General Your 2025 team

[snake77]

Just thought the statement was a bit of an overstretch with the obvious exception of DWZ.

He is an exception due to his speed. Most of what we have seen from him is taking advantage of an overlap inside the opposition 20.

For the last 5 years ago we have struggled to spread the ball and score from long range.

Even breaking a tackle or making a break from stepping the opposition has been a rare occurrence. That is why the break from Halasima or a couple from Leiataua stood out.

 

[Noitall]

He is an exception due to his speed. Most of what we have seen from him is taking advantage of an overlap inside the opposition 20.

For the last 5 years ago we have struggled to spread the ball and score from long range.

Even breaking a tackle or making a break from stepping the opposition has been a rare occurrence. That is why the break from Halasima or a couple from Leiataua stood out.

Agree most of the last 5 years is as you mentioned, but thought in 2023 DWZ was the benefactor of some nice backline play that included CNK chiming in for the overlap. Was really missed in 2024 but also thought teams were much better defensively at drifting across field to cover space out wide

 

[Inruin]

Agree most of the last 5 years is as you mentioned, but thought in 2023 DWZ was the benefactor of some nice backline play that included CNK chiming in for the overlap. Was really missed in 2024 but also thought teams were much better defensively at drifting across field to cover space out wide

He still scored 15 tries this year. I also thought with TMM and LM we saw a bit more variety in attack and certainly our spread of them scored across the park was a lot more even than 2023

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[Dannevegas]

Roger needs to be fullback.

 

[Milking!]

I think there is more reason for optimism than pessimism.

CNK should hopefully be injury free and back to his best. We have a great back up in TT if he isn't.

RTS and DWZ on the wings are fine and gives us positional coverage.

Ali is x factor and Pompey or Berry are solid enough

TMM and LM are an exciting prospect particularly if TMM captures his form at 7 this year and LM continues where he finished this season.

Forward pack looks strong. Tohu back injury free and JFH inspiration.

A few ifs in there but the main issues will be defensive improvement (in our control), number of injuries (out of our control) and AWs improvement as a coach, which he seems to be saying the right things.

Top 8 looks achievable with an outside chance of the top 4.

Totally agree with the forecast. With key attacking fulcrums Tohu and SJ either injured or out for great chunks of the season, we were still a stones throw away from making the eight last year.
We’ve definitely got a forward pack to lay a platform against most other teams, and a strong enough backline to finish their chances. Throw in a couple of young guns who could potentially be game breakers and top eight is definitely viable.
IMO the success of the season will comedown to the halves combo Webby lands on - can whatever duo he backs deliver both enough variety for a spicy attack and quality game management.

 

[Playdaball]

We still have not addressed a real issue at the Warriors - a lack of speed.

 

[Tragic]

Roger needs to be fullback.

Does not.

 

[Playdaball]

Part of me believes that RTS should be fullback but I believe it’s time for TT to shine - however either one would be good.
If RTS was in the open market a few clubs would sign him for their #1 jersey.
I’m still sitting on the fence.
I do like the fact that Webster has not come out this year and said that CNK will be the Warriors fullback this year and that RTS will be centre - he needs to be a little more flexible with his team selections and game plans.

 

[Brightman]

CNK is still the Warriors "incumbent" FB, Taine has lots of "potential" and RTS is on the wrong side of the "summit". Taking off the rose tinted glasses who is the logical first choice selection..

 

[Noitall]

CNK is still the Warriors "incumbent" FB, Taine has lots of "potential" and RTS is on the wrong side of the "summit". Taking off the rose tinted glasses who is the logical first choice selection..

If CNK isn’t going to be extended, I’d rather start with the succession plan from 2025 unless we’re recruiting a fullback from outside the club

 

[Ref]

CNK is still the Warriors "incumbent" FB, Taine has lots of "potential" and RTS is on the wrong side of the "summit". Taking off the rose tinted glasses who is the logical first choice selection..

Logical from whose point of view.
CNK was well below his best for most of 2024.
TT is my man. IMO he now offers more.
Though not big he runs at the line when required and doesn’t get rag dolled like you’d expect.
Only a rejuvenated, sharp again and back to his best CNK would sway me.

 

[Brightman]

If CNK isn’t going to be extended, I’d rather start with the succession plan from 2025 unless we’re recruiting a fullback from outside the club

who says CNK isn't going to get an extension..

 

[Ref]

If CNK isn’t going to be extended, I’d rather start with the succession plan from 2025 unless we’re recruiting a fullback from outside the club

Maybe there is a plan involving both of them.

 

[John Nick]

Maybe there is a plan involving both of them.

Surely preseason and trials should be the criteria.

 

[Noitall]

who says CNK isn't going to get an extension..

For sure he could earn an extension, but I would have thought he’d be extended before Tuaupiki being that Tuaupiki’s only tried position at the club is fullback. Played in the halves for NZa though, as did CNK in 2024 at times

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Surely preseason and trials should be the criteria.

I firmly believe players are locked in for the season ahead, based on the previous season. All our first grade squad already know they are in the starting team. All the reserves know their place. Selection is based on past performance not anything they do over preseason.

This provides certainty for players, lowers anxiety, allows combinations to be built and in depth game plans revolving around the first choice players.

I believe the competition for spots is lip service for us fans. Up and coming players have a set amount of games decided preseason with additional opportunities through injury. This is a professional sporting approach based on past data that most teams use.

I don’t have enough time to explain with more depth but invite @Wrighty to give his opinion.

 

[Brightman]

Logical from whose point of view.

Facts. Who played where and how many games..

CNK was well below his best for most of 2024.
Only a rejuvenated, sharp again and back to his best CNK would sway me.

Yes. Now we move forward to 2025..

TT is my man. IMO he now offers more.
Though not big he runs at the line when required and doesn’t get rag dolled like you’d expect.

Cool. Imagine if the Warriors signed KK, TT would be bye bye..

 

[Brightman]

I firmly believe players are locked in for the season ahead, based on the previous season. All our first grade squad already know they are in the starting team. All the reserves know their place. Selection is based on past performance not anything they do over preseason.

This provides certainty for players, lowers anxiety, allows combinations to be built and in depth game plans revolving around the first choice players.

I believe the competition for spots is lip service for us fans. Up and coming players have a set amount of games decided preseason with additional opportunities through injury. This is a professional sporting approach based on past data that most teams use.

I don’t have enough time to explain with more depth but invite @Wrighty to give his opinion.

There is scope for adjustments, such as players kicking on in leaps and bounds but that usually plays out over the season and is a smoother adjustment for the team unlike injuries that can stutter a teams performance..

 

[Brightman]

Played in the halves for NZa though, as did CNK in 2024 at times

I only caught a little of the NSW teams 2024 performances but early on TMM and TT were really running the team like bosses. I could see the warriors trying to convert TT into the halves..

 

[John Nick]

I firmly believe players are locked in for the season ahead, based on the previous season. All our first grade squad already know they are in the starting team. All the reserves know their place. Selection is based on past performance not anything they do over preseason.

This provides certainty for players, lowers anxiety, allows combinations to be built and in depth game plans revolving around the first choice players.

I believe the competition for spots is lip service for us fans. Up and coming players have a set amount of games decided preseason with additional opportunities through injury. This is a professional sporting approach based on past data that most teams use.

I don’t have enough time to explain with more depth but invite @Wrighty to give his opinion.

So having a great preseason and excelling in the trials is a waste of time.
I am certain that especially our younger guys don't see it that way.
This is their time to show coaches and staff what they have.
Sure a few spots will be a lock but in our case not many