General Warriors Documentary

[bruce]

how bizarre he gets punted by the Warriors and then scores a job at Super League HQ.

He was CEO at the Adelaide Rams

Also interesting to hear the full back story around Greg Alexander and his brother passing away, wish he'd brought his brother in law MG to Auckland with him!

Passing away is a very polite term. He was driving with a blood alcohol level 3 times over the limit. If he had survived the crash he would have been vilified by the Press just the same as Greg Inglis recently, whose level was only 1.7 times the limit. So it is very sad, but nobody else's fault and he was just lucky he didn't kill anybody. My main gripe is that Ian Robson paid Greg Alexander his full contract with about a full season remaining. That is unheard of, and showed the loony side of Robson.

It was stupid to spend all that money but I wonder if I would look back so fondly on those first few seasons if they didn't.

A lot of died in the wool league fans were horrified about the entertainment. Graham Lowe was one I recall. One of the most pathetic examples was when they got the Village People as pre match entertainment. They arrived late and hadn't finished their set before the game was due to start. They objected and I remember one guy almost had to be dragged off stage so the game could begin. Sort of funny, except that the club is still paying for it.

Kept trying to remind myself as I watched it that maybe some people were pushing their own agendas - unfortunately I don't know who!

There was one agenda. The Australians were terrified at the strength of the game in Auckland and were determined to hobble it. Looking back at the highlights from the opening match that was a very good Warriors side. If John Monie hadn't cocked up by sending Joe Vagana on we would have been in the FIVE team playoffs. The Australians would have filled their pants, because with a team that talented anything could have happened. I don't think they ever wanted to kill the club though, I am sure of that, it was Super League that did that.

 

[Pozza]

He was CEO at the Adelaide Rams

Passing away is a very polite term. He was driving with a blood alcohol level 3 times over the limit. If he had survived the crash he would have been vilified by the Press just the same as Greg Inglis recently, whose level was only 1.7 times the limit. So it is very sad, but nobody else's fault and he was just lucky he didn't kill anybody. My main gripe is that Ian Robson paid Greg Alexander his full contract with about a full season remaining. That is unheard of, and showed the loony side of Robson.

A lot of died in the wool league fans were horrified about the entertainment. Graham Lowe was one I recall. One of the most pathetic examples was when they got the Village People as pre match entertainment. They arrived late and hadn't finished their set before the game was due to start. They objected and I remember one guy almost had to be dragged off stage so the game could begin. Sort of funny, except that the club is still paying for it.

There was one agenda. The Australians were terrified at the strength of the game in Auckland and were determined to hobble it. Looking back at the highlights from the opening match that was a very good Warriors side. If John Monie hadn't cocked up by sending Joe Vagana on we would have been in the FIVE team playoffs. The Australians would have filled their pants, because with a team that talented anything could have happened. I don't think they ever wanted to kill the club though, I am sure of that, it was Super League that did that.

He was never CEO at the Rams they only ever had three, Tim Pickup, Liz Dawson, and Michael O'Connor. I'm sure Robson was in charge of marketing for Super League after he was punted by the Warriors

 

[bruce]

He was never CEO at the Rams they only ever had three, Tim Pickup, Liz Dawson, and Michael O'Connor. I'm sure Robson was in charge of marketing for Super League after he was punted by the Warriors

My apologies, it was Liz Dawson from the Warriors I was thinking of.

 

[Johnnyray]

I really enjoyed the first episode, especially the old gear and visuals from that first season.

It was stupid to spend all that money but I wonder if I would look back so fondly on those first few seasons if they didn't.

I listen to a podcast called The Rugby League Digest and they're doing a big series around Super League. It was interesting to hear about the potential names that the Warriors could have been called : Volcanoes, Orcas, Bittermen and others. Warriors was definitely the right choice.

Also interesting to hear the full back story around Greg Alexander and his brother passing away, wish he'd brought his brother in law MG to Auckland with him!

If anybody is interested : https://www.theleaguedigest.com/episodes/2019/5/21/the-super-league-war-a-time-for-heroes-part-one

Auckland Lions was initial name for this team. This was name that was in Mt Albert leagues club original proposal to ARL (NRL) about putting team together for Winfeld Cup. Other names suggested for Warrriors were Volcanoes, Lavaheads, Vulcans, Titans, Spartans, Stringray's, Orcas, Mako's, Maori, Mana, Matai's, Chiefs, Chieftains, and my own personal favorite 'The Angry Natives'. Dude I don't know about you but I would support the shit out of team called 'The Angry Natives'...

