Rugby League 2016

to be a

Vodafone Warrior

Give everything for the team Be there no matter what Face any challenge Always believe Never settle

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True Supporter Give everything for the team Be there no matter what Face any challenge Always believe Never settle

Vodafone Warriors Supporter – 10 years strong –

SEASON GUIDE 2016 RUGBY LEAGUE

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MANAGING EDITOR OLIVER LEE

CONTRIBUTORS

TALEI ANDERSON RICHARD BECHT BEN BLASHCKE FIONA BOLLEN MICHAEL BURGESS JOHN DEAKER WILL EVANS MATT LOGUE ANTHONY RHODES KATE SYMONS

SUB-EDITOR /PROOFER ELISE McDOWELL

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOSPORT.NZ

PRODUCTION

ONTIME ASSOCIATES

PRINTING

PMP AUCKLAND

PUBLISHER

VODAFONE WARRIORS’ SEASON PREVIEW AND CLUB CONTACT DETAILS

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A WEEKEND AT THE DOWNER NRL AUCKLAND NINES

A NEW SEASON, A NEW CAPTAIN

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ISSN 2463-5472 (PRINT) ISSN 2463-5480 (ONLINE)

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VODAFONE WARRIORS NRL TEAM POSTER

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THE 2016 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP DRAW

VODAFONE WARRIORS ON THE ROAD TO NEW PLYMOUTH IN MAY

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A HOME FOR YOUNG WARRIORS AT AUTEX HOUSE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK

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THE CLASH OF GIANTS: STATE OF ORIGIN 2016 COPYRIGHT REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART

BY ANY MEANS IS PROHIBITED.

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VODAFONE WARRIORS COACHES AND PLAYER PROFILES — ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS YEAR’S NRL SQUAD

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2016 NRL TEAM PROFILES. WE PREVIEW THE TEAMS WHO WILL COMPETE IN THE 2016 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP

DISCLAIMER THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS MAGAZINE DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER. ALTHOUGH MATERIAL IS CHECKED FOR ACCURACY, NO LIABILITY IS ASSUMED BY THE PUBLISHER FOR ANY LOSS DUE TO USE OF MATERIAL IN THIS MAGAZINE.

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RUGBY LEAGUE ALIVE AND WELL IN CHRISTCHURCH

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ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES FROM AROUND THE 16 NRL CLUBS

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Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand PHONE: +64-9-486 6966 EMAIL: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz WEBSITE oliverlee.co.nz

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PUSHING FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE AT THE WARRIORS

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INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE — KIWIS v KANGAROOS 6 MAY 2016

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LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP

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VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS TEAM POSTER

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AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS YEAR

NOTE THE TAB ODDS QUOTED THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE WERE CORRECT ON 19 FEBRUARY 2016. FOR THE LATEST UPDATED ODDS VISIT TAB.CO.NZ

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4 warriors.kiwi

VODAFONE WARRIORS LINING UP A PROMISING YEAR

THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THE 2016 SEASON WILL BE A MEMORABLE ONE FOR THE VODAFONE WARRIORS.

S

URE, those words have been written By MICHAEL BURGESS and determined to recapture his form from 2013. And what about Simon Mannering? His before — and not always come to absence from the end-of-year Kiwis tour was a pass — but this campaign should blessing in disguise, as the 29-year-old enjoyed his first full off-season be different. Will be different. Has to be different. break in almost a decade.

There are many grounds for optimism. The arrival of Roger TuivasaSheck and Issac Luke adds a new dimension to the roster, in crucial areas. In his first full season as an NRL fullback, Tuivasa-Sheck changed the face of the position and is recognised as one of the most dynamic runners in the game. From the No. 9 jersey, Luke adds experience and thrust to the team — a combination not seen at Mount Smart for more than a decade.

A rejuvenated Mannering will be great support for new captain Ryan Hoffman, who has other capable lieutenants around him, with Robson, Luke, Tuivasa-Sheck and a maturing Johnson.

Their combination with Shaun Johnson, who has recovered well from the ankle injury that curtailed his 2015 season, is a mouth-watering prospect.

The NRL draw provides some opportunities. The Warriors avoid trips to Penrith and Wollongong — traditional graveyards for the team — and have the bonus of two away games being staged in New Zealand; they face the Penrith Panthers in Christchurch and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Wellington.

It also means the all-important spine of the team is the equal of any in the competition, with Tuivasa-Sheck, Johnson, Luke and either Jeff Robson, Tuimoala Lolohea or Thomas Leuluai.

Aside from the star purchases, the squad has genuine depth in most positions. The injury carnage of last season had one upside, with plenty of youngsters emerging with great credit out of a difficult situation. Solomone Kata (24 games), Albert Vete (21 games), Lolohea (21 games), Sam Lisone (19 games) and Ken Maumalo (eight games) coped remarkably well with such a load.

Ben Henry and Leuluai are almost like new players joining the squad after their lengthy recoveries from injury. Robson and former Manly Sea Eagles forward Ligi Sao are shaping-up to be astute purchases, while Konrad Hurrell is focussed

“We have a lot of hard work ahead of us and we know there will be ups and downs,” says Johnson.

“But it feels like things are falling into place. We are ready to make a mark this year.”

Issac Luke in action for the Warriors during the pre-season game against the Gold Coast Titans at Toll Stadium, Whangarei.

LAST YEAR: 13TH PLACE HEAD COACH: ANDREW MCFADDEN CAPTAIN: RYAN HOFFMAN HOME GROUND: MOUNT SMART STADIUM WEBSITE: WWW.WARRIORS.KIWI TICKETS: WWW.TICKETEK.CO.NZ CONTACT: 2 BEASLEY AVE, PENROSE, AUCKLAND, 1061 POSTAL: BOX 12-224, PENROSE, AUCKLAND, 1642 PHONE: +64 9 526 8822 TAB ODDS: $8.00

But they have a tough start to the year with trips to Campbelltown and Brisbane then matches against the Melbourne Storm (twice), Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters and Sea Eagles within the first two months of the season.

To end the season, they have a favourable run to the finals where three of their last four games are at home.

The news that the club would be based at Mount Smart until at least 2028 was also another timely fillip. It provided some muchneeded certainty and stability for the organisation, ending years of speculation that the Warriors would be forced to move away from their spiritual home.

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COMMITTED TO THE GAME MANU VATUVEI &

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 7

THERE’S A NEW MAN

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

RYAN HOFFMAN WAS BROUGHT TO THE VODAFONE WARRIORS AS A SENIOR PLAYER — AND NOW IN 2016 HE BECOMES THE MAIN MAN.

By MICHAEL BURGESS

‘‘

HE IS A NATURAL LEADER WHO BRINGS ALL THE QUALITIES WE WANT…

”

L

ONG-TIME captain Simon Mannering made the decision to relinquish the skipper’s role earlier this month, after six seasons in charge. It was a surprise for some fans but also epitomised the selflessness that has been a feature of Mannering’s tenure at the club.

The very fact that Hoffman was the strongest candidate to replace Mannering — after just one season in Auckland — sums up the Australian’s standing at Warriors HQ. “He is a natural leader who brings all the qualities we want — one who plays for 80 minutes, is durable and has a fiercely competitive attitude,” said coach Andrew McFadden. “He has the respect and support of the players.”

Some players, even big names, take time to make their mark at a new club. Not Hoffman. He stood out from the start in 2015, scoring a try in each of his first three NRL games for the Warriors, including a remarkable running catch of a midfield bomb which sealed their round two win in Canberra. Hoffman also produced a game-turning play against the Sharks in round nine, with his charge down and regather to regain possession, before Shaun Johnson’s celebrated try on the hooter.

But Hoffman is more than just eye-catching plays. The 32-year-old is the ultimate professional, who demands the same from his teammates. Whether it is around off-field habits, focus and intensity at training, match-day preparations or work rate during a match, Hoffman doesn’t buy into excuses. That’s a product of spending more than a decade at the Melbourne Storm, arguably the most professional environment in the NRL. “As a young guy I’d always backed my ability to play first grade but the learning curve at Melbourne was that you don’t have two or three good games and then one off-game,” said Hoffman. “It doesn’t work that way. The key to being a proper first grader is reducing the gap between your good and bad games.”

Hoffman was also fortunate to emerge at the same time as Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

| DATE OF BIRTH: 26 JANUARY 1984 | BIRTHPLACE: CANBERRA | NRL DEBUT: ROUND 6, 2003 | NRL GAMES: 263 | REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS: SIX TESTS FOR AUSTRALIA, 11 STATE OF ORIGIN MATCHES FOR NSW

| DID YOU KNOW? HIS FATHER JAY PLAYED MORE THAN 100 GAMES FOR THE CANBERRA RAIDERS IN THE 1980s AND ALSO REPRESENTED QUEENSLAND.

| KEY STAT: DESPITE BEING A FORWARD, HOFFMAN HAS SCORED 10 TRIES OR MORE IN A SEASON ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS.

| FATHERHOOD: HOFFMAN AND HIS WIFE MELISSA ARE PROUD PARENTS TO SON ZACH AND DAUGHTER MIA.

“For me being close friends with Cameron, Bill and Coops at the same age set a great example,” reflected Hoffman. “There was little difference between their good and bad games and they looked to improve with every training session, every game.”

Hoffman has 263 NRL games under his belt (245 for the Storm) and an impressive 63 tries. He’s played in five grand finals, the Challenge Cup final (for Wigan), 11 State of Origin matches and has also represented the Kangaroos on six occasions.

Hoffman will be the fifth Australian to lead the Warriors, after Greg Alexander (1996), John Simon (2000), Kevin Campion (co-captain with Stacey Jones 2001–02) and Steve Price (2005–09). Campion was one of the main inspirations behind the run to the 2002 grand final, while Price took the team to the preliminary final in 2008.

8 nrl.com

AROUND THE 16 NRL CLUBS

ARRIVED AND DEPARTED VODAFONE WARRIORS |

DRAGONS |

SEA EAGLES |

IN: Dylan Walker (Rabbitohs), Nate Myles (Titans), Martin Taupau (Tigers), Lewis Brown (Panthers), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Darcy Lussick (Eels), Tim Moltzen (Tigers), Matt Parcell (Broncos), Nathan Green (Dragons), John Walker (rugby union), Tom Wright (rugby union), Fabian Goodall (Eels).

OUT: Kieran Foran (Eels), Matt Ballin (Tigers), James Hasson (Eels), Justin Horo (Catalan Dragons), Jack Littlejohn (Tigers), Ligi Sao (Warriors), Michael Chee-Kam (Tigers), Willie Mason (Catalan Dragons), Dunamis Lui (Dragons), Cheyse Blair (Storm), Jesse Sene Lefao (Sharks), Will Pearsall (Knights), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Peta Hiku (Panthers).

IN: Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Michael Jennings (Roosters), Beau Scott (Knights), Michael Gordon (Sharks), James Hasson (Sea Eagles), Cameron King (Cowboys), Kieran Moss (Panthers), Rory O’Brien (Dragons), Mitch Cornish (Raiders), Kelepi Tanginoa (Cowboys), Scott Schulte (Cowboys), Clinton Gutherson (Sea Eagles), Matthew Woods (Tigers), Honeti Tuha (Knights). OUT: Darcy Lussick (Sea Eagles), Ryan Matterson (Roosters), Ben Crooks (Castleford Tigers), Zach Dockar-Clay (Panthers), Chris Sandow (Warrington Wolves), Beau Champion (retired), Fabian Goodall (Sea Eagles), Richie Fa’aoso (retired), Reece Robinson (rugby union), Joseph Paulo (Sharks), Josh Aloai (Tigers), Will Hopoate (Bulldogs), Michael Jennings (Roosters), Pauli Pauli (Eels).

PANTHERS |

TITANS |

ROOSTERS |

WESTS TIGERS |

STORM |

KNIGHTS |

SHARKS |

BRONCOS |

BULLDOGS |

COWBOYS |

RABBITOHS |

RAIDERS |

IN: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters), Issac Luke (Rabbitohs), Ligi Sao (Sea Eagles), Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Henare Wells (Burleigh Bears), Jeff Robson (Sharks), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Storm), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds Rhinos).

OUT: Nathan Friend (Titans), Siliva Havili (Dragons), Nathaniel Peteru (Titans), Dominique Peyroux (St Helens), Sam Rapira (Huddersfield Giants), Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors), Chad Townsend (Sharks), Sebastine Ikahihifo (Dragons), Bradley Abbey (Bulldogs), Glen Fisiiahi (rugby union), David Bhana (Knights), Ngani Laumape (rugby union).

IN: Trent Merrin (Dragons), Zach Dockar-Clay (Eels), Benjamin Garcia (Catalan Dragons), Andrew Heffernan (Raiders), Viliame Kikau (Cowboys), Te Maire Martin (Tigers), Sitaleki Akauola (Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Roosters), Peta Hiku (Sea Eagles). OUT: Lewis Brown (Sea Eagles), Brent Kite (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Nigel Plum (retired), Kieran Moss (Eels), Sika Manu (Hull FC), David Simmons (retired), Shaun Spence (retired), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford Red Devils), Isaac John (released), Sam Anderson (released), Adam Docker (retired), Jamal Idris (released).

