Aotearoa Warriors finally released their squad of 22 and Brisbane Broncos added another kiwi to their roster, ensuring that the first ever Women's Premiership will feature a heavy dose of #KiwiNRL wahine.
Losing to Gold Coast Titans, or more specifically being blown off the park in the second half by the Titans, wasn't so tough to stomach knowing that there were plenty of young lads playing big minutes on the GC. The issue was and now is, that Aotearoa Warriors have to get a couple wins against really good footy teams in their last five games.
Wellington’s Jahrome Hughes is holding it down at halfback for Melbourne Storm, Moeaki Fotuaika is a beast off the bench for Gold Coast Titans and three NRL teams have named all #KiwiNRL wing combos for round 21 of the NRL.
The emergence of Esan Marsters has blown the Aotearoa Kiwis battle for centre spots up and now Joseph Manu is chiming in, after a strong performance for Sydney Roosters in their big win over St George Illawara Dragons
"A really big opportunity missed today" said Shaun Johnson after New Zealand Warriors loss to Gold Coast Titans. Coach Stephen Kearney said it was a wee bit soft and when you're desperately trying to stay in the top-8 after sitting in the NRL wilderness, those aren't great reflections on a late-season performance.
Last week it was Blake Green who was a late scratching from the Warriors team, this week Issac Luke and Tohu Harris have been omitted from the initial Warriors team to face Gold Coast Titans.
Jordan Pereira is back for his second NRL game on the wing for St George Illarawa Dragons, Joseph Tapine is back for Canberra Raiders and there are a few prospects lurking on extended benches for round 20.
The #KiwiNRL glory is only getting funkier and funkier as we get a steady supply of fresh faces and the established players are moving into high-pressure footy. Round 19 saw Jordan Pereira debut for St George Illawara Dragons and Jordan Rapana roll through another fantastic effort from the wing for Canberra Raiders, both of whom are from Wellington.
As we wait for injured troops to get back into selection equation for Aotearoa Warriors ahead of Finals footy, the only real conundrum for coach Stephen Kearney is what to do at centre. Or more to the point; what to do with Peta Hiku.
Aotearoa Warriors did a fine job of making it hard for a full-strength Melbourne Storm team to win at Mt Smart, unfortunately the hosts also made it damn hard for themselves to win and were their own worst enemy.
Having earned an Aotearoa Kiwis call up on the wing, Jamayne Isaako appears to be in line for a steady crack at the Brisbane Broncos fullback gig after sealing a long-term deal to stay in Brisbane.
Remember the Anzac Day hiding Melbourne Storm served up to Aotearoa Warriors? I can almost guarantee that won't happen this Sunday at Mt Smart, like, surely not.
News of Simon Mannering's retirement from professional rugby league struck like a taiaha to the heart, although to go out on top, on his own terms and having played his role in the winds of change through Mt Smart, is the perfect scenario for Lord Mannering.
Wests Tigers have a full #KiwiNRL forward pack, but can they stop the Rabbitohs? Brad Abbey is back for Canberra Raiders, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is back for Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm’s Aucklanders return home.
Despite apparent interest from Australian NRL clubs, Tevita Satae has re-signed with Aotearoa Warriors for three more years and we now wait to see whether Simon Mannering and Issac Luke want to keep riding the Warriors waka.
We haven't seen Jesse Bromwich play for Aotearoa for over a year, we've barely seen the older Bromwich bro play NRL footy for Melbourne Storm this season.
In recent weeks, I have settled into the position as Aotearoa Warriors spiritual guru and an impressive win over Brisbane Broncos, in Brisbane only reinforces the need for such a perspective.
As LeBron James swung his sword of power and slid into Los Angeles Lakers folklore, Cameron Smith was kicking back during State of Origin, enjoying a couple days free time and playing games for Melbourne Storm during the Origin window for the first time in 15 years
The 2018 Aotearoa Warriors season has featured many weeks in which I approach the weekend's footy with great excitement, this week it's all nerves as the Warriors take on Brisbane Broncos.
Caleb Aekins will make his NRL debut at fullback for Penrith Panthers and he joins fellow Northlanders James Fisher-Harris and Corey Harawira-Naera in the Panthers team to face Cronulla Sharks. Plus, Jesse Bromwich is back for Melbourne Storm and Jordan Rapana is back for Canberra Raiders.