General Warriors Preseason 2026

Totally disagree about Storm. Their supreme backline has been covering their deficiencies in the middle for years. I definitely rate our pack above theirs. We only played them once this year and it was one of those games where everything went wrong. So hard to glean anything out of it.

As for dolphins, I agree. We outmuscled them in both games this year, even that MSS game where we were missing like half our pack. Their pack is also aging fast.

Sharks were also rated quite low as well. I'd swap them and Phins around. Definitely one of the heaviest packs around with AFB, BHU and Rudolph.
Yeah I can’t argue with that. Storm be interesting too to see them without the heart and soul of their pack over the last couple of seasons in Eli Katoa
 
It looks like Tuaupiki was going to be the starting fullback but got injured so they’re hoping he can recover in time to start the season. Looks like CNK will move full-time to centre. RTS to stay on the left wing. Pressure on DWZ to retain his right wing spot over AKP. Trial form will be the decider between the 2
Loki's only ever played left wing though hasnt he? Doesn’t mean he can't switch though.
 
It looks like Tuaupiki was going to be the starting fullback but got injured so they’re hoping he can recover in time to start the season. Looks like CNK will move full-time to centre. RTS to stay on the left wing. Pressure on DWZ to retain his right wing spot over AKP. Trial form will be the decider between the 2
When Berry recovers, does CNK go back to fullback?
 
Storm losing NAS & Katoa has their pack 7-8 for mine. I think the Dolphins pack is rightly placed at around about 4th when you consider Flegler, Saifiti, Gilbert & Plath return after playing only a combined 26 games in 2025. Knowles could be a great addition too. If they're healthy, they're stacked.
 
Totally disagree about Storm. Their supreme backline has been covering their deficiencies in the middle for years. I definitely rate our pack above theirs. We only played them once this year and it was one of those games where everything went wrong. So hard to glean anything out of it.

As for dolphins, I agree. We outmuscled them in both games this year, even that MSS game where we were missing like half our pack. Their pack is also aging fast.

Sharks were also rated quite low as well. I'd swap them and Phins around. Definitely one of the heaviest packs around with AFB, BHU and Rudolph.

That ranking list is poor. Storm are really weak in the forwards with no NAS and Katoa. Bottom 8 easily. Phins similar, their backline is awesome but the go forward and defence is pretty shit (worst D in the comp), that's largely due to the roll on teams get over their pack. If Flegler, JMK and Gilbert were fit and firing for once they might be mid tier.

Raiders is stacked. Tapine, Papa, Horse, Young, Hosking. On paper top 4 easy. Anyway, that list sucks.
 
It looks like Tuaupiki was going to be the starting fullback but got injured so they’re hoping he can recover in time to start the season. Looks like CNK will move full-time to centre. RTS to stay on the left wing.

Interesting. Has this how they've been lining up at training?
 
That ranking list is poor. Storm are really weak in the forwards with no NAS and Katoa. Bottom 8 easily. Phins similar, their backline is awesome but the go forward and defence is pretty shit (worst D in the comp), that's largely due to the roll on teams get over their pack. If Flegler, JMK and Gilbert were fit and firing for once they might be mid tier.

Raiders is stacked. Tapine, Papa, Horse, Young, Hosking. On paper top 4 easy. Anyway, that list sucks.
I bet Moley came up with the list.
 
What has given you that indication? If Tuaupiki was now the first choice #1 wouldn't he have been re-signed beyond this season?
Just from Webster press conference you get the feeling he was leaning that way. Also the issues around the centre position seems to suggest that they thinking of moving CNK to centre which would allow Tuaupiki to be the first choice fullback
 
Only 1 out of the 4 in 2025.

Interesting, maybe my memory is associating some other games with injury-reduced bench losses.

In any case, still think he needs to prove he can put some successive games together before getting back to first grade, he's a full-effort player but unfortunately also extremely fragile, with the latter being a net negative over the former at the moment I reckon.

Fingers crossed we are a bit luckier with injuries overall this year, c'mon footy gods give us a break (not literally)! 🙏
 
Was just a snapshot that a mate who is a journo saw while at training. I’m sure they run many different combos at this time of year. Just thought the TMM one was interesting so threw it out there to see if anyone far more knowledgeable than I had heard anything

Did your mate see who's training at fullback?

Smart to have TMM training at centre so we never have to move Cape/Leka out wide when injuries hit

If CNK's permanent at centre (makes sense with 2 young fragile centres we have and him getting older), surely Roger to start at 1 until TT returns, and AKP the new speedster recruit taking his natural left wing position.

I think we have the players and back ups, Webby just need to utilize the resources efficiently. If Ali starts at Cup it's not the end of the world, only 1 more injury to the outside backs especially centre/FB and he's in.
 
Did your mate see who's training at fullback?

Smart to have TMM training at centre so we never have to move Cape/Leka out wide when injuries hit

If CNK's permanent at centre (makes sense with 2 young fragile centres we have and him getting older), surely Roger to start at 1 until TT returns, and AKP the new speedster recruit taking his natural left wing position.

I think we have the players and back ups, Webby just need to utilize the resources efficiently. If Ali starts at Cup it's not the end of the world, only 1 more injury to the outside backs especially centre/FB and he's in.
Anyone got an update on Mellars
 
Just from Webster press conference you get the feeling he was leaning that way. Also the issues around the centre position seems to suggest that they thinking of moving CNK to centre which would allow Tuaupiki to be the first choice fullback
Where is the link to this press conference please
 
Did your mate see who's training at fullback?

Smart to have TMM training at centre so we never have to move Cape/Leka out wide when injuries hit

If CNK's permanent at centre (makes sense with 2 young fragile centres we have and him getting older), surely Roger to start at 1 until TT returns, and AKP the new speedster recruit taking his natural left wing position.

I think we have the players and back ups, Webby just need to utilize the resources efficiently. If Ali starts at Cup it's not the end of the world, only 1 more injury to the outside backs especially centre/FB and he's in.
CNK was at fullback
 

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