Post Match Warriors v Knights - [Round 8, 2025]

[The Undertaker]

We never once looked like losing that game. From set 1, we looked hungrier and more effective than the knights and for me, it was just a matter of time before the floodgates opened. And that’s pretty much how it was.

Our defense was solid. I thought as a defensive unit, we were gritty and executed well on the hole. Clark was once again outstanding and a lock for POTY. What a gem we have found to replace Tohu!

Marata going into the middle is inspired - whilst there were a few errors there and a sin bin (a touch unlucky but that’s where the game is right now) I thought he did ok and added some steel alongside Egan Ford and Barnett. Bench prop is probably his bag now.

We bombed a few opportunities but we are creating! TT was unlucky - Dal prob would have score that though! CNK was unlucky - Leka was perhaps a touch naive with his running line.

Our team (despite OB injuries) is looking way more balanced with Demetric Leka and Jacob in the side. Wish Fish RTS and Dal not far away, it’s going to be tough on a few players who will ship back down to Cup. Our depth this year has really improved!

Pathways and an injection of classy young players have lifted this team into the best position we have had in years. And they look like a super happy squad too. Don’t underestimate how culture is impacting results. Maybe it was time for SJ Tohu AFB to leave to let others shine.

Really happy with the performance and still we haven’t hit our ceiling. Cows next at Magic Round.

Once again,, my favorite coach to batter in Toddy P. Mr Rejection has a few issues up there and the way we are playing, we should beat them.

Anzac Day wins are special and it’s another curse we have now shaken off. Only the Melbourne one remains.

Onwards to Brisbane. I hope Titans win today and beat Dogs next week.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Does anyone else feel the result is locked down when Barney and Clarke came back on the past few weeks? They just solidify the middle.

Add in JFH and the core of our pack is elite!

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Man, Tuaupiki is the nearly man.

Nearly makes breaks, nearly gets through holes, nearly scores tries.

Could be absolutely elite but just nearly elite.

 

[MaybeTop8]

Metcalf had his best game of the year last night. Leiataua probably his worst for me.

Clark, Capewell, Egan all had excellent games.

Again the attack was clunky, and you could see a faster team might have broken our defence more I think.

Thought Pompey played pretty well actually, Tuaupiki was quiet but yeah, a bit the nearly man.

Niukore not sure. There was a good work rate I thought tbh.

 

[Po11um]

Storm & broncos are still favorites to win title
Bulldogs & warriors are the dark horses
Sharks & raiders will go deep into the finals

 

[PhilsySH35]

Very good win. Lots to like, good team effort . Given all the changes a very satisfying nights work. In Webby we trust.

agree, think he (webby/cuddles) a huge determinant why we are winning so many games. must say I'm not too confident in lukey nowhe's been given plenty of opportunity to nail it, grab it by the scruff of the neck, he did a little bit, I may have too high of expectation for Lukey, he's not SJ "sigh" beggars can't b choosers I suppose, give him a pass mark. thought the crowd a bit rowdy during the singing of the ozzy anthem, bit disrespectful - or is it just me? - still glad for the win.

 

[PhilsySH35]

Metcalf had his best game of the year last night. Leiataua probably his worst for me.

Clark, Capewell, Egan all had excellent games.

Again the attack was clunky, and you could see a faster team might have broken our defence more I think.

Thought Pompey played pretty well actually, Tuaupiki was quiet but yeah, a bit the nearly man.

Niukore not sure. There was a good work rate I thought tbh.

agree.

 

[Boston Boy]

Leiataua probably his worst for me.

It felt like he was really getting his attacking game going on the right next to Tuaupiki, and now we have a defensive Berry who offers much less. I feel like Berry coming in on the right and shifting Ali over to the left is a big net negative for the team. We have lost major strike, and it was one of the main places we could count on.

 

[VB89]

Ponga looks like hes checked out. Body language/interview after the game. No real effort in the game.

But didnt anyone spy him discreetly singing the Kiwi national anthem???

 

[MaybeTop8]

It felt like he was really getting his attacking game going on the right next to Tuaupiki, and now we have a defensive Berry who offers much less. I feel like Berry coming in on the right and shifting Ali over to the left is a big net negative for the team. We have lost major strike, and it was one of the main places we could count on.

Yeah, centre is tricky eh, with Leiataua still learning his craft too. Rocco is clearly first grade game shy and will get better, but will it be fast enough for where the squad's at?

All of this is moot while we're in a good position, and the pleasing thing most of all which I forgot to mention - it's most definitely a team effort. Given the at times crap attack it needs to be, but we're winning ugly - and consistently. That's signs of a good team right now.

 

[VB89]

Man, Tuaupiki is the nearly man.

Nearly makes breaks, nearly gets through holes, nearly scores tries.

Could be absolutely elite but just nearly elite.

Keano Kini lite

 

[Citygirl]

Loved to see this quote from Erin Clark

“I’m happy here, bro,’’ the Kiwis international said. ”I’m valued here and I’m learning heaps under this coaching staff and the players.“

 

[VB89]

Best game at halfback from Metcalf. He's coming along. He could easily be a top tier/x factor halfback if he can combine good playmaking with his running game

 

[sydneywarrior92]

Did the old NEXT 5 (games) on our table and what season defining next five games in front of us! Currently #3 we will face (as it currently stands) #8,#7, #10, #5 & #9. Brokeback Boys, Drag Queens, Flippers, Faders, Lettuce Munchers. It’s quite the line up

so many !

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Happy with the 2 points but our attack is terrible.

Jesus, if our attacks terrible Newcastle's is absolutely non existent! Before last night they had only scored 60 points all season. Ponga, Best, Gagai, Marzhew...it's not like they don't possess any strike....looks like they need a coaching clean out and it'll happen sooner rather than later.

 

[dylpickle]

I feel our 17th man needs to be a Healy/TMM/Boyd kinda body instead of a prop warming the seats not getting minutes. Poor old Bunty gets subbed in then 2 minutes later he is subbed out for 30 minutes.

 

[Noitall]

Something going on with Ponga becoming clear to see

 

[1995warriorsfan]

So we are 2nd, wow !!

Now 3rd, could be 4th by end of the weekend, but this is still way beyond all my expectations for this year.

 

[Classicrockdave]

agree, think he (webby/cuddles) a huge determinant why we are winning so many games. must say I'm not too confident in lukey nowhe's been given plenty of opportunity to nail it, grab it by the scruff of the neck, he did a little bit, I may have too high of expectation for Lukey, he's not SJ "sigh" beggars can't b choosers I suppose, give him a pass mark. thought the crowd a bit rowdy during the singing of the ozzy anthem, bit disrespectful - or is it just me? - still glad for the win.

Don’t think you can compare Luke to Shaun at this early stage of Luke’s playing career. I say Luke so far had a better season this year than Shaun’s 2024. Until Luke reaches the milestones that Johnson made then then make a comparison, until then sit back and watch Luke grow to the player he aspires to become.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

starting to notice the absence of dal off the back fence and roger through the middle. Our OBs are trying but they aren’t going to get the set off to much of a fast start

we're still in the top 3 for total run meters and post contact meters even without DWZ and RTS. So we're not as reliant on our wingers for meters as we have been in the past when we've had a soft pack. Just imagine how much more dominant we are going to be in the ruck when we re-introduce the DWZ and RTS hit-ups and JFH's steely middle defense back into our gameplan. Just gotta hold out until our triple bangers are back.