Post Match Warriors vs Broncos - [Round 7, 2025]

[Dannevegas]

Kicking that after nearly costing us the game from 8 missed points, shows some serious nuts

 

[sup42]

Best win of the season.

Cannot believe the B team did this.

Stunned.

Looking forward to laughing at the ratings.

 

[j_p]

Very glad metcalf was the 1 that went for the winning kick and got it. Hopefully it helps his confidence in goal kicking.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Well, the lads proved me wrong. I thought we were going to get smoked.

Erin was exceptional.
Ford has some head scratches, but doesn’t deserve the shit he gets.

Leka……. Make this young man rich.
Marata saved by a try, he’s on thin ice with Leka right there.

 

[Bluecat]

That was so.much harder than it had to be. Well done boys for getting it done.
I love our new right side
Great to see some rip and tear from the new guys. Tuapiki looked good at the back.
Maybe Adam Pompey to take the conversions in in future?

 

[snake77]

Man how good was Clark.

He's been good all year adding some grunt in the middle. But tonight it was big minutes as well.

 

[janfin]

See what happens when you believe in your team .Bloody brilliant boys .Well deserved. Thanks Reece payback time couldn’t have happened to a nicer person .(cough cough )

 

[Tragic]

Hope that's the making of Metcalf. Something like that might give him the confidence to go to another level, he needs to.

 

[jonesy101]

You won’t make the 8 carrying Kosi. It’s beyond a joke now.

Time to celebrate a win. His hands with that try were great.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Metcalfs the guy. You can see it. Wants it more than anyone on the field, that’s who you want steering the ship.

 

[snake77]

A few on this forum travelled to this game. Well the side got a win and in typical Warriors fashion did in a way that will build memories.

Hope those that got to the game enjoyed it.

 

[Tragic]

That penalty for a lifting tackle is the first time I have ever seen that rule applied to a tackle where the player wasn't being lifted by the legs

 

[sydneywarrior92]

We are back in the top 4! This win, along with the tigers win, are the types of games you win if you end up having a successful season. 4-2.

This game gave the Dolphins game vibes from last year. Seriously undermanned against a top 4 opposition. But through sheer grit and determination, come up with the 2 pts. This is even more impressive given that Brisbane was essentially full strength and are considered a contender. These are the sorts of games that top 8 teams win.

Despite the GP outcome, no doubt we deserved to win this game. We were the better team over the whole 80 minutes. Props to LM. Could have dropped off after being 1/5 attempts. But he nailed the kick that mattered.

Also I'm sure that Kosi will get a lot of hate here for that blooper for the Broncos 3rd try. But overall I thought he had a solid game. Hope we just celebrate the win not trying to lay into the guy. He never stopped trying. Another person who gets a lot of shit on here is Marata who I thought had a great game. When he is on target, he is probably our most damaging edge player. Him and Leka outplayed the more fancied Brisbane second row.

 

[CWC]

CHT was a beast, destroyed Reynold then when Haas eyes him up he blocked him like a rock

 

[Completion Rate]

The scoreline flatters the Broncos. We dominated them with strong contact and will to win. Leka and Demi are starting quality first graders now they understand how to toil against momentum. Perfect conditions for Taupiki to quite literally be slippery. Can't argue with Luke at 7 he clutches up at the right moments.

 

[CWC]

I thought the imagery for this game was gold, Walsh OMG face, Luke winner, Capewell running like caveman, Leka’s quiet gesture, CHT killing Reynolds

Luke’s try was one of the most insane un-butchered I have seen, that wasn’t a great pass to him

Taine and Kosi combine for a weird try too

 

[miket12]

Think about this, with four games still to go this weekend, the lowest we can finish on the NRL table is fourth (if the Raiders beat the Titans).

 

[Christchurch_Warrior]

We won that with some brutal defence. If we had some shape in attack we would have put a score on them.
Leka showed he can play 80 minutes. Likely back to the bench next week but hopefully more minutes. Would like to see the number 12 on his back later this season.
Clark so far is easily the best buy of the seasons.
Ford just has such a big motor on him. Love the effort he brings just not some of the execution.
Have to eat my words about Capewell. He did alright as Centre. Still wouldn't want him there on a dry track though.

