Whoever makes it gets my full support, no second guessing now, time to congratulate all who get the call up.
Team List [2023, Finals Week 1] - Penrith Vs Warriors
- Thread starter 1995warriorsfan
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‘We want to seize the opportunity’: Exclusive - Warriors to travel to Sydney for NRL finals clash with Penrith in private jet to ensure best possible preparation
The Warriors won’t be cutting any corners as they prepare for their biggest match in more than a decade – with the club deciding to use a private jet to transport the team to Australia later this week.
After finishing in the top four for the first time since 2007, the Warriors face Penrith in the qualifying final on Saturday night (6pm NZT).
If they beat the minor premiers, they will be one win away from the grand final, as they would receive a bye to the preliminary final, which in that case would be staged in Auckland. The carrot of that potential scenario – plus other logistical factors – has seen the club decide to take the huge step of investing in charter flights for the team, with the squad travelling in a 65-seat private plane.
It’s a move that is almost unprecedented in club history, though there were some similar arrangements made in 2002 when the club reached the grand final for the first time.
It will be a considerable expense - at least four times the cost of using a commerical flight - but Warriors chief executive Cameron George is adamant the cost is justified. It’s also a sign of the lengths the club is prepared to go to ensure an optimal preparation.
“We are chips-in for this,” George told the Herald. “This is a huge moment for our footy club, and we want to try to get everything as smooth and as streamlined as possible. This is our commitment to the footy team, the staff and the fans; we want to do everything we possibly can to have the best preparation.”
There were several factors that swayed the decision.
The first was to alleviate the risk of delays, which have blighted their recent transtasman travel. The Herald understands the squad has faced disruptions on at least three of their recent away trips. The most prolonged occurred last week. They were meant to arrive on Thursday 6pm (local time) in Brisbane, ahead of the Dolphins clash last Saturday, but didn’t land in the Queensland capital until after midnight.
It also allows the Warriors the option to return home on Saturday night, instead of having to fly from Sydney on Sunday. The match will finish around 6pm (Sydney time), which allows them plenty of time to get to the airport before the 10pm curfew, after which planes aren’t allowed to take off.
”It makes travel real efficient, [being] on our own plane,” said George. “There have been a couple of instances recently where we have had delays. This hopefully helps us to reduce that risk or even eliminate it by having our own charter. And it means we can get home quicker, instead of getting home at 5pm or something on Sunday and losing a day of recovery.”
It was also going to be a headache to find an appropriate commerical flight out of Auckland. The club didn’t receive confirmation of the finals schedule until late on Sunday evening, by which stage it was difficult to find a Thursday afternoon departure with the required seats available for their 45-strong party.
”The planes were full by the time we knew the timings,” said George.
The alternative would have meant a Friday departure post-captain’s run in Auckland, which is far from ideal for an early kick-off the next day or an early morning flight on Thursday, which wouldn’t be the best option in an already compressed week.
”Commercially, it was challenging for us,” said George. “This is the best pathway for us to get there, in the most efficient and best-prepared way.”
While it is a significant outlay, George said the potential upside was too hard to ignore.
”The club has worked for years to get these opportunities,” said George. “This is an investment to try to achieve the best result we can. We are not here to make up the numbers - we are here to win it.”
“If we go there and win, we have got two weeks off and we’ve got the biggest event in sport in New Zealand. Or if we go there and get beat, at least we are home a day early to recover and get ready to go again next week. There were lots of positives for us.”
“We want to give Webby and his team all the support, and the best possible preparation that we can. That’s my job, for the environment. We want to seize this opportunity.”
'We are chips-in for this': Warriors will fly to Sydney in private jet for finals clash
It’s a sign of the lengths the club is prepared to go to ensure optimal preparation.
Only 3 hours away from our first finals team list since 2018 
NZWarriors.com
run_it_str8_again
Guest
Need to make it emphatic then. Dominate and make the refs redundant.
Banana skin game for the Panthers! 
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #20
We really cant complain about this team. Full strength to be honest !
Shit that’s pretty much our first choice 1-17!! That bench, feels so good to have the Bald Brothers back. That Tevaga try vs cowboys with Dylan walkers assist is one of my top 3 moments this year
Sironen has been playing well barring last week, and Josh Curran is an absolute dawg
Sironen has been playing well barring last week, and Josh Curran is an absolute dawg
Now THAT is a team. I’m bloody excited by what we can do here. Strongest team ALL YEAR. Engage Beast mode.
Calling it early. Wahs in a YUGE upset - win by 8 in a boil over.