IN: Matthew White (Titans), Mark Nicholls (Raiders), Scott Drinkwater (Roosters), Curtis Scott (Sharks), Cheyse Blair (Sea Eagles), Jeremy Hawkins (Raiders).

OUT: Kurt Mann (Dragons), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield Giants), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Dayne Weston (Leigh Centurions), Matt Duffie (rugby union), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (retired), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs).

IN: Bradley Abbey (Warriors), Kerrod Holland (Knights), Craig Garvey (Dragons), Will Hopoate (Eels).

OUT: Trent Hodkinson (Knights), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Tim Lafai (Dragons).

IN: Kurt Mann (Storm), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Mose Masoe (St Helens), Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles), Tyrone McCarthy (Hull Kingston Rovers), Sebastine Ikahihifo (Warriors), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Titans), Josh McCrone (Raiders), Taane Milne (Roosters), Adam Quinlan (St Helens), Tim Lafai (Bulldogs). OUT: Trent Merrin (Panthers), Dan Hunt (retired), Charly Runciman (Widnes Vikings), Nathan Green (Sea Eagles), Rory O’Brien (Eels), Eto Nabuli (rugby union), Justin Hunt (Tigers), Heath L’estrange (retired), Adam Tuimavave-Gerard (released), Jack Kavanagh (released), Mark Ioane (London Broncos), Craig Garvey (Bulldogs).

IN: David Shillington (Raiders), Nathan Friend (Warriors), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), Ashley Taylor (Broncos), Tyrone Roberts (Knights), Leivaha Pulu (Wyong Kangaroos), Chris McQueen (Rabbitohs), Cameron Cullen (Burleigh Bears). OUT: Nate Myles (Sea Eagles), Aidan Sezer (Raiders), Dave Taylor (Catalan Dragons), Shaun Hudson (Cowboys), Ben Ridge (retired), Matthew White (Storm), Brad Tighe (retired), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Dragons), Beau Falloon (Leeds Rhinos), James Roberts (Broncos).

IN: Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Will Pearsall (Sea Eagles), David Bhana (Warriors), Pauli Pauli (Eels). OUT: Kurt Gidley (Warrington Wolves), Beau Scott (Eels), Clint Newton (retired), David Fa'alogo (retired), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC), Tyrone Roberts (Titans), Adam Clydsdale (Raiders), Kerrod Holland (Bulldogs), Todd Lowrie (retired), Honeti Tuha (Eels), Chris Houston (Widnes Vikings).

IN: Shaun Hudson (Titans), Jahrome Hughes (Townsville Blackhawks).

OUT: Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Cameron King (Eels), Glenn Hall (retired), Robert Lui (Salford Red Devils), Kelepi Tanginoa (Eels), Scott Schulte (Eels).

IN: Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors), Dale Copley (Broncos), Mitchell Frei (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons), Ryan Matterson (Eels), Jayden Nikorima (Broncos), Paki Afu (Mormon mission), Dale Copley (Broncos). OUT: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), James Maloney (Sharks), Michael Jennings (Eels), Nene Macdonald (Titans), Nathan Stapleton (London Broncos), Scott Drinkwater (Storm), Taane Milne (Dragons), Suaia Matagi (Panthers), Matt McIlwrick (Sharks).

IN: James Maloney (Roosters), Chad Townsend (Warriors), Jesse Sene Lefao (Sea Eagles), Jordan Drew (Broncos), Josh Cleeland (Ipswich Jets), Joseph Paulo (Eels), Kurt Capewell (Ipswich Jets), Matt McIlwrick (Roosters).

OUT: Michael Gordon (Eels), Blake Ayshford (Warriors), Josh Addo-Carr (Tigers), Jeff Robson (Warriors), Kyle Stanley (retired), Curtis Scott (Storm).

IN: Michael Oldfield (Catalan Dragons), Damien Cook (Bulldogs), Sam Burgess (rugby union), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Dane Nielsen (Bradford Bulls). OUT: Issac Luke (Warriors), Ben Lowe (retired), Glenn Stewart (Catalan Dragons), Chris McQueen (Titans), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Tim Grant (Wests Tigers).

EELS |

IN: Matt Ballin (Sea Eagles), Jack Littlejohn (Sea Eagles), Michael Chee-Kam (Sea Eagles), Jesse Parahi (rugby union), Justin Hunt (Dragons), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC), Josh Addo-Carr (Sharks), Joel Edwards (Raiders), Rod Griffin (Ipswich Jets), William McConnachie (Ipswich Jets), Josh Aloai (Eels), Tim Grant (Rabbitohs).

OUT: Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles), Pat Richards (Catalan Dragons), Keith Galloway (Leeds Rhinos), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Te Maire Martin (Panthers), Tim Moltzen (Sea Eagles), Matthew Woods (Eels), Salesi Funaki (Broncos), Delouise Hoeter (Townsville Blackhawks).

IN: Carlin Anderson (Ipswich Jets), Caleb Timu (Mormon mission), Salesi Funaki (Tigers), James Roberts (Titans), Sam Scarlett (Panthers). OUT: Justin Hodges (retired), Dale Copley (Roosters), Todd Lowrie (Knights), Ashley Taylor (Titans), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds Rhinos), Matt Parcell (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Dodds (Warrington Wolves), Jayden Nikorima (Roosters), David Stagg (retired), Jordan Drew (Sharks), Daniel Vidot (Salford Red Devils), Dale Copley (Roosters), Michael Jennings (Eels).

IN: Aidan Sezer (Titans), Elliott Whitehead (Catalan Dragons), Adam Clydsdale (Knights). OUT: David Shillington (Titans), Andrew Heffernan (Panthers), Mark Nicholls (Storm), Joel Edwards (Tigers), Mitch Cornish (Eels), Josh McCrone (Dragons), Jeremy Hawkins (Storm), Bill Tupou (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats).

TAKE YOUR VODAFONE WARRIORS SEASON INTO A NEW LEAGUE WITH A LIVE BET

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

10 www.visit.taranaki.info

NEW PLYMOUTH: THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND OUR GREAT GAME

THE VODAFONE WARRIORS TAKE ON THE CANBERRA RAIDERS AT NEW PLYMOUTH’S YARROW STADIUM ON 21 MAY, AND THERE ARE LOADS OF REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE IN THE AUDIENCE.

Y

ARROW STADIUM was judged by New Zealand Rugby World as one of the top three places to watch a match in the world, right behind Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The magazine’s editor Gregor Paul reckoned “there’s something distinctly Kiwi” about the venue.

“In the background the beautiful Mount Taranaki sets the scene and lets you know you are in New Zealand.

“Then there is the ground itself. It is tight.

The two stands are close to the pitch and you feel you are almost on top of the action. The players know you are there and it is a shared, intense experience.”

The passionate locals will be out in force to support the Warriors, and none more passionate than NZ Rugby League president and Sport Taranaki chief executive Howie Tamati.

“The Vodafone Warriors visit was welcomed enthusiastically by the rugby league fraternity here in Taranaki, and is sure to boost the game on a local level,” he says.

By ANTONY RHODES “The opportunity to meet the stars of the NRL competition in New Plymouth has given the locals a burst of excitement, particularly with Hawera’s Issac Luke now playing with the Warriors.”

“We must also acknowledge the visiting team, the Canberra Raiders, led by great player and coach Ricky Stuart. This will be a great game that is certain to attract large interest,” Tamati says.

THE ACTION CONTINUES BEYOND YARROW STADIUM, WITH THE WHOLE CITY TURNING IT ON FOR THE WEEKEND. Start with the awesomely shiny walls of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre — proving a popular spot for a selfie or two — and venture inside to check out some cool art that pushes the laws of physics. From there it’s a short walk to any one of a dozen cool cafés, restaurants and bars that have taken over the central city.

Nearby, overlooking the waterfront is Puke Ariki, New Plymouth’s massive museum, the i-SITE information centre and library.

Take in the exhibitions or head across the road and check out New Plymouth’s awardwinning coastal walkway, which runs for 13km along the edge of the city, past a skate park, two bike parks and top surf breaks.

It’s a great place to bring the kids, there are three zoos — Brooklands Zoo is free — and loads of parks and playgrounds handily located around the city; a great place to start is at Pukekura Park.

And bring togs, so you can head to the New Plymouth Aquatic Centre and its hydro slides and wave machines. Or experience the real thing, and bring the surfboards for a wave or two at Fitzroy Beach.

Catching the Vodafone Warriors take on the Canberra Raiders in Taranaki is the perfect excuse for a family trip to New Plymouth. Book your seats now at www.ticketdirect.co.nz and your accommodation at www.visit.taranaki.info

In a league of its own VODAFONE WARRIORS VS CANBERRA RAIDERS – 21 MAY 2016 YARROW STADIUM, NEW PLYMOUTH Bring the family and catch the Vodafone Warriors in New Plymouth on 21 May. Make a weekend of it, and check out everything else New Plymouth has to offer: from galleries to gardens, waves to walkways and museums to massive playgrounds.

For everything you need check out www.visit.taranaki.info

E V E N T

&

F U N C T I O N

C E N T R E

Photo: Rob Tucker

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 13

A HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME FOR YOUNG WARRIORS UP TO SIX YOUNG WARRIORS CAN LIVE AT AUTEX HOUSE, WHERE THEY ARE CHALLENGED TO DEVELOP HEALTHY ROUTINES, LIVE THE CLUB’S VALUES AND CREATE GOOD HABITS.

D

EVELOPING their magnificent pool of home-grown talent into NRL stars has been a high priority for the Vodafone Warriors over the years. This process received a significant boost this off-season with the opening of Autex House in Howick — a six-bedroom home dubbed a “home-away-from-home” by the club’s Managing Director Jim Doyle.

Autex House has Spencer and Carmen Taplin as house parents; they ran a very similar, successful setup at the Sydney Roosters in 2014. Carmen now has a fulltime role with the Warriors as Football Operations Coordinator, while Spencer handles the day-to-day running of the household. Carmen has previously had stints managing the Kiwis before their year with the Roosters, while Spencer says some of the best experiences in preparing him for this role are from the “school of life” — where both he and Carmen have both taken their fair share of hard knocks.

A key to the house running effectively is a list of rules constructed by the occupants of the house. “We sat down in the lounge and asked them what they expect home to be like for them and then aligned the rules to our club’s values,” says Spencer.

“We’ve got rosters and menus to teach them life skills — organising themselves, planning their weeks and months, goal-setting and even cooking.

“There’s no alcohol, and no partners are allowed to stay. It’s just about helping these young men make the most of their opportunity.”

Spencer is justifiably very proud of the fact that nine out of the 11 players from the Rooster’s ‘Class of 2014’ have already pushed on to play in the NRL. That’s a significant statistic considering the low percentage of players that traditionally progress from the NYC through to careers in the NRL. 20-year-old Warriors prop Sam Lisone is one of the first to be part of Autex House,

By JOHN DEAKER which currently accommodates six players.

Lisone is the only player with his own room and being the only person with NRL experience in the house, he’s viewed as a leader.

First and foremost though, he’s there for the same reason as the others — to establish better routines. Previously, this was something difficult to achieve when he was living in Otara with up to 12 people in a threebedroom house.

“There are boys wanting to get in, so that’s a huge compliment to the house… I don’t want to push it though,” says Spencer.

At the moment, there is still one small bedroom vacant, but it remains handy for space to be available if someone needs to come and stay for a few weeks — like Issac Luke and his family did prior to Christmas.

For the main sponsor of the house, Autex Industries, the house fits with their ideologies.

“Our interest is in helping young kids develop the best way they can and supporting

From left to right: Riki Preston, Junior Pauga, Nathan Newton, Spencer Taplin, Carmen Taplin, Sam Lisone, James Mafi. PHOTO CREDIT: Ra Pomare / Warriors

“Cappy (Coach Andrew McFadden) and I sat down late last year and saw that I didn’t finish off how I’d started the season because of my body. I started off at 106 (kg) and ended up at 113 late in the season,” says Lisone.

“I thought I’d get myself right by coming in here because your body is what makes your money — that’s your tool.

“I’m here to create good habits and a good routine — and maybe I can even go home and change my family.”

Unsurprisingly, the house is proving to be a blessing for Lisone, and it is little wonder that the demand for accommodation at Autex House already outweighs the supply.

the Vodafone Warriors with Autex House is a perfect way of doing this,” says Autex Industries CEO Mark Robinson.

How Autex house is best utilised and develops in the future will be fascinating to watch in the coming years.

Critics have often highlighted the Warriors’ inability to transfer numerous NYC titles to an NRL title and the house could be perfect in helping bridge that gap.

The early indications are that Autex House will be a key ingredient in ensuring that elusive NRL title is just around the corner for the Warriors.

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

14 warriors.kiwi

GETTING TO KNOW ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK WHAT MAKES THIS PLAYER, WHO MANY ARE CALLING THE BEST SIGNING IN THE VODAFONE WARRIORS’ HISTORY, TICK? HERE IS AN INSIGHT INTO THE LIFE OF ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK AKA RTS.