 

[snake77]

CHT has looked good at 6. I haven't been a fan of him as the main guy trying to organise things and control the attack.

He has looked better at 6. It seems like his try assists are better than they were at 7.

 

[KPWarrior]

We got a fair rub from the ref I think, other times we would have been screwed over.

But i believe we were the better team for the most part and deserved the win.

Well done boys!

 

[snake77]

I know Metcalf at 7 has caused a lot of debate. I'll worry about any faults for another thread.

One thing though. Having him around the ball so much means he's more likely to be there in support. He's been there for quite a few tries like the one tonight. The others in support were a bit more traditional than tonights.

It has been good having his speed there in support to finish off opportunities.

 

[KPWarrior]

CHT can still put on hit! Thought he was great tonight.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

Yes it was an ugly win, like all our previous wins have been. But consider we had no CNK, RTS, DWZ, JFH, Berry. Broncos essentially full strength and considered a premiership contender by most. Should be really proud of that win. This was the toughest 2 week period of our season, so it's great to emerge 4-2-1 and inside the top 4. From here, our draw gets relatively easier, so we should aim to maintain our strong ladder position until the cavalry arrives (rounds 10-11).

Next 3 games: Knights (H), Cowboys (H), Dragons (A)- no slam dunks but if we can come out of this period 6-3-1 or 7-2-1, we will set us up nicely right before the origin period hits. We have more games during origin this year I think.

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Hopefully we get shown some respect after that win. To beat an essentially full strength broncos team with the amount of outs we have is something to be extremely proud about.

 

[The Truth]

We got a fair rub from the ref I think, other times we would have been screwed over.

But i believe we were the better team for the most part and deserved the win.

Well done boys!

To be fair, one of the broncs should have gone to the bin in the first 20 minutes for continual interference in their 20. About 28 tackles for us of which 26 were given as penalties or set restarts.

 

[Est95]

How good was the CHT hit on Adam Reynolds

 

[sydneywarrior92]

There was so much bloviating in the fox pre-game about how much better the Broncs are. Even on this forum, many were predicting that our gameplan wouldn't work against the bigger packs like Brisbane and how we'd be taught another lesson like we had in Melbourne. But I think this game proves that our forward pack can stand up to anyone. I really thought our depleted but youthful and energetic pack tonight held our own against the fearsome Brisbane pack and at times outmuscle them. We outran them, both in total rms and pcms, won the possession stakes and for the most part controlled the game down their end. So proud the boys did it without Fish.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

I know Metcalf at 7 has caused a lot of debate. I'll worry about any faults for another thread.

One thing though. Having him around the ball so much means he's more likely to be there in support. He's been there for quite a few tries like the one tonight. The others in support were a bit more traditional than tonights.

It has been good having his speed there in support to finish off opportunities.

Just like a natural 6 or 1

Definite question marks over certain aspects of his game as an on the ball half (and they quite evident), but i do take my hat off to the kid who after kicking like he had 2 left shoes couldve quite easily passed it on to Pompey. But to back himself and want to be "that guy".....thats half the battle.

Kudos must go to our middles for that one who worked their arses off. Barney and Clark leading the line speed, the great wall of Bunty, and Ford....who altho has a lot of gumby about him, has one big engine under the bonnet.

As much as id rather a comfortable win, think this is how we'll get most of our wins this year.....compete for 80, and grind like hell.

 

[CWC]

Shout out to Egan making a low tackle causing a knock on instead of knock on the head

What a funky night

 

[juju]

Capewells face on that break. lol.

He wanted this game bad.

 

[KPWarrior]

View: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIn9joES5UL/?l=1&igsh=MWdjOTh1OGV0Z3Ezdg%3D%3D

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

How good is it to have young players on the field? The energy is just so much higher than it was last year.

More please, Mr Cuddles.

