General 2025 Junior Reps

WahsaurusRex said:

David Tangata-Toa, Grant Pocklington and TJ Ashford again fill head coaching roles for One New Zealand Warriors pathways teams this year while successful development coach Shannon Rushworth will guide the club’s SG Ball Cup (under-19) side.

The experienced Tangata-Toa returns for a second season as the club’s New South Wales Cup head coach – and NRL transition coach – after a 2024 campaign which saw the Warriors make the playoffs in fourth spot.

He was then on Tonga’s coaching staff for the Pacific Championships, helping the island nation to a victory over the Kiwis and a place in the final against the Kangaroos.

After coaching both the Warriors’ SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) sides last season, Pocklington takes the reins of the Flegg side in 2025 with Ashford again heading up the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) coaching team. The Warriors created history last season by becoming the first club to win the Harold Matthews premiership on debut since the competition’s introduction in 1970.

Canterbury-raised Rushworth has joined the One New Zealand Warriors after spending six years in Australia.

In a three-season stint as Canterbury Bankstown’s Harold Matthews Cup head coach he piloted the Bulldogs to the premiership in 2023 while they reached the semi-finals last year before being knocked out by the Warriors. He also had assistant coaching roles with the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg and SG Ball sides.

As well as his Harold Matthews position, Rushworth will be a New South Wales Cup assistant coach for the Warriors this season.

Assistant coaches supporting Rushworth with the Harold Matthews team are ex-Warriors captain Monty Betham (Warrior #61) and former prop Albert Vete (Warrior #197) along with Jethro Friend, who played for the Warriors at both NSW Cup and NYC (under-20) level.

2025 pathways coaches​

New South Wales Cup (reserve grade)
Head coach: David Tangata-Toa
Assistant coaches: Brayden Wiliame (Warrior #273), Shannon Rushworth

Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21)
Head coach: Grant Pocklington
Assistant coaches: David Fauonuku, Sefo Fuimaono, TJ Ashford


SG Ball Cup (under-19)
Head coach: Shannon Rushworth
Assistant coaches: Jethro Friend, Albert Vete (Warrior #197), Monty Betham (Warrior #61)

Harold Matthews Cup (under-17)
Head coach: TJ Ashford
Assistant coaches: Paul Clarke, Tony Iro

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Falcon said:

The NRL named their under 20s team of the decade. Suiitonga Likiliki - what might have been.
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mt.wellington said:

Was good to see Albert Vete back at the club even if its just running water. He's been looked at as a long term coaching prospect...

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mt.wellington said:

Sam Lousi will always intrigue me. He was such a beast as a kid. Had every club in the NRL, half of Super Rugby and a NFL combine invite wanting to sign him. Wonder what would have happened if he went overseas instead of staying with the Warriors who have been utterly useless at developing players. Suiatonga Likiliki being a perfect example. He was never a centre. Not longterm anyway. He should have been trained in the second row from the get go but Ackers was more interested in winning than developing. Same with Konrad Hurrell. We also allowed these players to play in NYC for far too long instead of promoting them to our NSW Cup team. Hasn't Carlos Tuimavave got the record for most NYC games played after playing almost every game for 3 straight seasons. Pathetic development and I pray we have learnt some valuable lessons since...

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mt.wellington said:

Went and watched the juniors play last Saturday at Te Papapa Rugby Union club in Onehunga. First game was the Future Warriors (U15) trial with about 35-40 kids playing in that one including 3 13yo. Second game I think was SG Ball vs Jersey Flegg in the 1st half then SG Ball vs Harold Matthews in the 2nd half.

Seen an earlier post asking about Joseph Ratcliffe and he was there playing fullback for the SG Ball team. Now most will know I really rate this kid but I don't think fullback is his best position.

Another one playing fullback was Wayde Egan brother Tallan Egan. His fitness and game awareness has improved out of sight since last season and he'll be one to watch this season. Vastly superior player to what he was just 6 months ago.

As we have come to expect we have absolutely no shortage of home grown front and second row talent. Both will carry us this season. Gone are the days of having two oversized book ends in the pack. These kids are tall and mobile with most of the second row having amazing footwork that wouldn't go amiss in the centres. Couple of run away tries from props who had speed to burn. Definitely a common thread there with our recruiting.

Main chink in our armour this season will be the spine positions especially hooker. We don't seem to be investing much in that position which is why Kaawyn Patterson left despite him and his family being staunch Warriors supporters. Also explains why we are more interested in importing players to fill that role.

Was good to see Albert Vete back at the club even if its just running water. He's been looked at as a long term coaching prospect...

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Five&Last said:

What about Lennox Tuiloma? Not named in SG ball squad. Has he been poached?

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