YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2020 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP
CODES OF AUCKLAND
EDEN PARK, AUCKLAND, SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2020 WARRIORS AND BLUES DOUBLE HEADER VODAFONE WARRIORS v CANBERRA RAIDERS 5.00PM BLUES v BRUMBIES 7.35PM TICKETS: TICKETMASTER.CO.NZ
WWW.WARRIORS.KIWI
WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN FANS. NOW WE’RE FAMILY. As long-standing supporters of the New Zealand Rugby League community, we’re so proud to welcome the Vodafone Warriors and all the fans to the Autex family. To learn more about Autex visit our website, www.autexindustries.com
OLIVERLEE.CO.NZ AND some insight of the VODAFONE 26 Get 18 Profiles The 13 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES – into the SHARKS, 05 2020 VODAFONE WARRIORS’ new TITANS and SEA EAGLES owner MARK ROBINSON all the player movements has big plans for the club in 2020 and beyond
across the 16 NRL clubs
preview of the 06 Aseason ahead for
WARRIORS PLAYERS, including some key player and career statistics
NRL team previews 24 and predictions for
the VODAFONE WARRIORS
will the 27 How STORM, KNIGHTS
and COWBOYS go this NRL season?
the BRONCOS, BULLDOGS and RAIDERS
MANAGING EDITOR
OLIVER LEE
EDITOR
PETER WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOSPORT.NZ
PRE-PRESS
HNZL 2014 LIMITED
2020 14 Your VODAFONE
EAD COACH 08 H STEPHEN
WARRIORS TEAM POSTER
KEARNEY’s plans and hopes for the 2020 NRL season
TELSTRA 16 NRL PREMIERSHIP DRAW 2020
PRINTING
close look at the 2 8 AEELS, PANTHERS and RABBITOHS
30 Previewing the DRAGONS,
ROOSTERS and TIGERS
GAME 1
WEBSTAR MASTERTON
ADELAIDE OVAL IN ADELAIDE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 3, 2020
PUBLISHER
GAME 2 ANZ STADIUM IN SYDNEY ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2020
Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand PHONE +64-9-486 6966 EMAIL oliver@oliverlee.co.nz WEBSITE oliverlee.co.nz
ISSN 2463-5472 (PRINT) ISSN 2463-5480 (ONLINE)
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The VODAFONE WARRIORS will be part of a unique DOUBLE HEADER at Eden Park. COPYRIGHT REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART BY ANY MEANS IS PROHIBITED.
GAME 3 SUNCORP STADIUM IN BRISBANE ON NSW BLUES CELEBRATE THEIR 2019 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES WIN. WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020
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.
NOTE TAB ODDS THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE WERE CORRECT ON MARCH 1, 2020. TO CHECK IF ANY ODDS HAVE BEEN UPDATED PLEASE VISIT TAB.CO.NZ
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GIVING BACK TO THE GAME IS A KEY MOTIVATION
VODAFONE WARRIORS NEW OWNER HAS RUGBY LEAGUE CLOSE TO HIS HEART. AUTEX INDUSTRIES CEO MARK ROBINSON IS ABOUT AS PASSIONATE A RUGBY LEAGUE MAN AS YOU WILL FIND ANYWHERE.
By PETER WHITE The new owner of the Vodafone Warriors started playing the game at the Point Chevalier Pirates when he was 12. He says that is when he developed his lifelong passion for rugby league. Growing up, rugby league was the sport of choice in the Robinson household. His father David, the founder of Autex Industries, was the major sponsor of the Kiwis from 1979–1985. So Robinson’s commitment to the Warriors goes way, way deeper than a mere business deal. It matters to him on a personal level. “I want to give the people of New Zealand a team they can be proud of and owning this team was important in achieving that,” he says. “While the underlying belief that brought us together with Carlaw Heritage Trust still stands today, to support and develop the game of rugby league in New Zealand and to develop the Warriors to become a premiership winning club, Autex also wants to spend money and invest in the club and infrastructure.” Change can be expected and should be welcomed at the Warriors. Robinson has a philosophy to constantly push forward and try new things. “You can’t get better doing the same as you did yesterday. You have to adapt and challenge and that’s what we have been great at, at Autex. After 50 years of manufacturing we’re still growing is proof we have a good formula. “While footy is footy and business is business, there is a lot of cross-over and the fundamentals of striving for success are pretty similar.” Robinson is also committed to ensuring rugby league is in a healthy state in Auckland. He and his company’s Managing Director Rob Croot have promised to give $100,000 a season to Auckland Rugby League over the next five years.
VODAFONE WARRIORS NEW OWNER MARK ROBINSON IS A RUGBY LEAGUE MAN TO THE CORE. HE WANTS TO SEE THE WARRIORS PLAY CONSISTENTLY WELL, ATTRACT BETTER PLAYERS AND BECOME A FORCE IN THE NRL.
“While our first focus is on the Warriors, we know we can’t have a consistently strong club if we don’t have a strong grass roots game and good pathways for developing the very best players,” Robinson says. “We started some great work on our pathways programmes with Carlaw Heritage Trust and we’ll continue the implementation with the support of New Zealand Rugby League and Auckland Rugby League.” The talent drain across the Tasman has been a bone of contention for the wider rugby league community for decades. Robinson believes if the Warriors are strong and perform consistently then
that will help stop some of the great Kiwi talent shifting to Australia. “To do that we need a really attractive NRL club that the best players want to be a part of. “We need to show these young men and women that they can develop and fulfil their potential here at the Vodafone Warriors. “We can’t make that happen overnight but we are committed to player pathways and development and we’re here for the long haul. “The Warriors have all the potential to be an enviable NRL club and with the right care, focus and investment we will achieve this.”
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LOYAL FANS DESERVE A RETURN TO WINNING FORM
THE VODAFONE WARRIORS NEED TO BRING FINALS FOOTIE BACK TO MT SMART STADIUM. By PETER WHITE The Vodafone Warriors have a truly devoted support base that has been keeping the faith for 25 years. The loyal fans who make the walk in all sorts of weather to Mt Smart Stadium for every home game have never given up the hope of winning a Grand Final. But even their faith has been tested in recent years with a lack of consistency, particularly at home costing the Warriors those precious two points on the line every game. The 2020 season is a chance for the players, coaches and team management to collectively put all the pieces together in the Warriors jigsaw and kick on into the top 8 to finals footie. The lack of an individual star like Shaun Johnson may be no bad thing this campaign as it will take a committed, 100 per cent effort from every player in the squad to get across the line.
The Warriors do have in captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck the most dangerous running fullback in the game and someone who can break games open. His courage on defence and calmness under pressure are other major strengths of the 2018 Dally M winner. Tuivasa-Sheck and other senior players have been outspoken in wanting to see the Warriors play a more attacking, open style of footie this year, which best suits their mobile forward pack and match winners out wide. Coach Stephen Kearney is in agreement with the players about shifting the ball away from the ruck quicker. One player who may shine in this system is Tohu Harris. The backrower with a quality passing game has been inconsistent since signing from Melbourne but this could be his season to show his class. Perhaps the biggest clue as to how the Warriors could play this season came last year in the final round against Grand Finalists Canberra. Away from home at
GIO Stadium and against the odds, the Warriors won 24-20 after trailing by eight points with 12 minutes left. Included in that brilliant finish was what many called the try of the season started and finished by Tuivasa-Sheck from halfway involving 13 passes. Much will depend on Blake Green. The classy halfback is the general, the playmaker with the experience. If he stays injury free and retains his best form, he is the man to get the Warriors home in the tight games. A new face to get to know is hooker Wayde Egan who has limited first grade experience at the Panthers but is highly rated as a sharp dummy half runner. The draw has helped the Warriors get off to the flying start they need to get confidence oozing through the side. In the first five rounds they face the Knights, Raiders (home), Sea Eagles, Tigers (home) and Dragons. The Raiders are the only top four side from 2019 in that group. Obviously there are tougher games to come, including Melbourne twice in five games, so a sharp start is a must. If that happens and the Mt Smart faithful can get the team across the line at home, truly anything is possible from the Warriors in 2020.
VODAFONE WARRIORS
LAST YEAR: 13TH HEAD COACH: STEPHEN KEARNEY CAPTAIN: ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK HOME GROUND: MT SMART STADIUM WEBSITE: www.warriors.kiwi TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.co.nz/nzwarriors CONTACT: 2 Beasley Ave, Penrose, Auckland, 1061
HALFBACK BLAKE GREEN IS A KEY PLAYER FOR THE VODAFONE WARRIORS.
