YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2021 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP
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04 Aof preview the 2021
SEASON AHEAD for the VODAFONE WARRIORS
look into the 28 We prospects ahead
AND 14 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES –
for the STORM, KNIGHTS and COWBOYS
all the player movements across the 16 NRL clubs the 16 View TELSTRA NRL
of 2 9 Antheanalysis season for
PREMIERSHIP DRAW and plan your season ahead
the EELS, PANTHERS and RABBITOHS
of the 18 Profiles 2021 VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYERS
MANAGING EDITOR
2021 25 Your VODAFONE
OLIVER LEE
EDITOR
PETER WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOSPORT.NZ
WARRIORS team photo
07
New VODAFONE WARRIORS HEAD COACH NATHAN BROWN is positive for the season
COVER DESIGN
NRL team previews 26 and predictions for
the BRONCOS, BULLDOGS and RAIDERS
will the look at 27 How 30 Athecloser SHARKS, TITANS chances of the
ONTIME ASSOCIATES
and SEA EAGLES go in the DRAGONS, ROOSTERS 2021 season and WESTS TIGERS
PRE-PRESS
HNZL 2014 LIMITED
GAME 1
PRINTING
MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND ON SUNDAY JUNE 9, 2021
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PUBLISHER 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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GAME 2
alfback CHANEL 08 HHARRIS-TAVITA is
SUNCORP STADIUM IN BRISBANE ON SUNDAY JUNE 27, 2021
looking forward to driving the VODAFONE WARRIORS around the park
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Big winger KEN MAUMALO can’t wait for the new season to start COPYRIGHT REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART BY ANY MEANS IS PROHIBITED.
GAME 3 QUEENSLAND, EVENTUAL WINNERS OF THE SERIES, TAKE THE FIELD FOR GAME ONE OF THE 2020 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES.
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.
STADIUM AUSTRALIA IN SYDNEY ON WEDNESDAY JULY 14, 2021
NOTE TAB ODDS THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE WERE CORRECT ON MARCH 2, 2021. TO CHECK IF ANY ODDS HAVE BEEN UPDATED PLEASE VISIT TAB.CO.NZ
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BRAVE WARRIORS DESERVE TOP 8 PLACING
THE VODAFONE WARRIORS LOOKING GOOD TO STEP UP TO FINALS FOOTIE IN 2021.
By PETER WHITE It was one of the best international sporting stories of 2020. How the Vodafone Warriors had to relocate to the Central Coast in Australia due to COVID-19 and were based there for the duration of the NRL season. Some players had their families with them, but not all. The team’s captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck left his partner and young children behind for four months or so, as did many others. Some key players could not face being away from their families and returned home. Injuries then compounded the problems. The NRL allowed Rooster Poasa Faamausili, Panther Jack Hetherington and Eels duo Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings to become honorary Warriors. Then more drama in June. Head coach Stephen Kearney was sacked with assistant coach Todd Payten stepping into the breach. And then the worm turned. Seemingly against all the odds the Vodafone Warriors started to win games and move up the table. Even die hard Aussie league fans were cheering them on as they came so close to making the playoffs.
In the end they settled for 10th place, an improvement on 13th the season before, but what they did for the game of rugby league was worth far more than points on the table. So to 2021. The Warriors are back in Australia for the foreseeable future but this time crucially with families staying with the group. A new coach is in play too, with former Knights and Dragons boss Nathan Brown taking over after Payten took the role at North Queensland Cowboys. The big story pre-season is Tuivasa-Sheck will leave at the end of the season and join up with Auckland and the Blues rugby union clubs. The former Dally M Medal winner played rugby at school, representing New Zealand Schools. How the team reacts to him leaving will be crucial to the outcome this year. Such is the respect and love felt for him by everyone at the Vodafone Warriors there is a great chance the players will lift for their charismatic captain. Coach Brown has recruited well with some strengthening of the squad in key areas.
Certainly the Warriors will be a tough team to rumble as they will field a huge pack of forwards. According to an NRL.com report, the Warriors will field nine players weighing 110kg or more – two more than Manly and three more than Wests Tigers and the Cowboys. It is set to be the biggest Warriors side since the 2002 outfit that lost the Grand Final to the Roosters. There is some real quality in the new recruits Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington), Kane Evans (Eels), Euan Aitken (Dragons), Iliesa Ratuva (rugby union), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs) and Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs). The NRL competition looks wide open this year. Last year’s Premiers the Melbourne Storm are fourth favourites at the TAB with Penrith Panthers the number one choice ahead of Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The NRL season kicked off on Thursday last and hopefully by the time you are reading this magazine the Vodafone Warriors have started the season with a WIN in the game against Gold Coast Titans which was played at Central Coast Stadium last night.
VODAFONE WARRIORS LAST YEAR: 10TH PLACE HEAD COACH: NATHAN BROWN ASSISTANT COACHES: JUSTIN MORGAN, CRAIG HODGES, SLADE GRIFFIN 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
CAPTAIN ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK WILL LEAVE THE VODAFONE WARRIORS AFTER THE 2021 CAMPAIGN.
POSTAL: PO Box 12-224, Penrose, Auckland, 1642 PHONE: +64 9 526 8822 TAB ODDS: $21.00
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POSITIVE VIBES FROM WARRIORS NEW HEAD COACH
NATHAN BROWN IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD IN 2021 WITH SOME KEY NEW SIGNINGS ON BOARD.
By PETER WHITE Nathan Brown was renowned for his courage and ability to spark attacks from dummy half during his illustrious career at hooker for the St George Illawarra Dragons. Now the 47-year-old steps up to another challenge as Head Coach of the Vodafone Warriors in 2021. “The Warriors is a club that is certainly on the improve. Obviously the talent nursery in New Zealand is something a lot of us have thought over the years would be good to be a part of if you can get your hands on the right players,” he says. Brown has a good mix of hardened NRL players and promising younger talent coming through that excites him about the Vodafone Warriors squad he has to work with.
“No doubt having good, big men helps you get across the advantage line and you need to do that if you are going to be successful in rugby league.”
Last year is probably the first when he stayed in one position at 6 (stand-off). So for the club to have him now is a really good time in his career,” says Brown.
Any discussion about a rugby league team sooner or later comes down to the quality of the spine – the players in the hooker, half back, stand-off and fullback roles.
“Roger obviously has been achieving at a high level for a long time, Wade has played 40-odd games at hooker and has learnt some great lessons along the way so he can now help run a football team.
The Warriors have some high quality talent to match any in the competition in Wayde Egan (hooker), Harris-Tavita (halfback), Kodi Nikorima (stand-off), and captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (fullback). “Kodi is about to enter his best four or five years as a player with his age and experience.
“Chanel in the last six or seven weeks of last season assumed that halfback role and is a player of fine talent. He is young but very coachable and is certainly a very good competitor with good attributes you can build on.”
“A number of younger players have been introduced over the last 18 months like Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Josh Curran, Adam Pompey and Chanel Harris-Tavita. “They have got to not only experience first grade but the experience of full time training for a number of years as well. They are starting to understand what first grade is about and what’s required. For a coach those early years are generally the hardest time when they are learning about first grade. “There are also some very experienced players and the club have added a couple more through recruitment so we have a decent sort of balance of youth and players who have gained some experience. We also have another batch of young kids who may not play this year who certainly look like they have talent.” Brown will be in charge of the heaviest team in the NRL competition after recruiting some hefty forwards in Addin Fonua-Blake, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Kane Evans to join the rest of the squad that has plenty of size across all positions. Brown says it is important to get the balance right and he is pleased with the players recruited.
NATHAN BROWN
VODAFONE WARRIORS HEAD COACH 2021– BORN: JULY 31, 1973 IN MACLEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES
HEAD COACHING POSITIONS:
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (2003–08), HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS (2009–12), ST HELENS (2013–14), NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (2016–19)
COACHING ACHIEVEMENTS:
SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL WINNER 2014 ST HELENS, CHALLENGE CUP FINALIST 2009 HUDDERSFIELD
PLAYING CAREER:
172 FIRST-GRADE GAMES FOR ST GEORGE (1993–98), ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (1999–00)
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WARRIORS YOUNG GUN SET FOR BIG YEAR
ONE OF THE MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS FOR THE VODAFONE WARRIORS IN 2020 WAS HALFBACK CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA.