L

IFE has certainly changed a lot for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck since he left Auckland as an 18-year-old, four years ago. He returns to New Zealand’s shores as the incumbent Kiwis’ fullback with a Premiership at the Roosters and the security of a multi-million-dollar three-year contract with the Warriors.

THE BEST BITS ABOUT BEING BACK IN AUCKLAND: “I can’t go past family. I’ve got my grandmother here and heaps of cousins that I grew up around.

I missed that home feeling and you know where certain shops are when you go to get something. In Sydney it’s so fresh and you don’t know where places are because it’s so big.”

By JOHN DEAKER ON HIS PARTNER, ASHLEY: “I have moved with my partner Ashley to Meadowbank … I grew up in South Auckland, in Otara, and I was born in Samoa. Ashley is a Kiwi and we’ve been together since school …

I met her when I was in the fourth form — she was living in Papatoetoe and I was in Otara.

Ashley’s been a really big part of my support system. Even though we’re both young it’s crazy that she’s already moved country twice for me.

She was lucky to pick up a job in Sydney and now to get an easy transfer from her job (to Auckland), so she’s working here now.”

ON HIS PARENTS’ DECISION TO STAY IN AUSTRALIA: “I moved over to Sydney for a year and stayed on my own. After a year, I moved my family over — my mum, dad, two sisters and my younger brother. We had long talks about whether they’d come back to Auckland or not.

My brother has re-signed with the Roosters Under-20s, so Mum had to stay because she couldn’t leave the baby of the family… and Dad’s a personal trainer so it suits him well — the Sydney lifestyle.”

WANTING TO PRACTICE WHAT HE PREACHES: “I definitely want to be doing what I say, that’s the main part, because with the culture round

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Teamwork and Performance. Backed by BDO

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 15

the boys it’s always fun and games — it’s always a good laugh with the boys — you can’t get that wrong. But definitely you need to show professionalism and get your food prep and eat the right food and be stretching round the boys and doing all that stuff, so they can then think that if he’s doing that then it must work.”

demand for them to do something. It was hard for me to speak out to them — but after we sat down to talk about it, they told me how much they liked me doing it.”

PLAYING ALONGSIDE ONE OF HIS IDOLS: “Growing up, I was mainly a rugby fan but (in league) the main person I followed was Manu Vatuvei. Manu hates me telling this story but the first time I met him I was at Mayfield Primary School and he was our special guest of honour and he presented me with an award… so I’m pretty lucky he’s still in the team.”

A POINT TO PROVE TO HIS PEERS: “Sometimes it’s pretty tough because I’m still young and want to crack jokes with the boys… but one thing I put on myself to show these guys on the training park is to prove that I didn’t fluke my way up here — that I earnt it — that’s a big thing for me.”

ON RUGBY UNION CONNECTIONS:

CONSTANTLY IMPROVING HIS COMMUNICATING ON THE FIELD: “Talking on the field is something that I really needed to improve. I’ve picked it up better, now that I’ve had a few years doing it. I had that shy mentality initially because I was still a kid and it was scary for me to shout at players like (Roost-

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ers and Kiwis teammates) Jared WaereaHargreaves and Frank-Paul Nu’uausala and

“I was lucky enough to play alongside Ardie Savea in the New Zealand Secondary Schools.

I liked players like Carlos Spencer, he was one of my favourites because, I liked players where there was a system, but he’d then go outside of that to create something and do things like the pass under the legs. I’m an Auckland Blues fan.”

NRL.COM/TICKETS

2016 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES | THE BATTLE BETWEEN TWO STATES

nrl.com 17

THE CLASH OF TWO GIANTS

FOR THE PAST 35 YEARS, THE BEST OF FRIENDS AND FOES FROM QUEENSLAND AND NEW SOUTH WALES HAVE BATTLED IT OUT FOR STATE OF ORIGIN SUPREMACY.

F

ROM Big Artie Beetson By MATT LOGUE

leading the Maroons out for the opening match in 1980 through to Michael O’Connor’s sideline conversion to win it for the Blues in 1991, both states have provided iconic moments that will be forever etched in our minds.

From New South Wales’ pointof-view, the scars from last year’s Maroons massacre in Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium are yet to heal.

The Queenslanders absolutely dominated, winning 52–6, and abruptly squashed any confidence the Blues had gained after lifting the shield for the first time in eight years the previous series.

Despite the devastation, there are a keen crop of Blues determined to erase that bitter Origin moment.

Matt Moylan, Adam Reynolds and Blake Ferguson were among 15 promising players to assemble

DATES AND VENUES FOR STATE OF ORIGIN 2016

GAME 1: WEDNESDAY, 1 JUNE 2016

ANZ STADIUM, SYDNEY, NSW

GAME 2: WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE 2016 SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE, QLD

GAME 3: WEDNESDAY, 13 JULY 2016 ANZ STADIUM, SYDNEY, NSW For more information on the 2016 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES visit: www.nrl.com

at ANZ Stadium to take part in coach Laurie Daley’s 2016 Emerging Blues camp in late January.

The one-day initiation provided Origin potential players with an insight to what it takes to represent their state.

For Penrith Panthers star Moylan, who was brought into the Blues’ camp last year as a player-inwaiting, the chance to rub

shoulders with fellow emerging stars is another step towards his Origin goal.

“Ever since I was a kid I wanted to play Origin and I’ve been inspired to try and achieve that goal. It’s good to still be on the radar after being out (injured) for so long last year.”

Reynolds is another player in Daley’s plans after Mitchell

Pearce’s well-publicised saga leaves the Blues in search of a new halfback.

The Rabbitohs’ No. 7 has wanted to represent NSW since he saw Jarryd Hayne shine on debut in 2007.

“My Junior Bunnies team travelled up to Suncorp for that game when Hayne scored that try on the sideline right on halftime,” Reynolds recalls.

“That sort of stuck and ever since then I’ve wanted to put on the Blues jersey.

“Origin is always a goal and it should be for every player. It’s the pinnacle of our game and I’m sure every player wants to be a part of it and I’m no different.”

The Blues are keen for redemption, and it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for their opponents.

The Maroons have had their own issues to contend with leading into this year’s series, such as six further players copping 12-month bans after breaking curfew during an Emerging Origin camp in Brisbane in late January, after the initial investigation of Valentine Holmes and Cameron Munster.

Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Edrick Lee, Chris Grevsmuh and Dylan Napa were all caught out, leaving Queensland officials red-faced and furious.

Despite the setback, the recordbreaking Maroons are still in good shape.

Queensland Maroons’ Greg Inglis on the charge in Game 3 of last year’s State of Origin clash with New South Wales played on July 8 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Superstars like Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston will all be on deck again while the likes of Aidan Guerra, Dane Gagai and Will Chambers have plenty to offer.

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

18 warriors.kiwi

TWO YEARS AGO, ENGLISH-BORN BRIDIE REEVES HAD BARELY TOUCHED DOWN IN NEW ZEALAND WHEN SHE LANDED HERSELF HER DREAM JOB: WORKING FOR THE VODAFONE WARRIORS DOING HIGH PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF PLAYERS.

BEING A HIGH PERFORMER IN THE WORLD OF HIGH PERFORMANCE

WOMEN IN LEAGUE

By JOHN DEAKER

A

PASSION for rugby league is in Bridie Reeve’s blood.

Her father, Keith, loved playing and coaching the game and his enthusiasm for the 13-a-side game led to her playing league when she was only four years old.

A degree in radiography helped her obtain some valuable, general work post-university, but it was always going to be something sports science-related that would interest the 25-year-old long-term.

Bridie played both rugby and league to respectable levels growing up but it was the hundreds of hours she’d notched up coaching and

BRIDIE REEVES volunteering her time at her local club, Keighley Cougars, that was the invaluable experience that helped her secure a role within the male-dominated world of the NRL. What started as a nine-month internship developed into a fulltime role at the Warriors, and if she doesn’t stand out from the crowd

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 19

‘‘

THE REALLY IMPORTANT THING I THINK I LEARNED FROM MY STUDY IS THE NEED TO KEEP LEARNING…

enough at work being a woman, she does when you hear her very strong Yorkshire accent.

“I think it’s hard to get in to the environment initially, but once you work hard and build-up experience you tend to get respected,” she says.

“I started out doing general performance analysis — video stats and the GPS. Now, as the job has evolved, Adam Sadler does mainly video and I handle mainly performance-based stuff, like the GPS and heart-rate statistics.”

Bridie says the GPS monitoring currently provides its greatest value in the training and preparation of players.

“I can give live feedback at training — for example, if a player isn’t working hard enough, we can manipulate training live based on information that we’re getting back on the GPS. With rehab guys we can set exact thresholds for players to reach before they can be passed off as fit to play.”

Bridie is continuing with her study in Auckland as she works and although she has picked up a large proportion of her skills on-the-job, she doesn’t discount the base knowledge that her earlier study in the UK provided her when it comes to getting better at her job.

“The really important thing I think I learned from my study is the need to keep learning — so, between us, we (the high performance

”

staff at the club) might read half-a-dozen new research articles each week … and weigh up if something might be relevant for us to try on the boys,” she says.

Bridie had been involved with coaching teams in her first year in New Zealand — including the men’s reserve-grade Fox Memorial side at Marist. The demands of work have meant that coaching has taken a backseat in recent times, but she is intending to play rugby and league again this year having fully recovered from her second knee reconstruction — an injury she acquired playing for the Marist women’s team back in 2014.

Bridie believes the combination of her understanding of rugby league and her comprehension of statistical information provides her x-factor that makes her an asset to the Warriors.

As technology continues to get better and her understanding of what works well improves, she reckons she can make even more of an impact in her role.

Bridie says she doesn’t have her sights set on a head coach role in the NRL, but with time on her side, her ability to get on with the job and block out any stigmas attached to women in league, you wouldn’t bet against her secretly believing that becoming the first female coach of an NRL team isn’t an impossibility.

YOUR RUGBY LEAGUE FIX IN 2016!

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NRL AUCKLAND NINES | WRAP UP

20 nrl.com

NRL AUCKLAND NINES TAKE IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH

THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION SAW A TOURNAMENT-BEST PERFORMANCE FROM THE VODAFONE WARRIORS, ANOTHER BRUISING SET OF CONTESTS BETWEEN THE KIWI FERNS AND JILLAROOS AND, OF COURSE, CAPTIVATING ENTERTAINMENT.

T

HE 2016 Downer NRL Auckland Nines won’t be forgotten in a hurry. It was arguably the best of the three editions so far, with some thrilling matches and stunning attacking play.

There was also an unprecedented run by the Vodafone Warriors, a series win by the Kiwi Ferns and a unique goal-kicking competition showcasing some league legends.

Most of the 70,000 fans that packed Eden Park across Waitangi weekend were focussed on the Warriors, and they enjoyed a rollercoaster ride.

The New Zealand side overcame the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in their first match, before being rolled by the Manly Sea Eagles.

In their final pool match against the Brisbane Broncos, the Warriors were 70 seconds away from being eliminated before Shaun Johnson produced a typically audacious solo try, leaving three defenders clutching at thin air as he sidestepped through to score under the posts.

After that reprieve, the Warriors accounted for the Canberra Raiders 16–8 in the quarter-final then bested the Gold Coast Titans 22–4 to reach the final for the first time.

On the other side of the draw, the Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels stood out. The young Storm side tipped out the experienced Cowboys line-up, before falling to the Eels in the semi-final.

Late on Sunday afternoon, the Kiwi Ferns clinched a compelling three-match contest against the Jillaroos, with Georgia Hale named player of the tournament. Daryl Halligan, Carlos Spencer, Johnathan Thurston and Andrew Johns then entertained the crowd with a kicking duel, before the final got underway.

The Eels were superb from the start — scoring 30 seconds after the kick-off — and the Warriors never recovered. The Warriors were soundly beaten 22–4, and Parramatta landed their first significant trophy in more than a decade.

Some of the fun crowd at this year’s Auckland Nines at Eden Park over Waitangi weekend.

“It’s an event that continues to capture the imagination,” said Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development CEO Brett O’Riley. “And we are excited about the future.”

Mt Smart Stadium Western Springs Stadium QBE Stadium

SPORTS

CONCERTS

FESTIVALS

ENTERTAINMENT

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM 22 warriors.kiwi

2016 NRL SEASON VODAFONE WARRIORS

Back Row (left to right) | Jonathan Wright, Albert Vete, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Toafofoa Sipley, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, David Fusitu’a, Sione Lousi, Charlie Gubb, Ligi Sao, Ali Lauitiiti, Sam Lisone.

Middle Row (left to right) | Mason Lino, Jeff Robson, Ata Hingano, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jacob Lillyman, Bodene Thompson, Henare Wells, Blake Ayshford, John Palavi, Upu Poching, Konrad Hurrell, Tuimoala Lolohea, Matt Allwood, Nathaniel Roache.

