May 11, 2025 • 33 mins
This week on The Big League Podcast - Fox Sports commentator Jake Duke gives an Australian perspective on the Warriors - are they overlooked across the ditch, which players are in the mix for Origin and are they really a top four side?
Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Alex Powell debrief another clutch win for the Warriors - why have they been able to win under pressure this year, as opposed to last year?
They also look ahead to the Dolphins - the top of the table beckons.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio The.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Big League Podcast League Podcast Poet by.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
News Talks EDB. This week on The Big League Podcast,
Fox Sports commentator Jake Jewkes joins us to give an
Australian perspective on the Warriors. Are they overlooked across the ditch?
Which players are in the mix for origin and are
they really a top four side? Alex Powell is back
to debrief another clutch win for the Warriors. Why have
(00:42):
they been able to win under pressure this year as
opposed to last year? We'll look ahead to the Dolphins
the top of the table. Beckins, my name is Nathan Limb.
Let's go b LV. What is the difference between this
year's Warriors and the twenty twenty four Warriors. It's a
similar playing group, in fact, arguably a better playing group
(01:03):
last year with Shawn Johnson, Tahu Harris, Dylan Walker and
ad Infanua Blake. And yet in twenty twenty four the
Warriors lost seven games by six or less and only
won three by the same points range. The one point
victory over the Dragons in Wollongong marks the fourth win
by six or less already this year. But why for me?
(01:23):
The answer, unfortunately lies in an area they can't necessarily
control injuries in the halves. Last year, Luke Metcalf got
ruled out early for basically the whole season after a
hot start. Sean Johnson was in and out of training
and games due to an achilles niggle, among others. They
never had the opportunity to settle and properly establish partnerships.
(01:45):
This year, Metcalf and Chanelle Harris Tavta have played every
minute together and although they've had issues and are still
growing as an attacking threat, that consistency in style of
play means and the pressure moments the Warriors have two
familiar sets of hands on the wheel Alex Powell, New
Zealand Herald Ryder. Do you agree? Am I way off
(02:06):
the mark?
Speaker 4 (02:06):
No?
Speaker 5 (02:07):
I think yeah, pretty on there. I mean it feels
like we just say the same thing, like I've done
what's three of these the sea? Yeah, and everyone is
the same, like the Warriors get it done.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Really, it's great advertisement for the podcast.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
I mean, you're great and Burley is great, but no,
I mean it shows that it's not a fluke. You know,
if the warriorsn't keep getting it done, you know, the
first time, the fluke, second times, consistency and the Warriors
keep winning these tight games. You know, with often it's
it's one action. This week it was League Metcalf. That's
really good. I think that's an incredible sign. It's a
(02:39):
sign of a team that doesn't know when it's beaten.
And that's what for so long the Warriors haven't been.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
What impressed you most about that win, because let's be honest,
we're going to go through this game in a bit
more detail later, but they didn't play well. Now, most
of that game they were not playing. They had played
brilliantly in that first fifteen to twenty minutes, scored those
first couple of tries, but they were really average for
the rest of the game. But for a Luke Metcalf
piece of brilliance out of nowhere late in the piece,
(03:05):
to see a the win.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I mean, you're you're a football guy, it's like the
original Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. You know, there was two real
rules for that team. Don't make any mistakes and take
your chances, And that's sort of what the Warriors are
doing at the moment. Yes, they're not perfect, but I
think the second halves might start to be a bit
of a worry, like why can they play so well
in first forty and not back it up. But they're
doing enough in the first half to hold on, and
(03:28):
that I mean, if we're talking about finals football, these
are results that get you to playoff games and to
championship winning games.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
And I suppose a couple of years ago, in twenty
twenty three, it was the opposite. It was why the
Warriors starting so poorly. Yeah, they always conceded the first try,
and although that was a theme for a while, they
sorted it out. By the end of the year it
was all good. But I think you always every season
you have these little themes or these little areas where
they struggle when the stuff doesn't go right. And we
(03:56):
can talk about the second halves. Potentially that is an issue,
but I don't want to make too big of a
deal out of it when at the end of the
day the Warriors are still winning.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Yep, no, I completely agree. Is not too much as
you can say along those lines, it's gonna be a problem,
But at the moment they're getting jobs done.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We're going to hear from Fox Sports commentator Jake Duke
Nicks for first. Here are the highlights. Warriors fifteen Dragons,
fourteen Warriors with the.