POSTAL: PO Box 12-224, Penrose, Auckland, 1642 PHONE: +64 9 526 8822 TAB ODDS: $26.00
We’ve always been driven. Found new boundaries to push. Fresh ways to innovate. It led us to revolutionise the rotary engine. And develop ground-breaking Skyactiv Technology. Even when we win. We remain focused, and keep moving forward. Together. As Challengers. Believers in Better.
We’ve always been driven. Found new ways to raise the bar. To push the play. To take on the Aussies at their own game. Then reach the NRL play-offs 8 times. Even when we win. We dig in, and push forward harder. Together. As Challengers. Believers in Better.
TEAMING UP FOR 2020
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WARRIORS LOOK TO SPEED THINGS UP IN 2020
THE VODAFONE WARRIORS WANT TO PLAY A MORE OPEN GAME TO HELP BRING FINALS FOOTIE BACK TO MT SMART STADIUM.
By PETER WHITE Any word association game involving the Vodafone Warriors 10-15 years ago would have come up with words like excitement, flair, brilliance and unpredictability to describe the style of football they played. It was exciting to play and the fans just loved it. Win or lose the best entertainment in town was at a Warriors game.
Kearney played for the Warriors from 1995 to 1998 as a free-running, ball-playing second rower so coaching a more open style comes naturally to the 47-year-old. He admits they don’t have the size to crash it up the middle all day and have match winners out wide in fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and wingers David Fusitu’a and Ken Maumalo.
But things are about to change in 2020.
“People have always said our forward pack is big but in comparison to some other forward packs we are relatively small. We have a certain skill set which I don’t think our game model encouraged them to show what they are capable of,” says coach Kearney.
A collective feeling at the club from players and coaches is that a more expansive game will better suit the type of players that head coach Stephen Kearney has at his disposal.
“So it is about bringing them into the game a bit more effectively. It is also about taking some of the work load off Roger, particularly out of the back field, and
Over the seasons since there has been a move to a more structured style to the Warriors game. It has not been successful looking at results and the Warriors are not the entertainers they used to be.
bringing him into the game a lot more once we get over halfway so he can be really damaging. “It is really about making some subtle adjustments that help out our group of players and to encourage the skill set they have that we can play with.” Last year the Warriors had high hopes of doing well after making the top eight in 2018 but finished 13th in a disappointing result. Kearney says they missed out on making the playoffs by just two matches lost and certainly there were several games the Warriors should have won but let slip winning chances. “There were six games where the average loss was three points and you throw in there a draw. So to put it in context we put ourselves in a number of positions where
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9 had we been better we could have been on the right side of the ledger. Some of the officiating on occasions didn’t do us any favours either. “Certainly from a game model sense, it wasn’t good enough to stand up and turn narrow losses into wins. We have made some adjustments to it that I think will help us. But the major learning is we have to be better.” The Warriors have one of the best halfbacks going around in Blake Green with much improved younger players Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima competing to play outside him. “He is a bit like the conductor to be honest. Over the two years he has been at our footie club he has helped with how the likes of Chanel has developed,” says Kearney. The likeable coach also has big wraps on Isaiah Papali’i who captained the Warriors at the NRL Nines. The 21-year-old is seen as a future leader at the club. “To see him develop into the calibre of player he has is great. He is a real durable kid, he is well brought up and what I like about him is he always wants to find a way to improve.”
VODAFONE WARRIORS COACH STEPHEN KEARNEY IS AFTER A FAST-PACED GAME IN 2020.
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WWW.AUCKLANDNZ.COM/EVENTS
LEAGUE AND UNION FANS SET TO UNITE IN AUCKLAND
TWO OF AUCKLAND’S TOP SPORTS TEAMS IN SUPER RUGBY OUTFIT THE BLUES AND NRL RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM THE VODAFONE WARRIORS ARE SET TO TAKE ON THEIR RIVALS FROM CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA ON SATURDAY MARCH 21. Eden Park will be the venue for the historic Auckland v Canberra Codes of Auckland showdown. Gates open at 3.30pm before the action kicks off at 5pm between the Warriors and Canberra Raiders followed by the Blues v Brumbies at 7pm. In between games, enjoy the onsite activities and watch the transformation of the famous Eden Park pitch from rugby to league in front of your eyes. Head to www.ticketmaster.co.nz to secure your ticket and be part of the action.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND Auckland – one city, two worlds – is a region where urban fun meets natural landscapes, allowing you to experience the best of everything in one amazing weekend.
Explore our rugged black-sand beaches in the west or visit an island paradise in the east. Across the region sample our award-winning wineries and breweries and experience our unique Ma-ori and Pasifika culture. Auckland’s city centre is a hub of activity for every kind of traveller. You can sail the Hauraki Gulf, kayak across stunning blue water, enjoy world-class shopping or experience the adrenaline rush of jumping from the Sky Tower. There are so many options for you to choose from before you head on over to Eden Park for an evening of incredible sporting action. Afterwards let off that extra energy at Auckland’s local bars and restaurants, from chic and trendy Ponsonby, alternative K’Road and the sophisticated and lively Viaduct – there’s a nightlife scene for everyone.
UPCOMING EVENTS Head to the Pasifika Festival at Western Springs on March 14–15. Experience Auckland’s Pacific cultures through performances, delicious food and drink, workshops and more. Plus see the stars of the Blues and Warriors up close and personal at a special Codes of Auckland fan zone. From March 16–22 the Corona Piha Pro will take place at Piha Beach. It’s promised to be one of the country’s biggest ever surfing competitions, featuring global superstars Kelly Slater and Carissa Moore. Enjoy the roar of engines from April 24–26 when the ITM Auckland Super400 takes place at Hampton Downs. The Anzac weekend event is fitting for a New Zealand v Australia battle and here’s hoping a Kiwi takes the chequered flag. Visit www.aucklandnz.com/events
CODES OF AUCKLAND: SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2020, AT EDEN PARK – VODAFONE WARRIORS v CANBERRA RAIDERS, 5PM / BLUES v BRUMBIES, 7:35PM
Auckland is home to some of the country’s most exciting cultural and sporting events. So, are you ready for the call-up? Warm up with performances and celebrations at the Pasifika Festival before barreling out to the World Surf League’s 2020 Corona Piha Pro surf competition. Keep the energy up by kicking off at the Codes of Auckland rugby league/rugby union double header before finding your second wind at the ITM Auckland Super400. Whether it’s culture or sport that gets your blood pumping, Auckland is sure to deliver. Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The action is waiting.
aucklandnz.com/events
ADRENALINE IS CALLING
From one unforgettable experience to another
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↑.COM
MOVEMENTS AT THE 16 NRL CLUBS
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES VODAFONE WARRIORS |
IN: Adam Pompey, Eliesa Katoa (upgraded from development contract), Wayde Egan (Panthers). OUT: Blayke Ayshford, Issac Luke (Dragons), Sam Lisone (Gold Coast Titans), Tevita Satae (Hull FC), Ligi Sao (Hull FC).
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
IN: Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys), Jesse Arthars (Titans), Ilikena Vudogo, Keenan Palasia, Jamil Hopoate, Xavier Coates (all upgraded from development contracts). OUT: Troy Dargan (Rabbitohs), Matt Gillett, Shaun Fensom, Sam Tagataese (retired), George Fai, Patrick Mago, James Segeyaro (unsigned), Gehamat Shibasaki (Knights).
CANBERRA RAIDERS |
IN: Curtis Scott (Storm), George Williams (Wigan Warriors), Tom Starling, Harley Smith-Shields (upgraded from development contracts). OUT: Jordan Rapana (Japanese rugby union), Ata Hingano (Mackay Cutters), Brad Abbey, Royce Hunt, Reuben Porter (unsigned), Aidan Se zer (Huddersfield), Joey Leilua (Tigers).
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS |
IN: Joe Stimson (Storm), Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Isaiah Tass (upgraded from development list), Jake Averillo (upgraded from lower grades). OUT: Greg Eastwood (retired), Connelly Lemuele (Cowboys), Michael Lichaa, Danny Fualalo, John Olive, Nu Brown, Kaiyne-Lee Kalache (all unsigned).
CRONULLA SHARKS |
GOLD COAST TITANS |
MANLY SEA EAGLES |
MELBOURNE STORM |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS |
PARRAMATTA EELS |
PENRITH PANTHERS |
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS |
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
WESTS TIGERS |
IN: Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs), Jesse Ramien (Knights), Cameron King (Featherstone). OUT: Jayden Brailey (Knights), Sosaia Feki (Castleford), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Paul Gallen (retired), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Aaron Gray (unsigned), Matt Priod (Leeds).