Front Row (left to right) | Solomone Kata, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering, Ryan Hoffman (captain), Manu Vatuvei, Ben Henry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

24 nrl.com

2016 NRL and NYC SE HOME

ROUND

| ROUND HOME

AWAY

ROUND 1

EELS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM

v v v v v v v v

BRONCOS BULLDOGS PANTHERS WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS KNIGHTS DRAGONS

ROUND 8

BRONCOS BULLDOGS RAIDERS COWBOYS SHARKS KNIGHTS DRAGONS STORM

v v v v v v v v

RABBITOHS TITANS WESTS TIGERS EELS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS WARRIORS

ROUND 2

PANTHERS BRONCOS RAIDERS RABBITOHS EELS SHARKS STORM WESTS TIGERS

v v v v v v v v

BULLDOGS WARRIORS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS COWBOYS DRAGONS TITANS SEA EAGLES

ROUND 9

RABBITOHS EELS PANTHERS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES WARRIORS TITANS SHARKS

v v v v v v v v

WESTS TIGERS BULLDOGS RAIDERS KNIGHTS COWBOYS DRAGONS STORM BRONCOS

ROUND 3

COWBOYS BULLDOGS KNIGHTS PANTHERS TITANS WARRIORS DRAGONS SEA EAGLES

v v v v v v v v

ROOSTERS EELS RAIDERS BRONCOS WESTS TIGERS STORM RABBITOHS SHARKS

ROUND 10

DRAGONS EELS PANTHERS STORM SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS TITANS

v v v v v v v v

RAIDERS RABBITOHS WARRIORS COWBOYS BRONCOS SHARKS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS

ROUND 4

RABBITOHS BRONCOS RAIDERS ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS TIGERS SHARKS

v v v v v v v v

BULLDOGS COWBOYS TITANS SEA EAGLES PANTHERS KNIGHTS EELS STORM

ROUND 11

RABBITOHS COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS WARRIORS SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS EELS

v v v v v v v v

DRAGONS BRONCOS KNIGHTS RAIDERS SEA EAGLES TITANS ROOSTERS STORM

ROUND 5

SEA EAGLES TITANS STORM WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS ROOSTERS EELS BULLDOGS

v v v v v v v v

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS RAIDERS

ROUND 12

BRONCOS DRAGONS RAIDERS KNIGHTS

v v v v

WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS BULLDOGS EELS

BRONCOS RABBITOHS EELS WARRIORS PANTHERS SHARKS KNIGHTS STORM

v

DRAGONS ROOSTERS RAIDERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS TITANS WESTS TIGERS BULLDOGS

MARCH 3—7

MARCH 10—14

MARCH 17—21

MARCH 25—28 EASTER WEEKEND

MARCH 31— APRIL 4

ROUND 6 APRIL 7—11

ROUND 7 APRIL 14—18

AWAY

SEA EAGLES COWBOYS TITANS BULLDOGS BRONCOS RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS ROOSTERS

v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

EELS RABBITOHS DRAGONS WARRIORS KNIGHTS SHARKS STORM PANTHERS

APRIL 22—25 ANZAC DAY MONDAY APRIL 25

APRIL 28—MAY 1

MAY 12—16

MAY 19—23

MAY 27—30

BYES: PANTHERS, RABBITOHS, ROOSTERS, SEA EAGLES, SHARKS, STORM, TITANS, WARRIORS

RAIDERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS RABBITOHS BULLDOGS

v v v v v v v

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS PANTHERS WESTS TIGERS TITANS SHARKS

ROUND 14

BRONCOS TIGERS KNIGHTS EELS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS SHARKS

v v v v v v v v

RAIDERS RABBITOHS WARRIORS TITANS STORM PANTHERS BULLDOGS COWBOYS

ROUND 15

RABBITOHS DRAGONS WARRIORS TITANS

v v v v

EELS STORM ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES

ROUND 13

JUNE 3—6 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY MONDAY JUNE 6 BYES: DRAGONS, EELS

JUNE 9—13

JUNE 17—20

BYES: BRONCOS, BULLDOGS, COWBOYS, KNIGHTS, PANTHERS, RAIDERS, SHARKS, WESTS TIGERS

ASON DRAWS ROUND

ROUND 16 JUNE 24—27

BYES: EELS, ROOSTERS

ROUND 17

JUNE 30—JULY 4

ROUND 18 JULY 8—11

HOME

AWAY

v

PANTHERS KNIGHTS SHARKS BULLDOGS TITANS STORM COWBOYS

v v v v v v

RABBITOHS DRAGONS WARRIORS BRONCOS RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS SEA EAGLES

ROOSTERS BRONCOS WARRIORS WESTS TIGERS SHARKS RAIDERS RABBITOHS SEA EAGLES

v v v v v v v v

BULLDOGS STORM TITANS PANTHERS EELS KNIGHTS COWBOYS DRAGONS

EELS BULLDOGS PANTHERS RAIDERS

v v v v

ROOSTERS WESTS TIGERS SHARKS COWBOYS

FOR DATES, VENUES AND KICK OFF TIMES FOR ALL NRL GAMES VISIT nrl.com

| ROUND HOME ROUND 24

BRONCOS COWBOYS KNIGHTS PANTHERS RABBITOHS RAIDERS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES

ROUND 25

BULLDOGS EELS KNIGHTS SEA EAGLES SHARKS STORM TITANS WARRIORS

v v v v v v v v

COWBOYS DRAGONS RABBITOHS RAIDERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS PANTHERS WESTS TIGERS

ROUND 26

BRONCOS BULLDOGS COWBOYS DRAGONS PANTHERS STORM WESTS TIGERS WARRIORS

v v v v v v v v

ROOSTERS RABBITOHS TITANS KNIGHTS SEA EAGLES SHARKS RAIDERS EELS

AUGUST 18—22

AUGUST 25—29

SEPTEMBER 1—4

BYES: BRONCOS, DRAGONS, KNIGHTS, RABBITOHS, SEA EAGLES, STORM, TITANS, WARRIORS

ROUND 19 JULY 15—18

v v v v v v

TITANS WARRIORS BRONCOS STORM EELS SHARKS

COWBOYS BRONCOS RAIDERS TITANS STORM SHARKS DRAGONS RABBITOHS

v v v v v v v v

BULLDOGS PANTHERS WARRIORS EELS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS SEA EAGLES

BULLDOGS COWBOYS EELS RABBITOHS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES TITANS WARRIORS

v v v v v v v v

DRAGONS STORM TIGERS RAIDERS BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS PANTHERS

DRAGONS EELS KNIGHTS PANTHERS SHARKS STORM WESTS TIGERS TITANS

v v v v v v v v

BRONCOS SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS ROOSTERS RAIDERS RABBITOHS COWBOYS WARRIORS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS DRAGONS KNIGHTS RAIDERS ROOSTERS WESTS TIGERS WARRIORS

v v v v v v v v

EELS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS STORM COWBOYS TITANS RABBITOHS

DRAGONS SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS KNIGHTS PANTHERS ROOSTERS

AWAY v v v v v v v v

BULLDOGS WARRIORS TITANS WESTS TIGERS SHARKS EELS DRAGONS STORM

BYES: BULLDOGS, COWBOYS, RAIDERS, WESTS TIGERS

ROUND 20 JULY 21—25

ROUND 21 JULY 28— AUGUST 1

ROUND 22 AUGUST 4—8

ROUND 23 AUGUST 11—15

NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP FINALS SERIES WEEK ONE: SEPTEMBER 9–11 — QUALIFYING SEMI-FINALS GAME #1 (QF1) 1st

v

4th

GAME #2 (QF2) 2nd

v

3rd

GAME #3 (EF1)

5th

v

8th

GAME #4 (EF2)

6th

v

7th

WEEK TWO: SEPTEMBER 16–18 — SEMI-FINALS GAME #1 (SF1)

Loser QF1

GAME #2 (SF2)

Loser QF2

v v

Winner EF1 Winner EF2

WEEK THREE: SEPTEMBER 23–24 — PRELIMINARY FINALS Winner SF1 GAME #1 (PF1) Winner QF1 v GAME #2 (PF2)

Winner QF2

v

Winner SF2

NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL GRAND FINAL ANZ Stadium

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2016 Winner PF2 v

Winner PF1

KEY: QF (Quarter-Final), EF (Elimination Final), PF (Preliminary Final).

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 27

VODAFONE WARRIORS COACHES/PLAYERS PROFILES

HERE IS ALL YOU’VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VODAFONE WARRIORS’ COACHES AND PLAYERS — INCLUDING DEBUT INFORMATION, KEY STATS, REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS AND MORE.

ANDREW McFADDEN HEAD COACH

BORN: 20 JANUARY, 1978 IN CANBERRA, ACT APPOINTED: 2 014 PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: CANBERRA JERSEY FLEGG COACH (2005), CANBERRA PREMIER LEAGUE COACH (2006), LES CATALANS ASSISTANT COACH (2007–2008), CANBERRA NYC COACH (2009), CANBERRA ASSISTANT COACH (2010–2012), VODAFONE WARRIORS ASSISTANT COACH (2013–2014), VODAFONE WARRIORS HEAD COACH (2014–PRESENT) PLAYING RECORD: 100 FIRST-GRADE GAMES WITH CANBERRA (1997–2001), PARRAMATTA (2002) AND MELBOURNE (2003–2004) PREMIERSHIP COACHING RECORD: GAMES – 43; WINS – 19; LOSSES – 24.

WIN PERCENTAGE: 44.18% PREMIERSHIPS: GRAND FINALS: FINALS SERIES: NIL NIL NIL

JUSTIN MORGAN ASSISTANT COACH

ANDREW WEBSTER ASSISTANT COACH

PLAYING RECORD: 133 FIRST–GRADE GAMES WITH PARRAMATTA (1994–1999), CANBERRA (2000), VODAFONE WARRIORS (2001–2002)

PLAYING RECORD: LOWER GRADE INCLUDING PARRAMATTA, BALMAIN AND RYDE-EASTWOOD

BORN: 2 AUGUST, 1975 IN SYDNEY, NSW APPOINTED: 2016 PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE COACH (2005), HULL KINGSTON ROVERS COACH (2005–2011), CANBERRA ASSISTANT COACH (2012–2013), MELBOURNE ASSISTANT COACH (2014–2015)

BORN: 17 JANUARY, 1982 IN SYDNEY, NSW APPOINTED: 2015 PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: HULL KINGSTON ROVERS ASSISTANT COACH (2009–2011), BALMAIN TIGERS SG BALL HEAD COACH (2012), WESTS TIGERS NYC ASSISTANT COACH/WESTS TIGERS UNDER–19 HEAD COACH (2012), PARRAMATTA NYC HEAD COACH/NRL DEVELOPMENT COACH (2013), WESTS TIGERS NYC HEAD COACH (2014)

VODAFONE VODAFONE WARRIORS WARRIORS | WE ARE| YOUR TEAM

28 warriors.kiwi RYAN HOFFMAN CAPTAIN

MATTHEW ALLWOOD

BLAKE AYSHFORD

RAYMOND FAITALA-MARINER

BORN: 26 JANUARY, 1984 IN WODEN VALLEY, ACT JUNIOR CLUB: CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 192CM WEIGHT: 105KG REP HONOURS: 6 TESTS AUSTRALIA (2007–09, 2012, 2014); 14 GAMES NSW (2007–08, 2013–15); FOUR NATIONS (2009, 2014); 7 GAMES CITY ORIGIN (2006–07, 2009–10, 2012–14); WORLD ALL STARS (2016) PREVIOUS CLUBS: MELBOURNE (2003–10 & 2012–14), WIGAN (2011) FG DEBUT: MELBOURNE v MANLY, BROOKVALE OVAL, 20 APRIL, 2003 (Rd 6) CLUB DEBUT: v NEWCASTLE, HUNTER STADIUM, 7 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 6) BORN: 15 APRIL, 1988 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUBS: PADDINGTON TIGERS, COOGEE WOMBATS POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 190CM WEIGHT: 100KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUBS: WESTS TIGERS (2009-13), CRONULLA (2014–15)

FG DEBUT: WESTS TIGERS v BRISBANE, CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM, 22 MAY, 2009 (Rd 11) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

DAVID FUSITU’A

BORN: 16 OCTOBER, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: FULLBACK / CENTRE/WING HEIGHT: 189CM WEIGHT: 97KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2012–13) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA, EDEN PARK, 15 MARCH, 2014 (Rd 2)

NOTE: FG denotes FIRST GRADE

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BORN: 16 NOVEMBER, 1992 IN SCONE, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: FARRER MEMORIAL AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL POSITION: CENTRE / WING HEIGHT: 185CM WEIGHT: 93KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUB: CANBERRA (2014) FG DEBUT: CANBERRA v PARRAMATTA, 1300SMILES STADIUM, 8 MARCH, 2014 (Rd 4) CLUB DEBUT: v BRISBANE, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 29 MARCH 2015 (Rd 1)

BORN: 26 JULY, 1993 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 186CM WEIGHT: 106KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v GOLD COAST, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 25 APRIL, 2015 (Rd 8)