 

[pbrown01123]

I really enjoyed the first episode, especially the old gear and visuals from that first season.

It was stupid to spend all that money but I wonder if I would look back so fondly on those first few seasons if they didn't.

I listen to a podcast called The Rugby League Digest and they're doing a big series around Super League. It was interesting to hear about the potential names that the Warriors could have been called : Volcanoes, Orcas, Bittermen and others. Warriors was definitely the right choice.

Also interesting to hear the full back story around Greg Alexander and his brother passing away, wish he'd brought his brother in law MG to Auckland with him!

If anybody is interested : https://www.theleaguedigest.com/episodes/2019/5/21/the-super-league-war-a-time-for-heroes-part-one

thanks for the link, not listened yet, but looks v interesting

 

[Worried2Death]

Auckland Lions was initial name for this team. This was name that was in Mt Albert leagues club original proposal to ARL (NRL) about putting team together for Winfeld Cup. Other names suggested for Warrriors were Volcanoes, Lavaheads, Vulcans, Titans, Spartans, Stringray's, Orcas, Mako's, Maori, Mana, Matai's, Chiefs, Chieftains, and my own personal favorite 'The Angry Natives'. Dude I don't know about you but I would support the shit out of team called 'The Angry Natives'...

If we went for the Titans and the Titans were the Warriors I wonder who'd have more trophies by now, I bet it's the Warriors.

 

[Johnnyray]

If we went for the Titans and the Titans were the Warriors I wonder who'd have more trophies by now, I bet it's the Warriors.

Apologies for going off topic here, I know I have said this before, but one thing I've always found fascinating is how in 1982 it was initially Cambelltown (along with Illawarra) that was going to be awarded an ARL (NRL) team but thanks to alot of political infighting and interference from a number of former members of Australian Parliament at time they got them to change their decision so that Canberra was given team instead of Cambelltown . We all know what Canberra end up calling themselves but do you know what Cambelltown was going to be eventually called ? The Warriors. It makes you wonder then if Cambelltown Warriors did exist in some alternative timeline what we would of end up naming ourselves instead. Not that it would really matter because in this timeline Parramatta Eels would probably still be called "Cumberland Fruitpickers" and Canterbury Bulldogs, "The Berries". Because you know, things that sound like a U.S college lacrosse team is definitely place you want to go when you're looking for names for a team in violent, bloody, brutal, rage driven, gladiatorial sport like rugby league.

 

[bruce]

Canberra was given team instead of Cambelltown .

If one were to be pedantic, it should have been called Quenbeyan or even NSW Western Division, because that was where all the talent came from, not Canberra.

 

[tHe_MaC]

(Mods please feel free to delete if deemed inappropriate or is against rules of this forum. Thanks).

Yeah, I found it pretty disappointing, great to see all the old footage but would've loved to get a bit more in-depth on the topics that were discussed...

Sky should've taken an ESPN 30 for 30 or HBO Sports Doco's attitude and dug deeper on all the topics. Or even just ask, how much more did DB offer than Lion? If chasing JK could be a chapter in a book, why not tell the story!? Maybe ask Robson if he had any regrets and if he would've done anything differently? How was it decided that they would go with Super League? I know we might know the answers to these questions from other sources but it would've been nice to hear it from the people involved.

The people interviewed just came and went without really telling their full story, how do you not interview John Monie? Why are you showing old interviews with Ridge? Sky obviously wasn't willing to fully invest in a proper documentary and it shows. It was so close but in the end falls well short of being anything more than as mentioned above, a bit of a fluff piece.

Also, "Auckland Warrior" who uploaded the video to Vimeo will have the second part up for those who are overseas as soon as he can.....

 

[bruce]

Or even just ask, how much more did DB offer than Lion?

I don't know it was a hell of a lot.

The board were caught in a bidding war started by DB. They did what they thought was the responsible thing and asked for a sealed tender. DB tendered higher end of story.

Where they were wrong is that it is standard practice not to pledge the contract to the highest bidder.