By PETER WHITE Becoming a better player in the NRL starts with getting the little things right off the field. For Vodafone Warriors halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita that means improving his preparation every day. The 21-year-old says while the team goal is definitely to win the NRL Premiership title in 2021, he sets rather different targets to other players. “I like to focus on my habits off the field. I like building better habits with my preparation and my attitude towards training. I try to get one per cent better every day and hopefully over time the result takes care of itself. That’s my mentality towards getting better.” Last year, being based in Australia and not able to return home to New Zealand
due to COVID-19 restrictions was difficult for all the Vodafone Warriors players. But Harris-Tavita took his game to a new level and in the process nailed down a starting place in the team. When Blake Green moved to the Newcastle Knights last August, Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima settled into a partnership in the halves that got better and better as the season went on. “It is going well. Kodi has got a lot of experience and he is still young,” says Harris-Tavita. “We are both learning each other’s game and the more time we spend together the better it will be for the team.” Harris-Tavita has now played 26 games in the NRL. It is still early days but the maturity and development in his game played a key part in the second half of last season when the Vodafone Warriors hit top form.
Getting to grips with the increased speed and physicality of the game, and the size of the crowds, were all part of a massive learning curve for the talented playmaker. “One of the differences in the transition from the New South Wales Cup to the NRL is the speed of the game. You just have to be consistent to play in the NRL. “It doesn’t matter where you play there is a massive spotlight on you, particularly in the position I play at halfback. You have to drive the team around the park and if you are not doing your job then everything turns to a shambles. “I have had to find my voice in the team. The more games I play, the more experience I get and I think that will help with my development as a halfback.” Last year Harris-Tavita astounded fans, commentators and the opposition at times with some of his big hits on defence. It is a part of his game he has worked hard on as he has matured and got stronger. He admits it was not always something he was good at. “When I was the age of 14 or 15 I hated tackling, just let people run past me and jump on the back of them. My dad said if you want to play rugby league you’ve got to tackle so I slowly taught myself how to enjoy it. “But I might have to cut back on flying out of the line otherwise I will be cutting my career short.” Harris-Tavita says what he needs to work on to take his game to the next level, to match the best No 7s in the competition, comes down to one key area.
CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA IN ACTION AGAINST NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS LAST SEASON.
“I think an improvement for me, and something I need to work on constantly throughout my career, is my game management. The more video I watch and the more I learn from the players around me and the coaches, the more confident I will get in providing that voice for the team and guiding them around the park.”
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KEN MAULAMO – SCORING TRIES IS WHAT HE DOES
EXPERIENCED VODAFONE WARRIORS WING KEN MAUMALO IS EXCITED ABOUT THE SEASON AHEAD AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH A SPECIAL MILESTONE.
By PETER WHITE The 2019 NRL season was a coming of age for prolific try-scoring wing Ken Maumalo. After making his debut for the Vodafone Warriors in 2015 he had crossed the line 13 times from 41 games. A good performance but nothing to indicate what was about to happen in 2019. Helped by the left centre passing skills of Peta Hiku and his own growing confidence, Maumalo took every opportunity in his massive stride to finish the season with 17 tries – third best in the NRL behind Latrell Mitchell (18) and Maiko Siva (20). “Just having more experience under my belt and having a good pre-season was the key to that,” he says. “I have done the same this season and am looking to have a better year than 2019.” Last season began well enough for Maumalo but after eight games he was one of four players given dispensation to return home to their families. It was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make but he has no regrets. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
KEN MAUMALO MAKES ANOTHER BREAK FOR THE VODAFONE WARRIORS.
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WWW.WARRIORS.KIWI CONTINUED from PAGE 11
The one silver lining is he got a decent break and was able to get over some niggly injuries and really power into the pre-season.
“I am excited about this year. We have got a mixed bunch of young and old and it looks good.” Maumalo has played 95 games for the Vodafone Warriors. Joining a special club of players to make 100 appearances is something he is looking forward to achieving.
This campaign the players have their families in camp with them on the Central Coast. Maumalo is delighted with that and the way the pre-season training camps have gone.
“It would be massive. I probably would have reached that a while ago now but for injuries and obviously coming home last year. I am just keen to get to that milestone especially playing 100 for just one club.
“Yeah it’s been way better having them over. It just feels like home really, coming back after every training and seeing them. It sort of motivates me when I am going to training as well. It has been awesome.” The start to this campaign was different to the usual pre-season with two separate training camps held, one for the New Zealandbased players and another for the Australian-based players. “That was something that was not normal so just coming together has really gelled the team since. It has been really good and we have really enjoyed each other’s company. The new boys have been great and we have a whole different roster now. “There aren’t that many of the old players left. After one training the coach asked the players who had been at the club for more than six years to sit on the left and the others sit on the right. There was only four of us on the left and we just looked over and there was a whole new team.
“That’s a massive deal and not many players do that so I am excited to reach that 100.”
KEN MAUMALO AGE: 26
BORN: 16 JULY, 1994
PHYSICAL: HEIGHT 1.91M WEIGHT 111KG POSITION: WING NRL CLUBS: VODAFONE WARRIORS HOME GROUND: MT SMART STADIUM GAMES: 95 TRIES: 36
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MOVEMENTS AT THE 16 NRL CLUBS
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES BRISBANE BRONCOS |
CANBERRA RAIDERS |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
CRONULLA SHARKS |
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS |
MELBOURNE STORM |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
GOLD COAST TITANS |
PENRITH PANTHERS |
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS |
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS |
IN: Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Nick Cotric (Raiders), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Jack Hetherington (Warriors), Paul Karaitiana, Chris Patolo, Kurt Picken, Jackson Topine, Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles). OUT: Jack Cogger (Huddersfield Giants), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Kerrod Holland (retired), Tim Lafai (released), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Reimis Smith (Storm), Sauaso Sue (Knights), Isaiah Tass (Broncos), Aiden Tolman (Sharks).
IN: Jai Arrow (Titans), Jacob Host (Dragons), Josh Mansour (Panthers), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers), Taane Milne (Warriors), Tautau Moga (Knights). OUT: Corey Allan (Bulldogs), Tom Amone (released), Kurt Dillon (released), Bryson Goodwin, Jack Johns (Knights), Ethan Lowe (retired), James Roberts (Wests Tigers), Ky Rodwell (released), Bayley Sironen (Warriors).
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS |
MANLY SEA EAGLES |
WESTS TIGERS |
IN: John Asiata (Cowboys), Dale Copley (Titans), David Mead (Catalans Dragons), Isaiah Tass (Bulldogs). OUT: Jack Bird (Illawarra Dragons), Darius Boyd (retired), David Fifita (Titans), Andrew McCullough (Dragons), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers), Izaia Perese (rugby union).
IN: Michael Bell, Kane Bradley (Wests Tigers), Lachlan Burr (Warriors), Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Griffin Neame. OUT: John Asiata (Broncos), Gavin Cooper (retired), Tom Opacic (Eels), Dan Russell (released), Tukimihia Simpkins (Wests Tigers), Garrett Smith (Knights).
IN: Matthew Eisenhuth (Wests Tigers), Robert Jennings (Wests Tigers), Taylan May, Paul Momirovski (Storm), Jaeman Salmon (Eels), Scott Sorensen (Sharks), Izack Tago, Sunia Turuva. OUT: Caleb Aekins (Raiders), Kaide Ellis (Dragons), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Pat Hollis (released), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Brayden McGrady (released), James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (retired), Dean Whare (Catalan Dragons).
PARRAMATTA EELS |
IN: Bryce Cartwright (Titans), Keegan Hipgrave (Titans), David Hollis, Joey Lussick (Salford Red Devils), Michael Oldfield (Raiders), Tom Opacic (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors), Nathaniel Roache (Warriors). OUT: Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Rhys Davies (released), Kane Evans (Warriors), Jai Field (Wigan Warriors), David Gower (retired), Watson Heleta (released), George Jennings (Storm), Ethan Parry (released), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Kyle Schneider (released), Brad Takairangi (Hull Kingston Rovers), Peni Terepo (released), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers).
SOURCE: WWW.ZEROTACKLE.COM
IN: Caleb Aekins (Panthers), Ryan James (Titans), Trey Mooney, Harry Rushton (Wigan), Xavier Savage, Clay Webb. OUT: John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Luke Bateman (released), JJ Collins (released), Nick Cotric (Bulldogs), Andre Niko (released), Michael Oldfield (Eels).