JAMES GAVET

BORN: 19 OCTOBER, 1989 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: RICHMOND ROVERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 189CM WEIGHT: 108KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUB: CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN (2012), WESTS TIGERS (2013–2014), BRISBANE (2015) FG DEBUT: CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN v BRISBANE, ANZ STADIUM, 8 AUGUST, 2012 (Rd 23) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 29

CHARLIE GUBB

BEN HENRY

ATA HINGANO

KONRAD HURRELL

SHAUN JOHNSON

SOLOMONE KATA

BORN: 11 MARCH, 1997 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: PAKURANGA JAGUARS POSITION: STANDOFF / HALFBACK HEIGHT: 183CM WEIGHT: 92KG REP HONOURS: NZ RESIDENTS 18s (2014–15) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FIRST GRADE

BORN: 5 AUGUST, 1991 IN TOFOA, TONGA JUNIOR CLUB: MOUNT ALBERT LIONS POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 183CM WEIGHT: 104KG REP HONOURS: 4 TESTS TONGA (2013–15); WORLD CUP (2013); WORLD ALL STARS (2016) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v MANLY, EDEN PARK, 4 MARCH, 2012 (Rd 1)

BORN: 9 SEPTEMBER, 1990 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: HIBISCUS COAST RAIDERS, NORTHCOTE TIGERS POSITION: HALFBACK / STANDOFF HEIGHT: 179CM WEIGHT: 89KG REP HONOURS: 14 TESTS NZ (2012–15); FOUR NATIONS (2014); WORLD CUP (2013); NZ v COOK ISLANDS (2013); JUNIOR KIWIS (2010) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL

BORN: 3 DECEMBER, 1994 IN NEIAFU, TONGA JUNIOR CLUB: HOWICK HORNETS POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 177CM WEIGHT: 97KG REP HONOURS: 1 TEST TONGA (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v NEWCASTLE, HUNTER STADIUM, 7 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 1)

CLUB/FG DEBUT: v SYDNEY ROOSTERS, SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM, 4 JUNE, 2011 (Rd 13)

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BORN: 14 DECEMBER, 1991 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: BAY ROSKILL VIKINGS POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD / SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 185CM WEIGHT: 102KG REP HONOURS: 1 TEST NZ (2014) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v MANLY, EDEN PARK, 4 MARCH, 2012 (Rd 1)

BORN: 17 MAY, 1990 IN WELLINGTON JUNIOR CLUB: UNIVERSITY HUNTERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 188CM WEIGHT: 107KG REP HONOURS: QUEENSLAND RESIDENTS (2012) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v SOUTH SYDNEY, nib STADIUM, 7 JULY, 2013 (Rd 17)

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED FROM p29

ALI LAUITIITI

THOMAS LEULUAI

JACOB LILLYMAN

MASON LINO

SAM LISONE

TUIMOALA LOLOHEA

SIONE LOUSI

ISSAC LUKE

BORN: 13 JULY, 1979 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MANGERE EAST HAWKS POSITION: SECOND ROW / PROP HEIGHT: 188CM WEIGHT: 115KG REP HONOURS: 19 TESTS NZ (1998–2006), 4 TESTS SAMOA (2007–10), WORLD CUP (2000 & 2008), TRI NATIONS (2005), ALL GOLDS (2007) PREVIOUS CLUBS: WARRIORS (1998–2004), LEEDS (2004–11), WAKEFIELD (2012–15) FG DEBUT: WARRIORS v NORTH SYDNEY, NORTH SYDNEY OVAL, 19 APRIL, 1998 (Rd 6)

BORN: 7 MARCH, 1984 IN RICHMOND, QLD JUNIOR CLUB: RICHMOND TIGERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 182CM WEIGHT: 105KG REP HONOURS: 11 GAMES QUEENSLAND (2006–08, 2011, 2014–15) PREVIOUS CLUB: NORTH QUEENSLAND (2003, 2005–08) FG DEBUT: NORTH QUEENSLAND v NEWCASTLE, DAIRY FARMERS STADIUM, 9 AUGUST, 2009 (Rd 22) CLUB DEBUT: v PARRAMATTA, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 14 MARCH, 2009 (Rd 1)

BORN: 19 FEBRUARY, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 184CM WEIGHT: 103KG REP HONOURS: 1 TEST SAMOA (2015), JUNIOR KIWIS (2014) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL FG DEBUT: v NEWCASTLE, HUNTER STADIUM, 7 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 1) CLUB DEBUT: v PARRAMATTA, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 14 MARCH, 2009 (Rd 1)

BORN: 8 OCTOBER, 1989 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: RICHMOND ROVERS, BAY ROSKILL VIKINGS POSITION: PROP / SECOND ROW / LOOSE FORWARD HEIGHT: 191CM WEIGHT: 106KG REP HONOURS: 1 TEST TONGA (2010) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v GOLD COAST, SKILLED PARK, 14 MARCH, 2010 (Rd 1)

BORN: 4 FEBRUARY, 1994 IN APIA, SAMOA JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: HALFBACK HEIGHT: 176CM WEIGHT: 84KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v NORTH QUEENSLAND, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 22 AUGUST, 2015 (Rd 24)

BORN: 23 JANUARY, 1995 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: UTILITY HEIGHT: 177CM WEIGHT: 89KG REP HONOURS: 1 TEST NZ (2015), 1 TEST TONGA (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v MANLY, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 27 JULY, 2014 (Rd 20)

BORN: 29 MAY, 1987 IN HAWERA JUNIOR CLUB: HAWERA HAWKS POSITION: HOOKER HEIGHT: 174CM WEIGHT: 91KG REP HONOURS: 36 TESTS NZ (2008–15), WORLD CUP (2008 & 2013); FOUR NATIONS (2009–11, 2014); ALL GOLDS (2008); NZ v COOK ISLANDS (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: SOUTH SYDNEY (2007–2015) FG DEBUT: SOUTH SYDNEY v MELBOURNE, OLYMPIC PARK, 2 JUNE, 2007 (Rd 12) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

SIMON MANNERING

BEN MATULINO

KEN MAUMALO

CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

BORN: 28 AUGUST, 1986 IN NAPIER JUNIOR CLUBS: TE AROHA EELS, UNIVERSITY HUNTERS POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD / SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 192CM WEIGHT: 105KG REP HONOURS: 41 TESTS NZ (2006–15); WORLD CUP (2008 & 2013); TRI NATIONS (2006); FOUR NATIONS (2010–11, 14); NZ v COOK ISLANDS (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v BRISBANE, ERICSSON STADIUM, 26 JUNE, 2005 (Rd 16)

BORN: 16 JUNE, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS POSITION: CENTRE / WING HEIGHT: 191CM WEIGHT: 105KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v PARRAMATTA, PIRTEK STADIUM, 22 AUGUST, 2015 (Rd 24)

NOTE: FG denotes FIRST GRADE

BORN: 22 JUNE, 1985 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS, OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: HALFBACK / STANDOFF / HOOKER HEIGHT: 176CM WEIGHT: 86KG REP HONOURS: 34 TESTS NZ (2003–15); WORLD CUP (2008 & 2013); FOUR NATIONS (2009–11, 2014); ALL GOLDS (2008) PREVIOUS CLUBS: WARRIORS (2003–04), LONDON BRONCOS (2005), HARLEQUINS (2005–06), WIGAN (2007–12) CLUB/FG DEBUT: v BULLDOGS, WESTPAC STADIUM, 2 MAY, 2003 (Rd 8)

BORN: 3 JANUARY, 1989 IN LOWER HUTT JUNIOR CLUB: TE AROHA EELS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 193CM WEIGHT: 107KG REP HONOURS: 23 TESTS NZ (2009–15); WORLD CUP (2013); NZ v COOK ISLANDS (2013); FOUR NATIONS (2009–11) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v CRONULLA, TOYOTA STADIUM, 14 JUNE, 2008 (Rd 14)

BORN: 2 AUGUST, 1995 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: CITY NEWTON DRAGONS POSITION: FULLBACK / CENTRE / STANDOFF HEIGHT: 182CM WEIGHT: 86KG REP HONOURS: COOK ISLANDS (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FIRST GRADE

WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED ON p32

30 warriors.kiwi

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

32 warriors.kiwi WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED FROM p30

JOHN PALAVI

UPU POCHING

NATHANIEL ROACHE

JEFF ROBSON

LIGI SAO

TOAFOFOA SIPLEY

BORN: 31 JULY, 1992 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: RICHMOND ROVERS POSITION: SECOND ROW / LOOSE FORWARD HEIGHT: 187CM WEIGHT: 103KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2011) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v PARRAMATTA, PIRTEK STADIUM, 9 MARCH, 2014 (Rd 1)

BORN: 15 APRIL, 1996 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MOUNT ALBERT LIONS POSITION: UTILITY HEIGHT: 180CM WEIGHT: 90KG REP HONOURS: NZ RESIDENTS 18s (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FIRST GRADE

BORN: 11 OCTOBER, 1992 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MANUREWA MARLINS POSITION: PROP / LOOSE FORWARD HEIGHT: 187CM WEIGHT: 109KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUB: MANLY (2013 & 2015) FG DEBUT: MANLY v NORTH QUEENSLAND, 1300SMILES STADIUM, 15 JULY, 2013 (Rd 18) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

NOTE: FG denotes FIRST GRADE

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BORN: 7 FEBRUARY, 1988 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MANGERE EAST HAWKS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 186CM WEIGHT: 106KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2006) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v NORTH QUEENSLAND, MOUNT SMART STADIUM, 15 MAY, 2010 (Rd 6)

BORN: 5 AUGUST, 1982 IN LEETON, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: LEETON GREENIES POSITION: HALFBACK / STANDOFF / HOOKER HEIGHT: 176CM WEIGHT: 87KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUBS: MANLY (2004 & 2008), PARRAMATTA (2009–11), CRONULLA (2012–15) FG DEBUT: MANLY v CRONULLA, BROOKVALE OVAL, 23 MAY, 2004 (Rd 11) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

BORN: 5 JANUARY, 1995 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: RICHMOND ROVERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 188CM WEIGHT: 116KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FIRST GRADE

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 33

BODENE THOMPSON

ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK

MANU VATUVEI

ALBERT VETE

HENARE WELLS

JONATHAN WRIGHT

BORN: 1 AUGUST, 1988 IN TAURANGA JUNIOR CLUB: TAURANGA CITY SHARKS POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 185CM WEIGHT: 107KG REP HONOURS: NZ FOUR NATIONS (2014); NZ MAORI (2010) PREVIOUS CLUB: GOLD COAST TITANS (2009–12), WESTS TIGERS (2013–14) FG DEBUT: GOLD COAST v NEWCASTLE, ENERGYAUSTRALIA STADIUM, 10 MAY, 2009 (Rd 9) CLUB DEBUT: v NEWCASTLE, HUNTER STADIUM, 7 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 1)

BORN: 5 JUNE, 1993 IN APIA, SAMOA JUNIOR CLUB: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: FULLBACK HEIGHT: 182CM WEIGHT: 93KG REP HONOURS: 11 TESTS NZ (2013–15), WORLD CUP (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2012–15) FG DEBUT: SYDNEY ROOSTERS v GOLD COAST, ALLIANZ STADIUM, 27 JULY, 2012 (Rd 21) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR WARRIORS

BORN: 4 MARCH, 1986 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: OTARA SCORPIONS POSITION: WING HEIGHT: 189CM WEIGHT: 107KG REP HONOURS: 28 TESTS NZ (2005–15); WORLD CUP (2008 & 2013); NZ v COOK ISLANDS (2013); ALL GOLDS (2008); TRI NATIONS (2005–06); FOUR NATIONS (2010, 2014); NRL ALL STARS (2010, 2012, 2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v SOUTH SYDNEY, SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM, 23 MAY, 2004 (Rd 11)

BORN: 24 JANUARY, 1993 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MANGERE EAST HAWKS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 188CM WEIGHT: 110KG REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2013) PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: v NEWCASTLE, HUNTER STADIUM, 7 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 1)

BORN: 17 OCTOBER, 1992 IN TAUMARUNUI JUNIOR CLUB: PAPAKURA SEA EAGLES POSITION: FULLBACK / WING HEIGHT: 188CM WEIGHT: 89KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUB: NIL CLUB/FG DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FIRST GRADE

BORN: 8 MARCH, 1987 IN GILGANDRA, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: NORTHERN LAKE WARRIORS POSITION: CENTRE/WING HEIGHT: 187CM WEIGHT: 98KG REP HONOURS: NIL PREVIOUS CLUBS: PARRAMATTA (2009–10), CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN (2011–12), CRONULLA (2013–14) FG DEBUT: PARRAMATTA v NEWCASTLE, ENERGYAUSTRALIA STADIUM, 7 JUNE, 2009 (Rd 13) CLUB DEBUT: v CANBERRA, GIO STADIUM, 15 MARCH, 2015 (Rd 2)

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34 nrl.com

CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2016 GET A HEAD START ON ALL THE SEASON’S DETAILS AND MAKE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2016.

