Wellington Orcas play the Canterbury Bulls in a representative provincial match tomorrow (monday 2nd of june) 1.30pm at porriua park entry is $5 for adults free for kids.
INTERCEPTOR
Paleaaesina2the20
Last I saw the Bulls were up 28-14 at the 60min mark. Final score anyone?
mt.wellington
Warriors Orange Peeler
Contributor
DavidMcKay1974
mt.wellington
Warriors Orange Peeler
Contributor
Final score Canterbury Bulls 38- Wellington Orcas18
Centenary Shield match
Centenary Shield match
mt.wellington
Warriors Orange Peeler
Contributor
Unfit Orcas sunk by Canterbury
HAMISH BIDWELL
Better performances await once the national competition starts, apparently.
On yesterday's showing, Wellington won't trouble the top provincial rugby league sides in the country, come August.
Canterbury's 38-18 win over the Orcas, at Porirua Park, flattered the hosts, who were rarely in the game and could thank luck for a couple of their four tries. Wellington lacked fitness, punch and smarts, which didn't come as a shock to coach Mike Kuiti.
"To be honest we knew we were always going to be short of where we need to be, because we've got guys that we know will be coming back [to bolster the side]," Kuiti said.
"But it was a game that had to be played - it had already been jacked up from the year before - and we needed to try new guys in positions. They [Canterbury] are a good team. I don't know how much better they can get, but I know we can be a lot better."
Without naming names, Kuiti felt "four or five" better players would return to the fold for the proper part of the representative season.
In prop Paul Lemana, Kuiti has at least one willing worker in the pack. Halfback Petera Rikiriki-Williams, wing David Saumolia and centre Ray Lesoa also look like they have some talent that a coach could work with.
But the Orcas were definitely short on forwards capable of bending back Canterbury's defensive line, or players with organisational and ball-playing ability. "We didn't have the direction and that's where we struggled. We struggled last year for halfbacks and we're struggling again this year," he said.
"Petera went OK and Shaun Playford, who played fullback, did well. He was going to be the standoff but Anthony Utanga went down at training, so we had to [make a positional change].
"From last year we've lost 12 players, so it's a matter of watching club football and trying to fill the gaps again. I always knew we were going to struggle today, but I'm confident we'll be right."
Canterbury were the bigger, better side, although Wellington did have a reasonable opening 20 minutes, in which Rikiriki-Williams showed good footwork to turn a broken play into a try for Josh Kohika. Centre Denzil Hokianga scored a simple try off the back of one of the Orcas' few periods of pressure, while Lemana was the beneficiary of a Michael O'Brien kick that took a fluke bounce.
At that stage they led 14-12, but didn't look like scoring again for almost an hour, until Lesoa jinked his way over.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/10111419/Unfit-Orcas-sunk-by-Canterbury
HAMISH BIDWELL
Better performances await once the national competition starts, apparently.
On yesterday's showing, Wellington won't trouble the top provincial rugby league sides in the country, come August.
Canterbury's 38-18 win over the Orcas, at Porirua Park, flattered the hosts, who were rarely in the game and could thank luck for a couple of their four tries. Wellington lacked fitness, punch and smarts, which didn't come as a shock to coach Mike Kuiti.
"To be honest we knew we were always going to be short of where we need to be, because we've got guys that we know will be coming back [to bolster the side]," Kuiti said.
"But it was a game that had to be played - it had already been jacked up from the year before - and we needed to try new guys in positions. They [Canterbury] are a good team. I don't know how much better they can get, but I know we can be a lot better."
Without naming names, Kuiti felt "four or five" better players would return to the fold for the proper part of the representative season.
In prop Paul Lemana, Kuiti has at least one willing worker in the pack. Halfback Petera Rikiriki-Williams, wing David Saumolia and centre Ray Lesoa also look like they have some talent that a coach could work with.
But the Orcas were definitely short on forwards capable of bending back Canterbury's defensive line, or players with organisational and ball-playing ability. "We didn't have the direction and that's where we struggled. We struggled last year for halfbacks and we're struggling again this year," he said.
"Petera went OK and Shaun Playford, who played fullback, did well. He was going to be the standoff but Anthony Utanga went down at training, so we had to [make a positional change].