IN: Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best, Star To’a, Jirah Momoisea (upgraded from development contracts), Enari Tuala (Cowboys), Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos). OUT: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Jamie Buhrer, Zac Woolford (unsigned), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Slade Griffin, Nathan Ross (retired), Danny Levi (Sea Eagles), Beau Fermor (Titans).
IN: Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Eddie Blacker, Jackson Ford, Jason Saab (upgraded from development contracts), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans), Trent Merrin (Leeds). OUT: Jonus Pearson (Titans), Jeremy Latimore (retired), Gareth Widdop (Warrington), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Luciano Leilua (Wests Tigers), Mitchell Allgood, Jai Field, Lachlan Maranta, Patrick Kaufusi, Darren Nicholls, Lachlan Timm (unsigned).
SOURCE: WWW.NRL.COM/NEWS
IN: Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Darius Farmer (upgraded from development contract), Greg Leleisiuao (Eels), Beau Fermor (Knights), Sam Lisone (Warriors). OUT: Greg Bird, Michael Gordon, Will Matthews (retired), Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Brenko Lee (Storm), Jack Stockwell (unsigned), Leilani Latu (Warrington).
IN: Reece Robson (Dragons), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Connelly Lemuelu (Bulldogs), Reuben Cotter, Thomas Gilbert, Daniel Russell (upgraded from development contracts), Valentine Holmes (NFL). OUT: Matt Scott, Scott Bolton (retired), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Enari Tuala (Knights), Te Maire Martin (retired), Javid Bowen, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Kurt Baptiste, Carlin Anderson, (all unsigned).
IN: Latrell Mitchell (Roosters), Bryson Goodwin (Warrington), Troy Dargan (Broncos), Steven Marsters (Dragons), Joshua Cook, Dean Hawkins, Keaon Kolomatangi, Ky Rodwell (upgraded from development contracts).w OUT: John Sutton, Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess (retired), George Burgess (Wigan), Dean Britt (Bulldogs), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Kyle Turner, Billy Brittain, Jacob Gagan, Mawene Hiroti (unsigned), Adam Doueihi (Tigers).
IN: Danny Levi (Knights), Luke Metcalf (upgraded from development contract), Brayden Musgrove (Knights). OUT: Kane Elgey, Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (unsigned).
IN: Ryan Matterson (Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers), Haze Dunster, Ethan Parry (upgraded from development contracts). OUT: Tim Mannah, Matt McIlwrick, Kaysa Pritchard (retired), Manu Ma’u (Hull FC), Tepai Moeroa (Super Rugby), Greg Leleisiuao (Titans), Josh Hoffman (unsigned).
IN: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks). OUT: Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Cooper Cronk (retired), Zane Tetevano (Panthers), Bernard Lewis (unsigned).
IN: Brenko Lee (Titans), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Aaron Pene, Darryn Schonig, Nicho Hynes, Isaac Lumelume (upgraded). OUT: Will Chambers (Japanese rugby), Solomone Kata (Super Rugby), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Billy Walters (Wests Tigers), Curtis Scott (Raiders), Brodie Croft (Broncos).
IN: Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Dean Blore, Shawn Blore, Stephen Crichton, Braydon McGrady (upgraded from development contracts), Kurt Capewell (Sharks), Zane Tetevano (Roosters). OUT: James Maloney (Catalans Dragons), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Sione Katoa (Bulldogs), Tim Grant, Sam McKendry (retired), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons), Hame Sele, Frank Winterstein, Paea Pua, Nick Lui-Toso (unsigned).
IN: Billy Walters (Storm), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs), Zane Musgrove. OUT: Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Robbie Farah, Ben Matulino, Robbie Rochow (retired), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ryan Matterson (Eels).
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2020
VODAFONE WARRIORS
Back Row (left to right) | Patrick Herbert, Isaiah Papali’i, Karl Lawton, Hayze Perham, Lachlan Burr, Paul Turner, Tom Ale, Sam Lisone, Agnatius Paasi, Nathaniel Roache.
Middle Row (left to right) | Wayde Egan, Adam Keighran, Josh Curran, Adam Pompey, Ken Maumalo, Eliesa Katoa, Jackson Frei, Leivaha Pulu, Rocco Berry, Bunty Afoa, Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Absent | Taane Milne, Selestino Ravutaumada
Front Row (left to right) | Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku, David Fusitu’a, Jazz Tevaga, Blake Green, Stephen Kearney (head coach), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), Tohu Harris, Adam Blair, Leeson Ah Mau, Kodi Nikorima.
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16
NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP 2020
2020 NRL DRAW ROUND
HOME
ROUND 1
AWAY
EELS RAIDERS COWBOYS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS
v v v v v v v v
BULLDOGS TITANS BRONCOS WARRIORS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM WESTS TIGERS
ROUND 2
BULLDOGS DRAGONS BRONCOS WARRIORS ROOSTERS SHARKS WESTS TIGERS TITANS
v v v v v v v v
COWBOYS PANTHERS RABBITOHS RAIDERS SEA EAGLES STORM KNIGHTS EELS
ROUND 3
RAIDERS SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS SHARKS STORM COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS TITANS
v v v v v v v v
DRAGONS WARRIORS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS PANTHERS EELS BULLDOGS BRONCOS
STORM KNIGHTS RAIDERS WARRIORS BULLDOGS PANTHERS EELS ROOSTERS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS COWBOYS SEA EAGLES WESTS TIGERS SHARKS BRONCOS DRAGONS TITANS
SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS DRAGONS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
KNIGHTS BULLDOGS COWBOYS TITANS ROOSTERS RAIDERS WARRIORS EELS
ROUND 6
COWBOYS SEA EAGLES BRONCOS RAIDERS WARRIORS BULLDOGS RABBITOHS PANTHERS
v v v v v v v v
STORM TITANS SHARKS KNIGHTS ROOSTERS EELS DRAGONS WESTS TIGERS
ROUND 7
SHARKS TITANS EELS DRAGONS COWBOYS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS
v v v v v v v v
SEA EAGLES WESTS TIGERS BRONCOS ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS RABBITOHS PANTHERS
MARCH 12–15
MARCH 19–22
MARCH 26–29
ROUND 4 APRIL 2–5
ROUND 5 APRIL 9–13 EASTER WEEKEND
APRIL 16–19
APRIL 23–26
ANZAC DAY SATURDAY APRIL 25
|
ROUND HOME AWAY
ROUND 8
WESTS TIGERS SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS STORM TITANS
v v v v v v v v
SHARKS BRONCOS KNIGHTS RAIDERS COWBOYS EELS DRAGONS PANTHERS
ROUND 9
RABBITOHS WARRIORS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES
v v v v v v v v
BRONCOS BULLDOGS STORM DRAGONS RAIDERS TITANS SHARKS EELS
ROUND 10
ROOSTERS BULLDOGS BRONCOS TITANS SHARKS STORM RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
KNIGHTS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS WARRIORS COWBOYS EELS PANTHERS RABBITOHS
ROUND 11
BRONCOS DRAGONS COWBOYS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS KNIGHTS EELS
v v v v v v v v
BULLDOGS TITANS RABBITOHS STORM WESTS TIGERS RAIDERS SHARKS PANTHERS
ROUND 12
TITANS EELS KNIGHTS DRAGONS
v v v v
BULLDOGS COWBOYS RABBITOHS SEA EAGLES
MAY 1–3
MAGIC ROUND BRISBANE
MAY 7–10
MAY 14–17
MAY 21–24
MAY 28–31
BYES: BRONCOS, PANTHERS, RAIDERS, ROOSTERS, SHARKS, STORM, WESTS TIGERS, WARRIORS
ROUND 13 JUNE 5–8
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY MONDAY JUNE 3
ROUND 14 JUNE 11–14
WARRIORS SHARKS COWBOYS RABBITOHS STORM PANTHERS EELS BULLDOGS
v v v v v v v v
BRONCOS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS DRAGONS
ROOSTERS TITANS WESTS TIGERS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS RABBITOHS RAIDERS DRAGONS
v v v v v v v v
BRONCOS COWBOYS PANTHERS BULLDOGS STORM EELS WARRIORS SHARKS
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ROUND
HOME WESTS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS BULLDOGS EELS KNIGHTS RAIDERS
v v v v v v v v
AWAY DRAGONS SEA EAGLES STORM COWBOYS RABBITOHS SHARKS TITANS ROOSTERS
BRONCOS STORM ROOSTERS SHARKS
v v v v
PANTHERS WESTS TIGERS WARRIORS RAIDERS