IN: Jake Howarth, George Jennings (Warriors), Jonah Pezet, Reimis Smith (Bulldogs), Tagiolupe Tivalu. OUT: Sandor Earl (retired), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield Giants), Paul Momirovski (Panthers), Albert Vete (Hull Kingston Rovers), Suliasi Vunivalu (rugby union).
IN: Josh Aloiai (Wests Tigers), Andrew Davey (Eels), Sione Fainu, Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Tolutau Koula, Jason Saab (Dragons), Christian Tuipulotu (Roosters), Alec Tuitavake, Kaeo Weekes. OUT: Brendan Elliot (released), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Danny Levi (released), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Abbas Miski (London Broncos), Brayden Musgrove (Knights), Sam Smith (released), Joel Thompson (St Helens RLFC), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Tony Williams (released).
IN: Tuku Hau Tapuha, Adam Keighran (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii, Naufahu Whyte. OUT: Mitchell Aubusson (retired), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Hull Kingston Rovers), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles).
IN: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Blake Green (Warriors), Bailey Hodgson, Jack Johns (Rabbitohs), Brayden Musgrove (Sea Eagles), Garrett Smith (Cowboys), Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), Dominic Young. OUT: Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Tim Glasby (retired), Aidan Guerra (retired), Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity), Sione Mata’utia (St Helens RLFC), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs).
IN: William Kei, Daine Laurie (Panthers), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Tukimihia Simpkins (Cowboys), James Tamou (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi, Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels). OUT: Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Oliver Clark (released), Matthew Eisenhuth (Panthers), Harry Grant (Storm), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Chris Lawrence (retired), Benji Marshall (Rabbitohs), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Chris McQueen (Huddersfield Giants), Paul Momirovski (Panthers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Dylan Smith (released), Elijah Taylor (Salford Red Devils).
IN: Jonaiah Lualua, Jack Martin, Luke Metcalf (Sea Eagles), Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs). OUT: Jayson Bukuya (retired), Cameron King (retired), Scott Sorensen (Panthers).
IN: Herman Ese’ese (Knights), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Storm), David Fifita (Broncos), Sosefo Fifita, Patrick Herbert (Warriors), Sam McIntyre (Wests Tigers). OUT: Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Shannon Boyd (retired), Bryce Cartwright (Eels), Dale Copley (Broncos), Keegan Hipgrave (Eels), Ryan James (Raiders), Nathan Peats (released), Kallum Watkins (released)
IN: Daniel Alvaro (Warriors), Junior Amone, Jack Bird (Broncos), Kaide Ellis (Panthers), Poasa Faamausili (Warriors), Andrew McCullough (Broncos), Tyrell Sloan. OUT: Euan Aitken (Warriors), Tyson Frizell (Knights), James Graham (retired), Jacob Host (Rabbitohs), Tim Lafai (released), Joe Lovodua (released), Issac Luke, Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Tristan Sailor (released), Korbin Sims (Hull Kingston Rovers).
VODAFONE WARRIORS |
IN: Euan Aitken (Dragons), Kane Evans (Eels), Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington Wolves), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs). OUT: Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), Gerard Beale (retired), Adam Blair (retired), Lachlan Burr (Cowboys), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Blake Green (Knights), Patrick Herbert (Titans), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), George Jennings (Storm), Adam Keighran (Roosters), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Agnatius Paasi (St Helens RLFC), Isaiah Papalii (Eels), Nathaniel Roache (Eels).
COME PLAY IN 2021
Whether you dream of becoming the next Vodafone Warriors superstar, or just want to have some fun and make new friends, we want you to come play this year!
RUGBY LEAGUE
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu’a, Chanel Harris-Tavita — they all started here. We’ve got 29 clubs spread across Auckland and a grade for every age and gender. To find out more and contact your local club, head to aucklandleague.co.nz/playleague
KIWI TAG
Love rugby league but don’t want the contact? Kiwi Tag is the game for you. It has all the normal league rules without the hits, and through summer clubs across Auckland run modules you can join. Find out more at aucklandleague.co.nz/playkiwitag
YEAH THE GIRLS
Girls can play rugby league in Auckland from U6s right through to adult grades, with female-specific grades kicking in from U12s onwards. Women’s rugby league superstars like Krystal Rota and Georgia Hale honed their craft in our competitions before starring for the Warriors in the NRLW and on the world stage with the Kiwi Ferns. aucklandleague.co.nz
@aucklandrugbyleague
@aucklandrugbyleague
16
NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP 2021
2021 NRL DRAW ROUND
HOME
AWAY
ROUND 1
STORM KNIGHTS BRONCOS WARRIORS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS DRAGONS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS BULLDOGS EELS TITANS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS SHARKS
ROUND 2
EELS WARRIORS TITANS BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS SHARKS
v v v v v v v v
STORM KNIGHTS BRONCOS PANTHERS RABBITOHS DRAGONS ROOSTERS RAIDERS
ROUND 3
PANTHERS DRAGONS RABBITOHS RAIDERS BRONCOS EELS KNIGHTS COWBOYS
v v v v v v v v
STORM SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS WARRIORS BULLDOGS SHARKS WESTS TIGERS TITANS
SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS STORM SHARKS TITANS KNIGHTS ROOSTERS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
PANTHERS RABBITOHS BRONCOS COWBOYS RAIDERS DRAGONS WARRIORS EELS
RABBITOHS WARRIORS PANTHERS TITANS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WESTS TIGERS EELS
v v v v v v v v
BRONCOS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS STORM SHARKS COWBOYS DRAGONS
BRONCOS KNIGHTS STORM SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS RAIDERS DRAGONS COWBOYS
v v v v v v v v
PANTHERS SHARKS ROOSTERS TITANS WESTS TIGERS EELS WARRIORS BULLDOGS
PANTHERS TITANS EELS SHARKS COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS ROOSTERS STORM
v v v v v v v v
KNIGHTS RABBITOHS BRONCOS BULLDOGS RAIDERS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS WARRIORS
MARCH 11–14
MARCH 18–21
MARCH 25–28
ROUND 4 APRIL 1–5 EASTER WEEKEND
ROUND 5 APRIL 8–11
ROUND 6
APRIL 15–18
ROUND 7
APRIL 22–25
ANZAC DAY SUNDAY APRIL 25
|
ROUND HOME AWAY
ROUND 8
RAIDERS STORM BRONCOS PANTHERS BULLDOGS KNIGHTS WARRIORS DRAGONS
v v v v v v v v
RABBITOHS SHARKS TITANS SEA EAGLES EELS ROOSTERS COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS
ROUND 9
RABBITOHS PANTHERS EELS RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS
v v v v v v v v
STORM SHARKS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS TITANS BRONCOS WARRIORS BULLDOGS
ROUND 10
WESTS TIGERS SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS SHARKS ROOSTERS WARRIORS STORM TITANS
v v v v v v v v
KNIGHTS BRONCOS RAIDERS RABBITOHS COWBOYS EELS DRAGONS PANTHERS
ROUND 11
COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS ROOSTERS RAIDERS RABBITOHS EELS
v v v v v v v v
KNIGHTS WESTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES
ROUND 12
BRONCOS COWBOYS WESTS TIGERS PANTHERS RABBITOHS ROOSTERS SHARKS KNIGHTS
v v v v v v v v
STORM WARRIORS DRAGONS BULLDOGS EELS RAIDERS TITANS SEA EAGLES
ROUND 13
DRAGONS WESTS TIGERS STORM KNIGHTS
v v v v
BRONCOS PANTHERS TITANS EELS
APRIL 29– MAY 2
MAY 6–9
MAY 14–16
MAGIC ROUND, BRISBANE
MAY 20–23
MAY 27–30
JUNE 3–6
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY MONDAY JUNE 7
BYES: BULLDOGS, COWBOYS, RABBITOHS, RAIDERS, ROOSTERS, SEA EAGLES, SHARKS, WARRIORS
ROUND 14 JUNE 11–14
SEA EAGLES SHARKS TITANS RABBITOHS RAIDERS WARRIORS EELS BULLDOGS