Calling it early. Wahs in a YUGE upset - win by 8 in a boil over.
NZWarriors.com
Nah.
What have we got to lose bro? massive underdogs, playing the best in the comp, everyone already expecting us to get a hiding.
No nerves, this is our time to see something we rarely get to see.
It is time to celebrate, congratulate all our brave players for making the finals.
All I hope for is that we get a fair go, and in the NRL that is a lot to ask for, and I hope our boys give em hell.
The result is out of my hands and like I say, most think we are not much chance, so if we scare the Panthers I recon we shouldn't miss the opportunity to lap that shit up.
I disgree.
For a final do anything you can to get an edge.
Forum,
Mark my words - we will play the performance of our lives on Saturday. This Wahs team will be primed and in my opinion, this is set up by design by Webby.
Penrith are who we have wanted in the first game of the finals - and judging by Webby’s smile after the Phins game, he’s set this up strategically.
Let’s dissect.
1. Wahs have not played with their expansive game since before the third bye. We put the cue in the rack from some of our attacking plays and the last 5 weeks we have engineered grinding wins, learning how to win ugly. Behind closed doors, I reckon they have been developing plays to counter the defensive ploys team developed to counter our game from the beginning of the season. Be prepared to see some expansive plays and things we haven’t seen for 7 or 8 rounds.
At the same time, winning ugly if we have to is now ingrained in us. We can get into the arm wrestle and win rather than rely on shock and awe.
2. Jazz - the bald brothers haven’t played together for weeks. Jazz was held back against the Phins - he was ready and amping to get on the field. Clearly, something is up with how he will play against Penrith. Probably 30-40 minutes max I’d say. Now what we will likely see is Tohu move into prop when Jazz and DWalks come on, with Walker playing 13. Speed is the key to what we do.
3. We rested our entire spine bar TMM who needed the blow out. I’m picking this team has been putting plans together for 2 weeks on Penrith. Funny, Justin Morgan was on SENZ talking up playing the Broncos and said ‘they may have someone looking at Penny just in case’. That this away comment was interesting. In fact, I suspect it was the complete reverse. They’ve designed a plan specifically for this game, specifically against the Panthers. And our spine I bet will have this plan burned into their psyche by now.
5. And who was Assistant Coach there for the last few years? Webby knows them better than anyone. He knows their plays, calls, style, weaknesses and how they can be beaten. We have a comprehensive plan here and winning this gets us so close to the big dance. A home prelim would be unprecedented. If we are going to win it all, we need gas in the tank and the shortest distance to that goal is getting a prelim at home - we will not lose that match. So this game is literally our first ‘grand final’ as it unlocks the door to the edge of the promised land.
7. Private Jet? We are executing a pre planned victory strategy here people. This is not a decision made on a whim. We’ve dead set planned everything including making the most seamless travel arrangements. The entire week has been mapped probably to the minute. I swear this is a big sign..
8. AFB has been building his fitness to play 70 minutes in a semi. He’s played within himself in recent games - but has added miles to the clock. I expect a monster, dominant performance.
I could go on. But in essence, watch the body language of the team this week. Watch the little mannerisms and the look in their eyes. Forget what they say, look at the focus, the confidence and the swagger.
We have already been written off by all media (as per usual). I reckon there is something special cooking here.
Do you dare to dream? 4pm on a Saturday afternoon in Penrith - hard and fast pitch. Team built for speed.
deadset, if we get what I think will happen, this will be one of the greatest matches in our clubs history.
Wahs in a statement performance by 8.
UP THE FKN WAHS!!!!!
Mark my words - we will play the performance of our lives on Saturday. This Wahs team will be primed and in my opinion, this is set up by design by Webby.
Penrith are who we have wanted in the first game of the finals - and judging by Webby’s smile after the Phins game, he’s set this up strategically.
Let’s dissect.
1. Wahs have not played with their expansive game since before the third bye. We put the cue in the rack from some of our attacking plays and the last 5 weeks we have engineered grinding wins, learning how to win ugly. Behind closed doors, I reckon they have been developing plays to counter the defensive ploys team developed to counter our game from the beginning of the season. Be prepared to see some expansive plays and things we haven’t seen for 7 or 8 rounds.
At the same time, winning ugly if we have to is now ingrained in us. We can get into the arm wrestle and win rather than rely on shock and awe.
2. Jazz - the bald brothers haven’t played together for weeks. Jazz was held back against the Phins - he was ready and amping to get on the field. Clearly, something is up with how he will play against Penrith. Probably 30-40 minutes max I’d say. Now what we will likely see is Tohu move into prop when Jazz and DWalks come on, with Walker playing 13. Speed is the key to what we do.