SHARKS BULLDOGS TITANS RAIDERS RABBITOHS ROOSTERS EELS COWBOYS
v v v v v v v v
PANTHERS WARRIORS STORM BRONCOS WESTS TIGERS DRAGONS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS
ROUND 18
PANTHERS WARRIORS WESTS TIGERS DRAGONS RAIDERS BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS COWBOYS EELS STORM SHARKS BRONCOS
ROUND 19
EELS PANTHERS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS COWBOYS DRAGONS KNIGHTS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS TITANS SHARKS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS
ROUND 15 JUNE 25–28
ROUND 16 JULY 2–5
|
ROUND HOME AWAY v COWBOYS SHARKS v WARRIORS SEA EAGLES AUGUST 20–23 v STORM ROOSTERS v DRAGONS EELS v RABBITOHS RAIDERS v BRONCOS KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS v TITANS PANTHERS BULLDOGS v
ROUND 23
ROUND 24
SHARKS EELS ROOSTERS BULLDOGS COWBOYS STORM TITANS SEA EAGLES
v v v v v v v v
DRAGONS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS WESTS TIGERS WARRIORS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS
ROUND 25
DRAGONS WESTS TIGERS BRONCOS SHARKS TITANS RAIDERS KNIGHTS PANTHERS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS COWBOYS ROOSTERS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES STORM BULLDOGS EELS
AUGUST 27—30
BYES: BULLDOGS, COWBOYS, DRAGONS, EELS, KNIGHTS, RABBITOHS, SEA EAGLES, TITANS
ROUND 17 JULY 10–12
JULY 16–19
JULY 23–26
ROUND 20 JULY 30– AUGUST 2
ROUND 21 AUGUST 6–9
ROUND 22
AUGUST 13–16 WOMEN IN LEAGUE ROUND
RABBITOHS WARRIORS BRONCOS TITANS BULLDOGS COWBOYS SHARKS SEA EAGLES
v v v v v v v v
STORM PANTHERS EELS DRAGONS KNIGHTS RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS ROOSTERS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS TITANS EELS SEA EAGLES WARRIORS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
COWBOYS BULLDOGS DRAGONS RABBITOHS ROOSTERS RAIDERS KNIGHTS BRONCOS
PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS RABBITOHS KNIGHTS DRAGONS BRONCOS RAIDERS
v v v v v v v v
COWBOYS SHARKS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS TITANS WESTS TIGERS
SEPTEMBER 3–6
FINALS SERIES WEEK ONE: SEPTEMBER 11–13 — 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 18–19 — SEMI-FINALS GAME #1 (SF1) GAME #2 (SF2)
Loser QF1 Loser QF2
Winner EF1 v v
Winner EF2
WEEK THREE: SEPTEMBER 25–26 — PRELIMINARY FINALS GAME #1 (PF1) GAME #2 (PF2)
Winner QF1 Winner QF2
v v
Winner SF2 Winner SF1
NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL GRAND FINAL ANZ Stadium
SUNDAY OCTOBER 4, 2020 Winner PF2
Winner PF1 v
KEY: QF (Quarter-Final), EF (Elimination Final), PF (Preliminary Final).
17
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VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYERS PROFILES HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WARRIORS PLAYERS – INCLUDING DEBUT INFORMATION, KEY STATS, REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS AND MORE.
BACKS
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK CAPTAIN
GERARD BEALE
DAVID FUSITU ’A
BLAKE GREEN
BORN: JUNE 5, 1993 IN APIA, SAMOA JUNIOR CLUB: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: FULLBACK HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 97kg REP HONOURS: 20 TESTS for NZ (2013–19); WORLD CUP (2013, 2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2012–15) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: SYDNEY ROOSTERS v GOLD COAST at ALLIANZ STADIUM on 27/07/12 (round 21) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS at CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM on 05/03/16 (round 1) AWARDS: DALLY M MEDAL WINNER 2018
BORN: OCTOBER 16, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: WING HEIGHT: 189cm WEIGHT: 110kg REP HONOURS: 9 TESTS for TONGA (2016–19); 2 TESTS for NZ (2016); WORLD CUP (2017), FOUR NATIONS (2016) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA at EDEN PARK on 15/03/14 (round 2)
BORN: JULY 18, 1990 IN BRISBANE, QLD JUNIOR CLUB: LOGAN BROTHERS POSITION: CENTRE/WING/FULLBACK HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 97kg REP HONOURS: 11 TESTS for NZ (2011–17); WORLD CUP (2017), FOUR NATIONS (2011, 2014, 2016); MAORI ALL-STARS (2019) PREVIOUS CLUBS: CRONULLA (2015–17); ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA (2013–14); BRISBANE (2009–12) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: BRISBANE v MANLY at SUNCORP STADIUM on 10/05/09 (round 9) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v PARRAMATTA at ANZ STADIUM on 18/05/18 (round 11) BORN: SEPTEMBER 19, 1986 IN FAIRFIELD, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: CABRAMATTA POSITION: HALFBACK HEIGHT: 180cm WEIGHT: 99kg PREVIOUS CLUBS: MANLY (2017); MELBOURNE (2015–16); WIGAN (2013–14); HULL KINGSTON ROVERS (2011–12); CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN (2010); CRONULLA (2008–09); PARRAMATTA (2007) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: PARRAMATTA v CANBERRA at PARRAMATTA STADIUM on 07/04/07 (round 4) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA
PATRICK HERBERT
PETA HIKU
ADAM KEIGHRAN
KEN MAUMALO
TAANE MILNE
BORN: APRIL 3, 1999 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PAKURANGA JAGUARS; MT WELLINGTON WARRIORS; HOWICK HORNETS POSITION: FIVE-EIGHTH/HALFBACK HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 93kg REP HONOURS: 1 TEST SAMOA (2019); JUNIOR KIWIS (2017–18) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v GOLD COAST at MT SMART STADIUM on 05/04/19 (round 4)
BORN: DECEMBER 4, 1992 IN GISBORNE JUNIOR CLUB: MANUREWA MARLINS POSITION: WING/CENTRE/FULLBACK HEIGHT: 184cm WEIGHT: 102kg REP HONOURS: 11 TESTS for NZ (2014–18); WORLD CUP (2017); FOUR NATIONS (2014); MAORI ALL-STARS (2019) PREVIOUS CLUBS: WARRINGTON (2017); PENRITH (2016–17); MANLY (2013–15) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: MANLY v CRONULLA at BROOKVALE OVAL on 14/04/13 (round 6) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
BORN: JUNE 16, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS POSITION: WING HEIGHT: 191cm WEIGHT: 112kg REP HONOURS: 9 TESTS for NZ (2018–19); 4 TESTS for SAMOA (2016–17), WORLD CUP (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v PARRAMATTA at PIRTEK STADIUM on 16/05/15 (round 10)
BORN: JANUARY 10, 1997 IN WHAKATANE JUNIOR CLUB: TAMAKI, AUCKLAND (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 181cm WEIGHT: 100kg REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2016–17) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v MELBOURNE at AAMI PARK on 25/04/19 (round 7)
BORN: APRIL 24, 1997 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: WYONG ROOS POSITION: HALFBACK/FIVE-EIGHTH HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 92kg REP HONOURS: AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS (2015) PREVIOUS CLUBS: PENRITH (2018); CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v CANTERBURY at MT SMART STADIUM on 16/03/2019 (round 1)
BORN: MAY 19, 1995 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: CLOVELLY CROCODILES POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 104kg REP HONOURS: 9 TESTS for FIJI (2017, 2019) PREVIOUS CLUB: ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (2016–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA v SYDNEY ROOSTERS, at ALLIANZ STADIUM on 25/04/16 (round 8) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v CANBERRA at GIO STADIUM on 7/09/19 (round 25)
WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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BACKS CONT from P18
KODI NIKORIMA
HAYZE PERHAM
ADAM POMPEY
BUNTY AFOA
LEESON AH MAU
ADAM BLAIR
LACHLAN BURR
JOSH CURRAN
BORN: APRIL 3, 1994 IN PALMERSTON NORTH JUNIOR CLUB: ASPLEY POSITION: HALVES/HOOKER HEIGHT: 174cm WEIGHT: 82kg REP HONOURS: 15 TESTS NEW ZEALAND (2015–19); WORLD CUP (2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: BRISBANE (2015–19) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: BRISBANE v CRONULLA at REDMONDIS STADIUM on 13/03/15 (round 2) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA at SUNCORP STADIUM on 11/05/19 (round 9)
