Diary of a Warriors fan - Another summer of hope

Aah, another season of NRL footy is just around the corner. The long, hot days of summer will soon be a memory as the miserable weather of winter is offset by the beginning of the NRL season.

 Rob Jefferies/Getty Images AsiaPac

Not much seems different this time around, hope that we'll see a victorious Warriors team at the end of the season is still countered by the fact that each year we're put through the same crap. Each year it looks like we've assembled a team capable of dominating the NRL, copious amounts of young talent, a few new signings and a forward pack to rival the man mountains around the league. Same again this season but I feel a bit different...

Because it is a bit different, just a bit though. I'd say our signings this year have been very specific buys. Sam Tomkins is all class, Jayson Bukuya is a replacement for Elijah Taylor who offers a lot more power than Taylor while Chad Townsend follows a host of Aussie halves to come to these shores. Who knows what happened with Harry Seijka last season, but Townsend has the pedigree as well as the form to make a mark this season. 

I'm not gonna hide it, I've got a bit of a crush on Matt Elliot. Obviously nothing more than an appreciation of his coaching ability and the fact that he's a bit creative. At the Nichey Niche, we're all a bit creative so creativity is definitely appreciated. This is where my hope stems from, a few very solid signings and a coach who has had time to chill with his lads, get to know our way of life and as is usually the case with the Warriors, there is a need to understand and relate to the younger lads. 

Ever since late last season when the Warriors boss dawgs had that press conference and laid down their plan for the future, our expectations were raised. The media laughed, rugby folk cringed as the on field action didn't resemble the boardroom ambition. It feels like the pot has been simmering for a while now ... ever since that final against the Roosters. I'm ready for that damn pot to explode, bring it on!

It's their State of Origin...

The foundations of a 'Rest of NZ' rugby league team

Like many kiwis, I love me some State of Origin

I support Queensland and will continue to do so when they loose to the New South Welshmen

But I love it cos they're Aussies and it's their history

Why people want the Poms and kiwis there, to me is a mystery

If a kiwi was involved, I would be too passionate

Especially if a kiwi and an Aussie got a little intimate

It's a lot better watching the Aussies beat each other up,

But seeing that lot play together so often kinda does suck.

So why don't we just do something on our own,

The Rest of NZ vs those who call Auckland home.

It doesn't need to be a made for TV event

State of O, Nines and Sevens you're not in danger

Just something for the league fans to savour

The Offseason Octopus

Another round of NRL trials and some more storylines to keep an eye on. The major performance came from the Cowboy's Michael Morgan who was their star performer at fullback of all places. Morgan is more known as a half or a centre, but impressed many with the ease at which he slotted in to fullback. Working in Morgan's favour is the fact that with his halves experience he can offer another play making option for the Cowboys which will ease the pressure on Jonathan Thurston and Robert Lui. Morgan also displayed the other side of a good fullback with his ability under the high ball and line breaking nous also on show. Cowboys coach Paul Green has a pretty tough decision on his hands with Zach Santo also doing himself no harm with an impressive 20 minute display at fullback. From all accounts Santo is an absolute live wire who could also provide a spark. An interesting side note, fellow fullback contenders Mathew Wright and Javid Bowen were made unavailable to the media. Opposition forward packs should be high alert as Jason Taumalolo also put in another barnstorming performance.

Michael Morgan - a fullback possibility for the Cowboys?Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac

There were a few other impressive performances around the grounds with Moses Mbye putting pressure on Michael Ennis at the Bulldogs ... as predicted. Mbye should get himself a bench spot offering a bit of attacking class. For the Newcastle Knights, Darius Boyd showed his play making ability as he slotted in to the halves to replace Jarrod Mullen and Dane Gagai shifted to fullback. Boyd is the type of fullback who can slot in easily in the halves as he generally finds himself out the back of second man plays shuffling the ball on to those outside him. He's big enough to mix it up in the front line and is obviously blessed with speed and footwork giving him a fine running game. With Kurt Gidley always struggling with injury, Boyd could be a more than capable filler.

