Pick Your Team NZ Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons - [Round 12, 2026]

[Muddogz]

Well a while ago our halves against Penrith were TMM and CNK.

Yes but they were missing Cleary for that one if I remember correctly..

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

I haven’t been able to watch much cup since the majority of the games are PPV now, but how far do you guys think Jett is from making his debut?


Boyd may not be fit for the start of the season as the average ACL return to play is 10 months.
TMM could obviously be gone as well next season so when does it get to the point where we need to start giving Jett a bit of a taste of FG even if it is off the bench?

 

[rugged]

I haven’t been able to watch much cup since the majority of the games are PPV now, but how far do you guys think Jett is from making his debut?

TMM could obviously be gone next season so when does it get to the point where we need to start giving Jett a bit of a taste of FG even if it is off the bench?

I heard SJ being asked about Jett and while he was respectful it sounded like he was not convinced he is going to make it. What do those who watch a lot cup say? If his name wasn't cleary would he be in the convo?

 

[RiceOwl]

They don’t have to pick Metcalf this week, or the week after, or the week after that, but if they want to win the competition they will need him to be in the team, confident and playing well.

At some point other forward packs will match ours and though I really enjoy TMM’s work and felt he got screwed over in 2024, he’s got no long kicking game, if it came down to the last 5 minutes in a close game, anyone have any confidence in him or CHT slotting a field goal?

They going to have to bury the hatchet at some point, he may have no loyalty to the club, but then the club had no loyalty to him.

This week would start Laban and give Kayliss a debut of the bench. Ford might go for 300 m against his old team and having been left out of origin.

Didn’t TMM slot the game winning fg on debut for the Cowboys many moons ago?

 

[Cces]

Boyd may not be fit for the start of the season as the average ACL return to play is 10 months.

Metcalf returned bang on 9 months post injury. Barnett slightly shorter.
If confirmed, Boyd would get an op as soon as possible & 9 months from today is mid February. Unsure if it being his kicking leg means they may be more hesitant though

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Metcalf returned bang on 9 months post injury. Barnett slightly shorter.
If confirmed, Boyd would get an OP as soon as possible & 9 months from today is mid February.

Everyone recovers from an ACL reconstruction at different speeds. Will also take him a minimum 2-3 weeks to get back up to match fitness as well.

 

[Piltdown Man]

My worry with TMM isn’t just his kicking

He is limited in his arsenal

The breakaway from Egan resulting in his try was spectacular but we’ve seen this before between Egan, TMM and SJ against Souths back in the day.

Hes a very different player to Tanah.

Broncos game plan was defending Tanah at 7 not TMM.

Now that teams know it’s TMM they will change their defensive game plan to neutralise him. He was neutralised last year after a strong start.

Luke is our only hope.

Fair enough, I can't argue against your points. I'm just glad nobodies flaming me for suggesting Jett gets a crack.

 

[Warriors55]

Although TMM played well yesterday he is not the answer at 7. If he had a better long kicking game, then it might be different.

As Tanah looks to be out for the season we have to bring Metcalf back.

We shouldn't waste a month or so before doing it either while experimenting with TMM as it could cost us points. The big question is what is Metcalf's relationship like now with the boys and will they accept him coming back in after TMM played well.

It probably won't matter much this week against the Dragons but I would be picking Metcalf as we won't win the comp with TMM at halfback and the team needs to gel with Luke again.

Metcalf > Jett > TMM. Keep TMM in the match day squad as he is one of the best in the comp along with Healey coming off the bench or filling in for injuries during the game.

If it was CHT who went down then TMM would be prime to take over the 6 but not the 7.

 

[Warriorsitsouryear]

Right… now we know original teams..

1. TT
2. DWZ
3. Ali
4. RTS (assuming fit)
5. AKP (assuming not suspended)
6. CHT
7. Metcalf (has to be)
8. JFH
9. Egan
10. Ford
11. Leka
12. Laban
13. Clarke

14. Healey
15. Demi
16. Marata
17. TSS
18. EIT
20. TMM

21. CNK if fit
22. Gannon

Webby has said in his post game presser that Metcalf won't be considered next week and possible not the week after. He hasn't done any reps, needs to sort the details out in his contract and with the emotion (Fans backlash) - then it would only be putting him in harms way. I'm not sure if that means that it might take 2 weeks for the senior players to get their heads and then the rest of the team to get their heads around it or he could be out of the club.... even though he said as soon as Metcalf said he wants to be here this year - then the club was happy to have him stay too.

 

[CWC]

Webby has said in his post game presser that Metcalf won't be considered next week and possible not the week after. He hasn't done any reps, needs to sort the details out in his contract and with the emotion (Fans backlash) - then it would only be putting him in harms way. I'm not sure if that means that it might take 2 weeks for the senior players to get their heads and then the rest of the team to get their heads around it or he could be out of the club.... even though he said as soon as Metcalf said he wants to be here this year - then the club was happy to have him stay too.

He needs to make a few massive tackles or body on the line and hit the line hard to earn respect from colleagues and supporters

 

[Old Sid]

For me, TMM did superb yesterday, so it's his slot to lose, ie only when someone from NSW Cup unseats him through performance. Simple as that.

 

[WAH MAN]

Yes but they were missing Cleary for that one if I remember correctly..

Yep I remember that too but in the context of the earlier point even with our poor long kicking game we were able to overcome a fierce opponent none the less.

 

[WAH MAN]

He needs to make a few massive tackles or body on the line and hit the line hard to earn respect from colleagues and supporters

To me, Luke has already done that. No big knockout hits like Chitty but definitely body on the line

In this game v Manly watch Luke get steam rolled at about 2min 20 into the video. Doesn't run. Just stands his ground in front of that monstrous hua. He earned my eternal defensive respect in that one play.

View: https://youtu.be/Lz6j3i06sYU?si=0kGzLi93sc_J663K

 

[Inruin]

Yes but they were missing Cleary for that one if I remember correctly..

I think we may have been missing a few that game also...

 

[Ryno 2.0]

If Metcalf is not considered vs the Dragons the bench half position is going to be super interesting to watch. Could be Hanson or Cleary.

 

[CWC]

SJ was a lot more of a mediator tonight bringing up Mets situ at the end saying mets would start at many FG clubs and the club is backing tanah and TMM, Jett, so all good basically

I think he’s referring to 2027 btw

 

[CWC]

To me, Luke has already done that. No big knockout hits like Chitty but definitely body on the line

In this game v Manly watch Luke get steam rolled at about 2min 20 into the video. Doesn't run. Just stands his ground in front of that monstrous hua. He earned my eternal defensive respect in that one play.

View: https://youtu.be/Lz6j3i06sYU?si=0kGzLi93sc_J663K

He needs to do it NOW either at cup or FG, can’t be doing arm grabs or suncorp passes or crabbing across. Respect needs to be earned

Playing cup might be a start, and show some humility