"From last year we've lost 12 players, so it's a matter of watching club football and trying to fill the gaps again. I always knew we were going to struggle today, but I'm confident we'll be right."
Canterbury were the bigger, better side, although Wellington did have a reasonable opening 20 minutes, in which Rikiriki-Williams showed good footwork to turn a broken play into a try for Josh Kohika. Centre Denzil Hokianga scored a simple try off the back of one of the Orcas' few periods of pressure, while Lemana was the beneficiary of a Michael O'Brien kick that took a fluke bounce.
At that stage they led 14-12, but didn't look like scoring again for almost an hour, until Lesoa jinked his way over.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/10111419/Unfit-Orcas-sunk-by-Canterbury
OMG
The new Canterbury Bulls coach was pleased with his rookies after a 38-18 win over the Wellington Orcas in the Centenary Shield rugby league match at Porirua.
Darrell Coad, celebrating his first game in charge of the Bulls after taking over from ex-Kiwi Mike Dorreen, said yesterday's performance gave Canterbury a platform to build on for the national provincial premiership campaign later in the season.
The Bulls, who led 22-14 at halftime, scored seven tries after weathering an early challenge from a young Wellington side.
Fullback Kasi Leka - a late addition after a hamstring injury to Ken Tofilau - dotted down twice for the Bulls and was joined on the scoresheet by brother Kyle, who captained Canterbury from the front row.
"Kasi had a good game at fullback, but he hurt himself taking a high ball early in the second half. He took a knock to the head and there was a bit of blood, so we decided to take him off because we didn't want to risk him this early in the season. We had to juggle things around a wee bit," Coad said.
Erwin Sauni moved to fullback, centre Bruce Havea took Sauni's spot on the wing and second rower Sean McDowell moved into the centres.
Vinnie Paul, who scored on debut, impressed Coad.
"He came in off his wing and looked for a lot of work, as did Erwin early on, before he went to fullback."
New scrumhalf Izic Placid also made a solid start.
"He had a good kicking game and directed the team very well," Coad said.
Former New Zealand Residents second rower James Baxendale scored a try on his representative return and kicked five conversions.
"James was very good on his feet and caused them a bit of havoc on the fringes," Coad said. "Dan Moevao and Jonny Limmer worked tirelessly too."
Coad said Wellington were "very enthusiastic" at the start of the game and defended well, but the Bulls rallied with Kasi Leka scoring his double and Paul and Baxendale also crossing the white chalk.
"We kept grinding away but we made a couple of early mistakes that kept them in the game in the first half," Coad said. "But we went a lot better in the second half. It was a good effort."
Havea, Kyle Leka and interchange forward Chris Bamford grabbed second-half tries for the Bulls, who held Wellington to one touchdown after the interval.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/10111514/New-blood-boosts-Bulls-in-shield-win
Darrell Coad, celebrating his first game in charge of the Bulls after taking over from ex-Kiwi Mike Dorreen, said yesterday's performance gave Canterbury a platform to build on for the national provincial premiership campaign later in the season.
The Bulls, who led 22-14 at halftime, scored seven tries after weathering an early challenge from a young Wellington side.
Fullback Kasi Leka - a late addition after a hamstring injury to Ken Tofilau - dotted down twice for the Bulls and was joined on the scoresheet by brother Kyle, who captained Canterbury from the front row.
"Kasi had a good game at fullback, but he hurt himself taking a high ball early in the second half. He took a knock to the head and there was a bit of blood, so we decided to take him off because we didn't want to risk him this early in the season. We had to juggle things around a wee bit," Coad said.
Erwin Sauni moved to fullback, centre Bruce Havea took Sauni's spot on the wing and second rower Sean McDowell moved into the centres.
Vinnie Paul, who scored on debut, impressed Coad.
"He came in off his wing and looked for a lot of work, as did Erwin early on, before he went to fullback."
New scrumhalf Izic Placid also made a solid start.
"He had a good kicking game and directed the team very well," Coad said.
Former New Zealand Residents second rower James Baxendale scored a try on his representative return and kicked five conversions.
"James was very good on his feet and caused them a bit of havoc on the fringes," Coad said. "Dan Moevao and Jonny Limmer worked tirelessly too."