The Warriors were very impressive in their demolition of the Brisbane Broncos with Chad Townsend showing why he has many at the Warriors excited. He was classy, demonstrating the kind of halves game that the Warriors have needed for a long time and did a fine job in defence. 

The Andrew Fifita saga is moving in to confusing territory as it appears that no one really knows what on earth is going to happen. He was at the Waratahs match over the weekend chilling with some management type of blokes who have ties with rugby. Then the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Fifita had resolved a management dispute which made a move to rugby a much better financial option. So who knows what the hell is going to happen here but the Sharks are now struggling to find some halves after Jeff Robson was taken from the field with an injury to his cheekbone. This means that Daniel Holdsworth is the man main as Todd Carney battles a hamstring injury, not where you want to be coming in to the season.

Daniel Holdsworth returns to an important role in the halves for Cronulla. Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac

All these injuries in the trials mean that we could see an early opportunity for many youngsters to get a run. Both Manly wingers are in doubt (Jorge Taufua, David Williams) while Josh Dugan was also injured for the Dragons. Both Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater are also under a bit of an injury cloud which could mean some exciting times in Melbourne. It seems that the players injured are all in important positions within their respective teams and many people will be eagerly anticipating the round one team lists.

At a recent general meeting of the NRL's most influential characters, CEO David Smith did a pretty fine job of presenting where the NRL is at and where it's heading. The idea is to build a large savings amount which would be able to fund further expansion, which will be done by Smith using his financial knowledge to enhance the NRL as a marketable entity. Pretty impressive all round and I'm pretty darn excited about the expansion possibility especially as the idea seems to be - do a whole lot of research, compare the facts and expand in to an area that genuinely expands the game. Franchises in Perth, somewhere in Queensland (Rockhampton/another Brisbane team) and Wellington are all options with my preference being in the order above. Rugby league in New Zealand has a lot of growth to do before a team in Wellington can be a viable option but it would be pretty awesome. 

The Lowdown on NRL trials #2

We get another opportunity this weekend to get in to the minds of NRL coaches as they get closer to establishing their top 17....

Charity Shield - Dragons vs Rabbitohs (Saturday)

Dragons half Sam Williams was pretty chuffed to be leaving the Raiders

• The Dragons now have a team who have a few more attacking weapons than just Josh Dugan. This will be our first glimpse at Gareth Widdop and Sam Williams working in tandem and their combination with Dugan will be vital - great opportunity for these three to build chemistry under pressure.
• Watch out for how the Dragons use Kyle Stanley coming off the bench. He's capable of playing in the halves and out a bit wider so it will be interesting to see how Steve Price uses him especially as he comes off yet another knee injury.
• The Rabbitohs have named Dylan Walker at six in place of the injured Luke Keary. Walker was a half through is junior footy and is extremely talented.

Raiders vs Knights

• We get another opportunity to have a look at Jack Ahearn and Mitch Cornish who will be vital to the Raiders this season. The Raiders look like a totally different team with Anthony Milford there as well as Edrick Lee. 
• What to make of this Raiders pack? They get talked up a great deal but never really deliver and this will be a good test for them as the Knights boast a typically tough pack full of gritty, experienced campaigners ... and Robbie Rochow.
• The Knights are now blessed with some fantastic depth with Pat Mata'utia, Josh Mantellato and Jake Mamo waiting in the wings for an opportunity. They have a chance to show their worth to Wayne Bennett this week.

Titans vs Cowboys

• I would really like to see some more power in the Titans back line but will have to settle with seeing Kalifa Fai Fai Loa and Siuatonga Likiliki on the bench. Both Maurice Blair and Brad Tighe will have to put in good performances to earn the right to start come round one especially against two of the best in Kane Linnett and Brent Tate for the Cowboys.
• The Cowboys still need to finalize a halves combo and a fullback. With Mathew Wright named, expect him to be given an opportunity to impress and he's my smokey to start at fullback for round one. Michael Morgan will be aiming to put some pressure on Robert Lui to partner Jonathan Thurston.
• Cameron King also gets a chance to seal a bench spot behind Ray Thompson at dummy half.

Cameron King has move north to Townsville for a fresh start.