BRISBANE

BRONCOS

LAST YEAR: RUNNERS-UP HEAD COACH: Wayne Bennett CAPTAIN: To be announced HOME GROUND: Suncorp Stadium WEBSITE: www.broncos.com.au TICKETS: www.broncos.com.au/tickets

by WILL EVANS

ONTACT: Level 1, 92 Fulcher Road, Red Hill, QLD, 4059 C POSTAL: Locked Bag 10004, Kelvin Grove DC, QLD, 4059 PHONE: +61 7 3858 9111 TAB ODDS: $4.50 By most measures, Brisbane’s 2015 campaign was an unequivocal success. Head coach Wayne Bennett’s return delivered a second-place finish, the club reached its first grand final in nine years, two of their players debuted for New Zealand and a host of youngsters developed into first-grade stars.

In the space of a year the Broncos regained their NRL superpower status. But, in 2016, the Broncos’ ability to bury the demons of their grand-final heartbreak is as important

PENRITH

PANTHERS

LAST YEAR: 11TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Anthony Griffin CAPTAIN: Matt Moylan HOME GROUND: Pepper Stadium WEBSITE: www.penrithpanthers.com.au TICKETS: www.penrithpanthers.com.au/tickets

by BEN BLASHCKE

CONTACT: Cnr Mulgoa and Ransley Street, Penrith, NSW, 2750 POSTAL: Locked Bag 322, Penrith, NSW, 2751 PHONE: +61 2 4725 6400 TAB ODDS: $17.00 With a new coach, a new captain and a new focus, the winds of change are blowing in Penrith. The sacking of Ivan Cleary surprised many, but his replacement — former Brisbane mentor Anthony Griffin — has breathed new life into the club.

“He brings a hard-nosed work-ethic and professionalism,” says assistant coach Garth Brennan. “He brought some cultural elements with him from the Broncos, which I think will benefit us.”

SOUTH SYDNEY

RABBITOHS

LAST YEAR: SEVENTH PLACE HEAD COACH: Michael Maguire CAPTAIN: Greg Inglis HOME GROUND: ANZ Stadium WEBSITE: www.rabbitohs.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500005

by KATE SYMONS

CONTACT: Level 4, 265 Chalmers Street, Redfern, NSW, 2016 POSTAL: PO Box 577, Thuringowa Central, QLD 4817 PHONE: +61 1300 GO COWBOYS (1300 462 692)

as the progress they’ve made. Judging by the team’s attitude in pre-season, assistant coach Stephen Kearney believes the Broncos are ready to go one better and will continue to develop.

“What I’ve noticed is the willingness to improve themselves,” says Kearney. “We went into last season without much expectation.

There was some disappointment, but we went through a grand final debrief and now our focus is on preparation.”

The retirement of captain Justin Hodges leaves a big hole in Brisbane’s backline, but the club have snapped up a more-thancapable replacement in reigning Dally M Centre of the Year James Roberts, from the Gold Coast.

The thought of Roberts combining with Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd is mouth-watering for Broncos fans.

The identity of the club’s new skipper is a pre-season mystery, but there’s no shortage of potential suitors.

“The whole group has been moulded together to make sure it’s not any one person’s job to lead the team — it’s everyone’s,” says Kearney.

“I’m sure Wayne has a couple of candidates in mind, but whoever gets the job will have the full support of the team.”

If the Panthers can avoid any disasters during their remaining trials, they’ll head into the new season fit and healthy after suffering the worst injury toll in the NRL in 2015. They used 11 different halves combinations and finished the year without their spine of fullback Matt Moylan, halfback Peter Wallace and five-eighth Jamie Soward.

“For the past two years we’ve struggled to field a full squad, but now there are no guarantees for anyone’s spot,” explains Soward. “I know I’ll be able to get the job done at six this year.

After last year, all four of us (including hooker James Segeyaro) are looking forward to a full season together.”

The Panthers have also recruited well, with Origin lock Trent Merrin, hitman Suaia Matagi and Kiwi international centre Peta Hiku all adding valuable experience. Most exciting is the arrival of 20-year-old playmaking sensation Te Maire Martin, one of the hottest prospects in the game with a bright, long future ahead.

After narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon in 2015, Penrith are hoping for better things this year. “We just need some luck with injuries,” says Brennan. “But the pre-season has been outstanding and it’s an exciting time.” away from what I needed to do each week,” he admits. “I’m in a better place now. I just need to speak up more.”

This emphasis on leadership is echoed by head coach Michael Maguire, who believes it will be vital in helping the next generation of talent, such as Angus Crichton and Zane Musgrove.

Departures have left gaps at Redfern — Issac Luke, Dylan Walker and more — and the club’s young players will be called on to fill the void.

Maguire believes that Souths’ regular finals appearances have given young players crucial experience and that they shouldn’t be underestimated.

TAB ODDS: $13.00

“Those guys have played in big occasions and they know what it takes to get through the season,” he says.

Already a superstar with a decade of international and Origin experience and an NRL premiership, Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis believes he can get even better in 2016.

Their ability to get through the season was questioned after an inconsistent 2015, culminating in a seventh-place finish and an early finals exit.

“If you don’t think you can get better then it’s probably time to walk away from the game. I want to put my achievements behind me and concentrate on having the best year I can,” he says.

Pundits blamed the poor form on fatigue after victories at the NRL Auckland Nines and World Club Challenge.

2015 was his first year as club captain, and Inglis admits he didn’t feel entirely comfortable. “The captaincy took my focus

Maguire has dismissed this belief, but expects reliability in 2016.

“To enjoy our footy and perform consistently will make 2016 a successful year.”

nrl.com 35

HEAD COACH: Trent Barrett CAPTAIN: Jamie Lyon HOME GROUND: Brookvale Oval WEBSITE: www.seaeagles.com.au TICKETS: www.seaeagles.com.au/tickets/tickets CONTACT: Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narabeen, NSW, 2101 POSTAL: PO Box 607, Brookvale, NSW, 2100 PHONE: +61 2 9970 3000 TAB ODDS: $7.50 Despite many new recruits, new coach Trent Barrett believes it will be Manly’s resilience that gets them back to finals footy in 2016. “They’re a mentally tough club,” he says. “That’s something I want to build on.

“It’s ingrained into the senior players, and they set the tone with how they work. Your senior players have a big influence on the group and they’ve all embraced everything we’ve done. We’ve LAST YEAR: SIXTH PLACE HEAD COACH: Shane Flanagan CAPTAIN: Paul Gallen HOME GROUND: Remondis Stadium WEBSITE: www.sharks.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500028 CONTACT: 461 Captain Cook Drive, Woolooware, NSW, 2229 POSTAL: PO Box 2219, Taren Point, NSW, 2229 PHONE: +61 2 9523 0222 TAB ODDS: $13.00 Head coach Shane Flanagan can sense a change in Cronulla in 2016. The team is full of confidence after rediscovering their consistency to reach the finals last season, and that confidence has grown with the addition of star James Maloney.

“There was a lingering hangover from the wooden spoon (in 2014), but in the end we had a good year, and this year we’re coming into training focussed,” says Flanagan.

The Sharks’ promising season was brought undone by premiers LAST YEAR: PREMIERS HEAD COACH: Paul Green CO-CAPTAINS: Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott HOME GROUND: 1300SMILES Stadium WEBSITE: www.cowboys.com.au TICKETS: www.cowboys.com.au/tickets CONTACT: Golf Link Drive, Kirwan, QLD, 4817 POSTAL: PO Box 587, Thuringowa Central, QLD, 4817 PHONE: +61 7 4773 0700 TAB ODDS: $7.50 After winning their first premiership in 20 years, it hasn’t taken long for head coach Paul Green to focus the Cowboys on defending their title in 2016.

The mentor reminded his charges of the hard work ahead by pushing them hard in the 40-plus degree heat of the Townsville summer.

Five-eighth Michael Morgan says Green’s regimen will pay huge dividends, and believes winning the premiership has

also brought in other good leaders like Nate Myles and Lewis Brown, so we’re lucky in that regard.”

Despite their impressive recruitment, Manly can’t hide from a disappointing 2015.

They won just 11 games and missed out on the finals for the first time since 2004. ‘Fortress Brookie’ also fell, with the team only winning half of their games at home.

Captain Jamie Lyon is also desperate to reverse last year’s form.

“It was disappointing, but the squad has been great. The young guys have brought energy and enthusiasm, which we’ve jumped on, and we’ve brought experience.”

Barrett has big plans for Manly, epitomised by his extensive support team and impressive new playing recruits, like Martin Taupau and Dylan Walker. But he knows that the club needs to get some wins on the board.

MANLY WARRINGAH

SEA EAGLES

by MATT LOGUE

Lyon is also impressed by perhaps the club’s biggest recruit: Coach Barrett himself. “He’s been great,” says Lyon. “He hasn’t coached a first-grade side, but you’d never think it. His knowledge of the game has stood out.”

With Barrett at the helm, watch for the Sea Eagles to soar again in 2016.

North Queensland Cowboys in a 39–0 hammering in the finals, but Flanagan says the team learnt some valuable lessons.

They’ve worked on a number of modifications over the break, including player combinations. Flanagan admits the side struggled to lock down an attacking spine in 2015, and it’s something he wants to improve.

“As a team we weren’t gelling. We didn’t have a real understanding of (Michael Ennis’) game, Benny Barba was in the halves and then Jack (Bird) came in. The combination wasn’t there.

“Now we’ve got Chad (Townsend), (James) Maloney and a new fullback, so we’ll need to ensure that we understand each other.”

Flanagan confirmed that young guns Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird have both trained at fullback throughout the preseason. With Ben Barba also in the mix, there are plenty of options.

Maloney will start at five-eighth and Flanagan hopes he’ll spark the team’s attack. “He provides try-assists and goal kicking. He’ll score points and make us a dangerous offensive team.”

Combining the attacking experience and ability of the likes of Maloney and Ennis with the youthful flamboyance of Bird and Holmes, expectations are high that the Sharks will be successful again in 2016.

inspired the playing group to work even harder. “We’re back in full swing and with training as tough as it is, you forget about winning it (in 2015),” he says. “We spoke about not letting complacency become a factor within the group. It’s something we can’t afford.”

Complacency isn’t an issue for co-captain Matt Scott, who trained in pre-season despite a recent high-risk spine operation. Coach Green has also shown his commitment to the team, knocking back the Queensland State of Origin job to focus on the Cowboys’ premiership defence.

North Queensland now move from being the hunters to the hunted, but Morgan says they’ll be ready. “Everyone wants the premiership, and they always lift against the defending premiers. Teams don’t struggle to find motivation to play you,” he says. “It shows in how rarely anyone has gone backto-back.”

Star halfback Johnathan Thurston is leading by example, and hasn’t missed a session all pre-season.

“That’s a good thing about this team,” says Morgan. “We have leaders who show that no one is better than anyone else. We all have the same goal.”

With a united team and mentality, the Cowboys will again be hard to stop in 2016.

CRONULLASUTHERLAND

SHARKS

by MATT LOGUE

NORTH QUEENSLAND

COWBOYS

by MATT LOGUE

NRL CLUB PREVIEWS CONTINUED ON p36

LAST YEAR: NINTH PLACE

36 nrl.com

CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2016 CONTINUED TITANS

LAST YEAR: 14TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Neil Henry CO-CAPTAINS: Nathan Friend and William Zillman HOME GROUND: Cbus Super Stadium WEBSITE: www.titans.com.au TICKETS: www.titans.com.au/tickets

by BEN BLASHCKE

CONTACT: Ground Floor Waterside West, 9 Holden Place, Bundall, QLD, 4217 POSTAL: PO Box 8041, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, 9726 PHONE: +61 7 5656 5699 TAB ODDS: $151.00 Coach Neil Henry can’t help wondering what the Titans have done to deserve such a run of bad luck.

Already reeling from the Daly Cherry-Evans saga and the departure of star centre James Roberts, the Titans’ woes have been further compounded by the loss of young halfback Kane Elgey, through injury.

Roberts’ departure to the Brisbane Broncos is particularly

PARRAMATTA

EELS

LAST YEAR: 12TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Brad Arthur TEAM CAPTAIN: Kieran Foran HOME GROUND: Pirtek Stadium WEBSITE: www.parraeels.com.au

by BEN BLASHCKE

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.com.au/ Parramatta-Eels-tickets/artist/1297220 CONTACT: 2 Eels Place, Parramatta, NSW, 2150 POSTAL: PO Box 2666, North Parramatta, NSW, 2150 PHONE: +61 2 8843 0300 TAB ODDS: $13.00 In 2016 Eels fans can feel confident that their finals drought will draw to an end.

The most active club in the transfer market, the Eels have brought in the likes of Kieran Foran, Michael Gordon, Beau Scott and Michael Jennings, adding 719 games of NRL experience to their roster, which should help eradicate the problems that cost them wins last season.