Coad said Wellington were "very enthusiastic" at the start of the game and defended well, but the Bulls rallied with Kasi Leka scoring his double and Paul and Baxendale also crossing the white chalk.
"We kept grinding away but we made a couple of early mistakes that kept them in the game in the first half," Coad said. "But we went a lot better in the second half. It was a good effort."
Havea, Kyle Leka and interchange forward Chris Bamford grabbed second-half tries for the Bulls, who held Wellington to one touchdown after the interval.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/10111514/New-blood-boosts-Bulls-in-shield-win
Paleaaesina2the20
OMG
Lol at the big fat white boy, Bambi, an amazing talent at 19, JK centre, wicked footwork and fend, beautiful timing - exceptionally talented footballer, not all his own fault for not going further in League, shit happens sometimes.. Good to see him playing into his 30s.
Paleaaesina2the20
OMG
He got caught up in some bs charges right when the scouts were chasing him, and then went off the rails a bit.
was going to go this game but wasn't able to make it, would like to see local provincial rep matches better promoted and supported to a level were more people see games like this or next years one as the highest level of local league available in either wellington or canterbury, maybe get some warriors players talking about the game to promote on warriors website and social media, press etc it seeing as ben matulino and charlie gubb are from wellington theyd probly be mates with some of the dudes playing and it would help get some much needed media for local league players in these areas
found this online highlights of the game from earlier in the year
be interesting to see how wellington goes against canterbury in the inter zonal/ regional rep thing the nzrl runs at the end of the year, went to wellingtons 1st game on saturday against northern swords (northland?) wellington won 42 - 12
be interesting to see how wellington goes against canterbury in the inter zonal/ regional rep thing the nzrl runs at the end of the year, went to wellingtons 1st game on saturday against northern swords (northland?) wellington won 42 - 12
OMG
Canterbury have a decent team with a fair bit of experience in the side and a bit still to come back, they should have a good tourney..
Nice interview with Corey Lawrie
https://www.foxsportspulse.com/asso...ID=64815&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=31194122
Canterbury Bulls veteran Corey Lawrie is back for another season in the red and black jersey. He spoke to BRENDON EGAN about his rugby league journey.
Corey Lawrie is the last of a dying breed.
In 2007, he swapped his day job as a scaffolder for the bright lights of the National Rugby League competition after signing a one-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.
Lawrie's pathway to the NRL was an unconventional one.
He made his NRL debut at the age of 27 - securing a contract after impressing for the New Zealand Residents team and the Bulls in domestic rugby league.
For someone, who never played in any national age-group sides and whose only representative team was the Canterbury under-nines, it was a remarkable tale.
Lawrie, who is now 34, thinks it is becoming harder for late bloomers to break into the NRL.
It was difficult for players in their mid 20s, who were slow starters or ''went off the walls'', when they were younger, but it could be done.
''I think it's tough. If you really want to have a dig you really need to put yourself in the shop window of the Queensland Cup or the New South Wales Cup,'' Lawrie said.
For talented young New Zealand players it had never been easier to attract attention with the under-20 national youth competition and the Junior Kiwis.
Lawrie will be a key man for the Bulls when they begin their national zonal competition in New Plymouth today against last year's strugglers, the Central Vipers.
He is a vastly experienced second rower/loose forward, having debuted for Canterbury in 2002 and racking up ''about 85 games''.
Lawrie played four games for the Warriors during his one-year NRL stint. He had mixed emotions of his time at the club.
''I see it as a failure. I don't think I succeeded. I don't think I took the opportunity when I had the chance.
''You look back now and people say 'It must've been awesome', but for me, I look back and say if I was good enough, I'd get re-signed.''
Playing alongside rugby league legends Steve Price and Ruben Wiki was a special memory.
He became close friends with team-mates, Simon Mannering and Australians Grant Rovelli and Todd Byrne - people he still keeps in contact with.
''That's what I get the most out of, when I look back playing-wise. I guess that's more fulfilling.
''I'm maybe not the best player, but they still go out of their way to keep in contact.
