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Inruin said:

What's your take on the magic round win and the two games after that last season? It felt like AW basically didn't think the team had a chance and left them to their own devices which actually worked well. Less robotic, the team seemed more cohesive. Then it kinda felt like AW wanted to take those players and reintroduce some of the older players that hadn't been performing and mold the team in to his conservative game plan again. A player like TMM for example is not going to be able to stick rigidly to a bomb to the corner and chase plan. It's like he is taking all the points of difference if players that other coaches maximise and dumbs it down to a boring style of play. Zero innovation, zero x factor, zero enjoyment for fans and players. Or am I way off here?

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I agree @Inruin. When the young players were thrown in, the team played with freedom and spontaneity, and that energy was contagious. Their natural, free-flowing style suited the talent on the field, but it was never going to last. As soon as he could, Webby reverted to structure, and whatever excitement had been building quickly faded.

Webby seems to hold a certain reverence for players with established credentials — those with Origin or international experience. He brings it up often when discussing certain players, almost as if he’s in awe of them. As someone who was deeply passionate about rugby league but never reached the top level as a player, I wonder if, subconsciously, he has an inferiority complex that influences his selection decisions.

The problem is, I don’t think he has it in him to make the tough calls. Struggling senior players like Capewell, CNK, and Niukore continue to hold their spots, while journeymen like Pompey and Ford are still filling key positions when they clearly shouldn’t be.

To truly turn things around, he’d need a complete shift in mindset — one that fully embraces and actively promotes the next generation of Warriors talent. The best NRL coaches wouldn’t hesitate to make those changes. I’m just not convinced Webster is one of them. Not yet anyway!

Wrighty said:

Robbie your takes always prove prophetic. You were right about Nathan Brown for example from day one. Should we persevere with Webster? Will he come good? What is your take on him? Does he have it?

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@Wrighty, I think this year is a defining one for Webster. It’s unfortunate because he’s clearly a long-term thinker, just getting started in his coaching career. But the hype machine driven by Cam and the NZ media around "Wah-mania" has created expectations that commercial success alone can't sustain if the team keeps floundering. And it’s not just about losing — it’s how they’re losing.

Webster seems determined to turn the Warriors into a Penrith clone, mirroring their style and development model. The problem? He’s not Ivan Cleary, Metcalf is not Nathan Cleary, and the roster isn’t built for that approach. Where Penrith have game-breaking talent, the Warriors have inconsistency. Where the Panthers excel at disciplined, structured play, the Warriors have players who, in many cases, wouldn’t start at most NRL clubs.

The only coach who truly unlocked the Warriors’ potential was Daniel Anderson. He didn’t try to copy anyone — he built a team around the talent he had, blending work ethic, competitiveness, and natural skill into a style uniquely suited to them. No one since has replicated that formula.

Coaches imprint their personality onto their teams. Ricky Stuart’s Raiders reflect his hard-nosed, win-at-all-costs mentality. Craig Bellamy's Melbourne sides mirror his relentless work ethic from his playing days. Des Hasler's teams, like him, are intense, unorthodox, and tireless.

And Webster? He’s a nice guy, a personable guy, and his Warriors play exactly like that — safe, predictable, and completely lacking in bite. There’s no aggression, no spark, just rigid adherence to a system that already feels outdated.

Inruin said:

I'm not expecting to many changes either. Not expecting a significantly different result either. The thing with AW is he seems to go with what his idea of a best team is regardless of results instead of looking at what is it isn't working. Perfect example of that last season. You almost need a run of losses and then hopefully he makes changes that work so it cements in his mind. But even then he's probably going to try to change back again.

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Yeah, In Webbys mind it seems like the grind is the most vital thing (which is true - 2023 was hardworking and pinning teams in the corners). The ideal team for him is a group of hardened experienced professionals who can execute that game plan. Kick to the corners, hard rushed defensive speed, Strong back three to make metres and give the forwards a break. So in theory - Capewell, Niukore, Ford, Barnett with metre eating wingers and CNK/RTS type fullback is the recipe. The problem now is that Capewell, Niukore and to a lesser degree Ford are starting to lack the physicality and two way game (both offensive and defensive) that we need to remain competitive. ALL TEAMS NEED TO PLAY A FORM OF THIS GAME PLAN BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE CATTLE.

