We’ve been hearing that one for a while- Mara, havilli, nafe, roache, Kalepo, otukolo…. They’re always coming but they never arrive.
You need a lot of smarts to play hooker.
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You need a lot of smarts to play hooker.
That is how I see it. Say what you want about CHT, but having him on the bench means you can plug about 4 or 5 positions on the field in a pinch. Much more than you get out of Lussick.
Went and watched the juniors play last Saturday at Te Papapa Rugby Union club in Onehunga. First game was the Future Warriors (U15) trial with about 35-40 kids playing in that one including 3 13yo. Second game I think was SG Ball vs Jersey Flegg in the 1st half then SG Ball vs Harold Matthews in the 2nd half.
Seen an earlier post asking about Joseph Ratcliffe and he was there playing fullback for the SG Ball team. Now most will know I really rate this kid but I don't think fullback is his best position.
Another one playing fullback was Wayde Egan brother Tallan Egan. His fitness and game awareness has improved out of sight since last season and he'll be one to watch this season. Vastly superior player to what he was just 6 months ago.
As we have come to expect we have absolutely no shortage of home grown front and second row talent. Both will carry us this season. Gone are the days of having two oversized book ends in the pack. These kids are tall and mobile with most of the second row having amazing footwork that wouldn't go amiss in the centres. Couple of run away tries from props who had speed to burn. Definitely a common thread there with our recruiting.
Main chink in our armour this season will be the spine positions especially hooker. We don't seem to be investing much in that position which is why Kaawyn Patterson left despite him and his family being staunch Warriors supporters. Also explains why we are more interested in importing players to fill that role.
Was good to see Albert Vete back at the club even if its just running water. He's been looked at as a long term coaching prospect...
Seen an earlier post asking about Joseph Ratcliffe and he was there playing fullback for the SG Ball team. Now most will know I really rate this kid but I don't think fullback is his best position.
Another one playing fullback was Wayde Egan brother Tallan Egan. His fitness and game awareness has improved out of sight since last season and he'll be one to watch this season. Vastly superior player to what he was just 6 months ago.
As we have come to expect we have absolutely no shortage of home grown front and second row talent. Both will carry us this season. Gone are the days of having two oversized book ends in the pack. These kids are tall and mobile with most of the second row having amazing footwork that wouldn't go amiss in the centres. Couple of run away tries from props who had speed to burn. Definitely a common thread there with our recruiting.
Main chink in our armour this season will be the spine positions especially hooker. We don't seem to be investing much in that position which is why Kaawyn Patterson left despite him and his family being staunch Warriors supporters. Also explains why we are more interested in importing players to fill that role.
Was good to see Albert Vete back at the club even if its just running water. He's been looked at as a long term coaching prospect...
Not sure if its been mentioned but Freddy Lussick is being shopped around...
I respectfully disagree regarding Charnze. He is an underrated ball player, great at making metres and getting a quick play the ball for our forwards to build off.
With regards playing with structure he is better at both RTS and Taine at that and rarely puts his outside men under pressure by passing unnecessary. I rate CNK highly, think we will be well balanced with RTS on the wing where he can use his footwork to better effect and Rocco and Ali's development coming along nicely we will do just fine
Definitely my favourite entrance music. I reckon someone at the Warriors reads in here a little bit so... play Alien Weaponry again please!
What are we rebuilding in 2025? AFB replaced by JFH. Jazz replaced by Clark. Marcelo Montoya likely replaced by RTS in the wing. SJ had one great season in 2023 but him and Harris were horribly off the pace with injuries. Add in the youth with another preseason under their belts. We essentially have strengthened the side. Compared to other clubs we are in a fairly good spot IMO
I'll do you one better Wrighty!
For 2026
Tuaupiki $300k
Brown $1 mill
Hughes $1.2 mil
Egan $600
Best spine in the comp?
According to the eels forum. We would be the only club dumb enough to offer Brown 1mil/season
That made me laugh out loud. Says the team who are already paying 90% of a mil?
I don't know why so many people are getting hung up on us potentially paying 100-200k a year more than what Brown is likely worth.
We have Roger and Marata on likely 500k more than what they're worth per year between them. Both will be done at the end of 2026 so if we do sign Brown on 1.1mil, from 2027 well just pay him the excess from their contracts.