BORN: AUGUST 22, 1998 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: WESLEY COLLEGE (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 190cm WEIGHT: 102kg REP HONOURS: NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2015) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v CRONULLA at WESTPAC STADIUM on 19/07/2019 (round 18)
FORWARDS
BORN: DECEMBER 20, 1989 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS; OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 111kg REP HONOURS: 9 TESTS for NZ (2018–19); 16 TESTS for SAMOA (2013–17); WORLD CUP (2013, 2017); FOUR NATIONS (2014) PREVIOUS CLUBS: ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA (2012–18); NORTH QUEENSLAND (2010–11); WARRIORS (2009) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v PARRAMATTA at MT SMART STADIUM on 14/03/09 (round 1)
BORN: SEPTEMBER 27, 1992 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: REVESBY HEIGHTS RHINOS POSITION: LOCK/PROP HEIGHT: 188cm WEIGHT: 100kg REP HONOURS: AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS (2010) PREVIOUS CLUB: GOLD COAST (2015–16); CANTERBURY (2013); LEIGH (2017); SHEFFIELD (2017) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: CANTERBURY v PENRITH at ANZ STADIUM on 31/08/13 (round 25) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v CANTERBURY at MT SMART STADIUM on 16/03/19 (round 1)
BORN: JULY 2, 1999 IN TAUPO JUNIOR CLUB: PIKIAO POSITION: FIVE-EIGHTH HEIGHT: 184cm WEIGHT: 93kg REP HONOURS: NZ UNDER-18s (2017); NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v MELBOURNE at AAMI PARK on 25/04/2019 (round 7)
BORN: AUGUST 20, 1996 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PT CHEVALIER PIRATES; POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 117kg REP HONOURS: 7 TESTS for SAMOA (2016–19); WORLD CUP (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v GOLD COAST at MT SMART STADIUM on 02/07/16 (round 17)
BORN: MARCH 20, 1986 IN WHANGAREI JUNIOR CLUB: NORTHLAND CARVERS POSITION: PROP/LOCK HEIGHT: 188cm WEIGHT: 105kg REP HONOURS: 51 TESTS for NZ (2006–19); WORLD CUP (2008, 2017); FOUR NATIONS (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016); TRI NATIONS (2006); MAORI ALL-STARS (2019) PREVIOUS CLUBS: BRISBANE (2015–17); WESTS TIGERS (2012–14); MELBOURNE (2006–11) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: MELBOURNE v WESTS TIGERS at LEICHHARDT OVAL on 02/04/06 (round 4) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
BORN: JUNE 10, 1999 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: HILLS BULLS POSITION: SECOND ROW/LOCK HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 106kg REP HONOURS: NSW UNDER-20s (2018); NSW UNDER-18s (2017); NSW UNDER-16s (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2019) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: SYDNEY ROOSTERS v MELBOURNE at AAMI STADIUM on 19/04/19 (round 6) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v CANBERRA at MT SMART STADIUM on 02/08/19 (round 20)
WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED PAGE 22
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FORWARDS CONT from P20
WAYDE EGAN
BORN: MARCH 20, 1997 IN LITHGOW, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: LITHGOW STORM POSITION: HOOKER HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 90kg PREVIOUS CLUB: PENRITH (2018–19) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: PENRITH v NORTH QUEENSLAND at 1300SMILES STADIUM on 29/03/18 (round 4)
JACKSON FREI
BORN: JANUARY 27, 1998 IN BRISBANE, QLD JUNIOR CLUB: ALBANY CREEK CRUSHERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 195cm WEIGHT: 104kg CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: YET TO MAKE NRL DEBUT
CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
TOHU HARRIS
ELIESA KATOA
KARL LAWTON
AGNATIUS PAASI
BORN: JANUARY 7, 1992 IN HASTINGS JUNIOR CLUB: TAMATEA SPORTS CLUB POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 195cm WEIGHT: 112kg REP HONOURS: 16 TESTS for NZ (2013–16); FOUR NATIONS (2014, 2016); MAORI ALL-STARS (2019) PREVIOUS CLUB: MELBOURNE (2013–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: MELBOURNE v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA at AAMI PARK on 10/03/13 (round 1) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
BORN: NOVEMBER 29, 1995 IN MURWILLUMBAH, QLD JUNIOR CLUB: BURLEIGH BEARS POSITION: HOOKER HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 94kg REP HONOURS: QUEENSLAND UNDER-20s (2015) PREVIOUS CLUB: GOLD COAST (2016–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: GOLD COAST v WARRIORS at MT SMART STADIUM on 02/07/16 (round 17) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS at MT SMART STADIUM on 05/05/18 (round 9)
BORN: JANUARY 3, 2000 IN HIHIFO, TONGA JUNIOR CLUB: TAMAKI COLLEGE FIRST XV (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 111kg CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: YET TO MAKE NRL DEBUT
BORN: NOVEMBER 30, 1991 IN LAPAHA, TONGA JUNIOR CLUB: MANGERE EAST HAWKS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 115kg REP HONOURS: NZ SQUAD (2018); 1 TEST for TONGA (2014) PREVIOUS CLUBS: GOLD COAST (2015–17); WARRIORS (2014) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v BRISBANE at SUNCORP STADIUM on 19/07/14 (round 19)
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ISAIAH PAPALI’I
LEIVAHA PULU
BORN: SEPTEMBER 20, 1998 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: TE ATATU ROOSTERS; RICHMOND ROVERS POSITION: SECOND ROW/LOCK HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 109kg REP HONOURS: 1 TEST for NZ (2018); 1 TEST for SAMOA (2018); JUNIOR KIWIS (2016–18) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v NEWCASTLE at MT SMART STADIUM on 05/03/17 (round 1)
BORN: MARCH 27, 1990 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: SECOND ROW/PROP HEIGHT: 192cm WEIGHT: 110kg REP HONOURS: 1 TEST for TONGA (2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: GOLD COAST (2016–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: GOLD COAST v NEWCASTLE at CBUS SUPER STADIUM on 06/03/16 (round 1) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
NATHANIEL ROACHE
JAZZ TEVAGA
BORN: APRIL 15, 1996 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: RICHMOND ROVERS POSITION: HOOKER HEIGHT: 180cm WEIGHT: 98kg REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2016); NZ UNDER-18s RESIDENTS (2013–14) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS at CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM on 05/03/16 (round 1)
BORN: SEPTEMBER 4, 1995 IN CHRISTCHURCH JUNIOR CLUBS: BURNHAM CHEVALIERS; PAPAKURA SEA EAGLES POSITION: LOCK/HOOKER HEIGHT: 178cm HEIGHT: 96kg REP HONOURS: 4 TESTS for SAMOA (2017); WORLD CUP (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v MELBOURNE at MT SMART STADIUM on 20/03/16 (round 3)
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2020 GET A HEAD START ON THE SEASON WITH ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2020
BRONCOS
LAST YEAR: ELIMINATION FINALIST HEAD COACH: ANTHONY SEIBOLD CAPTAIN: ALEX GLENN HOME GROUND: SUNCORP STADIUM WEBSITE: www.broncos.com.au TICKETS: www.broncos.com.au/ticketing CONTACT: Level 1, 92 Fulcher Road, Red Hill, QLD 4059 POSTAL: Locked Bag 3005, Paddington, QLD 4064 PHONE: +61 7 3858 9111 TAB ODDS: $15.00 Hopes were high among the Broncos faithful that head coach Anthony Seibold’s team could put together a solid run to the finals last year. So the final outcome of falling at the elimination final stage has to be seen as a disappointment. The biggest issue for everyone at the club to get over is the humiliation of being thrashed 58–0 by a rampant Parramatta Eel side in that playoff game. It was the second straight year the proud Queenslanders have been sent packing out of the competition in embarrassing fashion after they were thumped 48-18 by the Dragons in 2018.
CANTERBURYBANKSTOWN
BULLDOGS
LAST YEAR: 12TH PLACE HEAD COACH: DEAN PAY CAPTAIN: JOSH JACKSON 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: $36.00 Pre-season last year the rhetoric coming out of the Bulldogs was that the hugely damaging salary cap dramas were behind them and they could refocus on making the top eight and beyond.