The intensity his game plan requires is not something we now possess. Look at Yeo, Sorensen, Martin etc from Penrith, these guys are intensity two way machines! We are not like that, we need to try and be like that but also realise our DNA is a little different, and let our youth and xfactor players loose.

I now do not believe we can rely on the 2023 game plan that did us so well. We don't have the cattle to execute it. We need to do our best in that style but supplement that style with our own strengths. Until Webby accepts we don't have the cattle to execute this the required standards he will continue to chase the gold at the end of the rainbow. We just exhaust our players and end up getting spanked because we start to crack as the pressure we attempt to exert on other teams ends up causing us to crack and get exhausted.

If we can beat Manly with this game plan I will eat my words but I think what I am saying is true. Webbys biggest test as a coach is starting here against Manly. It is not just who will play, but am I prepared to change the way I have the team play? The sooner he wrestles with this question, the better.

Last day in Vegas today. The sun is still shining.

While the result and performance was extremely dissapointing it has in no way at all put a damper on the trip.

In fact, it was a privilege to watch the Sharks v Panthers in what could be the Grand Final this year - man they are good.

Lots of friendly banter and good chats with other team fans has been excellent too.

I've read all 19 pages this morning, can't add anything more to what has been said. Wake the fuck up Webby and use your cattle.

If your after a little gleam of light in what was a pretty dire performance (and i mean little) check out Halasima's chase when Timoko scores his long range try (incidently who the fark was Pompey defending there......Casper?). Now bear in mind Leka had just lead the kick chase down on the right hand side and made the tackle on the winger returning the ball. Canberra then spread it on the 2nd tackle where they find gaping holes on our left edge and Timoko goes the best part of 40 metres......however its Leka who's the only one in the picture who has hauled ass from his right edge to put himself in the frame and has at least stopped him from going under the posts. Was never going to stop the try but if u watch the replay from the end on view u see that when he recognizes the break he just pins his ears back to just try and get somewhere in the play.

Now its only a little thing but its that off the ball effort that you dont normally associate with boom Warrior youngsters (particulary prodigous attacking talents like Leka) and if u add that to his trial efforts where he was making effort on effort tackles after pulling up lame, it brings me comfort that while we're glaringly lacking in a number of areas across the board, we at least have ourselves a potential gem here.

Will be an absolute crime if Webby doesnt increase his (and Vaimauga's) game time as the season goes on.

In terms of attack, I’m not reading too much into that game - we got dominated in the middle so had no platform to get going, and ended up going sideways.

I just can’t understand the middle rotation. I can see why you might want to start with bigger middles to match Canberra’s physicality early, but Ford is hardly a physical presence. Then to not bring on Vaimauga and instead run a Ford - Clark - Walker middle made my head explode.

The backrowers looked at sea and I agree Niukore is on thin ice.

Defensively the right edge was not connected, there’s problems to iron out there. But until we sort out the middle we aren’t going anywhere.

Marata & Capewell ran for a combined 83m, averaging 40m. They missed 11 tackles between them, 8 for Capewell specifically. They played for an average 66 mins.

Halasima & vaimauga played for 20min average, ran for 45metres average, made 9 tackles with 0 misses between them.

Two experienced, representative players, taking up over 1 million of our cap getting outworked & outplayed by a 19 and 20 year old respectively.

I understand that if these two played extended mins, errors and work rate would drop off. But so it should, they’re kids. And I’m also not advocating that they should start, or play 60+ mins.

What I am saying, is that it’s simply unforgivable that these two experienced leaders in our squad continue to not perform with no consequences. Marata should be demoted to the bench at best & cup at worst, he looks disinterested & unenthused to be out there representing his country. Capewell is better than that, and deserves the jersey based on runs on the board. but with halasima not putting a foot wrong & Laban getting better & demanding a spot in 17, the pressure is now on Capewell to either step up, or face the consequences.

Webby needs to stop the favouritism, and start making these two accountable for their poor performances. The reality is, his job is on the line too if he can’t start stacking wins.

I think we carry Capewell on the bench...hes got versatility, and it may just be that he's not an 80min player these days.

CNK looks cooked to me. All the effort areas which are his go to are missing, ive been a big supporter but based on that effort I think his best days are long gone.

Tmm showed in the last trial that he has the ability to tke pressure off the playmakers and pick and choose the times he injects himself.

Pick Boyd for his organisational skills and kicking and let Metcalf and TMM run.