v v v v v v v v
COWBOYS PANTHERS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS BRONCOS STORM WESTS TIGERS DRAGONS
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ROUND
ROUND 15 JUNE 17–20
ROUND 16 JULY 1–4
ROUND 17 JULY 8–11
HOME BRONCOS COWBOYS PANTHERS KNIGHTS DRAGONS STORM EELS TITANS
v v v v v v v v
AWAY RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS WARRIORS RAIDERS WESTS TIGERS BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES
ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS BULLDOGS RAIDERS KNIGHTS BRONCOS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
STORM DRAGONS EELS SEA EAGLES TITANS COWBOYS SHARKS RABBITOHS
SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS BULLDOGS SHARKS
v v v v
RAIDERS COWBOYS ROOSTERS WARRIORS
|
ROUND HOME AWAY v TITANS STORM v RAIDERS SEA EAGLES AUGUST 19–22 v PANTHERS RABBITOHS WESTS TIGERS v SHARKS v BULLDOGS KNIGHTS v EELS COWBOYS v DRAGONS ROOSTERS BRONCOS WARRIORS v
ROUND 23
ROUND 24
KNIGHTS WARRIORS ROOSTERS DRAGONS SHARKS STORM SEA EAGLES PANTHERS
v v v v v v v v
TITANS RAIDERS RABBITOHS COWBOYS BRONCOS EELS BULLDOGS WESTS TIGERS
ROUND 25
RAIDERS SHARKS EELS BRONCOS COWBOYS RABBITOHS TITANS WESTS TIGERS
v v v v v v v v
ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS KNIGHTS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS WARRIORS BULLDOGS
AUGUST 26—29
SEPTEMBER 2–5
BYES: BRONCOS, DRAGONS, EELS, KNIGHTS, PANTHERS, STORM, WESTS TIGERS, TITANS
ROUND 18
TITANS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS BRONCOS RABBITOHS
v v v v v v v v
EELS DRAGONS SHARKS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS PANTHERS WESTS TIGERS BULLDOGS
ROUND 19
EELS ROOSTERS COWBOYS RABBITOHS SEA EAGLES PANTHERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS
v v v v v v v v
RAIDERS KNIGHTS STORM WARRIORS WESTS TIGERS BRONCOS TITANS SHARKS
ROOSTERS WESTS TIGERS BRONCOS DRAGONS KNIGHTS STORM BULLDOGS SHARKS
v v v v v v v v
EELS WARRIORS COWBOYS RABBITOHS RAIDERS PANTHERS TITANS SEA EAGLES
KNIGHTS RAIDERS EELS WARRIORS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS TITANS
v v v v v v v v
BRONCOS DRAGONS RABBITOHS SHARKS PANTHERS STORM WESTS TIGERS COWBOYS
STORM DRAGONS BRONCOS RABBITOHS COWBOYS SEA EAGLES WARRIORS SHARKS
v v v v v v v v
RAIDERS PANTHERS ROOSTERS TITANS WESTS TIGERS EELS BULLDOGS KNIGHTS
JULY 16–18
JULY 22–25
ROUND 20 JULY 29– AUGUST 1
ROUND 21 AUGUST 5–8
ROUND 22
AUGUST 12–15
FINALS SERIES WEEK ONE: SEPTEMBER 10–12 — 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 17–18 — SEMI-FINALS GAME #1 (SF1) GAME #2 (SF2)
Loser QF1 Loser QF2
Winner EF1 v v
Winner EF2
WEEK THREE: SEPTEMBER 24–25 — 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
Suncorp Stadium
SUNDAY OCTOBER 3, 2021 Winner PF2
Winner PF1 v
KEY: QF (Quarter-Final), EF (Elimination Final), PF (Preliminary Final).
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WWW.WARRIORS.KIWI
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
EUAN AITKEN
ROCCO BERRY
DAVID FUSITU ’A
BORN: JUNE 5, 1993 IN APIA, SAMOA JUNIOR CLUB: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: FULLBACK HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 99kg REP HONOURS: 20 TESTS for NZ (2013–19); WORLD CUP (2013, 2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2012–15) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: ROOSTERS v TITANS 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: MAY 17, 2001 IN MASTERTON JUNIOR CLUB: ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, SILVERSTREAM (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: FULLBACK/CENTRE/WING HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 95kg REP HONOURS: NRL NINES 2020; WELLINGTON UNDER-18 RUGBY
BORN: JUNE 16, 1995 IN PAMBULA, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: MERIMBULA-PAMBULA BULLDOGS, SHELL HARBOUR SHARKS POSITION: CENTRE HEIGHT: 182cm WEIGHT: 96kg REP HONOURS: 3 TESTS for SCOTLAND BRAVEHEARTS (2016); PRIME MINISTER’S XIII (2015), COUNTRY NEW SOUTH WALES ORIGIN (2016) PREVIOUS CLUB: ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA (2015–20) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: DRAGONS v RAIDERS at GIO STADIUM on 21/03/15 (round 3) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: YET TO MAKE NRL DEBUT
BORN: OCTOBER 16, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MARIST SAINTS POSITION: WING HEIGHT: 189cm WEIGHT: 106kg 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 DRAGONS at EDEN PARK on 15/03/14 (round 2)
CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA
PETA HIKU
BORN: APRIL 3, 1999 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PAKURANGA JAGUARS; MT WELLINGTON WARRIORS; HOWICK HORNETS POSITION: FIVE-EIGHTH/HALFBACK HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 89kg 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)
KEN MAUMALO
BORN: JULY 16, 1994 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS POSITION: WING HEIGHT: 191cm WEIGHT: 114kg 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: 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 RABBITOHS at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
MARCELO MONTOYA
BORN: FEBRUARY 17, 1996 IN LAUTOKA, FIJI JUNIOR CLUB: BANKSTOWN BULLS POSITION: WINGER/CENTRE/FULLBACK HEIGHT: 189cm WEIGHT: 95kg REP HONOURS: 8 TESTS for FIJI BATI (2016–19) PREVIOUS CLUB: CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN (2017–20) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: BULLDOGS v WARRIORS at FORSYTH BARR STADIUM on 17/03/17 (round 3) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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BACKS CONT from PAGE 18
KODI NIKORIMA
SEAN O’SULLIVAN
HAYZE PERHAM
ADAM POMPEY
PAUL TURNER
BUNTY AFOA
LEESON AH MAU
TOM ALE
JOSH CURRAN
WAYDE EGAN
BORN: APRIL 3, 1994 IN PALMERSTON NORTH JUNIOR CLUB: ASPLEY POSITION: HALFBACK/FIVE-EIGHTH HEIGHT: 174cm WEIGHT: 82kg REP HONOURS: 15 TESTS NEW ZEALAND (2015–19); WORLD CUP (2017); MAORI ALL-STARS (2020) PREVIOUS CLUB: BRISBANE (2015–19) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: BRONCOS v SHARKS at REDMONDIS STADIUM on 13/03/15 (round 2) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA at SUNCORP STADIUM on 11/5/19 (round 9)
BORN: JULY 2, 1999 IN TAUPO JUNIOR CLUB: PIKIAO POSITION: FIVE-EIGHTH/CENTRE HEIGHT: 184cm WEIGHT: 93kg REP HONOURS: NZ UNDER-18s (2017); NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v STORM at AAMI PARK on 25/4/2019 (round 7)
BORN: DECEMBER 20, 1989 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PAPATOETOE PANTHERS; OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 112kg 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 EELS at MT SMART STADIUM on 14/03/09 (round 1)
BORN: JUNE 10, 1999 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: HILLS BULLS POSITION: SECOND ROW/LOCK HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 104kg REP HONOURS: INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS (2020, 2021) NSW UNDER-20s (2018); NSW UNDER-18s (2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2019) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: ROOSTERS v STORM at AAMI PARK on 19/04/19 (round 6) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v RAIDERS at MT SMART STADIUM on 02/08/19 (round 20)
BORN: AUGUST 22, 1998 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: WESLEY COLLEGE (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: WINGER/CENTRE HEIGHT: 190cm WEIGHT: 101kg REP HONOURS: NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2015) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v SHARKS at WESTPAC STADIUM on 19/07/2019 (round 18)
BORN: AUGUST 20, 1996 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: PT CHEVALIER PIRATES POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 188cm WEIGHT: 113kg REP HONOURS: 7 TESTS for SAMOA (2016–19); WORLD CUP (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v TITANS at MT SMART STADIUM on 02/07/16 (round 17)