CANBERRA
RAIDERS
New captain Alex Glenn is the ideal character to drive the Broncos to a higher placing in 2020. He already has a wonderful career with 259 NRL matches over the last 11 seasons. In five of those seasons he has won the Broncos’ Most Consistent Player award, including the last three years. Seibold is a big fan of the big-hearted second rower or centre. “He doesn’t need to be calling plays or coming up with different strategies. Why he has been elected as a leader by the group is because of his actions. He is very consistent in his actions,” Seibold told broncos.com.au. “He has won the most consistent award three years in a row and that suggests to me I know what I am going to get every day. I’m trying to grow the group to know what we are going to see every time we play or train – and he is at the forefront of that.” The Broncos have recruited three outstanding players in Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys) and Jesse Arthars (Titans) who will add plenty to what looks like a well-balanced playing roster. Halfback Croft has joined the Broncos on a three-year deal that will make him a key organiser at the club until the end of the 2022 season. He has the backing of arguably the greatest to wear the half’s jersey in Broncos legend Alfie Langer who has watched Croft closely through his development years in the Queensland under-18 and under-20 sides. They won seven of their last 12 games to nearly sneak into the finals but for the second straight season the boys from Belmore finished in 12th place, a frustrating four spots off playing finals football. The Bulldogs have resisted the temptation to recruit any big names for 2020, instead opting for some good value players who can be relied upon to add to their style of play. The best of the newcomers are Storm backrower Joe Stimson, Panthers hooker Sione Katoa and Rabbitohs workhorse Dean Britt, who will follow in his legendary father Darren's footsteps in the famous blue and white jumper. Undoubtedly the key to last year’s revival on the pitch was captain Josh Jackson who will once again lead out his team in 2020. His no-nonsense, follow-me style was inspirational. The loss through injury of Kiwis international Kieran Foran until round 15 or so will definitely hurt the Bulldogs chances of making a run at the playoffs.
But a horror start of just three wins from their opening 14 matches pretty much put paid to those aspirations.
One player who may take his place is Fijian international Brandon Wakeham. The goal-kicking pivot played three NRL matches last year and at no stage looked overawed by the step up, as well as starring in three wins for Fiji to earn a Golden Boot nomination.
Coach Dean Pay’s side showed plenty of that old fashioned bulldog spirit to improve dramatically over the latter part of the season.
Wakeham, 21, has been learning from premiership-winning Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin as he looks to earn a spot in the early rounds.
LAST YEAR: RUNNER-UP CO-CAPTAINS: JARROD CROKER and JOSH HODGSON
“I am proud of how the boys, in their own time and with some great difficulty, accepted it and have moved on. You don’t always get the closure you want, or work hard for. But in saying that I am a believer in things happening for a reason.
HOME GROUND: GIO STADIUM
“The only way I will ever get over a grand final loss is to win one.”
HEAD COACH: RICKY STUART
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: $6.50 Last year the Raiders went all the way to the big dance playing their part in an epic grand final against defending champions Sydney Roosters. But they ended up losing 14-8 with some controversial calls going against Canberra in the final stages. That magnificent run to the final was just the second time the once famed Green Machine had made the finals in seven years with the other when they nearly made the 2016 Grand Final. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart told NRL.com that it has been a hard result to take.
Stuart says there will be no problem getting his squad back up for another crack at the championship in 2020. “If a player cannot motivate himself playing in the NRL especially after a grand final loss a coach has no hope. A coach might be able to do it for a short time but eventually the individual gets found out.” Canberra have just two major new signings in Curtis Scott from the Storm and exciting halfback George Williams from England’s Wigan Warriors. How quickly Williams and promising Jack Wighton can gel together in the halves could well impact on the start their team gets off to. Defence was the key to Canberra’s outstanding season in 2019. They conceded 374 points, way below the 540 they let in during 2018, when they finished 10 points adrift of the top eight. Another strength is the versatile, fast forward pack with standouts Josh Papalii, John Bateman and Josh Hodgson set to lead the way again in 2020.
* TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine were correct on March 1, 2020. To check if any odds have been updated please visit tab.co.nz
NRL CLUB PREVIEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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AUCKLAND’S PLAYGROUND E D E N P A R K . C O . N Z / E X P E R I E N C E S
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2020 CONTINUED CRONULLASUTHERLAND
SHARKS
LAST YEAR: ELIMINATION FINALIST HEAD COACH: JOHN MORRIS CAPTAIN: WADE GRAHAM HOME GROUND: REMONDIS STADIUM WEBSITE: www.sharks.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500028 CONTACT: 461 Captain Cook Dr, Woolooware, NSW 2230 POSTAL: PO Box 2219, Taren Point, NSW 2229 PHONE: +61 2 9527 8200 TAB ODDS: $19.00 For the first time since 2001 a Cronulla Sharks side will be without Paul Gallen who has finally retired after 348 NRL games. The ultimate one-club man will be sorely missed on and off the field. It will be interesting how the players react to not having the grizzly veteran defend for his life in the front line and to intimidate young halves who fancied running down his alley. Someone who played 105 games in five years with Gallen at the Sharks is head coach John Morris who had his first season in charge in 2019.
GOLD COAST
TITANS
LAST YEAR: 16TH PLACE HEAD COACH: JUSTIN HOLBROOK CAPTAIN: TBC HOME GROUND: CBUS SUPER STADIUM WEBSITE: www.titans.com.au TICKETS: www.titans.com.au/ticketing CONTACT: 76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood, QLD 4214 POSTAL: PO Box 841, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD 9726 PHONE: +61 7 5656 5650 TAB ODDS: $101.00 Prior to last season the Gold Coast Titans had the most impressive recruitment spree in the club’s history creating quality depth in nearly every position. Shannon Boyd, Tyrone Roberts and Ryley Jacks and marquee signing Tyrone Peachey were part of a strong side on paper. But they managed just four wins from 24 matches to finish last in 16th place, as much a shock to the players as the fans. The Titans have pinned their hopes on new head coach Justin
MANLY WARRINGAH
SEA EAGLES
LAST YEAR: SEMI-FINALIST HEAD COACH: DES HASLER CAPTAIN: DALY CHERRY-EVANS HOME GROUND: BROOKVALE OVAL WEBSITE: www.seaeagles.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500002 CONTACT: Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narabeen, NSW 2101 POSTAL: PO Box 994, Narrabeen, NSW 2101 PHONE: +61 2 9970 3000 TAB ODDS: $12.00 It did not take one of Manly Sea Eagles favourite sons to turn things around last season. Des Hasler, who guided Manly to two Premiership titles in his first spell as head coach and also won two titles as a player, stepped into the breach after the club’s worst ever finish of 15th in 2018. Last season Hasler took his beloved Sea Eagles all the way to the semi-finals where the South Sydney Rabbitohs put a
He says young guns Jack Williams and Billy Magoulias are most likely to wear Gallan’s famous 13 jersey. Former Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson had what can only be described as a mixed season at best in his first season away from Mt Smart. But now settled in Sydney and feeling injury free with a season in blue under his belt, expect to see the match winning capabilities of Johnson back on display in 2020. In 2019 he missed seven games with quadriceps and hamstring issues stemming from an old back injury. “I actually had it 2010. I did it in the captain’s run before our Toyota Cup grand final for the Warriors. And then I missed the pre-season in 2011 when I debuted and sort of managed it, then every now and then it would just flare up. It was a pretty bad one last year,” he told www.sharks.com.au. Johnson is back goalkicking for the Sharks but does not get too carried away about the importance. “I’ve never, ever once claimed winning a game through goal-kicking and I’ve never, ever once claimed losing a game through goal-kicking. There are so many other factors that go into a game.” The Sharks are used to playing finals footie. Whether they can kick on to a Grand Final may come down to how well Johnson plays. Holbrook, who recently won the Super League title with St Helens, to obviously improve results on the field and try to bring a culture of success to the club. No easy task indeed with a lack of confidence throughout the whole club. The one signing that has given fans hope is Beau Fermor from the Newcastle Knights. The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best young backrowers in the NRL. Fermor was the NSWRL and Newcastle Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2018 and he was a key member of the Queensland under-20 team that won its maiden interstate clash with NSW. “Beau is an exciting prospect as evidence by the fact he is on the radar with the Queensland selectors. He will bring depth to our playing pool,” head of performance and culture Mal Meninga told www.nrl.com. Another good signing is experienced England international centre Kallum Watkins who is back to full fitness after suffering an ACL in 2018. He won three Super League grand finals, two Challenge Cup finals and a World Club Challenge title with Leeds and has played in two World Cup campaigns for England. Things may get worse before they get better with captain Ryan James likely to miss most of the season with a serious knee injury suffered at pre-season training.
stop to any notions of a third title for the little maestro. It was an impressive return to Brookvale Oval with Hasler a positive influence on captain and key playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans. The brilliant playmaker is expected to resume his excellent partnership in the halves from last season with Dylan Walker with the talented Tom Trbojevic at fullback. Manly’s 2019 top-point scorer Reuben Garrick and hardworking forwards Jake Trbojevic, Martin Tapau and Addin Fonua-Blake are all key men in what looks a finely balanced Manly squad. The loss of two hookers in Api Koroisau and Manase Fainu have been offset by the signing of former Newcastle Knights and Warriors rake Danny Levi who will be desperate to impress. Arguably the two most improved centres in the competition proved their worth last season. Brad Parker and Moses Suli showed their best form after struggling at times in the NRL. Look to them to set up some quality tries for their wingers. One area Hasler will have worked on during a rigorous pre-season is how his team deals with kicks. The Sea Eagles conceded the most tries from kicks during the regular 2019 season with 27 at an average of 1.1 per match. That amounted to 36 per cent of the 75 tries they allowed overall.
