This Friday’s NRL match at ‘The Glasshouse’ in Dunedin is a must-win contest for both the New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs –and their coaches.
Stephen Kearney needs to dispel the anxiety that is rising among supporters, who have witnessed two ordinary performances to start the season.
Last week against the Storm, the Warriors forwards were full of endeavour, producing the third-best carrying stats in the round, but they lacked the finish, organisation or nous as to when to offload.
Behind this pack, Shaun Johnson was at his disorganised best, wasting good ball with aimless kicks, while his crossfield running frequently crowded his attacking backs’ space.
Kearney seems to have selected a better side this week, with experience among the forwards. The return of Manu Vatuvei is a huge bonus and the backs around him will surely lift. The unique indoor venue should also offer Johnson every opportunity to demonstrate his skills.
As for the Dogs, Des Hasler’s contract negotiations appear to have stalled after his side started the season with two losses. However last week they performed superbly against the side many are now tipping to win the competition, and with a more accurate goal kicker they may have pulled off an upset.
Their pack is strong and they will look to hit the Warriors with everything before unleashing the Morris brothers and Brenko Lee.
Moses Mbye has been below par but has a ringing endorsement from none other than Johnathan Thurston and may use this match to hit top form.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Hope your right mate!
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
2.70 about the Dogs on Monday!! What a Price and 7.00 about 13 plus. Warriors dont have the forwards anymore. Just not big enough; The Dogs will smash them, I'm thinking 42-4.
The Spectator
Guest
Has had 2 pre seasons to install his etho's and attitude into the club, it dosnt look good for ol mate Barret which is a shame, the nrl need more rugby league coaches. Barret does have Cartwright as his 2nd in charge so i wouldve thought if there were signs of coaching ability we shouldve seen them by now. I so hope im wrong.
Jacko
Guest
Which Kiwi's will they smash? The ones in the Bulldogs side or the one's in the Warriors side?
Johnybulldog
Guest
What's ur opinion of Barret,S47?
Silvertail47
Guest
I'm waiting for an editorial on the current state of Manly ,they haven't won a game now for bout 8 rounds . The last side they beat was Newcastle, and a quick look at the draw tells me we won't have a win by rd8 , that makes it 15 games since a victory ,half a season , and the dogs are disastrous? Really
The Barry
Roar Guru
I agree overall. They're not the players they once were although Brett had four Roosters to beat for his try. Josh showed quick thinking and pace for his two tries. I think they've still got plenty to offer. Agree about Brenko. His stats : 2 games | 307M | 1 LB | 1 LBA | 3 TB | 7 OL | 3 TA
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
They used to be match winners but now sit back and wait for the ball to come to them. Fair enough stats but they don't appear as threatening as they used to. Brenko is the one looking likely to bust the line every time he touches the pill. Hope it's a good match though, with both sides bringing their A-game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Josh Morris - 2 games | 234M | 5 TB | 2 tries Brett Morris - 2 games | 196M | 10 TB | 2 LB | 1 try Not bad, especially considering one of their games was played in a monsoon. I agree they're on the downward slope but I think you've jumped the gun on their demise. Last year BMoz scored 10 tries in 11 games. JMoz was down for tries (6) but his other numbers were good.
The Barry
Roar Guru
haha...that's what I always think when I hear his name. Not sure what Abbey's goalkicking credentials are...someone would have to be better than Mbye? Where's Tim Browne when you need him...?
kk
Roar Pro
Agree on all points. Tipping big games from #'s 2,3 & 10.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
My Name is Marcelo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die. What are your thoughts on Abbey doing the GK.
souvalis
Guest
The clash of the heart breakers..
Joe
Roar Rookie
I really thing the bookies have got this game wrong. The Dogs were pretty good their first two games. Even with the changes I think they've played better than the Warriors have.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
The Morris brothers were a threat before, not so potent in attack now. Will the new backs step up with the erratic halves controlling they play? Hoppa saves them 2 tries at most every game in the custodian role. Which team forwards make the most metres will decide the victor. Manu should be a big help up front too. If the Warriors don't get up for this, I don't know what will?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Really looking forward to seeing Abbey and Marcelo Montoya (possibly the best name in the NRL at the moment) in action.
Mathew Stealer
Guest
Haha the whole of New Zealand will stop for this game...
Cedric
Guest
Dogs look good to me, just lost two close games to very good sides. What is all this BS about Des' job on the block, surely not! Warriors just beat a young committed Knights, then were suffocated by the Storm during a storm! Warriors record away from Mt. Smart, not good. Can they spark up? RTS out, the dumped Lolohea who is a great attacking weapon and a great points leaker takes the No.1 jersey, OMG! He's dumped for making big mistakes, now he's the custodian, I don't get it. Couldn't they have pulled in Ashford and put Fusitua at No.1? Think the Dogs forward play will may well be the difference, hope I'm wrong!
Silvertail47
Guest
News has it Manly have brought in consultancy firm to look for leadership, look out dogs , they may just advise the Penns to make a move on Desmond , as for the dogs this weekend they will smash the kiwis
The Barry
Roar Guru
Pretty confident about the Dogs in this one. Although you never quite know what you're going to get against the Warriors. Results not great but I don't think the Dogs have been that disappointing. Close losses to two of the best performing teams in the comp. A tough loss to Melbourne in atrocious conditions. A four point loss to the Roosters where the loss of Holland cost points in goalkicking and cost points defensively having Jackson in the centres and major reshuffles. Disappointed with the performance of a few individuals. Lichaa's running seems to have improved but his passing is awful. Mbye doesn't seem to have a clear role in the team. Tolman seems another year slower. He's pretty tough but he spends so long fighting in tackles that there's rarely a quick play the ball followung his hit ups. He doesn't bend the line at all. The game has passed Eastwood by. He's not mobile enough any more. I'd rather see one of the young forwards take his spot and have Eastwood coming off the bench. Or not at all.