Roosters vs Wigan

• Can't really see Wigan putting up much of a contest here as the Roosters have named a near full strength line up. Kane Evans impressed during the World Cup as well as the Nines and is a young, aggressive forward who will form a dangerous group of forwards coming off the bench
• Part of that group is Frenchman Remi Casty who will provide the grit and toil along with the impact of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Moa.

Sea Eagles vs Eels

• Will Hopoate gets to suit up in the blue and yellow for the first time and with the Eels also having Ryan Morgan as well as Willie Tonga, the Eels now have some depth and centre. 
• There aren't many teams in the NRL that can boast such a combination of skill and aggression in the forwards as the Eels. Darcy Lussick joins the young forwards who impressed at the Nines.
• Big props Josh Starling, Dunamis Lui, Ligi Sao and Jake Trbojevic will form a solid Manly forward pack that many thought would struggle following the loss of a few veterans.
• Both Masada Iosefa and Jayden Hodges will compete for the back up dummy half spot as Matt Ballin.

Sharks vs Tigers

Keith Lulia returns to the NRL with the Tigers

• We get a good glimpse in to the thinking of Mick Potter as he gives Braith Anasta the chance to partner young Luke Brooks. A good move as along with Robbie Farah there will be plenty of experience and support around Brooks.
• Does Keith Lulia still have what it takes to compete at NRL level? We'll have to wait and see, but if he does well then the Tigers will have a very solid centre pairing with Chris Lawrence looking to finally have a breakout season. 
• The Tigers pack is one to watch - skill, size, experience and youth.
• Not much to report on for the Sharks except the exclusion of Todd Carney thanks to injury. Pretty boring really.

Storm vs Easts Tigers

• The Storm have split their squad for two trials this weekend and this one is the young bunch. There are still some names to watch with Matt Duffie, Dayne Weston, George Rose, Junior Moors and Kenny Bromwich all suiting up.
• Both Dayne Weston and George Rose are both players who Craig Bellamy will love to work with. These are the type of forwards who have flourished under Bellamy and are two wise buys.

Warriors vs Broncos

• A good opportunity for Warriors fans to see the glue that will hold the Warriors defence together with Simon Mannering and Nathan Friend both getting a run. With plenty of attacking ability, these two never get the credit they deserve but will be vital to any success.
• I'm eager to see how both John Palavi and Tui Lolohea fit in to this group. Palavi has had big wraps on him for a while now and is the hard working back rower that the Warriors need while I also think Lolohea could slot in to dummy half as there is no other back up to Friend named.
• The Broncos are quietly forming a very good forward pack and with Corey Parker lining up at prop this week, they'll have plenty of mobility and skill.
• Kodi Nikorima really impressed at the Nines and gets a chance to partner Ben Hunt in the halves. Should he do well, things could get interesting with Ben Barba in the mix as well.

John Palavi gets an opportunity this week

Panthers vs Newton

• Dean Whare and Jamal Idris have been named as the centre pairing for the Panthers and these two could provide the Panthers with attacking options on both sides of the ruck. The Panthers have always needed to get some more attacking options so hopefully for Penrith fans, this could be the go.
• Brent Kite, Nigel Plum, Sam McKendry and Tim Grant could make the Panthers very difficult to get on top of through the middle. Nothing flashy about this group, but they'll do their jobs very well.
• Where does Kevin Naiqama fit in? David Simmons has done a fine job on the wing and is someone who will be very difficult to drop. With Josh Mansour an excitement machine, surely Ivan Cleary has to find space for Kevin Naiqama ... maybe on the bench, hmm interesting.

Bulldogs vs Storm

• Plenty of talent in the Bulldogs line up with plenty of competition for starting spots. In the centres, Moses Mbye comes in to contention and should be head and shoulders above Chase Stanley. Mbye will also be competing for a dummy half spot behind Michael Ennis.
• With Ben Hampton partnering Ben Roberts in the halves for the Storm, you get the feeling it could be a shoot out between Hampton and Cody Walker who will play against Easts Tigers for the starting six jersey. 
• Hymel Hunt, Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster and Young Tonumaipea are all young players for the Storm who are worthy of your time.