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NRL.COM
LAST YEAR: PRELIMINARY FINALIST 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 4900 TAB ODDS: $6.00 The Melbourne Storm have featured in eight of the past 14 grand finals under the coaching of master tactician Craig Bellamy. But last season was not one of them with Melbourne beaten in the Preliminary Final 14–6 by the eventual champions Sydney Roosters. Only the harshest critic could consider that anything but a successful season but the bar has been raised so high for so
LAST YEAR: 11TH PLACE HEAD COACH: ADAM O’BRIEN CAPTAIN: MITCHELL PEARCE HOME GROUND: McDONALD JONES STADIUM WEBSITE: www.newcastleknights.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500003 CONTACT: 32 Industrial Drive, Mayfield, NSW 2304 POSTAL: PO Box 152, Wickham, NSW 2293 PHONE: +61 2 4028 9100 TAB ODDS: $23.00 The Newcastle Knights have finished 11th in the last two seasons following three consecutive wooden spoons. Last season the Knights spent most of the campaign in the top 8 only to end with a disastrous run of eight losses from their last 10 games to slide out of playoff contention. New coach Adam O’Brien takes over from the popular Nathan Brown. O’Brien has worked with the very best spending several years in Melbourne as an assistant to Craig Bellamy before
LAST YEAR: 14TH PLACE HEAD COACH: PAUL GREEN CAPTAIN: MICHAEL MORGAN HOME GROUND: QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM WEBSITE: www.cowboys.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500012 CONTACT: Golf Link Drive, Kirwan, QLD 4817 POSTAL: PO Box 577, Thuringowa Central, QLD 4817 PHONE: +61 1300 462 692 TAB ODDS: $17.00 The Queensland Cowboys have a magnificent new home to play in this season with the opening of the remarkable Queensland Country Bank Stadium in South Townsville. The stylish design of the stadium is sure to impress all who visit there with the Cowboys hoping it will rejuvenate their performances on the pitch after a poor 14th placing in 2019. Much will rest on the dazzling speed of major off-season signing Valentine Holmes. The former Cronulla Sharks fullback
long by Melbourne that anything other than a Grand Final appearance has to be seen as a disappointment. Once again the remarkable Cameron Smith will lead the Melbourne team. The 36-year-old hooker not only shows no sign of slowing down but if it is possible seems to be getting better.
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MELBOURNE
STORM
Last year in his 18th season he was rated the best hooker, best captain and best player in the competition. He eclipsed the NRL all-time points-scoring record and became the first player to reach 400 NRL games. What’s more he played in every game for Melbourne, averaging a full 80 minutes of game time. Smith is not shirking the tough stuff either. He made 1059 tackles last year at a very high 93.7 percentage rate. Truly one of the game’s greats. At the other end of the experience scale is Nicho Hynes who is one to watch in 2020. He impressed in his NRL debut last season and is the ideal utility player. Hynes has trained at fullback, centre and in the halves over the summer and looks set for regular game time. “Getting a taste has definitely left me wanting more for sure. I’m just really, really hungry,” Hynes told NRL.com. And that is what every coach loves to hear from his players. shifting to the champion Roosters last season to work alongside Trent Robinson. Mitchell Pearce will captain the side after sharing the leadership duties last season with Jamie Buhrer. If he can remain injury free Pearce will become the second youngest player to make 300 NRL appearances in round 25. He would dearly love to follow Melbourne’s Cameron Smith into the 400 club.
NEWCASTLE
KNIGHTS
The Knights have a talented roster, no doubts about that. Fullback Kalyn Ponga, halfback Pearce, new hooker from the Sharks Jayden Brailey and utility Connor Watson are set for successful campaigns. Others to set high standards week in and week out are front rower David Klemmer, fellow Origin reps Tim Glasby and Daniel Saifiti, and Mitch Barnett who can play second row or lock. Two of the younger backs have bright futures and should push for regular game time this season. Left centre Bradman Best is a potential Rookie of the Year if he can get a chance to show his all-round talents while right wing Starford To’a is another promising player to watch out for. The far more experienced Hymel Hunt and Tautau Moga are fine attacking players and no doubt will be keen to keep the youngsters on the sideline a bit longer. returns to the NRL after a less than successful attempt to make it in the NFL with the New York Jets. Townsville-born Holmes is expected to play at fullback where he was a sensation in his last NRL season in 2018 for the Sharks, scoring 22 tries in 26 games including a league-leading 26 line-breaks.
NORTH QUEENSLAND
COWBOYS
The 24-year-old has also scored eight tries in five State of Origin games for Queensland and an incredible 17 tries in 13 tests for Australia. There is an opportunity for new props to establish themselves in the team after the retirement of Matt Scott and Scott Bolton who between them played 514 NRL games for the Cowboys. Green is hoping 25-year-old prop Francis Molo can build on a breakout 2019 campaign and 20-year-old front-rower Peter Hola can show further progress after playing five games at the end of last season. Molo was playing 30-plus minutes off the bench by the end of the season. Coach Green is impressed with his development. “Frank Molo has improved out of sight in the last few years and got our coach’s award last year,” Green told NRL.com. “He’s always had that physicality about how he plays and he has a good offload and can get good second phase going for us.”
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2020 CONTINUED PARRAMATTA
EELS
LAST YEAR: SEMI-FINALIST HEAD COACH: BRAD ARTHUR CAPTAIN: CLINT GUTHERSON HOME GROUND: BANKWEST STADIUM WEBSITE: www.parraeels.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500031 CONTACT: 2 Eels Place, Parramatta, NSW 2150 POSTAL: PO Box 2666, North Parramatta, NSW 2150 PHONE: +61 2 8843 0300 TAB ODDS: $10.00 The Eels were one of the feel-good stories of last season. They recovered from dead last in 2018 to stage a thrilling run to the finals that ended in a semi-final loss at AAMI Park. Yes, they did get a 32–0 flogging from a Melbourne side that was as close to perfection as you get in rugby league that night. But there were far more positives to take from the
PENRITH
PANTHERS
LAST YEAR: 10TH PLACE HEAD COACH: IVAN CLEARY CAPTAIN: JAMES TAMOU HOME GROUND: PEPPER STADIUM WEBSITE: www.penrithpanthers.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500014 CONTACT: 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, NSW 2750 POSTAL: Locked Bag 8322, Penrith, NSW 2751 PHONE: +61 2 4720 9100 TAB ODDS: $19.00 The return of the prodigal son did not quite go to plan last year. Ivan Cleary came back to coach the Panthers in a highly controversial move from West Tigers. He was sacked by boss Phil Gould four years ago but decided to return home to the Blue Mountains working under Gould again. It was meant to be a celebratory return with Cleary at the club where he starred as a player and coaching his playmaker son Nathan. Whether it was the expectations from fans and media
SOUTH SYDNEY
RABBITOHS
LAST YEAR: PRELIMINARY FINALIST HEAD COACH: WAYNE BENNETT CAPTAIN: ADAM REYNOLDS HOME GROUND: ANZ STADIUM WEBSITE: www.rabbitohs.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com CONTACT: Level 4, 265 Chalmers Street, Redfern, NSW 2016 POSTAL: Locked Bag 1, Redfern, NSW 2016 PHONE: +64 2 8306 9900 TAB ODDS: $10.00 It is fair to say Wayne Bennett knows all about winning NRL Premierships. After all the renowned Super Coach has won seven of them. In his first year in charge at South Sydney last season he took the Rabbitohs to the Preliminary Final before losing 16-10 to Canberra. The Rabbitohs will start this campaign among the Premiership favourites after adding Latrell Mitchell to the list of recruits since Bennett took charge including Ethan Lowe, Jaydn Su’A and James Roberts. The signing of Mitchell from the Roosters ensures they have one of the best backlines out of any club in the competition,