With two new teams in the comp from 2028 I think Halves are going to go for a premium and we'll see 1.2-1.5 mil being pretty standard, so if we end up paying that a few years earlier in 2026 I'm not too fussed, especially for a top player like Brown.
I’m going to counter some of the chat here, I think he is a franchise player. Quality halves are few and far between. The best ones of the current era; DCE, Reynolds, hunt etc are close to retirement. The next crop, Fogarty, Hughes, moses, Walker, wighton are a few years away from retirement.
Luai, Burton, s walker, Cleary are young but all are locked down for long term deals.
Brown is 25 in 2026. Meaning, he’s got 7+ years ahead of him. Whilst he’s a ball running 6, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be converted to a high quality 7 under good coaching & mentors (SJ).
He’s also a kiwi boy, good looking, level headed, an international and has racked up 125 games so is looking like a 300 gamer. He’s also probably the best defensive half in the comp.
IMO he is a franchise player, he is a 1 million dollar player & I want him at the warriors 100%.
For context; Cleary 1.2, luai 1.2, Munster 1.1, dce 1, Walker 1, Hynes 1, brown 900k.
Luai, Burton, s walker, Cleary are young but all are locked down for long term deals.
Brown is 25 in 2026. Meaning, he’s got 7+ years ahead of him. Whilst he’s a ball running 6, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be converted to a high quality 7 under good coaching & mentors (SJ).
He’s also a kiwi boy, good looking, level headed, an international and has racked up 125 games so is looking like a 300 gamer. He’s also probably the best defensive half in the comp.
IMO he is a franchise player, he is a 1 million dollar player & I want him at the warriors 100%.
For context; Cleary 1.2, luai 1.2, Munster 1.1, dce 1, Walker 1, Hynes 1, brown 900k.
*****OFFICIAL RESULTS***
A few more votes may occur but let's call this. Firstly some thank yous.
Thank you to Tajhay for allowing us and supporting us to play these games every year on the forum. He helps also through coding up features and functions to support the game. Early indicators are he will join us and play next year if possible.
Thank you to all ten competitors. Thanks for the banter. That is why i run these games. Thanks for rolling through any glitches and playing with good spirit.
The Winning Podium
In First place - Mr Brownstone. Congratulations and well played.
A three way tie for second - Defence, Boats n Hoes, Inruin
So four people on the podium this year.
Well played all.
A few more votes may occur but let's call this. Firstly some thank yous.
Thank you to Tajhay for allowing us and supporting us to play these games every year on the forum. He helps also through coding up features and functions to support the game. Early indicators are he will join us and play next year if possible.
Thank you to all ten competitors. Thanks for the banter. That is why i run these games. Thanks for rolling through any glitches and playing with good spirit.
The Winning Podium
In First place - Mr Brownstone. Congratulations and well played.
A three way tie for second - Defence, Boats n Hoes, Inruin
So four people on the podium this year.
Well played all.
It will be interesting to see what TMM and LM deliver in the first 6-8 games (assuming it's them at 7 and 6). We haven't had a chance to see what that combo can deliver yet over a stretch of games and it's already been written off by a few. And those people could very much be correct. Alternatively they could be very surprised. We have been so used to having SJ for the majority of a decade I do wonder if some get a little over anxious about not having him or who is going to replace him. Much like Nathan Friend or Michael Luck - who is going to make their tackles now? Or Manu and his hit ups and tries? I think the answer is that the team and individuals have to adapt and they will. Just as we have had to in the past. Just as we did this season to great effect Personally I am excited to see what this combo can produce. I feel like we look more balanced with them and I hope that's the case. I can never understand arguments like 'we aren't going to win anything with them in the halves'. Is that no games at all? I presume it means a premiership, because we have won all those other ones previously.... I think if these two can stay injury free (massive if, considering their history) then we will be very competitive and make the 8. From there, anything is possible.
In regards to Hughes or Brown. Halves, that is good halves, are very scarce at present. We would be mad if we aren't making inquiries to either of of them. That is we should be talking to both of them and making serious offers. It's not even close to a tough decision for me, even as excited as I am to see how we go this season.
In regards to Hughes or Brown. Halves, that is good halves, are very scarce at present. We would be mad if we aren't making inquiries to either of of them. That is we should be talking to both of them and making serious offers. It's not even close to a tough decision for me, even as excited as I am to see how we go this season.
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I don't get the whole 'Browns not what we need' narrative.