One of the biggest lessons he learned from his time at the Warriors was to play to his strengths and not be afraid of making mistakes on the field. Lawrie was also hampered by an Osteitis pubis injury, which causes inflammation of the hips from overtraining.
''I didn't play my natural game. In the second year, if they gave me one more year, it would have been totally different. You're used to what you're doing and you feel like you belong.''
Lawrie made his first appearance for the Warriors early in the season in round five against the North Queensland Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium.
He thought coach Ivan Cleary would only give him two minutes at the end of the game, but he played 40 minutes in the Warriors' 34-14 win.
The sight of star Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston getting past him to score was an image he never forgets.
''He doesn't look very powerful. I thought, 'I'm going to whack him. I'm going to put a really good shot on him'. He went over the top of me. I held him up, but it went to the video ref and he gave it a try.''
Lawrie went to England the following year, where he played for National League Two side, Doncaster, coached by British league great Ellery Hanley.
It was a dream season for Lawrie, who produced the best football of his career. His strong play helped Doncaster to grand final victory over Oldham and promotion.
He attracted interest from Super League team Wakefield Trinity and two other top-flight clubs.
''It was hard, though, because I was a quota player.
''Teams only get four quota spots over there. It was a bit of a gamble taking a division two player.''
Lawrie, wife, Katie, and children Jayton and Sophie returned to Christchurch and his beloved Hornby Panthers club the next season.
The chance to pass on his wisdom to Canterbury's emerging rugby league talent was something Lawrie enjoyed.
He was excited about pulling on the red and black jersey again after missing last year's campaign through injury.
Lawrie believed the Bulls had a squad who were capable of competing with the pacesetters this season.
''There are a lot of young kids coming through in Canterbury rugby league. I said to Gripper [coach Darrell Coad] earlier in the year, I'm not sure I'm good enough to make the team.
''I'll take token jerseys when I can get them,'' he laughed.
Canterbury Bulls team to play Vipers:
Ken Tofilau (Halswell), Danny Latu (Linwood), Erwin Sauni (Halswell), Vinnie Paul (Aranui), Cyrus Timo-Latu (Aranui), Izic Placid (Papanui), Darren Tonihi (Papanui), Paradise Mann (Hornby), Manu Weepu (Halswell), Chris Bamford (Celebration) JJ Smith (Aranui), Corey Lawrie (Hornby), Dan Moevao (Halswell). Interchange: Toi Sepuloni (Halswell), Agaese Fiso (Linwood), John Tafua (Celebration), Vinnie Tusa (Halswell).
Nice interview with Corey Lawrie
https://www.foxsportspulse.com/asso...ID=64815&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=31194122
Canterbury Bulls veteran Corey Lawrie is back for another season in the red and black jersey. He spoke to BRENDON EGAN about his rugby league journey.
Corey Lawrie is the last of a dying breed.
In 2007, he swapped his day job as a scaffolder for the bright lights of the National Rugby League competition after signing a one-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.
Lawrie's pathway to the NRL was an unconventional one.
He made his NRL debut at the age of 27 - securing a contract after impressing for the New Zealand Residents team and the Bulls in domestic rugby league.
For someone, who never played in any national age-group sides and whose only representative team was the Canterbury under-nines, it was a remarkable tale.
Lawrie, who is now 34, thinks it is becoming harder for late bloomers to break into the NRL.
It was difficult for players in their mid 20s, who were slow starters or ''went off the walls'', when they were younger, but it could be done.
''I think it's tough. If you really want to have a dig you really need to put yourself in the shop window of the Queensland Cup or the New South Wales Cup,'' Lawrie said.
For talented young New Zealand players it had never been easier to attract attention with the under-20 national youth competition and the Junior Kiwis.
Lawrie will be a key man for the Bulls when they begin their national zonal competition in New Plymouth today against last year's strugglers, the Central Vipers.
He is a vastly experienced second rower/loose forward, having debuted for Canterbury in 2002 and racking up ''about 85 games''.
Lawrie played four games for the Warriors during his one-year NRL stint. He had mixed emotions of his time at the club.
''I see it as a failure. I don't think I succeeded. I don't think I took the opportunity when I had the chance.
''You look back now and people say 'It must've been awesome', but for me, I look back and say if I was good enough, I'd get re-signed.''