The NRL Nines, let's continue to be fantastic hosts

The NRL Nines was a fantastic event. Hands down, one of the best events Auckland has seen in a long time that wasn't rugby related. It showed just how big the NRL is in not only Auckland but New Zealand as a whole. Seeing local rugby league clubs packed with fans of all ages who just wanted a glimpse of their idols was amazing and then to see so many people celebrating rugby league, it really doesn't get any better than that...

Something really got on my nerve however,

There was a need to compare two events, which of these parties was better?

Which one was bigger?

Which one sold out?

Which event is more about the on field action?

And this one takes the cake...

Which event had the least amount of drunk people and evictions?

C'mon kiwis, can't the Wellington Sevens and the Auckland Nines just co-exist?

We seem to persist in caring about why so many people are getting drunk and having fun, instead of celebrating the fact that we can now call ourselves the host of two awesome events.

Who cares whether the NRL Nines is all about knowing the players involved

Who cares if people only go to the Wellington Sevens to get drunk and have a good time?

You'd struggle to find adults at Eden Park without a beer or a wine.

Everyone was having fun, they were loud and proud

Yikes, with our desire to point out which event people are more well behaved at as well as not allowing Odd Future in to New Zealand you would think the fun police had set up shop in the land of the long white cloud.

What we have seen and will continue to see is fantastic on field action.

In both the Nines and Sevens, superstars are born, giving coaches satisfaction

It is our opportunity to celebrate two sporting codes that are synonymous with New Zealand.

The NRL Nines showcased that we have two cities that can host awesome events

We like to think that we're pretty good hosts don't we?

So instead of this petty competition in which we belittle and boast,

Let's just continue to put on a show and be fine hosts

NRL Nines Preview

So it's almost here. One of the most anticipated events of 2014 is only a few days away and everyone is pretty darn excited. A lot of the talk was about the super star players but I see this event shooting a few young blokes in to the limelight as the competition acts as a stage for the best young talent. You're going to witness something fresh, something new and you're going to be treated to a rugby league fest. Whatever else happens? Who bloody cares! All I know is that there is going to be some delicious rugby league played. Here's my thoughts on the respective teams.

Roosters

• With no World Cup players in their squad, the Roosters will rely heavily on Mitchell Pearce to organise them around the park. They lack experience and don't have the tough forwards from their NRL squad so Pearce will have to make the most of the limited opportunities that I reckon the Roosters will have.
• Siosiua Taukeiaho is a familiar name to many Warriors fans and will be starting a fresh at the Roosters. Mainly an outside back, Taukeiaho has the speed and size to trouble many defenders and he'll be back playing in his home town.
• Two game breakers here for the Roosters - Dylan Napa and Isaac Liu. These two got plenty of game time last season and are absolute beasts. They are big, aggressive forwards who are both blessed with the ability to get around the park.

Siosiua Taukeiaho will be out to impress for the Roosters

Bulldogs

• The Bulldogs have a pretty underwhelming squad but do have a few players with speed and quick feet in Sam Perrett and Drury Low. These two are competing for a fullback spot this season but expect them to pop up every where at the Nines, providing a threat from anywhere on the park.
• In Dale Finucane and Josh Jackson you have two of the best young forwards in the league and two guys who can never be accused of not putting the effort in. These two will do a heap of work and will have to really muscle up against some of the bigger forwards.
• Tony Williams is in desperate need of a return to form and what better stage to do so? He has many of the skills needed to do well and hopefully we get to see the best of T-Rex.

Eels

• The Eels are my dark horse at the Nines thanks to a squad full of pace, power and play making ability. Unfortunately we won't get to see Will Hopoate who is injured, but the fact that Willie Tonga is captain will give the Eels some experience out wide to go with their young group of experienced, but young outside backs.
• This forward pack for the Eels is home to some of the most promising young forwards who fit the mould of the new style of forward. Peni Terepo, Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma'u as well as the great Fuifui Moimoi will all strike fear in to their opposition.
• Chris Sandow is a game breaker by himself but when teamed up with Corey Norman and Joseph Paulo, you have a lethal combination. These three can all put the play making responsibility on their backs as well as having the ability to break a game open by themselves.

