Team List Preseason 2025 Trial 2 - Warriors vs Storm

[Ever Hopeful]

I feel we are playing Russian Roulette with an already thin squad by playing our firsts against these B-teams.

It is a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario. Last year I was super confident with our depth, and as it turned out we needed every bit of it, and still lost. This year...fuck me. Another couple of injuries early, and I genuinely worry about what comes next.

 

[Dantheman]

I feel we are playing Russian Roulette with an already thin squad by playing our firsts against these B-teams.

It is a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario. Last year I was super confident with out depth, and as it turned out we needed every bit of it, and still lost. This year...fuck me. Another couple of injuries early, and I genuinely worry about what comes next.

At least we can go into the season with 0 expectations.

 

[John Nick]

At least we can go into the season with 0 expectations.

No surprises there

 

[jumpman5xl]

NRL Physio expects 6-12 weeks for DWZ. Which is a concern considering our back up.
Capewell and Marata need a huge game against this B side storm otherwise if Leka/Demetric or even Laban has a big game for the Maoris I'd be starting them.
Honestly would rather have Pompey RTS left. CNK Leiataua Right side with Taine at the back.

 

[Beastmode]

i really dont need to see egan or Capewell in a trial
Take rest, its gonna be a long season..

 

[Zaggo]

i really dont need to see egan or Capewell in a trial
Take rest, its gonna be a long season..

Wouldn't surprise me if they got 30 mins or so then pulled.

 

[Inruin]

Wouldn't surprise me if they got 30 mins or so then pulled.

They get what now?

 

[WA Warrior]

They get what now?

Capewell got a bit more than that apparently

 

[Wrighty]

Rather than play a "B" team in one trial and an "A" team in another. The Warriors appear to be running A minus or B plus teams in both trials due to how new our combinations are. Especially our spine in a post SJ era.
I think this is a great idea. It is a gamble due to the risk of injuries. However our halves pairing of Metcalf and TMM did not gel well in the first trial so giving them another turn seems a master stroke to me. Otherwise the conservative play would have been to rest Metcalf at a minimum this game.
Here again is my guide sheet of what to expect from a new halves combo - this will be game two together. Previous games together have seen TMM at 7 and Luke at 6.

Wrighty and ChatGPT's guide to a new halves pairing:

• Game 1: Rough start with individual brilliance but poor synergy.
• Game 2: Early adjustments lead to better communication and fewer rushed decisions. (WE WILL BE HERE ON SATURDAY)
• Game 3: Building trust brings smoother transitions and improved support play.
• Game 4: Enhanced fluidity and tactical awareness lead to more cohesive plays.
• Game 5: An emerging, confident partnership that begins to influence the team’s overall strategy.

 

[Wrighty]

For those interested in watching a fair bit of league this weekend...

Volkman has the 7 jersey for Le Eel. Could be worth a sneaky watch.
Zyon Maiu’u has jersey 22 for Dogs.

 

[Billyspleen75]

The field dimensions at Waikato Stadium will be the same as Allegiant Stadium after the Warriors asked.

 

[roguei]

The field dimensions at Waikato Stadium will be the same as Allegiant Stadium after the Warriors asked.

That seems fairly wise of em. Anyone know what the dimensional difference will be then? I.e (-5 meters) wide etc.

 

[Billyspleen75]

That seems fairly wise of em. Anyone know what the dimensional difference will be then? I.e - 5 meters wide etc.

5.5m shorter and 5m narrower

 

[roguei]

5.5m shorter and 5m narrower

Bit of a bonus for us then for at least round 1. The smaller the field the more important our middle is and the harder it will be for a winger to get around the defensive line. Which would of been awful for DWZ style plays, giving him even less room on the edge.

 

[Warriorshopeful]

Was Hamilton where they had streakers ‘Storm’ the pitch last time there?

Think they had a game in the mount that was way worse?

 

[Wrighty]

Think they had a game in the mount that was way worse?

I want better behaviour from Hamilton this time please.

 

[WarriorsForever]

Think they had a game in the mount that was way worse?

Napier. Was at both Hamilton and Napier games and the game stopped for much longer

 

[roguei]

I want better behaviour from Hamilton this time please.

Only way to help make sure the behaviour and atmosphare is great, is to get out there and come along!

 

[WarriorsForever]

Pompey listed with a hand injury on nrl casualty ward. Due back for round 1 though

 

[Wrighty]

Pompey listed with a hand injury on nrl casualty ward. Due back for round 1 though

Thank goodness although sorry to be pessimistic but sometmes they slap a round one forecast on everyone and it easily turn into a few weeks later.