BORN: APRIL 1, 1999 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUB: MOUNT ALBERT LIONS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 109kg REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2018); NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2017) CLUB AND FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v RAIDERS at GIO STADIUM on 20/09/20 (round 19)
BORN: MARCH 20, 1997 IN LITHGOW, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: LITHGOW STORM POSITION: HOOKER HEIGHT: 185cm WEIGHT: 91kg PREVIOUS CLUB: PENRITH PANTHERS (2018–19) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: PENRITH v COWBOYS at 1300SMILES STADIUM on 29/03/18 (round 4) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v KNIGHTS at McDONALD JONES STADIUM on 14/03/20 (round 1)
WARRIORS NRL PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
FORWARDS
BORN: JULY 4, 2000 IN WHANGAREI JUNIOR CLUB: HIKURANGI STAGS POSITION: FIVE-EIGHTH HEIGHT: 180cm WEIGHT: 95kg REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KIWIS (2018, 2019) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v BULLDOGS at STADIUM AUSTRALIA on 23/08/20 (round 15)
BORN: AUGUST 21, 1998 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: GLENMORE PARK BRUMBIES POSITION: HALFBACK/FIVE-EIGHTH HEIGHT: 179cm WEIGHT: 84kg REP HONOURS: AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS (2016); JUNIOR KANGAROOS (2018) PREVIOUS CLUBS: BRISBANE (2019); ROOSTERS (2018) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: ROOSTERS v TITANS at CBUS SUPER STADIUM on 15/7/18 (round 18) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
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FORWARDS CONT from P21
KANE EVANS
BORN: JANUARY 9, 1992 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: LEICHHARDT WANDERERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 199cm WEIGHT: 114 kg REP HONOURS: 13 TESTS FIJI BATI (2013–19); WORLD CUP (2013, 2017); WORLD ALL-STARS (2016); NSW CITY ORIGIN (2015) PREVIOUS CLUBS: PARRAMATTA EELS (2018–20); SYDNEY ROOSTERS (2013–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: ROOSTERS v EELS at SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM on 15/03/14 (round 2) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
JACKSON FREI
BORN: JANUARY 27, 1998 IN BRISBANE, QLD JUNIOR CLUB: ALBANY CREEK CRUSHERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 195cm WEIGHT: 102kg REP HONOURS: QUEENSLAND UNDER-18 SCHOOLBOYS (2015) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE
BORN: NOVEMBER 6, 1995 IN MEADOWBANK, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: MASCOT JETS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 189cm WEIGHT: 123kg REP HONOURS: 6 TESTS TONGA (2018–19); 1 TEST KIWIS (2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: MANLY SEA EAGLES (2016–20) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: SEA EAGLES v EELS at BROOKVALE OVAL on 14/04/16 (round 7) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
TOHU HARRIS
BORN: JANUARY 7, 1992 IN HASTINGS JUNIOR CLUB: TAMATEA SPORTS CLUB POSITION: SECOND ROW/LOCK/PROP HEIGHT: 195cm WEIGHT: 112kg REP HONOURS: 16 TESTS for NZ (2013–16); FOUR NATIONS (2014, 2016); MAORI ALL-STARS (2019)
PREVIOUS CLUB: MELBOURNE STORM (2013–17) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: STORM v DRAGONS at AAMI PARK on 10/03/13 (round 1) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v RABBITOHS at OPTUS STADIUM on 10/03/18 (round 1)
ELIESA KATOA
JACK MURCHIE
BEN MURDOCH-MASILA
BAYLEY SIRONEN
JAMAYNE TAUNOA-BROWN
JAZZ TEVAGA
BORN: JANUARY 3, 2000 IN HIHIFO, TONGA JUNIOR CLUB: TAMAKI COLLEGE FIRST XV (RUGBY UNION) POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 110kg CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v KNIGHTS at McDONALD JONES STADIUM on 14/03/20 (round 1)
BORN: FEBRUARY 7, 1991 IN AUCKLAND JUNIOR CLUBS: OTAHUHU LEOPARDS POSITION: SECOND ROW/PROP HEIGHT: 186cm WEIGHT: 118kg REP HONOURS: 9 TESTS for TONGA (2013–19); JUNIOR KIWIS (2011) PREVIOUS CLUBS: WESTS TIGERS (2010–13); PENRITH PANTHERS (2014–15); SALFORD RED DEVILS (2016–17); WARRINGTON WOLVES (2018-20) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WESTS TIGERS v ROOSTERS at SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM on 11/09/10 (FINALS) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
BORN: NOVEMBER 17, 1996 IN MELBOURNE JUNIOR CLUB: ALTONA ROOSTERS POSITION: PROP HEIGHT: 194cm WEIGHT: 116kg REP HONOURS: INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS (2020, 2021) CLUB AND FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v KNIGHTS at McDONALD JONES STADIUM on 14/03/20 (round 1)
BORN: JUNE 26, 1997 IN BATEMANS BAY, NSW JUNIOR CLUBS: MILTON ULLADULLA BULLDOGS POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 105kg REP HONOURS: JUNIOR KANGAROOS (2017); NSW UNDER-20S 2017) PREVIOUS CLUB: CANBERRA RAIDERS (2018–19) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: RAIDERS v SHARKS at SOUTHERN CROSS STADIUM on 20/07/18 (round 19) CLUB DEBUT: WARRIORS v DRAGONS at CENTRAL COAST STADIUM on 30/05/20 (round 3)
BORN: DECEMBER 23, 1996 IN SYDNEY, NSW JUNIOR CLUB: HOLY CROSS RHINOS POSITION: SECOND ROW HEIGHT: 186cm WEIGHT: 95kg REP HONOURS: NSW UNDER-20s (2016); AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS (2014) PREVIOUS CLUBS: SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (2019–20); WESTS TIGERS (2017) FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WESTS TIGERS v COWBOYS at CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM on 25/08/17 (round 25) CLUB DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE WARRIORS
BORN: SEPTEMBER 4, 1995 IN CHRISTCHURCH JUNIOR CLUBS: BURNHAM CHEVALIERS; PAPAKURA SEA EAGLES POSITION: LOCK/HOOKER HEIGHT: 178cm WEIGHT: 94kg REP HONOURS: 4 TESTS SAMOA (2017); WORLD CUP (2017) CLUB and FIRST GRADE DEBUT: WARRIORS v STORM at MT SMART STADIUM on 20/03/16 (round 3)
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Front Row (left to right) | Euan Aitken, Kodi Nikorima, Bayley Sironen, Wayde Egan, Tohu Harris, Nathan Brown (head coach), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (club captain), Ken Maumalo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Eliesa Katoa, Peta Hiku.
Middle Row (left to right) | Sean O’Sullivan, Josh Curran, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jack Murchie, Kane Evans, Jackson Frei, Rocco Berry, Karl Lawton, Marcelo Montoya, Jazz Tevaga.
Back Row (left to right) | Ben Murdoch-Masila, Hayze Perham, Adam Pompey, Leeson Ah Mau, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Bunty Afoa, David Fusitu’a, Tom Ale, Paul Turner.
VODAFONE WARRIORS
2021
WWW.WARRIORS.KIWI
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2021 GET A HEAD START ON THE SEASON WITH ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2021
BRISBANE
BRONCOS
LAST YEAR: 16TH PLACE HEAD COACH: KEVIN WALTERS CAPTAIN: ALEX GLENN HOME GROUND: SUNCORP STADIUM WEBSITE: www.broncos.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500011 CONTACT: Level 1, 92 Fulcher Road, Red Hill, QLD 4059 POSTAL: Locked Bag 3005, Paddington, QLD 4064 PHONE: +61 7 3858 9111 TAB ODDS: $26.00 For a club proudly boasting six Premierships and four Minor Premierships there were few positives to take out of the 2020 campaign. The Brisbane Broncos were dreadful last year, winning just three of their 20 matches to finish 16th and take the wooden spoon for the first time in the club’s history. It was certainly a tough year with coach Anthony Seibold sacked after round 13 and the crucial loss of one of the brightest young talents in the game in David Fifita, who has transferred to
CANTERBURYBANKSTOWN
BULLDOGS
LAST YEAR: 15TH PLACE HEAD COACH: TRENT BARRETT 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: $46.00 Last year was one to forget for the mighty Bulldogs. The club that has won eight Premierships finished 15th and only ahead of the Broncos by virtue of points differential. But things could easily have worked out so much better for the Bulldogs as nine of their 17 losses were by just eight points or less. It was definitely a case of close but no cigar in 2020. There is justifiably plenty of positive comments from the loyal fan base with the appointment of Trent Barrett to replace Dean Pay as Head Coach.