 

[Gods_17]

One thing... Staggs is a Beast centre. He usually Owns the right side in attack and today he probably ran the most metres (for the ponies.) Our defence against 'em was crucial and pretty much kept 'em at bay. The weather and CHT may of had 'em in sorts.

Met'carve to kicking practice All Week but hey, a clutch moment to give us the W. His try was brilliant as was Nuikore's.

Leka's got it aye, his try celebration's set in stone, onya young buck. Egan's tackle on Willison was a beauty! Capewells expression for the lead up is going on my profile pic, just need to sort it, haha!

Big Ups to Jackson Ford. I burnt 'em in one of my last posts. He got ticker and when Monty Bethem sez "He's an energizer bunny," well, that'll do me.

Barnett? We got a True Go Forward Leader here and a relentless tackle bot. He caught that kick-off from Walsh like a pro. Tuaupiki's small, so is J.Gray, but he's put his hand up for the FB spot for sure.

Back when, ANY team that played the Mighty NZWarriors the week before would most Always lose (eg: bolts.) It's a positive vibe, for mine, as we have x-factor players preparing to hit the ground running when they come back off injury.

Good to see Laban get a taste as well.

Up the WAHS yo fu(k^n Beauty!!!

 

[RobRoyMcCoy]

I was at the game, bay 39. Crowd were great, over 22k. My nerves were absolutely shot.

Luka Mekiafu - he is becoming a winner. He has won us two games from long range penalty kicks. He is scoring tries with with speed and backing up, and attempting try saving tackles. He was also screaming at his team to organise them for a field goal attempt. He is by no means the finished product but if he can stay healthy I think he will continue to improve, he has huge potential.

I for one think his combination with CHT is the right choice given our options and CHT is developing well also. He has always had the prodigious talent. He needs confidence, support from a competent halves partner and continued gametime. I thought the two of them outplayed there much vaunted opponents tonight.

I didn't think we had a 50% chance or better of winning before the game tonight. What I loved the most is that we won this with our young kids playing significant roles. The benefit this win, warts and all, will give to Leka, Dimitric and big Jacob I think is significant.

For me, I think we just wanted it more. Both teams made mistake but our defence was brutaal for longer periods that thiers.

Finally, I thought the ref gave us a fair suck of the sav. I am not a fan of Chris Butler and he wasn't perfect, but I think he was fair enough.

 

[CWC]

Look who is the headliner now

 

[Funky Ed Koosie]

Talk about the young bulls on attack , but they really showed up on D. Erin Clarke though, unbelievable form

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

View: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIoBEr_StFW/?igsh=NmQyMTlucTdwa3gy

 

[CWC]

A memorable classic

 

[BrisbaneWarrior]

Webster is building with talent while Cilrado & Gus are buying ex-Panthers.i think we all know who is the better coach

 

[1995warriorsfan]

I haven't read all the thread but we are currently 3rd. WFT.

 

[Gods_17]

I forgot to mention, Clark. He looks to big to be a #13 in this day and age of footy but By J3sus he was massive today. Can't wait till he get's over the paint!

 

[sydneywarrior92]

I like reading the comments on other fan forums after a win. Bulldogs are generally alright except for some expat kiwi dog fans. Scooby in particular. He is a absolute retard whan talking about us! Would love to jump off a building on to his face.

nothing annoys me more than kiwis who don't support the wahs.

 

[watcher]

A good win based on effort and bloody mondeness.
Those criticising Kosi his stats and efforts are first class. What alternatives do we have. The man has stood up for his team. You need the Kosis of the eorld to stand up when required.
Metcalf another effort player. A few misses it happens came good in the end.
CHT, it is so important to have a strong defensive Half. Probably the best defender there since Andrew Johns.
Everybody contributed and out efforted Broncos

 

[Garry Saloon]

This is the type of high IQ discussion that keeps me coming back.