Playing alongside rugby league legends Steve Price and Ruben Wiki was a special memory.
He became close friends with team-mates, Simon Mannering and Australians Grant Rovelli and Todd Byrne - people he still keeps in contact with.
''That's what I get the most out of, when I look back playing-wise. I guess that's more fulfilling.
''I'm maybe not the best player, but they still go out of their way to keep in contact.
One of the biggest lessons he learned from his time at the Warriors was to play to his strengths and not be afraid of making mistakes on the field. Lawrie was also hampered by an Osteitis pubis injury, which causes inflammation of the hips from overtraining.
''I didn't play my natural game. In the second year, if they gave me one more year, it would have been totally different. You're used to what you're doing and you feel like you belong.''
Lawrie made his first appearance for the Warriors early in the season in round five against the North Queensland Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium.
He thought coach Ivan Cleary would only give him two minutes at the end of the game, but he played 40 minutes in the Warriors' 34-14 win.
The sight of star Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston getting past him to score was an image he never forgets.
''He doesn't look very powerful. I thought, 'I'm going to whack him. I'm going to put a really good shot on him'. He went over the top of me. I held him up, but it went to the video ref and he gave it a try.''
Lawrie went to England the following year, where he played for National League Two side, Doncaster, coached by British league great Ellery Hanley.
It was a dream season for Lawrie, who produced the best football of his career. His strong play helped Doncaster to grand final victory over Oldham and promotion.
He attracted interest from Super League team Wakefield Trinity and two other top-flight clubs.
''It was hard, though, because I was a quota player.
''Teams only get four quota spots over there. It was a bit of a gamble taking a division two player.''
Lawrie, wife, Katie, and children Jayton and Sophie returned to Christchurch and his beloved Hornby Panthers club the next season.
The chance to pass on his wisdom to Canterbury's emerging rugby league talent was something Lawrie enjoyed.
He was excited about pulling on the red and black jersey again after missing last year's campaign through injury.
Lawrie believed the Bulls had a squad who were capable of competing with the pacesetters this season.
''There are a lot of young kids coming through in Canterbury rugby league. I said to Gripper [coach Darrell Coad] earlier in the year, I'm not sure I'm good enough to make the team.
''I'll take token jerseys when I can get them,'' he laughed.
Canterbury Bulls team to play Vipers:
Ken Tofilau (Halswell), Danny Latu (Linwood), Erwin Sauni (Halswell), Vinnie Paul (Aranui), Cyrus Timo-Latu (Aranui), Izic Placid (Papanui), Darren Tonihi (Papanui), Paradise Mann (Hornby), Manu Weepu (Halswell), Chris Bamford (Celebration) JJ Smith (Aranui), Corey Lawrie (Hornby), Dan Moevao (Halswell). Interchange: Toi Sepuloni (Halswell), Agaese Fiso (Linwood), John Tafua (Celebration), Vinnie Tusa (Halswell).
Corey Lawrie came across a bit down in that interview hope the guys ok? he is a good player who achieved more than most in this sport played for canterbury bulls, nz residents, couple of nrl games for the warriors, semi pro level in uk and did the last couple of those things in his mid to late twenties something which is almost unheard of in the last 7 years or so since this under 20's comp started... many players never hit there peak til mid twenties but now days with extreme youth focus very few get that chance. Another thing to consider to is that a couple of NRL games is all a lot of 100's guys will ever get its a tough bussiness in more ways just the on field aspects of the game
Freddie Futler
Not sure where to put this?
A Canterbury rugby league legend, known at his club simply as 'The Godfather', has died suddenly during a training session on the eve of his 300th and final match.
Linwood Rugby League Football Club stalwart Marsden Mateni Tuli, 42, who was known as Teni, collapsed during training on Tuesday night.
He had just told teammates that his 300th game on Saturday would be his last.
A Canterbury rugby league legend, known at his club simply as 'The Godfather', has died suddenly during a training session on the eve of his 300th and final match.
Linwood Rugby League Football Club stalwart Marsden Mateni Tuli, 42, who was known as Teni, collapsed during training on Tuesday night.
He had just told teammates that his 300th game on Saturday would be his last.
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