CANBERRA
RAIDERS
LAST YEAR: PRELIMINARY FINALIST HEAD COACH: RICKY STUART CO-CAPTAINS: JARROD CROKER and JOSH HODGSON HOME GROUND: GIO STADIUM WEBSITE: www.raiders.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500013 CONTACT: 14 Torrens Street, Braddon ACT 2612 POSTAL: PO Box 300, Civic Square ACT 2608 PHONE: +61 2 6253 3515 TAB ODDS: $9.50 Master tactician and motivator Ricky Stuart led his team to the Preliminary Final last year before the Green Machine was knocked over by a rampant Canberra Raiders side. The 22–18 semi-final win over the Sydney Roosters was a season highlight as they became the first Raiders side to defeat the Roosters twice in Sydney in a calendar year since 1990. The Raiders have a battle-hardened pack headed by Josh Papalii and two halves as good as any in the competition in Jack Wighton and George Williams.
Queensland rivals the Gold Coast Titans. The Broncos have turned to one of their favourite sons in Kevin Walters to win back the fans and pride in the jersey in 2021. The rookie NRL coach had a stellar career with the club but has his work cut out to turn the Broncos around on and off-field. Walters will have a similar squad to work with from 2020 but a fresh approach from such a respected figure could be exactly what the Broncos need. To be competitive the Broncos will need a halves combination that can control and drive their young and impressive forward pack around the park. Walters has worked as a specialist halves coach previously at the Broncos when chief playmaker Anthony Milford was at his best. Milford will miss the start of the season with a broken hand leaving an opportunity for former Melbourne Storm player Brodie Croft, who struggled last year like most of the team. The Broncos have made four additions to their 2021 squad in Dale Copley and David Mead, who return to the club, and new signings John Asiata, and Isaiah Tass. The player likely to have the most impact is former North Queensland Cowboys forward John Asiata. The 27-year-old played 128 games for the Cowboys over seven seasons and is a current Tongan international. Barrett was Head Coach at Manly Sea Eagles between 2016–18 and an Assistant Coach at the Penrith Panthers in 2020. He is renowned for his ability to get backlines scoring tries which is one area the Bulldogs need to improve on from last season. The Bulldogs have recruited well with fullback Corey Allan and wing Nick Cotric talented additions to the backline but potentially the most important signing is halfback Kyle Flanagan. The 22-year-old is tasked with taking charge of a success-starved team and he has something to prove after being moved on by the Roosters after just one season. Defensively the Bulldogs must improve if they are to challenge for a place in the eight. Last year they had the second-most missed tackles, second-most tries conceded and fourth-most line breaks conceded. One player that is set to toughen up the defensive line is prop Jack Hetherington who has signed from Penrith. Other key players are Luke Thompson, Ray Faitala-Mariner, Josh Jackson, Adam Elliot, Will Hopoate, Jeremy Marshall-King, Dallin WateneZelezniak and Renouf Atoni, formerly known as To’omaga. One player worth watching in 2021 is brilliant attacking 20-year-old centre Jake Averillo, who also played on the wing and at stand-off. He impressed last year winning the Bulldogs Rookie of the Year award. Last season Wighton and Englishman Williams were the surprise package of the competition in many ways as they gelled superbly. There were questions about how a combination of two natural ball runners would suit the Raiders style of play. But from the first game they fired, scoring 20 tries between them and also producing an impressive 23 try assists. Wighton in particular had a great season, winning the Dally M Medal to go with his Clive Churchill Medal from the 2019 Grand Final. The English connection continues at the Raiders in 2021. While they have lost a star English back-rower in John Bateman, they have possibly another in Harry Rushton. The 19-year-old is still eligible to play Jersey Flegg and like Bateman was recruited from Wigan on a three-year deal. Rushton is a player to watch in 2021 if he can force his way into the NRL team. The Raiders squad is looking strong for 2021. Former co-captain Josh Hodgson is back from injury, with the much improved trio of Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young and Queensland Origin prop Dunamis Lui major pluses for coach Stuart. The purchase of Corey Harawira-Naera from the Bulldogs and shrewd signing of former Titan Ryan James should see the Raiders again push for the finals for a third straight season in 2021.
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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: $26.00 A quick look at the official Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks website shows just how important Shaun Johnston is to the club. He is the face of the promotion for club members to buy tickets and game packages. The Kiwis and former Warriors star playmaker could again be the key factor in whether the Sharks can go a step or two further than the Elimination Finalist finish in the last two seasons. But he will not be in action until round eight after the 30-year-old
LAST YEAR: NINTH PLACE HEAD COACH: JUSTIN HOLBROOK CO-CAPTAINS: KEVIN PROCTOR and JAMAL FOGERTY HOME GROUND: CBUS SUPER STADIUM WEBSITE: www.titans.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500004 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: $15.00 One of the teams attracting most interest pre-season has been the Gold Coast Titans after recruiting some star talent. Finals appearances have been few and far between for the Titans but with David Fifita, Herman Ese’ese and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui joining the squad 2021 could be a special season. Last year the Titans came home with a wet sail to finish strongly and just miss a place in the play-offs, having to settle for ninth overall.
LAST YEAR: 13TH PLACE HEAD COACH: DES HASLER CAPTAIN: DALY CHERRY-EVANS HOME GROUND: BROOKVALE OVAL WEBSITE: www.seaeagles.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500002
snapped his Achilles tendon last September, prematurely ending a standout season which saw him lead the NRL for try assists. One player with plenty to prove is 21-year-old Luke Metcalf. He has returned to the Sharks hoping to earn an elusive NRL debut after three disappointing seasons at Manly that were marred by injury.
"I’m just looking to play consistent footy because I haven’t played much footy over the last couple of years. I don’t mind where it is, I just want to play good and know that I’m putting my best foot forward and see what happens throughout the year. "I hope I get to make my debut. I want to try and get as many games in the top grade as I can." The Sharks have plenty of talent in their squad with more consistency and the ability to win the close games stopping them moving further into the playoff season. Some of the key players came through the Canterbury Cup system in 2019, including Toby Rudolph, Royce Hunt, Siosifa Talakai, Sione Katoa, Teig Wilton, Billy Magoulias, and Will Kennedy, who all have a season of top footy under their belts. Justin Holbrook was impressive in his debut season as Head Coach with the Titans. Now with a host of superstars under his mentorship, Holbrook has the power to steer the Titans into a top-four club. In a positive sign the club is backing him all the way with his contract extended for another four seasons at the end of last season. The Titans played a much more open game in 2020 and with dynamo fullback AJ Brimson at the back they were able to produce some exciting football. As impressive as the Titans backline is, in 2021 their strength will lie in the forwards with three big name signings Fifita, Faasuamaleaui and Ese’ese. The monster engine room is one of the best in the competition and will help gain valuable metres down the field, which should be capped off with Ash Taylor’s astute kicking and passing game. In addition to the three new forwards, the Titans have recruited shrewdly. Patrick Herbert shapes as a first-choice centre for 2021. The 23-year-old played 21 first grade games with the Vodafone Warriors so he provides another strong option in the outside backs. The Titans have also picked up Sam McIntyre from the Tigers. The 22-year-old forward made his NRL debut in 2020, playing 12 games and gives Holbrook another option in his stacked engine room department.
GOLD COAST
injury suffered by star fullback Tom Trbojevic and also missing regular five-eighth Dylan Walker. It is not going over the top to suggest that if Trbojevic is fit then Manly will make the playoffs – he is that good and vitally important to this team.
MANLY WARRINGAH
Adin Fonua-Blake, Joel Thompson and Danny Levi will be missed from last year’s roster but players to step up who will be better for the experience last campaign include Taniela Paseka, Josh Schuster and Haumole Olakau'atu.
PHONE: +61 2 9970 3000 TAB ODDS: $20.00
Cherry-Evans thought it would never happen again.
