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Sell-out home games, plenty of away support, merchandise flying off the shelves and NZ Media outlets leading with Warriors’ game commentary on match day…
England has blamed referee Ben O'Keeffe for their exit from the World Cup rather than looking at their own style of play.
It is a sad time. A solemn time. A day of remembrance to mark the tragic passing of Australian rugby, may they rest in…
What a season for the Warriors. It's not over yet, but it's already been a success for the players, the club and the fans. …
There’s probably not a more popular Australian in New Zealand right now than Andrew Webster and deservedly so. Usually at this time of year,…
If you’re looking for an unbiased, analytical piece citing statistics, this is not the read for you. This is raw emotion – frustration, indignity…
Phil Gould said the New Zealand Warriors wouldn’t win more than four games this year. They’ve already won seven and with four games to…
Moments can define careers; moments of brilliance, pain, achieving the seemingly impossible on the biggest stages. Think that Scott Sattler tackle on Todd Byrne,…
A vasectomy. Israel Folau’s Instagram feed. Ricky Stuart after a Canberra loss. Adam Sandler’s entire filmography back to back. All are less painful than…
Today is goodbye. No, not to Phil Gould, although he assures us his departure is on his terms, assuming those terms include ‘suddenly’ and…
The Warriors hype machine was at full noise leading up to Simon Mannering’s 300th match, and rightly so for a player who has given…
Finals football is almost upon us, and for many NRL clubs the fairytale is over before it could really begin. But before September kicks…
Some turn a blind eye, some condemn it; others say it's the nature of competition. Why can't Australians stop cheating? And I'm not just…
Reports are filtering in of a spectacular crash in Penrose, Auckland, where a huge bandwagon has slammed into the harsh brick wall of reality.…
Do you like balls to get plenty of air, or do you prefer them to be held tightly to avoid popping out in heavy…
Office tipping rivalry aside, this year's NRL competition has been fantastic – even more so if you're a Dragons or Warriors fan, like me. Not…
Among the maelstrom of indignation, there's at least one group of people who must be feeling a quiet debt of gratitude towards the Australian…
I promised myself I wouldn't take them back; they'll only hurt you again. After so much pain, heartache, tears, jeers and lonely beers they…
What is going through David Warner's head? Not much it seems. Australia are undoubtedly a great cricket side. The current team have some world-class…
Sporting rivalries are a funny thing. Everyone has that mate or that team they just can't stand to lose to. At anything. Ever. Anyone…
Brutal – nice burn, the Barry. And noted re: Smith.
A sporting dilemma: To cheat or not to cheat
Great response, I would love to know more about the Warriors forum.
I agree with pretty much all you have said – Lino, Paasi and Afoa are still learning their trade. Wayne Bennett said many players take 100 games to understand the demands of the game and become consistent performers. Some kick on, some don’t.
Hiku’s defence is a real concern, which I expect is causing head aches for the coaching team; offensively, that right side has been as good as any in the comp. I was surprised they have named him as back up in the halves, haven’t seen much of him in that role and assumed they might push him back to fullback. But can’t argue with Fusitua taking that role, he is class.
The Warriors can't afford a slip up against the Eels
They are Jacko, and have been since they started. I picked the Eels mostly for emotionally insurance. If the Warriors lose, at least I’ll get a point in the tipping comp, so not a complete loss. If they win, I’ll still be stoked they got up despite dropping a point.
I think that makes sense. But it might help explain why my picks have been mud this year.
The Warriors can't afford a slip up against the Eels
They were named to play, but both have been carrying injuries. Lino has performed well this year when called on and Luke is playing the best he has in a Warriors jersey. But I agree, If they are fit the Warriors should win.
The Warriors can't afford a slip up against the Eels
I have struggled with the influence of the whistle blowers and rules in union of late, but played well and unmolested by officials it is still a great game.
I love league and the current season has been fantastic. So hard to pick. But I quite like the suggestions on NRL360 around reducing the number of substitutions to make fatigue a bigger factor and give the ball players more chance to show their skills as the big boppers slow down.