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA

DRAGONS

LAST YEAR: ELIMINATION FINALISTS HEAD COACH: Paul McGregor CO-CAPTAINS: Ben Creagh and Gareth Widdop HOME GROUNDS: Jubilee Oval/WIN Stadium/ANZ Stadium WEBSITE: www.dragons.com.au TICKETS: www.dragons.com.au/tickets

by FIONA BOLLEN

CONTACT: 124 Princes Highway, Kogarah, NSW, 2217 * POSTAL: Locked Bag 1500, Ramsgate, NSW, 2217 * PHONE: +61 2 9587 1966 * * Details provided are for the St George Club.

TAB ODDS: $31.00 Despite not being given much of a chance at the start of 2015, the Dragons surprised everyone by leading the competition for several rounds on the back of strong defence. They took the Bulldogs to golden point in their elimination final.

Once again the Dragons are being given little chance in 2016, but those at the club aren’t paying attention. The Dragons have

galling — after his standout 2015 season the speedster was seen as the man to spark the Titans’ attack, but Henry is now left with a depleted squad. “We haven’t got a player with the same x-factor,” he says. “So we have to play to our maximum ability each week. We need to recruit more players, too.”

Already pressed for depth, the Titans’ plight wasn’t helped by a season-ending knee injury to Elgey. Fortunately, they may be able to cover him with the arrival of 2015 Holden Cup Player of the Year, Ashley Taylor. Front-row recruits David Shillington, Nathan Friend and Chris McQueen will help offset other departures, as will five-eighth Tyrone Roberts who brings 97 games of NRL experience with him from the Newcastle Knights.

“Tyrone needs to take a leadership role,” says Henry. “He was excellent for Newcastle last season, hopefully he can replicate that form.”

Many of the Titans’ next generation are now certain to spend time in first grade in 2016, including Australian Schoolboys star Nathan Davis, Nene MacDonald and promising NSW Cup star Jeff Lynch.

“Young players will make mistakes, but I think we’re in a good place,” says Henry. “We just need to be competitive and play with passion and commitment, that’s our short-term objective.”

Coach Brad Arthur says the time for talking is over. “It’s the best position we’ve been in during my three seasons with the club,” he says. “Last year we were almost always in the contest despite missed opportunities, and we’ve restored pride in the Parramatta jersey, but it’s time to take the next step. We have to start winning.”

How well Foran combines with Corey Norman in the halves will be key for the Eels, but Arthur is also excited by the arrival of Gordon, who will help solve the goal-kicking dilemma that has plagued the team in recent seasons.

There have also been other arrivals, like Manly speedster Clint Gutherson, former Canberra halfback Mitch Cornish and North Queensland hooker Cameron King. Depth won’t be a problem for Parramatta in 2016.

Another area the Eels will seek to address is defence, as they conceded a whopping 573 points last season. Attack won’t be a problem, though, with Jennings set to form a truly lethal combination with try-scoring phenomenon Semi Radradra on the left side.

It’s been three decades since their last premiership, so fans will be wary of getting too excited, but the Eels should have a topeight finish as their first goal in 2016. accumulated some big men, like Leeson Ah Mau, Russell Packer and Mose Masoe, who are ready to clear the path for some of the league’s best attacking players in Benji Marshall, Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop.

It’s the kind of roster head coach Paul McGregor wants. “We’d like to play a different brand of footy this year because we’ve got more size,” says McGregor. “We played too laterally last year and we’re aiming to fix that with our attack.”

New co-captain Gareth Widdop expects the Dragons’ attack to be much simpler than in previous years.

“We’ve got some really big boppers in the pack. It’s exciting as a half to be playing off the back of that,” he says.

McGregor and the Dragons have been building off the field as well, hiring two new sports scientists, a new physio Tony Ayoub, and assistant coach Jason Demetriou. Despite the restructures, the coach isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“If we prepare well, we’ll play well, so we’re concentrating on training. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to have strategies during that marathon to make sure you finish it.”

NRL CLUB PREVIEWS CONTINUED ON p38

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38 nrl.com

CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2016 CONTINUED NEWCASTLE

KNIGHTS

LAST YEAR: 16TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Nathan Brown CAPTAIN: To be announced HOME GROUND: Hunter Stadium WEBSITE: www.newcastleknights.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500003

by KATE SYMONS

ONTACT: 32 Industrial Drive, Mayfield, NSW, 2304 C POSTAL: PO Box 152, Wickham, NSW, 2293 PHONE: +61 2 4028 9100 TAB ODDS: $81.00 The need for change became clear after 2015 saw Newcastle claim their second-ever wooden spoon. But new coach Nathan Brown believes the club is now moving in the right direction, and that the Knights have addressed their problem areas.

“To change things, you’ve got to change people,” he says. “If you stick with what’s been happening and the same people, you’re a bit arrogant if you think anything’s going to change.

SYDNEY

ROOSTERS

LAST YEAR: THIRD PLACE HEAD COACH: Trent Robinson CAPTAIN: Jake Friend HOME GROUND: Allianz Stadium WEBSITE: www.roosters.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500001

by FIONA BOLLEN

CONTACT: MP1 Car Park, Allianz Stadium, Driver Avenue, Moore Park, NSW 2021 POSTAL: PO Box 693, Paddington, NSW, 2021 PHONE: +61 2 8063 3800 TAB ODDS: $12.00 Things were looking very promising for the Sydney Roosters heading into 2016. Sure, they’d lost a pretty handy player at the back in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and James Maloney had moved on, too. Both will be missed, but a young Jackson Hastings showed everyone late last year that he was ready for the big stage and Blake Ferguson has been training well at No.1.

Then Australia Day rolled around. We all know what happened

WESTS

TIGERS

LAST YEAR: 15TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Jason Taylor CAPTAIN: Aaron Woods HOME GROUNDS: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leichhardt Oval, ANZ Stadium

and there’s no point rehashing, but this is a preview for the Roosters’ 2016 season and the consequences of what happened that day with Mitchell Pearce’s drunken antics being caught on camera and sold to the press will have a huge impact on the club this year.

At the time of writing, Pearce’s suspension was still to be determined, but the halfback is sure to be absent for a good chunk of 2016. Experienced back-up options are short, leaving coach Trent Robinson with a difficult choice: play a rookie alongside a relative rookie, or shift a more experienced player out of position to maintain some experience in the key playmaking roles.

Development had been in the plans for the Roosters anyway, so perhaps now is as good a time as any to push some baby birds from the nest.

“You’ll see a Roosters team (in 2016) that you know, but hopefully some new players to cheer on and see some development over the next couple of years. We’re not done yet,” says Robinson.

“We’re bullish about how the season is going to go for us and that’s the reason we’ve developed some of these players.” ourselves in the top eight, and that’s the goal.”

Attendance at training has more than doubled compared to last season’s injury-affected summer. This has given coaching staff invaluable one-on-one time with players to enhance their skills and mental strength.

TICKETS: www.weststigers.com.au/tickets

“Most of the guys have had a really strong pre-season, and that’s important when it’s early in your career,” Taylor says, reflecting on the fact that Wests Tigers have one of the youngest squads in the competition.

CONTACT: Concord Oval, Loftus Street, Concord, NSW, 2137 POSTAL: PO Box 169, North Strathfield, NSW, 2137 PHONE: +61 2 8741 3300

21-year-old halfback Luke Brook is one youngster who’ll benefit from a full pre-season, and Taylor says he’ll take his game to another level in 2016.

WEBSITE: www.weststigers.com.au

by MATT LOGUE

“The best way forward is through the youth. With that comes work and a little pain along the way, but it’s the best system for the club at the minute.”

Brown remembers the team’s glory days, when he was playing for St George against the likes of Paul Harragon and Tony Butterfield. “You knew you were going to get it knocked out of you,” he recalls. “They brought in the Johns boys and guys like Robbie O’Davis and Adam MacDougall — they were the best offensive side in the comp.”

The return to those days will take a while, the Knights have had players with more than 1,000 games of NRL experience leave the club last year. Now only six Knights — including new recruit Trent Hodkinson — have over 100 NRL games to their name.

“Things are definitely improving and the commitment has been good,” Brown says. “It’ll just take time.”

For Brown, closing the gap between the Knights’ good and bad performances is his top priority, and that starts with improving the second-worst defence in the competition in 2015.

The Knights are definitely ready to put the horrors of 2015 behind them and, with a new attitude, they’re ready to prove it come 6 March.

TAB ODDS: $101.00 They’ve experienced plenty of dramatic ups and downs in Tiger Town, but head coach Jason Taylor is looking at the bigger picture.

The joint-venture club narrowly avoided the wooden spoon in 2015, but the stellar rises of players like James Tedesco and Aaron Woods, as well as the team’s defensive improvement, have left him with a positive outlook for 2016.

“Moving up the ladder will be difficult, but that’s the challenge,” says Taylor. “If we can push up the defensive rankings we’ll find

“Luke’s focussed on having a good season,” he says. “It doesn’t just happen, you’ve got to work hard and Luke has done all preseason. He’s not getting carried away with anything.”

No one at the club is getting carried away, but the coach still remains optimistic for the year ahead.

“We’re confident with the group we’ve got. We’ve made a lot of progress and we’re working together. We’ve made some solid improvements and the guys are really positive, so there’s no reason why we won’t improve this season.”

nrl.com 39

LAST YEAR: FIFTH PLACE

“It looks good at training, hopefully we can take it into the games.”

HEAD COACH: Des Hasler

The Bulldogs have been on the cusp of success recently, making two grand finals since 2012 and the top eight every other year.

They know consistency will be crucial in 2016.

CAPTAIN: James Graham HOME GROUNDS: ANZ Stadium, Belmore Sports Ground WEBSITE: www.bulldogs.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500010 CONTACT: Belmore Sports Ground, Edison Lane, Belmore, NSW, 2192 POSTAL: PO Box 123, Belmore, NSW, 2192 PHONE: +61 2 9789 8000 TAB ODDS: $13.00 The Bulldogs could tell you what they’ve worked on during the pre-season, but then they’d have to kill you.

“I can’t tell you or Des would shoot me. I’d better keep that under wraps,” says half Josh Reynolds, speaking of his head coach Des Hasler. “We’ve changed a few things up that we thought we could do better or that opponents were reading too easily.

LAST YEAR: FOURTH PLACE HEAD COACH: Craig Bellamy CAPTAIN: Cameron Smith HOME GROUND: AAMI Park WEBSITE: www.melbournestorm.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500021 CONTACT: 60 Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, VIC, 3001 POSTAL: PO Box 155, Richmond, VIC, 3121 PHONE: +61 3 8412 4999 TAB ODDS: $13.00 It’s a well-known fact that Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy puts his players through a punishing pre-season torture.

Captain Cameron Smith says the Melbourne mentor has taken his meticulous ways to another level.

“Craig has gone a bit old school,” Smith says. “He’s been tough on

LAST YEAR: 10TH PLACE HEAD COACH: Ricky Stuart CAPTAIN: Jarrod Croker HOME GROUND: GIO Stadium WEBSITE: www.raiders.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500013 CONTACT: 2 Eade St, Bruce, ACT, 2617 POSTAL: PO Box 3315, Belconnen Business Centre, ACT, 2617 PHONE: +61 2 6253 3515 TAB ODDS: $26.00 Points are not a problem. The Canberra Raiders have shown that they have what it takes to get across the tryline, and Blake Austin’s arrival last year only solidified that ability. But if they want to match it with the best in the NRL, they need to step it up in the defensive department.

In 2015 the Raiders finished third for points-scored with an average of 24 points a game (the Roosters led the comp with

For Reynolds, it’s about taking the chances when they present themselves. “When we lose to a team we should beat, Des says ‘If they were wearing the red and green of Souths, we would have showed up’. We always step up for the big games. It’s a mental thing, we just need to know when to take our opportunities.”

The pressure is on opponents, too. Not only do they need to hold off the Bulldogs’ massive pack, they also need to silence their talented (and now permanent) halves in Reynolds and Moses Mbye, and watch out for the speedy Morris twins. Then there’s Will Hopoate on the other side.

CANTERBURYBANKSTOWN

BULLDOGS

by FIONA BOLLEN

“It’s easier knowing who’s going to be in the halves every week,” says Reynolds. “The Morrises are always dangerous too. Brett played well at fullback last year and Josh is looking good and feeling fit.”

They may not have won a premiership under Hasler’s reign, but he’s a coach who stays ahead of the game and that means it’s only a matter of time. everyone about training standards. He’s big on the quality of your pre-season reflecting the success you have during the season.”

It’s not like the Storm failed miserably last season and need to cop a hammering in the fitness stakes. They won more games than they lost and were only bundled out a week before the grand final by eventual premiers North Queensland.

Most clubs would be thrilled, but Melbourne march to a different beat of the drum. Smith concedes his side failed to deliver on their high expectations in 2015. “Last year we were below our standards,” he admits.

MELBOURNE

STORM

by MATT LOGUE

“Our main focus has been training consistently at a high level and building up mental toughness. The squad last year was the youngest that Craig has ever coached, so he’s trying to get a lot of young blokes up each week.

“The young blokes’ training has been exceptional this pre-season and hopefully that shows up when we play this year.”

If those young guys do show up and find a comfortable style of play next to the likes of Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, then the Storm are sure to be one of the major players again.