POSTAL: PO Box 994, Narrabeen, NSW 2101
Manly Sea Eagles began 2020 as one of the Premiership favourites but form and injuries saw Des Hasler's men slump to a disappointing 13th finish. The final placing came after the team finished sixth the year before. The season started brightly enough with Manly in the top half of the table as late as round 11 but they won just one more game coming home. They never really recovered from the long-term
SHARKS
The elusive runner with blinding speed can play halfback but may fit into the Sharks backline at fullback. The former Cronulla junior knows he has plenty to do to nail down a first team spot.
Kieran Foran returns to the club where he first made his name. If he can stay injury-free he will be a huge benefit to the side. Foran can play at hooker but in the halves could reproduce the excellent partnership with captain Daly Cherry-Evans. The duo steered the Sea Eagles to a premiership in 2011 and then a grand final appearance in 2013.
CONTACT: Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narabeen, NSW 2101
CRONULLASUTHERLAND
“I thought that ship had sailed. The best way to describe it now is nostalgic. It’s really taken me back to some really successful times and special moments at the club. “Our relationship has picked up where it was. Sure, we’re not the same people we were 10 years ago but we have a lot in common when it comes to where we are in life and our goals and excitement levels for this squad.”
TITANS
SEA EAGLES
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2021 CONTINUED MELBOURNE
STORM
LAST YEAR: PREMIERS HEAD COACH: CRAIG BELLAMY CO-CAPTAINS: DALE FINUCANE and JESSE BROMWICH 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 Cameron Smith has been the Melbourne Storm captain and arguably their most important player for well over a decade. But in 2021 there will be a changing of the guard with the champion hooker set to leave the club and likely retire from rugby league. He has led Melbourne to three premierships, Queensland to five Origin series wins and Australia to two World Cup triumphs. The Storm have prepared to be without the five-time Dally M captain of the year for some time, with veteran forwards Jesse
NEWCASTLE
KNIGHTS
LAST YEAR: ELIMINATION FINALIST HEAD COACH: ADAM O’BRIEN CO-CAPTAINS: DANIEL SAIFITI and JAYDEN BRAILEY 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: $20.00
NORTH QUEENSLAND
COWBOYS
Bromwich and Dale Finucane ready to step up after sharing the vice-captaincy in recent years. Head coach Craig Bellamy has a strong roster to work with again and will be keen to win back-to-back Premierships. It has only been done twice in more than 30 years and the highly competitive Bellamy would love to join Wayne Bennett and Trent Robinson as coaches in that exclusive club. Suliasi Vunivalu and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have moved on from last year’s Premiership squad but Isaac Lumelume, George Jennings, Reimis Smith, Tui Kamikamica and Darryn Schonig are more than capable players. Losing Smith as starting hooker is a blow but the Storm have two of the top five hookers in the game in Brandon Smith and Harry Grant ready to take his place. So can the Storm go back-to-back in 2021? Yes, they can. They have arguably the best pack of forwards in the competition, the bench with the most impact and the number one spine in the game. They also have enough threats in their back line to capitalise on the work done up front, and quality depth in most key positions to get them through the season. They will take some beating. Consistency amongst the spine is the key to the season. There seemed to be a curse on the number 9 jersey with so many key players succumbing to injury. Jayden Brailey returns from his ACL injury with Kurt Mann and Connor Watson important back-up players. Up front, David Klemmer is regarded as unlucky to miss out on Blues selection last season while brothers Jacob and Daniel Saifitit are both greatly improved. The signing of Tyson Frizell is significant and will add punch onto the right edge which will complement Lachlan Fitzgibbon on the left. Mitchell Barnett’s permanent move from the edge to the middle was very successful last year with his work rate suiting the extra defensive duties.
The Newcastle Knights made it through to the Elimination Finals in 2020 after finishing 11th the previous two seasons following three consecutive wooden spoons. Credit must go to Adam O’Brien who returned the Knights to finals for the first time since 2013 in his first season as Head Coach.
The centres are where there could be a shortage of top class depth if injuries hit. The Knights do have one of the best young centres in Bradman Best but he missed a large chunk of last season with injury. Enari Tuala and Gehamat Shibasaki showed glimpses of their talent but need to be more consistent.
The Knights are not short of match winners with Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce, David Flemmer, Daniel Saifiti and Tyson Frizell all high class players.
Another centre is 19-year-old Englishman Hymel Hunt who has signed from Huddersfield where he made his debut at 17. How the 106kg powerhouse adapts to the NRL will be interesting.
LAST YEAR: 14TH PLACE HEAD COACH: TODD PAYTEN CAPTAIN: MICHAEL MORGAN HOME GROUND: QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM WEBSITE: www.cowboys.com.au TICKETS: www.cowboys.com.au/tickets CONTACT: Golf Links Drive, Kirwan QLD 4817, Australia POSTAL: PO Box 577, Thuringowa Central, QLD 4817 PHONE: +61 1300 462 692 TAB ODDS: $23.00 It has been lean pickings since Johnathan Thurston hung up his boots in the far north but a new coach could bring a change of fortune. Highly respected former Warriors mentor Todd Payten takes over from Paul Green who was Head Coach for seven years at the Cowboys. Payten did a remarkable job with the Warriors last year, considering the difficulties facing the side being based in Australia.
The extra defensive steel he added to the Warriors and improved attitude across the park is desperately needed at the Cowboys who have finished 14th in the last two campaigns. They have not played finals footy since 2017. Perhaps the key to Payten getting the Cowboys back into the playoffs is getting the best out of Jason Taumalolo, Val Holmes and Michael Morgan. The three big guns are among the best playing the game but for multiple reasons have not fired the team ahead to where they should be. The Cowboys are well served at hooker with Reece Robson back from injury, Rueben Cotter showed he is capable of succeeding at NRL level, while veteran Jake Granville will press for a place in the match-day squad as well as pass on his knowledge to the two younger hookers. There is no doubt the Cowboys have some great young talent coming through with 2021 the right time to step up to first grade consistently. Fullback/wing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a brilliant attacking runner with pace to burn, while other backs Daejarn Asi, Connelly Lemuelu and Murray Taulagi will be pressing for starting places. Fullback Valentine Holmes returned to the NRL in 2020 after a one-year sojourn with the NFL’s New York Jets. He is a class act who could well be the spark the team needs.
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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: $15.00 The Eels finished up as semi-finalists in 2020 for the second consecutive season. The draw has thrown up a golden chance for the Eels to get off to a flying start in 2021. They play wooden spooners Brisbane Broncos away first up and then have the Storm, Sharks, Tigers and Dragons all at their home ground fortress of Bankwest Stadium. Other than the Storm, four wins could come from those games
LAST YEAR: RUNNER-UP HEAD COACH: IVAN CLEARY CO-CAPTAINS: NATHAN CLEARY and ISAAH YEO 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: $4.50 The Panthers looked set to go all the way in 2020 after a remarkable 17-game winning streak until they fell at the final hurdle against the Storm in the Grand Final. It was the Panthers best season since winning the Premiership in 2003. If youth, skill and talent are what matters then this could be the Panthers year. They field a backline including explosive 20-year-old centre Stephen Crichton, classy playmaker Jarome Luai, 24, and wingers Brian To’o, 22, and Charlie Staines, 20.
LAST YEAR: PRELIMINARY FINALIST HEAD COACH: WAYNE BENNETT CAPTAIN: ADAM REYNOLDS HOME GROUND: STADIUM AUSTRALIA WEBSITE: www.rabbitohs.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500005 CONTACT: Level 4, 265 Chalmers Street, Redfern, NSW 2016 POSTAL: Locked Bag 1, Redfern, NSW 2016 PHONE: +64 2 8306 9900 TAB ODDS: $5.50 The Rabbitohs came so close to making the Grand Final last year but in the end were beaten 20-16 by Penrith in a thriller. Master coach Wayne Bennett has won seven Premierships so knows a thing or two about how to get the job done. In his final season coaching the Rabbitohs he will want to bow out on top. The 71-year-old has quit his Queensland State of Origin role after masterminding their stunning 2020 series upset so he could focus on the Rabbitohs. Some strong recruitment over the off-season will help.
and may be just the boost Head Coach Brad Arthur’s team needs to take the next leap forward as a team. Arthur is in charge for the eighth season at the Eels. He is upbeat about his team’s chances. “We’ve got blokes who are hopefully coming into the prime of their careers, others that are starting their careers. The ingredients are there.