It's gotta stop man! We've played six matches this year after losing Johnson, Tohu, AFB, Dylan Walker, and we have a bunch of crucial injuries, and somehow, SOMEHOW, we're 4&2. There are way more teams than elite halves. We HAVE to try and build and develop our own halves pairing. So many people would have us switching our halves pairing every other week. It's just a terrible, terrible idea. We have to back this pairing for this year (barring a truly catastrophic run). If I see hair brained "tuaupiki to six, boyd to seven", posts I'm giving them the one word treatment.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

We’ve have the most tackles in the opposition 20 across the season (40+ per game) but are 12th for attack points.

We are literally not converting possession into points. The third place team on -18 pd is insane!

We’re winning but doing it the very hard way. Wins are wins but it could be so much easier.

 

[Dantheman]

I was sad to see Jazz go but far out Clark is everything Jazz wanted to be and more. Such a gun signing.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I’m going to give a big shout out to Barnett.

Is he one of the best signing in Warriors history? A real Campion type competitiveness and hardness that rubs off on the team around him.

Every week he brings the intensity and delivers. He never has a bad game.

Will go down as a Warriors legend for me.

 

[Noitall]

Mentioned on Friday that Halasima starting gave me the impression they wanted him taking Riki on, and that’s how I saw it eventuate. Riki was full of bluster during the week about playing in front of a lot of family and making Tuaupiki’s night a misery etc, and I think switching Capewell was a master stroke because I think that’s who they were going to target. Halasima absolutely went at Riki any opportunity and blew straight past him to score his try, he was immense. I think he has to continue to start from here

 

[sydneywarrior92]

A few on this forum travelled to this game. Well the side got a win and in typical Warriors fashion did in a way that will build memories.

Hope those that got to the game enjoyed it.

I travelled from the US for a 2 week holiday to see the boys play in Melbourne and at Mt Smart. It would have been nice to see us end the hoodoo last week as well, but boys really made my day. Gonna rewatch the game several times on watchnrl on my day long flight back home!

 

[Barty]

There are some harsh comments regarding Ford on social media. Yes - he dropped the ball a couple of times (as alot of players did). But 66min as an under sized prop. 151metres, 46 tackles. Against Haas and Carrigan etc. Very, very good effort for a lower wage player on the cap (my assumption).

 

[Noitall]

Capewell looked like a proud family member when watching the young guys do their handshakes after scoring. Noticed he was right in Metcalf’s ear too when they walked off at halftime. His experience and leadership is massive. He’s been getting some heat about being the highest missed tackler in the comp, but watch how many he attempts. He puts massive pressure from marker that sometimes he misses the target, but he’s pretty much shut anything down because of the pressure he’s applied

 

[Evil_Mush]

It's OK guys, I'm not gonna be able to watch live again, so that's a guaranteed win!

Seriously, all 3 wins this year I've had something on that has delayed my viewing, I think I've unlocked the secret to our success this year!

I can come to terms with my sacrifice for the good of the team (even if it means I must not watch the grand final this year till the final whistle has blown)

Well it's official, I'm never going to be able to watch a live game again

What an insane ending!
Much better game even with all the missed kicks and expected handling errors in the wet, not gonna analyse it, will just take the win over the original mortal enemies

 

[Noitall]

The 'kick to Hunt' meme lives on.

All is well in the world.

Feels like Mt Smart or Go media stadium is becoming an imposing place to play

 

[Ref]

Most of Fords runs were epic.

 

[#robbiemears]

Loved the passion and excitement amongst the team last night, lead by Demi who is quickly becoming the Warrior's number one hype-man. The energy, fearlessness and commitment for the jersey that both he and Leka bring is inspiring. When the Broncs broke away down our right edge, it was Demi and Leka who were on the chase. When they were called back for the forward pass, it was Leka again who was hurtling down the field in pursuit. These little effort things all add up and point to a unified, hungry team that just wants to win. Speaking of which ... Luke Metcalf. He may not be perfect, but you've got to give it him: the guy never quits. There's a Terry Lamb-like quality to his play. He has an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. And he has good footy IQ too. When Willison took that pass in an offside position, it was Metcalf who alerted the ref to it. What's more, he'd cannily allowed that play to unfold, consciously pulling back on catching up to Willison to ensure he remained a viable passing target. The moment he received the ball .... boom! ... the hands went up in protest. It was brilliant foresight. His self-belief is awesome, and he's clearly a team-first player, which is the culture Webby is instilling across the entire squad.