Yes, if we had the pick of the crop he's not what you'd be going after looking at our current roster, but the reality is we don't, and have never had the pick of the crop.
He's not a game manager. He's also only 24. How many players in the last 10 years have been game managers at 24? Aside from Reynolds, DCE and Cleary who are the exceptions, most aren't.
At the end of the day, if there's a chance to sign a marquee man like Brown, generally you take it.
I know you can't simply pick out players and replace them with another players stats, but despite having a shit of a year last year, the Wahs lost 7 games by 6 points or less, and one draw.
Brown had 5 tries and 18 try assists himself where as our 3 6's last year has 8 tries and 8 try assists combined. Those 7 or 8 tries that Brown scored more than our lot likely would have won us a few more games and likely put us in the 8
So while he might not be the best target our there, I think some need to realize that if he becomes a realistic option for us at any time, I'm pretty sure we'd sign him
Yes, if we had the pick of the crop he's not what you'd be going after looking at our current roster, but the reality is we don't, and have never had the pick of the crop.
He's not a game manager. He's also only 24. How many players in the last 10 years have been game managers at 24? Aside from Reynolds, DCE and Cleary who are the exceptions, most aren't.
At the end of the day, if there's a chance to sign a marquee man like Brown, generally you take it.
I know you can't simply pick out players and replace them with another players stats, but despite having a shit of a year last year, the Wahs lost 7 games by 6 points or less, and one draw.
Brown had 5 tries and 18 try assists himself where as our 3 6's last year has 8 tries and 8 try assists combined. Those 7 or 8 tries that Brown scored more than our lot likely would have won us a few more games and likely put us in the 8
So while he might not be the best target our there, I think some need to realize that if he becomes a realistic option for us at any time, I'm pretty sure we'd sign him
Cleary, Hughes, Reynolds and Moses have been the only 7’s in the grand final for the last 5 years.
An elite 7 is everything! Target Hughes with $1.2m for 3 seasons.
Brown is great… if we want to target 7th spot. Hughes is necessary if we want to target top 4.
An elite 7 is everything! Target Hughes with $1.2m for 3 seasons.
Brown is great… if we want to target 7th spot. Hughes is necessary if we want to target top 4.
Has anyone else heard that Halasima has been training in the 13 role? Apparently has been distributing a lot and is also coming on to the ball very quickly when first receiver so that he is a run or pass threat. I can see the logic if true as it allows Martin and Metcalf to operate a bit wider with the likes of Capewell, Ali off their shoulder.
I do wonder who would be in the second row then though as I had Halasima there
I do wonder who would be in the second row then though as I had Halasima there
Top 5? The bloke started 5 games on the edge in '21 & 2 in '22 before a breakout season in 2023 where he scored a grand total of 3 tries in 21 starts. Top 12 maybe but top 5 is excessively optimistic.
Currently the most overpaid guy on the roster
At least those guys can see what some cant..Well seems like some talk about Dylan Brown. The reporter quotes a random Kiwi on Twitter so likely not very serious.
Dylan Brown in massive development at Warriors after Tohu Harris' sad retirement
Dylan Brown is free to leave the Eels due to his unique contract. Read more here.au.news.yahoo.com
Speaking on SEN radio this week, former NRL player Jimmy Smith said: "Dylan Walker does it well but he's been more effective at 14." Journalist Michael Carayannis said: "He's another guy (like Harris) who looked battered throughout last season at times, and those shots from the big men in the middle caught up with him at times."
...
But they'll sorely miss Harris' skill. He was as good as any of the best locks in the game. If I'm (coach) Andrew Webster I'd be trying to keep Dylan Walker on the bench so he can come on when the opposition is tired."
Potentially Dylans last year. We also will have a further year of development on our youth players plus if needed we can go to the market with a fair amount of coin to spend.
I see plenty of downside and very limited upside with signing him for this year. See above for the cupboard looks bare.
How did that experience go for us this year? Arguably our best results this season were without them. We are also adding in a little bit of experience with JFH don't forget.
I just think many are looking at the Cheese from back at the Storm type form and seeing a kiwi player who might come home, maybe. I just think we have moved on from the mercy signings or the desperate singings and I feel that this would fall in to that camp. I personally would rather push the youth through than sign him or go to market for a player that isnt coming off a major injury and doesn't have an atiitude/maturity problem.
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