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PARRAMATTA
EELS
“The better you perform, the greater the expectations become. For me, that's how I see it. Because we started so well at the start of 2020, the expectations rose. “That's what you want. I won’t apologise for us starting well. We're always going to aim to start well. We want those big expectations again in 2021. That's what we need.” The Eels have a settled playing roster with just a handful of new faces in the 2021 squad in Bryce Cartwright, Keegan Hipgrave, Joey Lussick, Michael Oldfield, Tom Opacic and Isaiah Papali’i. Young forwards David Hollis and Samuel Hughes have also been named in the squad after progressing through the club’s junior representative ranks over the last few years. As always much will depend on the superior skills of halfback Mitchell Moses who has developed into one of the best in the business. Calling the shots in the No.7 jersey is the gifted Nathan Cleary, already a veteran of 100 NRL games and three State of Origin series at the age of 23. His influence on this team is profound and the good news for Panthers fans is he is getting better every year he plays.
PENRITH
PANTHERS
The outstanding forward pack has a similar high percentage of young guns set to rumble across the NRL in 2021. Liam Martin, 23, was one of the breakout stars of 2020, barnstorming Viliame Kikau, 25, prop Spencer Leniu, 20, and Kiwi powerhouse James Fisher-Harris, 25, form the nucleus of the pack. Api Koroisau, Josh Mansour and Isaah Yeo add that extra experience needed to get the balance right in any side. With 148 NRL games under his belt, 26-year-old Yeo is the club’s most experienced campaigner. Perhaps the biggest learning to come from the disappointment of last year’s grand final loss was Head Coach Ivan Cleary knows all his key men gained valuable big-game experience and have a greater understanding of what it takes to win a grand final. The departure of captain and front-row stalwart James Tamou to Wests Tigers is a blow but Cleary has enough leaders in the squad to step up and fill the void left by Tamou. Nathan Cleary and Yeo have been named co-captains for 2021. Benji Marshall (Tigers) Jai Arrow (Titans), Jacob Host (Dragons), Taane Milne (Warriors) and Tautau Moga (Knights) will all be vying for first grade spots and strengthen the squad depth. The competition for places will be fiercest among the outside backs, with Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Braidon Burns, Corey Allen, Jaxson Paulo, Dane Gagai, Campbell Graham, Steven Marsters and Moga all vying for spots. Marshall has signed a one-year contract to extend the 36-year-old’s career to a 19th season. He will likely be back-up to Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds, particularly if Walker keeps his NSW State of Origin spot for 2021. “(Marshall) is a leader of men, he has been playing at the highest levels of the game over a long and distinguished career,” says Souths Head of Football Mark Ellison. “He comes with the highest of recommendations from Wayne (Bennett). He will provide great support to the experienced halves pairing we have, and his experience and knowledge that he can pass down to the young up-and-coming halves we have at the club will be priceless.” Marshall has played under Bennett previously at the Brisbane Broncos, as well as with the Kiwis when they won the World Cup together in 2008 and with the NRL All Stars where he was captain in 2012 and 2013.
SOUTH SYDNEY
RABBITOHS
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CLUB PREVIEWS: SEASON 2021 CONTINUED ST GEORGEILLAWARRA
DRAGONS
LAST YEAR: 12TH PLACE HEAD COACH: ANTHONY GRIFFIN CAPTAIN: BEN HUNT HOME GROUNDS: JUBILEE OVAL; WIN STADIUM
WEBSITE: www.dragons.com.au TICKETS: www.tickets.nrl.com/team/500022 CONTACT: 124 Princes Highway, Kogarah, NSW 2217 POSTAL: Locked Bag 1500, Ramsgate, NSW 2217 PHONE: +61 2 9587 1966 TAB ODDS: $46.00 Cameron McInnes has dominated the pre-season after the team captain and back-to-back player of the year signed a lucrative contract to join Cronulla Sharks next year. The departure of the 27-year-old McInnes may just be the start of a shake-up of the Dragons roster, with 11 other players off contract at the end of this season. The Dragons were poor last year, finishing 12th after an even worse 15th finish in 2019.
SYDNEY
ROOSTERS
LAST YEAR: SEMI-FINALIST HEAD COACH: TRENT ROBINSON CO-CAPTAINS: JAKE FRIEND and BOYD CORDNER HOME GROUNDS: SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND, CENTRAL COAST STADIUM 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: $6.00 The Sydney Roosters were chasing a record third consecutive Premiership in 2020 but their campaign ended with a 22–18 loss to Canberra in the semi-finals. The Roosters will have a new halfback pulling the strings after the departure of Kyle Flanagan but with a strong forward pack and an all-star back six they should be among the contenders yet again. Two champion young players in Lachlan Lam and 18-year-old
WESTS
TIGERS
LAST YEAR: 11TH PLACE HEAD COACH: MICHAEL MAGUIRE CAPTAIN: JAMES TAMOU 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: $56.00 It has been a long time since West Tigers fans have had much to cheer about with the last finals appearance back in 2011. Last year the Tigers ended up in 11th place which was frustrating for coach Michael Maguire who had recruited some useful players to strengthen the squad. He has decided he needs a fresh group of players with 11 experienced players transferred out with only Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), James Roberts (Souths) and James Tamou (Panthers)
So clearly the club needs to rebuild and the appointment of former Brisbane Broncos boss Anthony Griffin is seen as the start of that process. One player who knows Griffin well is halfback Ben Hunt who played under him at the Broncos. “It’s been great having him back here, it's been a real enjoyable place to be. There’s a real buzz and excitement of change and something new,” says Hunt. “He’s very clear about what he wants, he tells you how it is and expects all of his players to stay in line which makes it really enjoyable and pushes us to put our best foot forward. “He’s created an environment that he had back at the Broncos.” With McInnes remaining until the end of the season and Ben Hunt, Jack Bird and Zac Lomax in the squad, the Dragons have the versatility to cover most positions. Bird has a vital role to play. The utility back’s body has let him down in recent seasons but he has an impressive rugby league CV with a Premiership title, NSW State of Origin appearances and six seasons in the NRL behind him at the age of 25. Auckland-born prop Poasa Faamausili signed from the Sydney Roosters. The 24-year-old impressed in four games on-loan to the Vodafone Warriors last year. Sam Walker are in contention for the vacant halfback’s No.7 jersey. Lam is the son of club legend Adrian Lam. The 22-year-old has the edge in experience, but most of his 11 games have come off the bench at dummy half, while Walker is yet to debut. Whichever player settles quickest and can take the pressure off outstanding standoff Luke Keary will play a key role in the Roosters chances this campaign. All but four of the Roosters likely starting 17 have won a Premiership with only Josh Morris, Sitili Tupouniua, Lindsay Collins and Lam yet to taste Grand Final glory. Kiwis star Joseph Manu is a class act in the centres and fullback James Tedesco led the league in tackle breaks, run metres and line-break assists last year. In his second season with the Roosters, veteran wing Brett Morris was simply outstanding. He led the way for the Roosters in 2020 for tries scored, while also tallying the most Fan Voted Man of The Match honours. He is versatile and can play fullback or in the centres if needed. Following interest from multiple codes, 17-year-old Joseph Suaalii has penned a two-year contract with the Roosters. Under current NRL rules he can’t play until he turns 18 next year, but the NRL are willing to review the eligibility rules so he could get his chance to show what all the hype and fuss is about this season. having much top-grade experience among the new signings. Tamou could be the player to drag the rest of the squad with him and step up to the next level required to make the playoffs. The dynamic front rower played 267 first grade games during his time at the Cowboys and Panthers. He has achieved nearly everything in the game, playing for Australia, New South Wales in State of Origin, and winning a premiership with the Cowboys. He is hungry for success with the Tigers. “Everyone’s goal is to make the top four. Everyone has a chance of winning the title if you finish in the top four. That’s how you want to think – how you have to think. Other teams aren’t just going to take a step back. There’s never an easy game in the NRL. “This team has always wanted to win. That’s the first sign of a competing team. There are some great signs here.” Perhaps the biggest loss for the Tigers in 2021 is Dally M winning hooker Harry Grant, who returns to the Storm. Making the hard yards on attack seemed to be the biggest issue for the Tigers last season. The team averaged the third-fewest metres per carry in the NRL and will need to find more penetration, especially up the middle. The Tigers have a tough start up against Canberra Raiders (away) and Sydney Roosters (home) to begin the 2021 campaign.
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