Panthers

• Much like the Eels, I really like this squad from the Panthers and keep an eye on them to make a mark at the Nines. Their backline speaks for itself with Matt Moylan, Kevin Naiqama and Josh Mansour all capable of creating their own tries and are all excitement machines.
• Tyrone Peachey and Lewis Brown are about the same size and both have great speed and agility. Both will have to do plenty of hard work in the middle but once they have the ball they will be responsible for a lot of the attack.
• Halves who run the ball will be vital and we all know that Jamie Soward is at his best when he is running the ball. If we see a Jamie Soward who wants to run the ball then he will be the gamebreaker for the Panthers.

Titans

• The Titans backline has some of the fastest men in the NRL but also has some blokes with great power. William Zillman, David Mead and Kevin Gordon are the speed freaks while Kalifa Faifai Loa and Siutonga Likiliki offer the power. Anytime the ball gets wide, watch out.
• Much like Tony Williams, David Taylor has an opportunity to kick 2014 off with a bang. The Nines will provide Taylor with a chance to showcase his wide range of skills and natural ability. Whether he makes the impact that we want to see is up to him.
• Albert Kelly showed that he is a gambreaker last season so imagine what he could do with only nine blokes on the field!?

Rabbitohs

Youngster Irae Simone

• Don't expect too much from this Rabbioths team, but they have some young talent on display that is worth taking note of. With no Adam Reynolds, Luke Keary will take care of the play making duty while Irae Simone is a young Aucklander who has had a rapid promotion to the Nines squad.
• The Rabbitohs boast one of the best forward packs for this style of game with size, aggression and mobility the key factors. In Ben Te'o, Chris McQueen, Ben Lowe and John Sutton could have an edge over the bigger forwards of other teams.
• My pick for the Rabbitohs gamebreaker is Dylan Walker who could really have a big influence on the Nines. Having played in the halves throughout his junior years, Walker could step in to set up plays while also being able to beat defenders one on one out wide.

Cowboys

• I'm really interested to see how Lachlan Coote is going to fit in to this Cowboys group. Coote's arrival in Townsville sparks a new era and he has the ability to lead the Cowboys deep in to the Nines.
• With no Jonathan Thurston, the Cowboys will call upon Ray Thompson, Michael Morgan and Robert Lui to control the game. This three are all capable of doing so but have been inconsistent throughout their careers but the open spaces should allow them to do well.
• No forwards as big as Tariq Sims and Jason Taumalolo are anywhere as quick as these two. That is why they are the game breakers. 

Broncos

• How will Ben Barba start his career in a Brisbane jersey? The NRL Nines looks like it was designed for Barba but he'll have to be able to control the game as well as providing a threat in open play. Thanks to some inexperienced halves, the Broncos will look to Barba to provide leadership and direction
• The Broncos have named a very strong, but older forward pack which could hurt them. I don't think Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, David Stagg and Todd Lowrie will be able to keep up with all the young bucks running around but they will provide a tough, hard nosed edge to Brisbane
• Matt Gillett is my game breaker for the Broncos. He'll do a lot of the physical work but he will also make many opposition forwards miss tackles thanks to his unique running style.

Sea Eagles

• Daly Cherry-Evans will provide the best leadership from any half at the Nines. He'll be very smart with his kicking game and will bring the best out of the lads around him. DCE is also very quick and has great footwork so watch out for him making some big plays.
• Jamie Burher, Justin Horo and Tom Symonds are all designed for Nines so expect them to lay a good platform for the Sea Eagles. They are all mobile back rowers who have the skills to set plays up as well as not being shy of the tough stuff.
• Peta Hiku and Clint Gutherson are my game breakers for the Sea Eagles. They are both very difficult to tackle and have well rounded games which will enable Manly to attack from anywhere.