Lion had been the most staunch supporter of the game through thick and thin, and had earned some loyalty. Douglas Myers, although a rah rah through and through, had way more business sense than Brian Blake of DB and would have sorted out Robson, and the Aussies, as quick as anything. As somebody who knew Myers personally I can 100% guarantee that.

I doubt that Robson would have even got the job because he went to Christchurch instead of Auckland Airport. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall at an interview with Myers asking him to explain that. Myers wasn't averse to showboats like Robson working for him, but he did not tolerate dickheads at all.

So when they got the money, and installed Blake as Chairman, they allowed him to allow Robson to blow it. What a waste of a tendering exercise.

How sad, so really sad.

 

[mt.wellington]

Was never a fan of Ian Robson once I heard about how he was so frivolous with the clubs money but it was good to hear his input. The game day entertainment was largely unnecessary but I doubt anyone else could have pulled off the hype that surrounded the club with each new signing. He was a showmen and had a real natural streak for marketing. Anyone who experienced the 94-95 era will remember the endless press the team enjoyed as a direct result of Robson's managing. The media were clamouring for any Warriors related news. He would have been perfect to just launch the club then find a real CEO.

It was all the hype and glamour surrounding the Warriors entry into professional as well as the talent they were signing up had a large part to do with Rugby Union going professional. The All Blacks were always heavily opposed to turning the game professional but even they could see the writing on the wall. One of the final nails in the coffin were when the Warriors tried to sign Jonah Lomu.

Also great to hear from Brandy. He brought a lot of Aussie attention to the Warriors. Certainly wasn't his fault he was paid out for his last year. There isn't a person on the planet who would say no to that.

The whole travel payment thing was a big part of the reason that the club signed with Super League. SL was going to pay for all travel, accommodation as well as paying for a reserve grade team. In 1995 the Warriors reserve grade played in the Lion Red Cup under the Auckland City Vulcans banner. 1996 part of the Super League court injunction meant that the ARL would pay for travel as well as our reserve grade. Our reserve team would make the Grand Final and lose to the Sharks...

 

[mt.wellington]

Auckland Lions was initial name for this team. This was name that was in Mt Albert leagues club original proposal to ARL (NRL) about putting team together for Winfeld Cup. Other names suggested for Warrriors were Volcanoes, Lavaheads, Vulcans, Titans, Spartans, Stringray's, Orcas, Mako's, Maori, Mana, Matai's, Chiefs, Chieftains, and my own personal favorite 'The Angry Natives'. Dude I don't know about you but I would support the shit out of team called 'The Angry Natives'...

There were only ever 4 real names that were in contention. Warriors, Bombers, Volcanoes and Rams. These were all fan suggested names and DB BItter ran a competition to find a winner. Sadly for the winner the prize was a 5 year supply of DB Bitter . They also were meant to get a special jersey but I have never seen it or knew what it looked like...

 

[mt.wellington]

The board were caught in a bidding war started by DB. They did what they thought was the responsible thing and asked for a sealed tender. DB tendered higher end of story.

Where they were wrong is that it is standard practice not to pledge the contract to the highest bidder.

Rumours had the offer anywhere from $700K to $1.5 million. Truth was probably somewhere in the middle. Even after the tender had closed Lion Nathan came back with a higher offer still but the tender had closed and the deal was done. Lion took it for granted that they would be the main sponsor and got what they deserved when they lowballed the club...

 

[tHe_MaC]

See! That’s exactly what I mean!

Just in those posts alone, would’ve made for a far more interesting documentary to have been told those stories by the people involved in the process....

I mostly disappointed as an aspiring filmmaker who always wanted to make a comprehensive doco on the Warriors. Each part could easily be 2 hours not 1.

Robson proved he should’ve been nothing more than the Marketing Manager with a directive to build the hype much in the same way as he did in the beginning. But once the first game was done, slash his budget by 3/4. That’s when the play on the field becomes the best marketing and the money would’ve been far better invested in that from that point on.

Not to mention his lack of football knowledge and experience.... But that’s on the board who hired him.

One thing I am happy about is finally understanding why they chose John Monie. Heard many different things over the years but wanting the Warriors to play a similar style of footy to Wigan, with flare etc. makes sense. Just a shame he didn’t have a footall CEO to tell him where to go signing Platt and Betts.... Or a decent Football Manager who can count interchanges.