campaign for coach Brad Arthur and his team than negatives. Moving back to play in Parramatta at the impressive new Bankwest Stadium after two years based at Homebush Stadium captivated the spirit of their loyal fan base and lifted performances on the pitch. The Eels have recruited well with star rep forwards Ryan Matterson (Tigers) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers) adding greatly to an already strong pack. Captain Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses had outstanding seasons last year. Both are expected to push for NSW and Kangaroos honours. If they fire to the best of their ability then the Eels are likely to be around at the pointy end of the season. Coach Arthur has not forgotten what happened in 2018 and has learnt from the mistakes during that disastrous campaign. “There will be no excuses. It is up to us now. It will come down to our want and desire. I remember 2018. There was expectation and we simply didn’t aim up. I'll bear the brunt of that,” he told smh.com.au. “But now the challenge for us is on the back of a good season last season, we need to be better again.” putting too much pressure on Cleary and the players or other reasons but the final 10th position was disappointing. New captain James Tamou replaces James Maloney who has taken his skills to the Catalans Dragons. Nathan Cleary will need to step up to take over the organisation of the backline and showcase his undoubted talents. Coach Cleary has overhauled the team’s attack over the summer as the Panthers attempt to re-assert themselves in the NRL’s top echelon of clubs. Outstanding hooker Api Koroisau has signed from Manly in a key part of that restructure. “Our attack wasn’t where we wanted it to be last season so we plan to have some different dimensions this year,” coach Cleary told foxsports.com.au. “Api’s a key signing. He gives us more clarity in our spine as to who’s doing what. He’s the most senior member of our spine and he’ll take a large share of responsibility there. “He plays a certain style out of dummy-half that frees up space for everyone around him. That in itself should make us a lot more dangerous. It’s pretty clear now Nathan runs the team whereas with Jimmy Maloney it was more of a shared role. “Jimmy was a very dominant personality on and off the field and while he was great for us, it’s time for the next generation now.” with the 22-year-old superstar set to take over at fullback from retired great Greg Inglis. The Rabbitohs also have plenty of talented young forwards with props Keaon Koloamatangi, Tom Amone, Ky Rodwell and Kurt Dillon along with Tom Burgess, Liam Knight, Tevita Tatola and Mark Nicholls. The halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker is one of the most established in the NRL. Braidon Burns is again fit and expected to hold down a starting centre berth alongside James Roberts with Dane Gagai and Campbell Graham likely to start on the wings. “I think we have got more depth than we had last year, to be totally honest,” Rabbitohs GM of football Shane Richardson told www.nrl.com. “We’ve planned well, not just for this year but the year after and probably the year after that as well. We’ve been planning a long way ahead.” In the past nine months, Souths have lost their last three captains in John Sutton (337 games), Greg Inglis (265) and Sam Burgess (182), along with England prop George Burgess (150), who boast a combined 934 NRL appearances between them. But the excellent recruitment over the last few months and the wisdom and rugby league smarts of coach Bennett will ensure that loss of experience is no issue.
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2020 CONTINUED ST GEORGEILLAWARRA
DRAGONS
LAST YEAR: 15TH PLACE HEAD COACH: PAUL McGREGOR CAPTAIN: CAMERON McINNES HOME GROUNDS: JUBILEE OVAL; WIN STADIUM
WEBSITE: www.dragons.com.au TICKETS: www.dragons.com.au/game-day/tickets CONTACT: 124 Princes Highway, Kogarah, NSW 2217 POSTAL: Locked Bag 1500, Ramsgate, NSW 2217 PHONE: +61 2 9587 1966 TAB ODDS: $13.00 The mighty dragon that is the famous emblem of St GeorgeIllawarra was well and truly slain in 2019. After a confident end to the 2018 campaign, when they made it through to the Elimination Finals, the fire went out of the Dragons last year as they staggered their way through a forgettable campaign. By the end only the Gold Coast Titans were below them on the ladder. The Dragons managed just eight wins from their 24 regular season games.
SYDNEY
ROOSTERS
LAST YEAR: PREMIERS HEAD COACH: TRENT ROBINSON CO-CAPTAINS: BOYD CORDNER and JAKE FRIEND HOME GROUND: SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND WEBSITE: www.roosters.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500001 CONTACT: Entertainment Quarter, Lang Rd, Moore Park, NSW 2021 POSTAL: PO Box 693, Paddington, NSW 2021 PHONE: +61 2 8063 3800
TAB ODDS: $4.00 The Sydney Roosters are favourites at the TAB to win their third consecutive Premiership and on paper at least have everything going for them. But as all sports fans know the game is not played on paper. Head coach Trent Robinson is one of the most astute rugby league coaches in the world and has the same excellent co-captains in Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend to drive the team around the park.
WESTS
TIGERS
LAST YEAR: NINTH PLACE HEAD COACH: MICHAEL MAGUIRE CO-CAPTAINS: MOSES MBYE and BENJI MARSHALL HOME GROUNDS: CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM; LEICHHARDT OVAL; ANZ STADIUM WEBSITE: www.weststigers.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500023 CONTACT: Concord Oval, Loftus Street, Concord, NSW 2137 POSTAL: PO Box 169, North Strathfield, NSW 2137 PHONE: +61 2 8741 3300 TAB ODDS: $26.00 Michael Maguire became the Tigers third coach in four years when he took the reins last season. He guided the team to ninth place, just one point from making the eight. The Tigers last made the playoffs in 2011 and have finished ninth in three out of the last four seasons. They have recruited some good players to add to the squad’s depth in Billy Walters (Storm), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders) and Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs).
New captain Cameron McInnes takes over from Gareth Widdop, who has joined Super League club Warrington, and has wasted little time in setting down ground rules for the new season. The 25-year-old hooker says he won’t accept any issues away from football as excuses for poor form this year. “That’s the message I try to get across to everybody. It doesn’t matter what’s going on out there, because no one cares,” he told www.dragons.com.au. “Throughout the course of 26 weeks, you’re naive to think that everything's going to be going your way outside footy for the whole year. The sooner you realise that you’ve got to perform under less than ideal circumstances, the better you’re going to be. If guys didn’t learn that last year, they’ve got to learn quick.” McInnes is the second youngest full-time captain of St GeorgeIllawarra. He has promised to give “absolutely everything every game”. “I’ll be demanding that of everyone with me as well, as everyone will demand of each other. All I know is the boys are hungry, hurt by what happened last year and there's a lot of people with a lot to play for.” New faces in the Dragons in 2020 include Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans) and Trent Merrin (Leeds). And like all great coaches Robinson is looking forward not thinking about being the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back Premierships. “The previous year is done – there’s nothing more you can do with that,” he told NRL.com. “And this is not about grand finals. This is about anything in life – the past is the past. You learn your lessons and then you choose your next path. “Everyone has their own life philosophy but we’re not riding the crest of a wave that will continue. We need to build it again. And we don't want to repeat things and we can do better. The game is evolving, our club is evolving, individual players are evolving so therefore our team needs to evolve. “We are searching to be better again each year that we play the game. All I do is talk present and future. I’ll take lessons from the past – we’re not blocking it out – so I won’t be telling anyone not to talk about it. And I don’t have to tell my players anything. They know it is a continuous search for improvement. That's all it is, that’s all we’re doing.” The loss of Cooper Cronk and Latrell Mitchell will weaken the backline. Robinson’s team has been boosted by Kyle Flanagan joining from the Sharks who will add depth to the halves. In an intriguing move, former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has joined the Roosters coaching staff as a skills coach. Coach Maguire is positive the future looks brighter than it has for many years at the club. “The club has been through plenty but we’ve been able to put that behind us over time and really look forward to what’s ahead. Like every club, we’re chasing that date in October and we want to win comps,” he told weststigers.com.au. “I’m very comfortable with the squad I’ve got and I’m looking forward to heading into the season. It’s competitive and that is making training really enjoyable and that’s how I’ve seen teams grow, which is what we’re trying to build here.” The Tigers have appointed Kiwi Benji Marshall and Moses Mbye as co-captains for the new season. “Moses and Benji are strong leaders who will take this club forward with their influence and the example they set both on and off the field,” Maguire says. “They are widely respected not only by their teammates, coaches and staff at Wests Tigers but also throughout the game of rugby league, and their appointment in this role allows us to strengthen the leadership of this club.” Marshall has just turned 35 and comes off-contract again at the end of this season. “Leadership is a privilege and I certainly don’t take that for granted at a club I love,” he says. “I have learned a lot about leadership throughout my career and feel incredibly proud to join Moses and lead a great group of men and our club to a successful 2020.”
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