West Tigers

• This Tigers forward pack will make life very tough for their opposition as they are all big boys but also have plenty of skill. Aaron Woods, Adam Blair, Martin Taupau, Curtis Sironen and Cory Paterson should be able to get on top through the middle and set up plays for the flyers out wide.
• It may look like the Tigers are a bit short of play making ability, but in Robbie Farah they have a general who will lead the Tigers all round the park. Farah will have to be supported well by youngsters Mitchell Moses and Blake Austin or else teams will find it easy to defend against the Tigers.
• James Tedesco is the Tigers game breaker. He's lighting quick and has great footwork so expect to see him in some exciting plays.

Dragons

• Adam Quinlan and Sam Williams will be in charge of the Dragons which will be interesting. They are both relatively new to the Dragons first grade set up and will have to ensure that the firepower out wide gets plenty of ball.
• The Dragons forward pack doesn't look like it will cause much damage but they have some very handy young forwards. Jack de Belin, Tyson Frizell, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson and Trent Merrin are capable of doing a fine job at the Nines but whether they can do better than the other forward packs, I'm not sure.
• Obviously Josh Dugan is the game breaker for the Dragons. I don't think the Dragons will be able to compete with the firepower of many other teams, but in Dugan they have someone who can score from anywhere.

Storm

• Melbourne's outside back rotation will be very dangerous. Not only are they very athletic but they are all keen to do the tough stuff and won't make as many mistakes as others. Will Chambers, Matt Duffie, Sisa Waqa, Mahe Fonua and Justin O'Neil will be very difficult to defend against and score points against.
• Much like their back line, the Storm's forward pack is going to be tough to get the better of. Led by Ryan Hoffman, Tohu Harris and Kevin Proctor, there is a great balance of size and mobility.
• The halves. There seems to be a lack of genuine halves but this is why Joel Romelo, Slade Griffin and Cameron Munster are my game breakers. There job will be simple - to link the play between the forwards and backs and I think many teams will overlook the threat they will provide.

Sharks

• Nathan Gardner will be an excitement machine for the Sharks. He has a big point to prove after suffering a few injuries, but his speed and small size make will be perfect for troubling big forwards.
• The Sharks boast one of the most skillful forward packs at the Nines with Andrew Fifita and Paul Gallen both in the offload king category. Wade Graham has plenty of experience in the halves as well.
• Hard to go past Todd Carney as they game breaker here. Carney will be responsible for much of the Sharks attack and if he is able to not only set up his team mates but run the ball himself, he'll be difficult to handle.

Knights

Jake Mamo

• The Knights will look to Dane Gagai, Akuila Uate, Joseph Leilua and young Jake Mamo to make the most of any chances that are presented. They are all big and quick so expect to see plenty of highlights from them.
• Their forward pack is pretty boring but they'll do a great job in laying a platform for Jarrod Mullen to work from. The Knights forward's are all very experience and very tough so it will be interesting to see how they go.
• Jeremy Smith is the game breaker for the Knights. Not many teams have a player like Smith who will compete on every play and defend like his life depended on it. Very useful in this type of game.

Raiders

• The Raiders unfortunately lack much firepower compared to the other teams and a lot of the attacking responsibility will fall to youngsters Jack Ahearn, Mitch Cronin and Mitch Cornish. How the respond will influence how the Raiders perform.
• I really can't see the Raiders making much of an impact at the Nines. Their forward pack doesn't have enough size or mobility to trouble other teams.
• Reece Robinson is the game breaker as there isn't really much else. Robinson has the speed and agility to be a big player for the Raiders but I'm not sure how many opportunities he will get.

Warriors

• Compared to the Raiders, the Warriors have a team full of weapons. Speed and power is the name of the game with David Fusitua, Glen Fisi'ahi, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata and Ngani Laumpape all capable of setting the Nines on fire.
• The Warriors forward pack also provides plenty of reason to be excited. Charlie Gubb, Jayson Bukuya, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi and Sebastine Ikahihifo are all very athletic forwards but they will have to be able to stop other teams as well.
• Tuimoala Lolohea is the game breaker for the Warriors. With plenty of eyes on Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins, I'm picking Lolohea to be overlooked by many teams. He is very quick and will enjoy the opportunity to run at tired forwards.