24.6), but that was offset by letting in 23.7 points per game.

They gave teams plenty of ground to work with, on average allowing the opposition 1,699.50 metres each match, the most in the league.

CANBERRA

RAIDERS

Finals football will certainly be a possibility if they can start shutting teams out.

“We’ve always been able to score points and we showed that again last year, but we probably leaked too many points and a couple of those close games cost us,” says captain Jarrod Croker.

“I think there were six or seven games that were decided by less than seven points, so we knew we needed to work hard on our defence, which we have. We’ve worked on our edge work and our combinations as well, and we’ll really ramp that up going into the season.

“Everyone says it, but it’s defence that wins matches. We need to work on our defence. If we can keep completing our sets at a high rate, which we did last year, the points will come.

“We want to play finals football, there’s no denying that, but we can’t just sit there and say it, we’ve got to get out there and earn the right to.”

by FIONA BOLLEN

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

40 warriors.kiwi

IT’S GAME ON IN CHRISTCHURCH CANTERBURY HAS A STRONG, PROUD RUGBY LEAGUE HISTORY — AND ADDING TO IT THIS YEAR IS THE MAY 14 CLASH OF THE VODAFONE WARRIORS AND PENRITH PANTHERS, THE FIRST TIME IN SIX YEARS THAT AN NRL GAME WILL BE PLAYED IN CHRISTCHURCH.

C

New Zealand from 1994–2000 after guiding ANTERBURY Rugby League celeBy WILL EVANS Canterbury during an unprecedented period of brates its 105th season in 2016, and success in the early 1990s. like all grassroots sports — particularly those in Canterbury — rugby league has endured its share of challenges in The 1980s, when rugby league in New Zealand truly came of age, saw recent years. Now, courtesy of the hard work many Canterbury stars, such as Mark Broadand endeavour of the Canterbury rugby league hurst, Brent Todd and Adrian Shelford, become community, the code is experiencing signifiintegral members of the Test side. The 1993 cant growth as it enters one of the most exciting Kiwis squad that toured Britain and France periods in its history. contained seven members of Canterbury’s

‘‘

IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT WE BECAME A PART IN THE REBUILDING OF THIS CITY AND THIS COMMUNITY.

champion provincial team. While in this era of full-time professional rugby league, the likes of Quentin Pongia, David Kidwell, Terry Hermansson and Jeremy Smith have enjoyed distinguished Test careers.

From the foundation of a strong club competition, Canterbury produced 97 New Zealand representatives from 1912–94, while an additional 13 former-Canterbury players became Kiwis while playing for other regions. In the 21 seasons since 1994, 12 more Cantabrians have turned out for the national side from professional clubs, including current stars Lewis Brown and Kodi Nikorima.

More than 50 ex-Canterbury players have reached first-grade status in the Australian premiership. Ten have played in grand finals, five of those players winning premierships.

Ten Cantabrians have captained the Kiwis, while the region has produced four Kiwis coaches — most notably Frank Endacott, who coached

Among the players from the region currently starring in the NRL are Brown (Manly), Nikorima (Brisbane), Smith (Newcastle), Eddy

”

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VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM

warriors.kiwi 41

Panthers GM Phil Gould and former Warriors coach Frank Endacott enjoy some time in Christchurch during a recent visit to the city.

Pettybourne (Gold Coast), Fa’amanu Brown and Matt McIlwrick (both Cronulla).

In 2016, NRL returns to Christchurch for the first time in six years as the Penrith Panthers bring their home game against the Warriors to the city on May 14 — the first instalment of the Sydney outfit’s four-year agreement with the Christchurch City Council.

General Manager of the Panthers, Phil Gould, a legendary former coach and prominent media personality, visited Christchurch in January to outline the club’s commitment to developing rugby league in the region.

“From the time I arrived in Christchurch two-and-a-half years ago there was just something about it — Christchurch had a different feel about it,” Gould said. “It was important that we became a part — and that rugby league as a code, and the NRL played its part — in the rebuilding of this city and this community.

“We’ll be over here and doing community work, appearances in schools and clinics, which are all about participation. There will be elite pathways — that’s another attraction for us, it’s a strong area.

Any kid that has aspirations of playing higher, if the Panthers can play a part in that, we will.”

42 nzrl.co.nz

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE

TRANS-TASMAN TUSSLE: THE BEST AGAINST THE BEST

FOR KIWIS FANS, MAY 6TH CAN’T COME ROUND SOON ENOUGH. THAT’S THE DATE OF THE 2016 ANZAC TEST IN NEWCASTLE, AN UNUSUAL VENUE FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED SCENARIO.

T

HE Kiwis are holders of the Bill Kelly Memorial trophy, and are probably favourites, after their stunning 26–12 victory in Brisbane,

By MICHAEL BURGESS ®

last year.

That victory stopped almost two decades of hurt in the annual mid-year fixture, dating back to the last New Zealand win in 1998.

It was the third consecutive trans-Tasman triumph for Stephen Kearney’s men, a sequence that had not been achieved for more than 60 years.

Don’t bet against the streak ending on the Central Coast. The Kiwis pack has had the measure of their Australian counterparts in recent times, with the likes of Jesse Bromwich, Ben Matulino and Martin Taupau offering a ferocious mix of size, skill and

played more matches together than any other Kiwis halves combination in the modern era, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is unquestionably the best running fullback in the game.

Add in the likes of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jason Taumalolo and Dean Whare – who all missed last year's clash in Brisbane – and head coach Stephen Kearney has an enviable array of choices.

NEW ZEALAND

KIWIS mobility that the Kangaroos haven't been able to match.

Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran have already

“We have to be proud of what we have built with our depth and our culture,” said Kearney.

“But we can't stand still... we can't stop there.

We should aim to be on top for a long time.

That has got to be our goal and there is no reason why we can't.”

However, the Kangaroos have a long tradition of bouncing back after a setback, which adds spice to the contest. Australian Rugby League

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE

nzrl.co.nz 43

have recently prioritised international success ahead of the 2017 World Cup, and new coach Mal Meninga will bring a fresh approach to the green-and-golds, after his record-breaking run in charge of the Queensland State of Origin team over the last decade.

“I couldn’t think of a coach more suited to this role, given Mal’s achievements as a former Kangaroos captain and his understanding of what representing Australia means,” said captain Cameron Smith.

Meninga, who completed a record four Kangaroos tours to the United Kingdom as a player (including two as captain) in a 12-year international career, will need to rejuvenate an ageing squad but has no shortage of exciting options across the NRL. The curtain raiser to the Anzac clash is another chapter in the developing rivalry between the Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos, with the Ferns looking for revenge after their 22–14 loss last year.

The representative weekend is rounded out by the Pacific double header at Pirtek Stadium, featuring Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Shaun Johnson proudly holding aloft the Bill Kelly Memorial trophy following the Kiwis win over the Kangaroos in Brisbane in May last year.

As an added bonus, the Junior Kiwis, who have fielded the likes of Tuivasa-Sheck and Taumalolo in recent years, face the Junior Kangaroos in the curtain raiser to

the Pacific matches.

The young New Zealand side were edged 22–20 by Australia last year, after winning 15–14 in 2014.

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THE WORLD’S BEST 14 TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT | 2017

Kiwis captain Nathan Cayless (centre) celebrates with coach Stephen Kearney and assistant coach Wayne Bennett, after the Kiwis won the final of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

EYEING UP THE 2017 WORLD CUP

GET READY FOR INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE FEVER. THE BIGGEST FESTIVAL IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT WILL HIT THESE SHORES NEXT YEAR — AND THE KIWIS ARE WELL PLACED FOR THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS.

N

EW ZEALAND is co-host, along with Australia and Papua New Guinea, of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. It will be the 15th edition of the tournament, since the first event in France in 1954.

“We have been building for this tournament since the last one finished,” said Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney. “It’s a balance because you can’t forget what’s happening now and maintaining the levels we expect, but 2017 has always been our big goal.”

There are a number of cities in New Zealand and Australia in line to host matches, which should give rugby league fans the chance to see Kiwis in action across the whole tournament.

It won’t be easy. New Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will spend the next two years remodelling Australia’s ageing line-up, while England have recruited super coach Wayne Bennett and will be hunting for their first tournament success since 1972.

Eden Park is in the running to stage the final, which would be a repeat of the 1988 tournament decider in Auckland, when Wally Lewis' Kangaroos broke local hearts.

The Kiwis have reached the last three World Cup finals dating back to 2000 (winning the 2008 tournament) and will be strong contenders to reach the decider again, especially with the benefit of home advantage.

Stephen Kearney’s team have achieved some remarkable success over the last 18 months — highlighted by three consecutive wins over Australia — but it may just be that best is yet to come from this team.

When the tournament gets underway, both Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran will be 27 years old, and entering their prime as halves.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will have three seasons as an NRL fullback behind him, while Simon Mannering (31 at tournament kick-off) and Issac Luke (30) will still be in the frame. Key players like Jesse Bromwich (28), Ben Matulino (28), Martin Taupau (27) and Tohu Harris (25) will be hitting their peak and who knows how good Kodi Nikorima could be by the end of next season?

Along with the three host nations, England, Fiji, France, Samoa and Scotland automatically qualify for the tournament after reaching the final eight in 2013. Middle East/Africa play-off winner Lebanon will make their second appearance, and the United States and Tonga qualified late last year. The final three spots will be filled by European qualifiers, with Wales, Ireland, Italy and Russia among the contenders.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2017 VISIT www.rlwc2017.com

Back Row (left to right) | Zion Ioka, Kane Telea, Levi McBirney, Eddie Wulf, Henry Pei, James Mafi, Koli Oneone, Tualima Tualima, Kenese Kenese, Jerome Mamea.

Middle Row (left to right) | Doug Murray (team manager), Chris Sio, Lewis Soosemea, Mose Esera, Tamati Ioane-Niko, Ofahiki Ogden, Marata Niukore, Joseph Price, Joseph Vuna, Dakohta Taimani, Melino Fineanganofo, Iripa Rangi (assistant trainer).

Front Row (left to right) | Junior Mautairi (strength and conditioning coach), Sheldon Pitama, Erin Clark, Kelvin Wright (coach), Ata Hingano, Nathaniel Roache, Bunty Afoa, Junior Pauga, Boycie Nelson (assistant coach), Tyler Mohi, Mattais Heimuli, David Close (physiotherapist).

JUNIOR WARRIORS

2016 VODAFONE

VODAFONE WARRIORS | YOUR TEAM warriors.kiwi 45

46 www.aucklandleague.co.nz

AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE

GAME ON IN 2016 FOR ARL THE 2016 AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE CALENDAR WILL SHOWCASE FANTASTIC RUGBY LEAGUE EVENTS. WHETHER YOU’RE WANTING TO PARTICIPATE OR BE A SUPPORTER, YOU’LL HAVE YOUR PICK FROM ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES OUTLINED BELOW.

I

T’S game on for Auckland Rugby League in 2016 — and the aim is to make our great game more accessible to more people in more places. The season gets under way for all grades, from the Fox Memorial Premiership to Mini Mod football, on April 9.

The ARL Junior Elite Training Camp (JETS) is set for March 18 to 20. This will provide players with expert coaching and mentoring that will

By TALEI ANDERSON further enhance their skill development and understanding of rugby league.

College Rugby League kicks off on May 4, with the First XIII grand final scheduled for August 10 at Mount Smart.

Mini Mod Gala days will also be showcased throughout the months of May and June at various rugby league clubs.

Local Auckland players will have the chance to play in a series of meaningful representative clashes when the Auckland Vulcans Under-21 side tours the South Island over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

On June 26 this year, ARL is introducing Ladies in League Day at Mount Smart Stadium.

This is a new initiative and celebrates all women in league who contribute to the growth of our great game.

2016 AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE KEY EVENTS

MARCH 18–20 ARL JETS camp APRIL 6 Fox Memorial launch APRIL 9–10 Premiership competitions start MAY 4 College Rugby League First XIII begins MAY 8 Club Mini Gala days commence JUNE 3 Auckland Vulcans Under–21 South Island tour JUNE 12 Club Mod Gala days commence JUNE 26 Ladies in League Day AUGUST 10 College Rugby League First XIII grand final SEPTEMBER 2–3 Fox Memorial, Sharman Cup and Women’s Premiership grand finals SEPTEMBER 23–25 NZ Women’s National Tournament SEPTEMBER 25–30 NZ–15 and –17 National Tournament DECEMBER Primary School TAG Champions of Champions

For more information on Auckland Rugby League’s events around New Zealand go online and check out www.aucklandleague.co.nz Follow Auckland Rugby League on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @AucklandLeague

RUGBY LEAGUE SUPPORTERS PACKAGES Boys Trip are your sports travel specialists when it comes to getting Kiwi’s over to Australia for all the big games. We have packages available now to all three State of Origin games, as well as the NRL Grand Final. The best thing about Boys Trip is that all of our packages can be tailored to suit you. We take care of your airfares, accommodation, transfers, event tickets, travel insurance and anything else you need.

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