 

[Noitall]

i'm keeping one eye on the previous week opponent and their following round result, I hope to see the 'been bashed by the warriors last week' trend to return..

Was Cobbo last night that looked like he had a crook shoulder at one stage. Finding our defence really physical, we’re hitting hard and legally. #robbiemears alluded to it, but when broncos made a break down that edge, the communication and organisation between Vaimauga and who was travelling with him was brilliant. One thing is the hammer knock that Vaimauga attempting to dislodge the ball I’ve seen him do a couple of times now, I’m not sure about? Like he said though, it was visible the lift in the team when he came onto the field. You can see there’s a tightness to this young group and they enjoy playing with each other. The physicality of Laban when he came on, even on a figure like Haas was epic to see. Could see in the second half that Halasima was getting extra attention, and that’s going to happen more and more as opponents realise the threat he is, but it will open opportunities for others when they do

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Funny how so many supporters of the losing team have a crack at the ref when they are on the wrong end of the scoreline, often with no real evidence.

I hope your including us in on that< Warrior fans are amongst the worst.....including this forum, we're shockers

Tbh i saw a lot of 50/50 calls go our way last night......not that i mind,, we get the rough end enough.

If we hadnt of won i was about to go ballistic over Metcalfs first droppie that got charged down? Butler called Hunt offside who continued to pressure Metcalf even after the call, he then called play on when we regained the ball......shouldve called it back for the penalty straight in front, game wouldve been over then......didnt want to make the controversial call, took the easy way.....weak refereeing.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Was at the game live & it genuinely looked like we dominated for 80% of the game. Our intensity in defence was evident from the first tackle, and we handled the conditions very well.

We’re dominating field position with meticulous accuracy, high completions & a game plan that’s working. I left the game bewildered how we’re sitting in 3rd, with the amount of experience we’re either missing, or lost in the last 6 months. If the dogs weren’t unbeaten, we’d be the story of 2025 imo. An entirely new back 3 and a brand new, untested halves pairing, and we’re in the top 4 - it’s honestly incredible.

Penrose is officially a fortress again, and I’m sure the broncos are walking wounded after last nights efforts.

I’m still not entirely sold on our halves & i do think a combo of Boyd & Metcalf is our strongest pair, with CHT coming off the bench and covering hooker/lock/backline, but until we start losing you can’t change anything!

I do wonder how long until Leka has that starting jersey locked up. Personally, with fish out for the next while I’d move Niukore to a bench middle role & leka to start. He offers so much in attack & is a genuine threat on an edge. At times our halves have lacked punch on the edges & leka is a game breaking back rower, who is only going to get better.

Charnze is under immense pressure for his position. Taine adds something to our shape that charnze does not; speed, agility evasiveness. Charnze is a great worker, punching out nrl leading run metres but can this be done in another position (wing/centre), the answer is yes.

Vaimauga is our energy guy, this kid never backs down & is a genuine mongrel in the middle. I can see why this guy is locked up for the next 4 years. He’s going to become a real problem in the middle & is a warriors-of-old type intimidating middle, that runs hard, breaks tackles, offloads & takes on the best props in the nrl.

We’re sitting 3rd & the best thing is, this team is not even close to hitting its potential. I genuinely believe we’re playing at approx 70% of our ability, and we’re winning games not based off talent, but off grit & fucking hard work. Not something normally associated with the warriors organisation.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

For all the bitching we do about Capes, the broncs forum are saying that letting him go was a mistake. He was the only elder head in the nursery that was the Broncos 23 team.

 

[Wrighty]

Shout to Laban. He knew his role was to be a limited minute impact bench player and he certainly had an impact.
There is something about the way he plays and his interviews that says he would do anything for the warriors jumper. He seems to burst with pride when talking about the Warriors and said he and his cohort stayed with the Warriors when wooed by other teams during Covid. He, Jacob Laban seems to have the most pride in the jersey I have ever seen from any warrior and you could see his attitude in his runs and hit ups last night.