Vaimauga or Afoa into the starting side at prop to split JFH and Barnett, and blood the young guys in the backrow. We ain't winning anything but potentially the spoon so get some game time into the youth.

I'm a glass half full kind of person, and I have spent the past couple of hours really trying to find some positives but geez after that performance it is incredibly difficult to do so.

The disappointing parts for me have largely been covered off by many here, but I struggle to see how they weren't more up for this game. There was the odd set where they showed some intent on defence, but there just wasn't enough of it. Your attitude often shows through in your defence, and that certainly did today with the amount of missed tackles, which were atrocious.

Agree on Capewell sadly. I like the guy, and I appreciate how good of a player he can be at times, but I haven't seen him play to his ceiling often with a Warriors jersey on.

Another guy I like is CNK, but I did think the experiment with TMM at the back, CNK to centre was a shrewd option in the trials. It now seems that should be the scenario moving forward at least until DWZ returns. With attack that poor, you need players on the field that can create and TMM is that kind of guy.

However, as terrible of a performance as that was I do think some are being overly harsh on JFH. He got through a ton of work in that first stanza and seemed to be the only one holding the middle together. To be calling him out for this trash performance is misplaced. Did he make 200+ yards like AFB, no, but that is not the type of player he is.

Walker off the bench was fantastic I thought. Jury is still out on LM at 7 for me as well. I wish the kid well with it and he showed in the trials there is something to work with there but under the spotlight of the true NRL and not trials he failed to deliver tonight. Will give him some more time, but will need to improve.

100% agree on calling out the bench use as well. This year I hoped for 2 things 1) to make the 8 (albeit thought/hoped we would scrape in), and 2) see the development of these young guns that we are growing. But playing Halasima and Vaimaunga for such limited minutes was baffling to me. Although I think the way Ali played today showed you do have to show some caution as young players often are two steps forward one step back, so need to be carefully managed. However, their use was poor.

I do hope those that did make it over for it enjoyed themselves in Vegas and with the wider spectacle of the event. Ah well, onto the Sea Eagles.

Sledge said:

That is the fault of the coach surely?

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He is not without blame, but he couldn't help the Tohu retirement, players unwilling to come to NZ and our lack of development over the Covid years.

Especially after reading Ivan Clearys book I think pushing out Andrew Webster when he is still learning would be a mistake, unfortunately unless we sign a Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bennett-esque coach we are going to have to give these newer coaches time, rather than continually making the mistake of pushing them out. It's a lesson I hope our club management has learnt over the clubs history.

Demote Pompey Marata and Capewell for that woeful display. Move CNK and bring TMM into the team at FB. Bring Back Bunty

1 TMM
2 Taine
3 CNK
4 Ali
5 RTS
6 CHT
7 Metcalf
8 Fish
9 Healey
10 Bunty
11 Laban
12 Halasima
13 Clark

14 Egan
15 Walker
16 Barnett
17 Demetric

Have to acknowledge all the fans and forum members who made the trip over there, repping the club and the jersey, not a great result in the end but good to see the passion and support the club has.

We flew over for the game. The vibe early on was awesome, crowd were into it. Huge warriors turnout & the warriors fans were the most represented in Vegas by a country mile. Made me proud & seeing fellow kiwis on the street was awesome.

From the start, the raiders were offloading at will. They couldn’t contain horsburgh & they were dominating the middle. Our edges varied, Capewell consistently missed simple tackles and made stupid errors. He’s not a threat & is brought in to bring leadership but leaders don’t make that many defensive misreads. Niukore still has an error in his game, but his work rate is my biggest gripe. I watched him today & he doesn’t go looking for work. Tellingly, both our edges were dragged with time to spare. These two are under immense pressure, Niukore specifically by our young bucks. I think the tough calls will be made in the near future.

Metcalf & cht were Mediocre. Whenever given an opportunity in the opposition 20, they failed to capitalise & lacked threat. I’m still backing Metcalf but they really need to offer more when given opportunity.

I’m a cnk fan, but today he not only made crucial errors, but he lacked any attacking threat & didn’t make yardage - his Main attribute. He’s under pressure, but for me it’s taine who needs to move there.

Also, webby playing the bench was poor. Ford was blowing & losing the battle, and he decides to bring on the young bucks right when the game was over. This pissed me off the most. Playing halasima for 15 min & vaimauga for 10, when the game is done for is literally pointless. They’re 20-25 mins each, or bring someone else in. A coaching error & one he needs to rectify.

