and running the attack in the red zone.

Definitely some things to watch for there

Basically mirrors my thoughts as well. Do you think they will line up 7 right and 6 left as we have done usually? I hope that we see what you have said with the mix and match approach. Hopefully that doesn't create confusion of roles and getting in each other's way. I thought last season when we simplified our approach we looked much better so will definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with the halves.

 

[Inruin]

Looking forward to seeing the 2 big signings jfh and Clark- Erin will be out to make a statement.
Also keen to see what vaimauga and mgt can do when they come on.
If they grab their opportunity that could solve some problems for us (bench impact and outside back depth).

I'd almost forgotten about Clark getting a crack at Tohu's vacant lock position. I like what he did at the titans and with the kiwis. Very different player to Tohu, certainly one to watch.

 

[BabylonPink]

Basically mirrors my thoughts as well. Do you think they will line up 7 right and 6 left as we have done usually? I hope that we see what you have said with the mix and match approach. Hopefully that doesn't create confusion of roles and getting in each other's way. I thought last season when we simplified our approach we looked much better so will definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with the halves.

Webby basically said as much they'll both play first and second receiver, but metcalf will have the keys as far as kicking goes

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Soooo what's the mood and conversation going to be like this time tomorrow?

Anyone think there will be surprises from the game or predictions? I'm keen to see our attacking structure and better organized defence. Watch JFH with ball in hand for the first time in a warriors jersey. Also will be interesting to see Jett get a run.

Typically trials lack structure and are more individual hitouts. Tries are from individual brilliance and the defence is pretty loose with combinations changing throughout the game.

We won’t use any set moves with our halves just shovel the ball on so we wont have much idea of how our halves play after the game.

Given we’ve got our best lineup against a B team though we should smash them, so expecting a positive experience and good feedback post game.

 

[Ramps]

I’d hope we invest a lot more in that area this year. It drained us last season, and we’re already off to a bad start.

The video with Montoya showcasing our facilities made them look pretty grim—tiny physio and ice bath areas. But wev we have one of the best gym's IMO. Compared to a similar-level club like the Cowboys, we’re below standard, let alone when stacked against the Broncos, Rabbitohs, and Roosters. Depth is always important, but it’s crazy how often we seem to be tested on that more than any other club.
On the other side though, with RTS out we are likely to see a lot more of Daeon Amituanai in first grade as a winger tommorw. Which i'm pretty pumped for. Hell of a penrith junior last year.

I like the look of him already. Tall, rangey but can move and finish well. Reminds me a bit of Joey Manu the way he moves. Surely already better than Kosi

 

[Wrighty]

GAME DAY
*****************************************************

 

[janfin]

The sign is all ready to go up plus I have been playing TT’s Simply The Best quite a few times these last few days …Bring it On .And guess what the Boy’s by 6

 

[Billyspleen75]

The sign is all ready to go up plus I have been playing TT’s Simply The Best quite a few times these last few days …Bring it on On .And guess what the Boy’s by 6

Taine Tuaupiki is Simply The Best.

 

[Wrighty]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tnBKaRApOI

 

[Falcon]

 

[snake77]

The closest trials have been deemed a waste of time or questioned by the clubs is when a star player has gotten injured and been ruled out for the season or a significant portion of the season.. There would be comments about are they still needed or comments about playing on the grounds that weren't NRL quality or harder due to the summer weather.

I'm pretty sure Stuart in his earlier days coaching questioned trials and threatened to skip them.

The clubs seem to have found a good medium with them now. Both in how they are scheduled with two trials a rest week and the season proper. Then also what they want to achieve.

• Star players get some match fitness in as their pre-season is often shorter.
• Fringe players get a chance to prove themselves.
• Recruits get a chance to build combinations with their new team mates.
• Players moving positions get game time to get used to the new position.
• Young guys get a chance against NRL level players. The club can assess if they are ready or not for first grade.

There is also a demand for them from the fans as we have seen the last few years where it has gone from one televised trial and finding streams to the trials getting televised.

The NRL have tried to add importance to them with the pre-season challenge concept. I'm not sure if that will take off or is really needed.

 

[John Nick]

The closest trials have been deemed a waste of time or questioned by the clubs is when a star player has gotten injured and been ruled out for the season or a significant portion of the season.. There would be comments about are they still needed or comments about playing on the grounds that weren't NRL quality or harder due to the summer weather.

I'm pretty sure Stuart in his earlier days coaching questioned trials and threatened to skip them.

The clubs seem to have found a good medium with them now. Both in how they are scheduled with two trials a rest week and the season proper. Then also what they want to achieve.

• Star players get some match fitness in as their pre-season is often shorter.
• Fringe players get a chance to prove themselves.
• Recruits get a chance to build combinations with their new team mates.
• Players moving positions get game time to get used to the new position.
• Young guys get a chance against NRL level players. The club can assess if they are ready or not for first grade.

There is also a demand for them from the fans as we have seen the last few years where it has gone from one televised trial and finding streams to the trials getting televised.

The NRL have tried to add importance to them with the pre-season challenge concept. I'm not sure if that will take off or is really needed.

Exactly Snake77

 

[Noitall]

Jason Costigan returning to commentate Warriors game

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Jason Costigan returning to commentate Warriors game

Thank God!

 

[Inruin]

Jason Costigan returning to commentate Warriors game

Home games only I hope. Will be an improvement for sure. Will need decent off siders in the box as well.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Basically mirrors my thoughts as well. Do you think they will line up 7 right and 6 left as we have done usually? I hope that we see what you have said with the mix and match approach. Hopefully that doesn't create confusion of roles and getting in each other's way. I thought last season when we simplified our approach we looked much better so will definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with the halves.

Id imagine with Metcalf doing the majority of the kicking he'd be on the right.

Even tho id rather TMM take control in the red zone not saying thats how it will play out. I just think it'd be silly with TMM being top 10 for both try and line break assists last year, and showing that his strength was putting people into space, not to run the shape when they attack the line.

I guess it'll be a work in progress how they interswitch between first and 2nd receivers, probably will need a bit of time together in these trials to get comfortable with it, but yes does have the potential to get muddled (as they say cant have two riders in the same saddle) so keeping it simple will be key.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Jason Costigan returning to commentate Warriors game

Great.....get to hear what hick towns these Aussie guys are from again

Improvement on what they had but was never a fan im afraid,

 

[WahsaurusRex]

80% of the proper starting team, hey?

Of course, RTS is in for Kosi, but then that makes me think Ford will still be starting in Laban's spot, and Tanah will actually be out 7, with Metcalf moving across and Martin dropping out?

I'd imagine if it were something like Niukore is actually in Labans spot, they would just do that now since Niukore is available

GAME DAY

Lord have mercy, I'm bout to busss

 

[Damo]

Trials are an opportunity for a proper hit out before the real games. Nothing more than that.

Most of the top 17 would have been penned in already.

Looking forward to seeing our general structure, fitness, and line speed when the top team is on. Final scoreline is irrelevant either way.

 

[John Nick]

Id imagine with Metcalf doing the majority of the kicking he'd be on the right.

Even tho id rather TMM take control in the red zone not saying thats how it will play out. I just think it'd be silly with TMM being top 10 for both try and line break assists last year, and showing that his strength was putting people into space, not to run the shape when they attack the line.

I guess it'll be a work in progress how they interswitch between first and 2nd receivers, probably will need a bit of time together in these trials to get comfortable with it, but yes does have the potential to get muddled (as they say cant have two riders in the same saddle) so keeping it simple will be key.

Not sure about Lukes kicking ability especially the long kicks.Work in progress as you say.