 

[Falcon]

I forgot to mention, Clark. He looks to big to be a #13 in this day and age of footy but By J3sus he was massive today. Can't wait till he get's over the paint!

He will be named player of the year - you heard it here first!

 

[Falcon]

I’m going to give a big shout out to Barnett.

Is he one of the best signing in Warriors history? A real Campion type competitiveness and hardness that rubs off on the team around him.

Every week he brings the intensity and delivers. He never has a bad game.

Will go down as a Warriors legend for me.

I also love his very considered post game chats. You just know he won’t put up with anything less than 100% from his guys. Natural Leader!

 

[miket12]

Shout to Laban. He knew his role was to be a limited minute impact bench player and he certainly had an impact.
There is something about the way he plays and his interviews that says he would do anything for the warriors jumper. He seems to burst with pride when talking about the Warriors and said he and his cohort stayed with the Warriors when wooed by other teams during Covid. He, Jacob Laban seems to have the most pride in the jersey I have ever seen from any warrior and you could see his attitude in his runs and hit ups last night.

What I’m liking about our current young crop, is just making it into the NRL isn’t enough…. the pride in the jersey and wanting to succeed is fantastic to see.

 

[Bay39er]

What's with the trying to push the ball behind the dead ball line when a grubber goes over the goal line rather than just fall on it

It is a disaster waiting to happen and it happened to us last night

Not getting into Ed as all teams do it but makes no sense to me

 

[Inruin]

 

[Stalefish540]

Bit late to the party, only just managed to catch the game due to service.

I said a bunch last year that CHT will come into his own with another pre season under Webby. He's had shit coaches up until this point, and came back last year after the poem writing expedition. Hope he continues to grow in confidence and develop under Webby. Whether that's a half or another position who knows, he's someone you want to find a spot for in your 17 though.

Not sure about the whole Leka should hold the starting spot going forward talk. No matter how special, you don't run a 19yo into the ground. NRL is a gruelling calender, his time will come and he'll continue to provide lethal impact off the bench for the time being until probably 2026 or if called upon due to injury.

Ford had his detractors when that first teamlist came out. But he's doing and providing exactly what I said he would. You need someone who has the ability to play long minutes and get through all the donkey work. Great value for money.

The attack is a funny one, because it's no different to last season really. We were the best or at worst top three team for getting down the field stats wise, but lost in the red zone. Is it an attack coach thing? Who knows, but striking similarities just for slightly different reasons. Difference is this year we are winning the ugly games that last year we lost, that galvanises a squad. Granted you don't want to do it all year or you'll burn out, so fingers crossed the attack clicks at some stage to take the pressure of the forwards who are grinding so hard.

Hope we can finally knock off an ANZAC win this weekend. It's been an eternity at this point, we finally got one back in NZ last year and buffed it against our whipping boys the Titans. Let's not make that mistake in Chch, please.

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

How’s that for a repost!

 

[sydneywarrior92]

When I was at the game, I think most of us were getting frustrated that once again, we absolutely dominate territory in the opposition red zone for the first 20 minutes and had nothing to show for it. But upon reflection, I think that period actually won us the game. We were running against the wind in the first half, so it was crucial to control the possession and starve Reynolds/Hunt of the ability to use it to their advantage. Not only did we do that, the Broncos were so knackered on defence that it completely knocked the rhythm out of their attack for the whole game. We made much better use of the wind advantage in the 2nd half/ET, putting us in the commanding position we were in to win that game (twice).

We really did execute the perfect plan to ambush the broncos- bash them for 20-25 minutes and activate their idiot genes. The Hunt/Reynolds/Walsh brainfarts were no accident- they were the natural consequence of constant physical pressure from us having its desired effect.

 

[The Warrior Waka]

View: https://youtu.be/fpfNZ5LfV78?si=75OMIJBZgoX1dqET

Seeing Tom Ale so excited near the end was mean! Lol.