Overall, an amazing experience but I’m glad I tied it into seeing a bit of the US. I genuinely feel sorry for the fans who flew specifically over for the game, as all we ask for is effort on effort, defence is an attitude and they didn’t turn up. You can’t leak 30 points and except a W - that’s the most frustrating aspect from today.

All and all, im sure the warriors fans have had a great time and won’t be defined by 80 mins of a sports game but they do deserve better & the team did not deliver. A huge red flag for our year but at the same time, an acknowledgement of where we’re at as a club.

I'll be in the minority here, but I didn't expect much attack-wise considering we have new halves and new combinations on the edges. Nor do I think it's fair to get into our attack when you have to base your attack on your defense and positioning.

But that defense (which does not excuse our halves) and interchanges are my real disappointment.

Team – 40 missed tackles, 26 ineffective.
Capewell – 28 made, 8 missed, 3 ineffective.
Metcalf – 19 made, 6 missed, 2 ineffective.
CHT – 22 made, 4 missed, 2 ineffective.
Marata – 21 made, 3 missed, 4 ineffective.
Everyone else was just averagely bad—missing at least 2 and making 1 or 2 ineffective.

On the inverse, the best defenders we had:
Egan – 49 made, 2 missed, 2 ineffective.
Barney – 37 made, 0 missed, 2 ineffective.
Halismia – 10 made, 0 missed, 0 ineffective.

When it came to interchanges...
Why did we only use 7 and not the full 8? Why carry Halismia and Vaimauga if you're only gonna interchange them at the end? Halismia for 26 mins and Vaimauga for 14 mins (although, for context, the Raiders had a very similar interchange to us). Personally, I see more out of Halismia over Capes or Marata, and I'd carry Healey in if you're only going to play Vaimauga for 14 mins, ffs.

If you're going to play Barney at lock, you could have used the interchange to keep one of our captains on the field for the whole game. But instead, we had 25 mins without either captain on the field, which is when they scored 3 out of their 5 tries against us.

The bench changes prior to kick off were to improve our middle. As we wanted to take them on up front.

Ford is a good worker. However, A bigger body would have meant owning them in the middle which was the aim.

The original formation probably would have been better. I can see the thinking with Clark and Walker coming on with increased leg speed later. But the same could have been achieved with Walker coming on with Halasima or Vaimauga.

Vaimauga it was tough as looking at the bench he could have been coming on to play as a front rower. Spelling either Barnett or JFH. Instead he came on when the game was pretty much over and hat lost all of its structure.

I know people are going to be fuming, but to be honest that was largely the worst case scenario.

Nothing planned our for us today.
Funnily enough, if you look at the stats at the moment and of the game, things were largely 50/50 across the board. We were no better or worse in run meters, completed sets, kicks etc but there were a few key areas we fucked up imo
-Charnz had a shocker.
-LM's kicking was poor and gave us no chance to compete.
-Bench use was poor. We were clearly tired at one point but no changes. Leka and Vaumunga looked good, they would have looked great 30 minutes in...
-zero go forward. Anyone doubting us requiring someone like Hazleton or a big guy can fuck off. Fish, Ford and Barnett had very little impact early on, that's just too small a front row.

For me, we were pretty much dog shit, with taken very very poor performances. The good news is we have so much upside and things to improve.

We essentially had 3 tries (Starling break, 90m Savage intercept and CNK dropped ball) gifted to them. 3 tries were 1 poor errors cost us 18 points.

We certainly werent good enough today but man, I can't believe the wanking off of the Raiders by the commentators.

Embrassing for our fans over there.

I could say more, but I just need to calm down.

One major positive, I saved 30k on a trip to Vegas!

Capewell with 8 missed tackles. Besides Leka and Demitric with their limited game time, Barnett was the only player without a missed tackled.

Granted its going to take some time for the team to gel, but what i saw is very uninspiring. There is no enterprising play and not sure how they plan on scoring points. The one out running with lack of offload and support play is very depressing.

Pros:
- RTS showed his class.
- Vaimauga needs much more gametime. Halasima too.

Cons:
- Niukore is done. Gets bent when he runs, got fended by Ethan fucking Strange on defence.
- Ford needs to be fired into the sun.
- CNK, thank you for your service but I think your time might be nearly up.
- Webby - atrocious use of the bench. Left the young guns off for way too long while our pack was getting dominated.