3. We rested our entire spine bar TMM who needed the blow out. I’m picking this team has been putting plans together for 2 weeks on Penrith. Funny, Justin Morgan was on SENZ talking up playing the Broncos and said ‘they may have someone looking at Penny just in case’. That this away comment was interesting. In fact, I suspect it was the complete reverse. They’ve designed a plan specifically for this game, specifically against the Panthers. And our spine I bet will have this plan burned into their psyche by now.
5. And who was Assistant Coach there for the last few years? Webby knows them better than anyone. He knows their plays, calls, style, weaknesses and how they can be beaten. We have a comprehensive plan here and winning this gets us so close to the big dance. A home prelim would be unprecedented. If we are going to win it all, we need gas in the tank and the shortest distance to that goal is getting a prelim at home - we will not lose that match. So this game is literally our first ‘grand final’ as it unlocks the door to the edge of the promised land.
7. Private Jet? We are executing a pre planned victory strategy here people. This is not a decision made on a whim. We’ve dead set planned everything including making the most seamless travel arrangements. The entire week has been mapped probably to the minute. I swear this is a big sign..
8. AFB has been building his fitness to play 70 minutes in a semi. He’s played within himself in recent games - but has added miles to the clock. I expect a monster, dominant performance.
I could go on. But in essence, watch the body language of the team this week. Watch the little mannerisms and the look in their eyes. Forget what they say, look at the focus, the confidence and the swagger.
We have already been written off by all media (as per usual). I reckon there is something special cooking here.
Do you dare to dream? 4pm on a Saturday afternoon in Penrith - hard and fast pitch. Team built for speed.
deadset, if we get what I think will happen, this will be one of the greatest matches in our clubs history.
Wahs in a statement performance by 8.
UP THE FKN WAHS!!!!!
NZWarriors.com
The article about it spells it out plain and simple why it is necessary
I get it, but personally I prefer cold hard tactics and a solid foundation of game play why we'll win a game as opposed to enthusiastic optimism from fans.No idea where all this optimism is
coming from… emotion is one hell of a drug
In my experience on these boards their the first ones to turn on the team when performance doesn't match their optimism.
I see a few are mentioning we've been holding back or not showing our cards the latter rounds and this Penrith match our full gambit of tricks will be on display......truth is teams have identified our second man shifts and their outsides are defending up high either cutting it off or taking away time to be able to execute.....u can damn well bet Penrith led by Crichton and Co will doing this....hard.
We haven't adapted to this hence why our wins have been a bit on the scrappy side. Tbh I see this as much a test for Webster as it is for the players to see if he can adapt and change tactics..... which is needed in finals footy.....If their pushing up fast means there's space in behind the line, I favour early in the match chips behind which may just put that defensive line in 2 minds and that extra yard of space we need.
Optimism and enthusiasm is all well and good but we're going to need a good dose of smarts if we're going to topple the Premiers.
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Nrl.com have compiled a list of the most under rated player in each team playing in the finals. From the Wahs, it is the one, the only, the GOAT
Berry is invariably also the player leading the kick chase down the right side for the Warriors – something which goes mostly unnoticed but has contributed greatly to Shaun Johnson enjoying success in that area of the game – while his physicality in defence has been effective closer to the line too.
Unlikely to be the man to bust the game open or come up with a game-changing play in attack, but someone who the team relies on to do lots of little things well in order for the wider game plan to be executed.
www.nrl.com
Rocco Berry (Warriors)
An important part of what has been a high-performing right edge through the second half of this season, which has included helping to make sure Dallin Watene-Zelezniak gets the right ball at the right time in the lead up to many of his 21 tries.Berry is invariably also the player leading the kick chase down the right side for the Warriors – something which goes mostly unnoticed but has contributed greatly to Shaun Johnson enjoying success in that area of the game – while his physicality in defence has been effective closer to the line too.
Unlikely to be the man to bust the game open or come up with a game-changing play in attack, but someone who the team relies on to do lots of little things well in order for the wider game plan to be executed.
NRL Finals: Each team's underrated player to watch
The Telstra Premiership finals are here and while the stars will no doubt shine, some of the lesser-known quantities across the eight teams will have crucial roles to play.
www.nrl.com
NZWarriors.com
I see this quite a bit on here with an implication that somehow AFB plays within himself (and i apologize if this wasnt your intent here)
And i think it stems from the fact he's not a prop that hits the ball up like he's coming off the back fence ala Feka Paleassina.
