berry.webp

Player Rocco Berry

Date of Birth
May 17, 2001
Birth Location
Masterton, New Zealand
Nationality
  1. 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Height (cm)
191 cm
Weight (kg)
95 kg
Position/s
  1. Centre
  2. Winger
Nickname
GOAT
Warrior #
258
NRL Debut Date
Apr 5, 2021
NRL Debut Details
NRL 2021, Round 7, NZ Warriors Vs Melbourne Storm
Warriors Debut Date
Apr 5, 2021
Warriors Debut Details
NRL 2021, Round 7, Melbourne
Warriors Years Active
  1. 2021
  2. 2022
  3. 2023
  4. 2024
  5. 2025
College/s
St. Patricks College
Junior Club/s
St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, Wellington (Rugby Union)
Current Club
New Zealand Warriors
Status
Active
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocco_Berry
Rugby League Project
https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/rocco-berry/summary.html

🤖 Thread Summary

The discussion centers on Rocco Berry's value to the team, especially his defensive contributions and kick-chase abilities. Recently, some users have expressed concern about Berry's recurring injuries and their potential impact on his future with the club. CWC #52 noted the importance of Berry's kick chase, which was noticeably absent in a recent game. Similarly, Tragic #60 stated that Berry's kick chase ability is essential for the team's long kicking game to be effective.

Several contributors highlight Berry's positive attributes when healthy, including his defensive efforts and potential for growth. Tookey 2.0 #69 expressed hope that Berry's recent birthday means he is nearing his physical peak and will experience fewer injuries. Mudogz #56 argued that Berry has been a locked-in starter for the last two seasons when fit, and his strong defensive game is crucial for the team's gameplay. Stalefish540 #63 sees Berry as a smart player who excels at the "1% plays" and has a lot of potential if he can overcome his injury issues.

The discussion also touches on the competition for center positions, particularly between Berry and Ali Leiataua. Some believe Pompey's performance warrants a permanent spot, leading to debate about whether Berry or Leiataua should partner him. Cces #42 raised questions about Berry's defensive capabilities after observing that opposing teams seemed to target him. However, the consensus seems to be that when healthy, Berry's defensive contributions, especially his kick-chase, make him a valuable asset to the team, despite his injury concerns, Stalefish540 #63 comparing him to a young Matt Cooper and hoping he can develop similarly.

NZWarriors.com

Berry ripens on centre stage in break-out season​

AuthorCorey Rosser

With a healthy body and a consistent voice coming from the coaching box in 2023, Rocco Berry is beginning to show his true ability in the NRL arena.

Since making his first-grade debut two years ago, Berry has worked under three different head coaches at the Warriors and had to overcome a range of injuries which have held him back.

As a convert from rugby union who only switched codes at the end of 2018, he was also among those most impacted by the club's inability to field their own reserve-grade side during the pandemic.

It's meant this season has been his first opportunity to play more than four NRL games in succession and since Round 11 he's been coach Andrew Webster's first-choice right centre.

After getting the better of Origin star Bradman Best in their Finals Week Two clash – which included scoring a try and nailing the majority of his defensive assignments against the lethal left-side of the Knights – the 22-year-old said he’s gaining confidence every week from playing alongside veteran edge partners Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Shaun Johnson and Marata Niukore.

“It’s just been good to play consistent footy, this is the most games I have played in a row by far and that plays a big part in form,” Berry told NRL.com.

1695177160203.webp

“Playing outside of Shaun and Marata has really allowed me to just do my job, which is to focus on kick chase and trying to give Dal the ball early and in good positions.”

While his impressive effort to score in the 40-10 win over the Knights last Saturday was just his third try in 15 games this year, Berry has been in the thick of the attack as one of the main providers for prolific wing Watene-Zelezniak, who got over for his 22nd four-pointer of the season last week.

But it’s on the defensive side that he’s been most impressive to date in 2023 and he will need to be at his very best again if he is to contain powerhouse Bronco Herbie Farnworth at Suncorp Stadium.

Farnworth averages five tackle busts per game this year and has scored 13 tries in 24 appearances.

“He’s a great player, a dangerous player who has really good carries,” Berry said of his opposite number this week.

“When we played them earlier in the year he was a handful, so I am going to have to prepare well and make sure I am on my game.

“But we think if we stay in our system our defence works against all attack.

“I just can’t take a backwards step or be having any lapses in concentration.”

The Warriors have a good recent record against the Broncos, with wins in two of their last four meetings, but have tasted victory at Suncorp Stadium just once in their past four visits.

 
When I first saw him in the 9s I thought nothing special. When I saw him in trials I thought he was either soft or brittle.

He's come good much to my previous judgement. So don't ask me recruitment questions as I would have sacked him with our Fijian flyer that didn't work out
 
Those berries next season might not be so sweet

Got some competition next year from RTS and Ali Leiatuaua
How good is it to have four options on our books for a two player position in a Rugby League side.

Makes a lot of sense to me.

Personally I think Ali would be better off with one more year in Reggies. Not because I think he cannot handle NRL., more to do with what is best for what is looking like a long and happy career.
 
He’s not the most dynamic center but a good role player who can put his winger away.View attachment 3267

Compare that to hiku who’s often talked up for his creativity.

View attachment 3268

Only one of them can tackle too (and it ain’t hiku).
Be interesting to see what counts as a run. Hiku does a lot more work bringing it out of his own half than Berry does. Do those hit ups count as a run or excluded?
 
Back
Top Bottom