In a different league
Agree Paul, the games or codes I enjoy most are those that best demonstrate the skills, or sometimes effort, on show. Add in history, rivalries and those moments of sports theatre and I’ve got my beer and popcorn ready to go.
In a different league
Love the passion Frank E. Ten years is longer than most marriages. In any case it’s irrelevant as I have been following Warriors since day one also, held season tickets and been through the emotional meat grinder that their fans all know.
But that’s not my point. What is the point of enduring the lean years if you can’t enjoy their success? Your comment about the train wreck is absolutely spot on; which is why I consider the current run to be a success.
It’s true 5 matches might not be considered a success for some clubs, but for the warriors (and many other clubs who have struggled in recent years), and particularly the lows they have come from, I think it’s an achievement that deserves credit.
I understand your guarded approach, and I know I wear my heart on my sleeve. If they fold this year, I’ll have to deal with that.
Def got the pun too.
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
A lot of emotion on show there Steel Panther – could you show me on a teddy bear exactly where the Warriors hurt you?
if I didn’t know better it sounds like you’re a closet Warriors fan.
A bitter, lonely one, who ran to the most successful club they could see at the first sign of trouble, but there’s still a Warriors fan in there somewhere.
You know it’s true.
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
Fair point Jeffrey, not many teams held Melbourne to under 18 points last year, let alone 18 points across two games.
I picked them last week against the Storm, so definitely like what they are doing. I think they face similar challenges to the Warriors; can the young maintain the form and find another gear if needed as finals approach.
Big fan of Cleary, and I think a lot of Warriors fans still want to see him do well after his time with club.
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
Noted Paul. I’m trying to manage my emotions, but after years of under performing and particularly such a meek effort last year, I’m just happy they are finally showing some commitment and want to celebrate the run while it lasts.
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
Certainly not writing the Storm off Peter, the fact the Warriors are trying to emulate their methods and the success they have enjoyed so far speaks volumes. I know they will come back hard, but hopefully after round 8.
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
And it is appreciated thanks Duncan. You could have included Kearney in there too, although to be fair, we returned Hoffman.
The players on our current roster are performing, but I imagine we would always have room for Nelson and Bromwich – who wouldn’t?
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy
Knowing that you jumped on the Melbourne bandwagon late, after years of disappointment following the Warriors, I’ll take your comment for what it is: a cry for help. Let it out Steel Panther. Let it out.
You’re right, the litmus test will be when they play the teams you mentioned and the season could still go pear shaped. But after nine consecutive losses and disappointing season after disappointing season, it’s awesome to see them offloading and showing some defensive steel.
Last year they didn’t do either, even against the lesser lights. So I’ll enjoy it while it lasts and maybe we’ll see you swap allegiances again when it suits you later in the year.
Warriors fans have reason to be cautiously excited
You may well be right Paul, but they have already shown more bottle in three games than all of 2017. Last year was so frustrating, not just for the losses, but the way they lost matches and with talent in key positions.
For now I’ll just celebrate the wins (prematurely or not) and enjoy the fact they look vastly improved from previous efforts.
Warriors fans have reason to be cautiously excited
Yes, I think they did have four. And there was a Max zone down the ground which doubled the runs scored to encourage hitting straight.
The top five former Test batsmen we'd love to see play Twenty20
Martin Crowe. Had all the shots and tried something similar with his cricket maxx shortened format.
The top five former Test batsmen we'd love to see play Twenty20
Gold.
It’s not Rattue, but he is a big fan of his column.
Which teams aren't good enough to hate?
I agree, and his goal kicking is a real asset particularly considering neither Barrett or Cruden have been first choice kickers this season for their franchises.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
I have to say the cynical play for the Lions whenever they are in their own territory is pretty frustrating and disappointing.
I understand it slows the game and plays to their strengths, but this is a Chiefs side stripped of many of its first picks.
Is that all they’ve got? Penalties, barge-overs and constant infringing?
Weak.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
A certain irony that the first chance their winger gets to score is because he charged into a ruck and dived over.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
Plenty in the northern hemisphere it seems.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
Cheap shot. Yellow card!
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
And their scrum!
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Nobody wants to lose to a team that was once skittled for 26.
A sporting dilemma: To cheat or not to cheat