In fact if u watch him closely he actually slows before contact, usually applying the handbrake is frowned upon but in his case its actually a clever ploy as it has the effect of causing the defensive line to also slow or hold in front of him......and once theyve stopped their forward momentum he's got them....he then applies some late footwork with gives him acceleration into contact, and then his physicality, size, and strength surges him forward carrying defenders......this is how he is the best post contact metre prop running in the game.
Feka was probably my favourite ever prop and i loved seeing him skittle all in front of him, but there's plenty of ways to skin a cat and Addins found the way that suits him.
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NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #235
I think you have to be careful you don't tar everyone with the same brush. Everything I provide info on this site is from conversations with players or from the club. Jazz recovery was faster than expected and TMM was a lot slower. Even TMM thought he would recover faster than he did
The good thing is that generally the info on here is pretty accurate apart from someone who was making up recruitment stories.
Playdaball was pretty much correct re SJ.
Most us on this forum, are here to provide update and accurate information.
If SJ doesn’t play I’ll be devastated …
…for him! He has earned his shot at redemption!
…for him! He has earned his shot at redemption!
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #438
We can still win this game.
Stuff everyone, Warriors win by 8.
Stuff everyone, Warriors win by 8.
What's done is done, let's get behind the whole team, we're more than one player. Imagine what a win it will be, best in the clubs history, except for the GF. Up the Wahs!
NZWarriors.com
There’s no way he’s got a calf injury that would only keep him out one week. SJ likely won’t get too many more opportunities like this at the end of his career. He’s already got his contract sorted for next year. So you push through that shit and play.
I would say he’s done or it’s a multi week injury and they’ve said he’ll be available next week so ticket sales don’t fall off a cliff.
I would usually say the team is bigger than one person, but I think we’re close to being fucked here. Only because we have no one else with a semblance of kicking game, which is massively important in finals games. If Walker is moved to five eighth then I’ll chalk that up as a loss, if we can get Volkman in there somehow I give us a slight chance. Up the wahs regardless.
I would say he’s done or it’s a multi week injury and they’ve said he’ll be available next week so ticket sales don’t fall off a cliff.
I would usually say the team is bigger than one person, but I think we’re close to being fucked here. Only because we have no one else with a semblance of kicking game, which is massively important in finals games. If Walker is moved to five eighth then I’ll chalk that up as a loss, if we can get Volkman in there somehow I give us a slight chance. Up the wahs regardless.
Gee that was a rough twenty four hours.
Talk about Warriors depression, which is not real depression but feels the same, low mood irritability, difficulty going off to sleep, apettite changes (did the ROMCOM thing and pigged out watching movies last night, Dracula and shit to cheer me up).
Sorry to the good oil posters yesterday, I did not mean to slur anyone there, anger and denial is part of the reaction to the constant bad news eh, did not mean for it to sound like I was aiming it at the messanger, well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.
Today the sun is shining the birds are singing the Warriors are still playing and there is the possibility of a glorious battle, even losing well is a badge of honor in unwinnable scenarios.
Feel ok today, it helps knowing you are not the only person bummed out.
I think it is time to embrace the realist and say, well...well...well....ahhh.... Penrith with all their advantages should win easy, so if we give him hell then shame on their undies and Slava Wahkraine!
Talk about Warriors depression, which is not real depression but feels the same, low mood irritability, difficulty going off to sleep, apettite changes (did the ROMCOM thing and pigged out watching movies last night, Dracula and shit to cheer me up).
Sorry to the good oil posters yesterday, I did not mean to slur anyone there, anger and denial is part of the reaction to the constant bad news eh, did not mean for it to sound like I was aiming it at the messanger, well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.
Today the sun is shining the birds are singing the Warriors are still playing and there is the possibility of a glorious battle, even losing well is a badge of honor in unwinnable scenarios.
Feel ok today, it helps knowing you are not the only person bummed out.
I think it is time to embrace the realist and say, well...well...well....ahhh.... Penrith with all their advantages should win easy, so if we give him hell then shame on their undies and Slava Wahkraine!
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NZWarriors.com
So we came 4th. In a season that everybody had written us off. We lose our playmaker before a game no one expects us to win.
We have a makeshift 6 and a new 7 coming back from a long term injury.....
If this isn't the Warriors I do not know what is.
Whatever happens fuck I am proud of the boys this year. I will cheering you on regardless.
We have a makeshift 6 and a new 7 coming back from a long term injury.....
If this isn't the Warriors I do not know what is.
Whatever happens fuck I am proud of the boys this year. I will cheering you on regardless.