Which reminds me.... I so wanted Robson to just name the journalist who dobbed the warriors in. Again, another missed opportunity in the doco haha.

Anyway, here’s to part 2 just scratching the surface of the Anderson/Watson era dramas and leaving us wanting more.

 

[snake77]

Sadly for the winner the prize was a 5 year supply of DB Bitter

They probably have 4 years worth still left. Unless they used it to clear out roots down their drains or something. Toxic like Janolar that stuff.

Robson proved he should’ve been nothing more than the Marketing Manager with a directive to build the hype much in the same way as he did in the beginning. But once the first game was done, slash his budget by 3/4. That’s when the play on the field becomes the best marketing and the money would’ve been far better invested in that from that point on.

Pretty sure he was a Marketing Manager at the Sydney Swans before coming to the Warriors. Probably had someone a bit better with budgets above him than he was. Went like a kid in a candy store when he got here.

In pro wrestling they often talk about a guy called Vince Russo were went from the WWF to WCW. In the WWF he had a boss above him to filter out his crap ideas and keep him on track. WCW never had that, not just for him but anyone. Robson coming over here reminds me of that he probably lost his filter.

 

[Tragic]

Lol. I still buy db bitter when I see it. There is a wholesaler in whangarei I stop by when I am up there coz they always have it. A great side effect is that it seems to piss people off when you drink it, drives my mates nuts when I crack a db bitter and say " loyal to the bitter end"

 

[Worried2Death]

Lol. I still buy db bitter when I see it. There is a wholesaler in whangarei I stop by when I am up there coz they always have it. A great side effect is that it seems to piss people off when you drink it, drives my mates nuts when I crack a db bitter and say " loyal to the bitter end"

That's pretty tragic mate, was that you on the DB the night you burnt your 2017 jersey?

 

[bruce]

Robson proved he should’ve been nothing more than the Marketing Manager with a directive to build the hype much in the same way as he did in the beginning.

They actually had a very good marketing manager called Liz Dawson who they poached from the NZ Rugby Union. I think she worked very hard at her job. Liz then went on to be CEO of the Adelaide Rams. Robson was just a showboat, nothing more nothing less, except he had the chequebook with nobody supervising him.

One thing I am happy about is finally understanding why they chose John Monie.

I missed that bit.

The REAL reason they signed him is because he was apparently the best coach in the world, according to Peter McLeod the original Chairman. I liked Mathew Ridges opinion of him as a coach. What was that Bruce? He didn't really have one Bruce, he was sort of stuck for words.

The coach who wanted to come here was Tim Sheens, and he had the ability to land a few genuine Aussies, not a poor homesick little boy who was all sad because his brother got pissed and killed himself.

The merits of Sheens compared with Monie were well presented to the board by Dean Lonergan, but what would he know??

Apologies if I sound really pissed off, but I am.

This continuing disaster should never have happened.

Lion took it for granted that they would be the main sponsor and got what they deserved when they lowballed the club...

Excuse me, THEY got what THEY deserved, what about us???

Also great to hear from Brandy. He brought a lot of Aussie attention to the Warriors. Certainly wasn't his fault he was paid out for his last year. There isn't a person on the planet who would say no to that.

Yeah, like we needed attention and not players? Are you telling me he didn't go bawling his eyes out to Robson asking to be paid out. Unprofessional little twerp.

 

[mt.wellington]

Not to mention his lack of football knowledge and experience.... But that’s on the board who hired him.

Wasn't the Board that signed Robson. It was the Godfather Peter McLeod and he would go on to say in retrospect that it was the single worst thing he ever did when getting the club going...

Excuse me, THEY got what THEY deserved, what about us???

We got the richest sponsors contract in ARL history at the time...

 

[bruce]

Wasn't the Board that signed Robson. It was the Godfather Peter McLeod and he would go on to say in retrospect that it was the single worst thing he ever did when getting the club going...

On the advice of the NSWRL. That cannot be ignored. WTF would they recommend a dickhead like that? Because they knew he would wreck the joint. Mission accomplished.

Wasn't the Board that signed Robson. It was the Godfather Peter McLeod and he would go on to say in retrospect that it was the single worst thing he ever did when getting the club going...


We got the richest sponsors contract in ARL history at the time...

Along with it came a prize dickhead who demanded the Board Chair and proceeded to cover up the disaster to protect his superannuation.