TeamList Preseason 2025 Trial 1 - Warriors vs Sharks

[Noitall]

Typical Warriors fan, picking up on any small possible advantage lol. Onya mate.

Fuckin oath. Didn’t anyone tell you it’s our year

 

[Horriors2013]

I wonder how our other wingers feel. What do they have to do? Kind of like having an idiot for boss while you get knocked back for promotions haha

We're the only team that starts the season with only 28 players on a regular basis. I think the answer is we have no wingers up to first grade. It's really sad, shows the true position of RL in NZ. Last true winger from NZ we had was Manu Vatuvei. Every other winger came from another club.

 

[Horriors2013]

That was an interesting interview with Webster.

A change in the style of play will be good as the key guys (Johnson and to a lesser degree Harris) in how we were playing are no longer there. Being set to a specific style of play has been the downfall for a few Warriors coaches.

The other two half options are injured hence the naming of Cleary and Hanson.



We have had a pretty poor run with injuries the last few years. Even in 2023 it didn't seem as bad due to the results on the field. When you are losing it gets highlighted a bit more.

It would be good to get an extended run of games with the same side.

Unfortunately that run is not likely to stop. We have several injury-prone players and it seems to eb the same for other clubs, except they have better depth.

 

[Lance155]

We're the only team that starts the season with only 28 players on a regular basis. I think the answer is we have no wingers up to first grade. It's really sad, shows the true position of RL in NZ. Last true winger from NZ we had was Manu Vatuvei. Every other winger came from another club.

And even he made many flaws. Serious question, how are the wingers in Rugby? Are they to a high stand? Would they be considered quick if they played NRL?

 

[Horriors2013]

So why does every club play trials if not to expose new talent up against top class players
Every club in almost every grade.??

Great question. Trials seem to change in significance all the time. I think the answer depends on where the club is at the time. If a player missed the last few rounds, we'd want to see how they go in the first trial and if it goes well they'd play him off the bench in the second. If there's a few seniors coming back from injury they play a lot of juniors.

 

[Horriors2013]

And even he made many flaws. Serious question, how are the wingers in Rugby? Are they to a high stand? Would they be considered quick if they played NRL?

Yeah, I've been thinking of the 7s team. But I'm not a fan of Will Warbrick, the best 7s players seem to stay in rugby. Must be lots of 3rd party sponsorship lol

 

[Leon Black]

There’s a really good player there, it’s just finding consistency. Really good player in aerial play

It’s kicks on the ground and knock ons that kill him. His concentration wanes when needed

 

[John Nick]

Great question. Trials seem to change in significance all the time. I think the answer depends on where the club is at the time. If a player missed the last few rounds, we'd want to see how they go in the first trial and if it goes well they'd play him off the bench in the second. If there's a few seniors coming back from injury they play a lot of juniors.

Well put horriors2013.
Something that a resident FW is having a problem understanding..Trials do serve a very important purpose.
Otherwise why would every club/,grade continue with them and have done for many years.

 

[WA Warrior]

Well put horriors2013.
Something that a resident FW is having a problem understanding..Trials do serve a very important purpose.
Otherwise why would every club/,grade continue with them and have done for many years.

 

[Makasene]

And even he made many flaws. Serious question, how are the wingers in Rugby? Are they to a high stand? Would they be considered quick if they played NRL?

In general Rugby Wingers would be considered quick. They do very little of the grunt work that League wingers do so are often a different shape. They in general would not be as quick as Hammer / Khan-Pereira / Saab but need to be elusive to cause a break - Mark Tele'a, Milner-Skudder etc.

They often also require some sort of deep kicking game.

There are not many wingers in NZ rugby that we could sign that would outperform someone we pluck out of QLD cup IMO.

 

[Defence]

So the majority of the team has been picked before the 'trials' are over

Before they started- we’re not trialing for the Canterbury under 10s here.

 

[Lance155]

Well put horriors2013.
Something that a resident FW is having a problem understanding..Trials do serve a very important purpose.
Otherwise why would every club/,grade continue with them and have done for many years.

Again I am not sure anyone said trials are pointless? Unless I missed a post I don't think you are arguing against anyone haha

 

[Inruin]

Before they started- we’re not trialing for the Canterbury under 10s here.

Yup, some seem to get a bit antsy about it and can't let it go, but the majority of the team was picked well before now. These games are preseason warm up games that give the players a bit of a hit out before the season proper starts.

 

[Defence]

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LyqWU2R0PjY

Trial team is 80% our FG team

Well webby listened to me and he’s given metcalf the keys wish I asked for the keys to his Mercedes instead

I now christian thee luKEY metcalf- first of his name, guardian of the seven jumper and breaker of hamstrings.

 

[Inruin]

Soooo what's the mood and conversation going to be like this time tomorrow?

Anyone think there will be surprises from the game or predictions? I'm keen to see our attacking structure and better organized defence. Watch JFH with ball in hand for the first time in a warriors jersey. Also will be interesting to see Jett get a run.

 

[WA Warrior]

Soooo what's the mood and conversation going to be like this time tomorrow?

Anyone think there will be surprises from the game or predictions? I'm keen to see our attacking structure and better organized defence. Watch JFH with ball in hand for the first time in a warriors jersey. Also will be interesting to see Jett get a run.

Just the basics for the first hit out.
Combo between TMM and Metcalf.
See if Charnze is moving more freely.
Can’t bloody wait.

 

[Makasene]

Soooo what's the mood and conversation going to be like this time tomorrow?

Anyone think there will be surprises from the game or predictions? I'm keen to see our attacking structure and better organized defence. Watch JFH with ball in hand for the first time in a warriors jersey. Also will be interesting to see Jett get a run.

In some of our very worst years we won all the trials.

In some of our very best years we lost all the trials.

There will no doubt be plenty to discuss. All that matters is what the result is when 2 points are on the line.

If one outcome is we come out with no injuries, that's a positive!

 

[Inruin]

In some of our very worst years we won all the trials.

In some of our very best years we lost all the trials.

There will no doubt be plenty to discuss. All that matters is what the result is when 2 points are on the line.

If one outcome is we come out with no injuries, that's a positive!

Yeah, I'm not worried about the end result scoreboard wise. The first stint with that line up will be where I'm most focused on, with what they are doing and how they are setting up. Then just interested in looking at how some of the other players I haven't seen a lot of go when they come on.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

TMM and Metcalf is the halves combo i wanted but i wasnt picking Metcalf in the on the ball 7 role tbh.

Strength's are more suited as a ball runner rather than distributor while TMM is the opposite. Im hoping for a bit of a mix n match between them with Metcalf taking responsibilty for getting the team into field position (sounds like he's been given the kicking duties), then id be more than happy TMM playing first receiver and running the attack in the red zone.

Definitely some things to watch for there

 

[Defence]

Looking forward to seeing the 2 big signings jfh and Clark- Erin will be out to make a statement.
Also keen to see what vaimauga and mgt can do when they come on.
If they grab their opportunity that could solve some problems for us (bench impact and outside back depth).