Speaker 6 (04:23):
Breeze out their back to begin this game. Now out
the back, Clark heaps, We're going to Metcalf.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
He spakes them on.
Speaker 7 (04:30):
He will rick out.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
What a blossoming halfback is the Luke Metcalf In the NRL,
Aristafna kicks the Hords at the corner, chance out wide
for Pompey, tapping it back.
Speaker 8 (04:42):
To Metcalf, straight to tu o' picky brilliant hairs.
Speaker 6 (04:48):
King Tony lay Lula Holmes gives.
Speaker 8 (04:51):
It to Gufferson.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
King guffho is it in?
Speaker 8 (04:55):
The villain and shockall Heigan he's a triscorer.
Speaker 6 (05:01):
Plannagan out the back.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
King Tommy takes it.
Speaker 8 (05:04):
On himself with a kick in comes aways Cory out.
He thinks he has scored, and so's the referee. Metcalf
he is digging one pointer and he's got it.
Speaker 6 (05:16):
It stays inside the right up right they go early.
Metcalf takes till one comes away.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Here to suer, he says, I don't want it. I
go back to let luvera cut out.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
The Lockdown five.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
We're Tennis a Leslia the Warriors. We lock God how good?
Audio courtesy of Fox Sports.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
The Big League Podcast.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
We're very lucky to be joined on The Big League
Podcast by Fox Sports commentator and reporter Jake Duke, who's
been with Fox Sports for the last five years. He's
a face you'd recognize on the nr RAP coverage. Jake,
thank you so much for taking the time to be
on the podcast. How are you?
Speaker 4 (05:55):
Oh, very well, no problem. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Obviously, I wanted to get an Australian voice to get Yeah,
an ossie take, I suppose on on what we've seen
from the Warriors so far this year, because I'll be
honest with you, Jake, seeing the Warriors second on the
ladder ten to the NRL, it's sort of something that
happens once every decade and I don't know if Warriors
fans quite know what to make of it or how
to handle this so early in the season. But versy,
(06:19):
can you give me your take of how much notice
has been taken across the Tasman of the Warrior's start
to the NRAL and what have you made of them?
So far this year, I.
Speaker 7 (06:27):
Think they've been the real surprise packet, and I think
there's probably been a few surprise packets you see Camber
at the top of the ladder as well. But I
think most people, a lot of people would have thought
after the way last year went for the Warriors, and
then the fact that they missed and lost so many
guys with experience, Toto Harris, the captain retiring before the season,
(06:49):
Shawn Johnson as well. You know, so many people didn't
have expectations and they come out in Vegas and get
absolutely rolled by the Raiders, who at the time people
were not really having.
Speaker 4 (07:00):
Much thought about either.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
So we thought, oh god, this is not.
Speaker 7 (07:03):
Looking good for the Warriors, who are be going to
be their halves. You know, they're lacking experience in the
forward pack. And then they pretty much won. Ever since,
they've been on a roll. I think they've won four
straight now second on the ladder. I think it's their
best ever start to a season, which is incredible. So yeah,
and Luke Metcalf, I think he's been one of the
(07:25):
real surprise packets of the season. I think people knew
he could play, but I didn't know. I don't think
they've considered him to be a half backer. Could be
so dominant this early in his career and just really
stepped into those shoes left by Shawn Johnson. He's been
absolutely incredible. Guys around him playing so well. A guy
(07:46):
like Eron Clark has been really impressive for me, just
come from the Titans, was a bit of a bench player,
utility hooker there, and suddenly he's just averaging well over
one hundred meters big minutes, tying the middle together for
the Warriors. And they've been doing it without some big stars.
And our Dallen returned on the weekend. Roger's still out,
(08:08):
so it's and James Fisher Harris obviously so pretty impressive.
I'll be interested to see where they end up over
the next couple of weeks. Obviously the Origin period's coming up.
I wouldn't expect them to lose too many players, Probably
miss Barnette, Wade Egan's probably in those conversations, but Rich
Robson's kind of had that Jersey lockdown last couple of years.
(08:29):
So yeah, it looks like they're in the box seat
to really.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
Push for a top four finish and then who knows.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Winning tight games executing in high pressure moments. That's never
really been something that this club's known for. Why do
you think they've been able to ic these pressure moments?
If you think to Metcalf's field goal on the weekend,
when last year they lost seven games by six or list,
they weren't able to do that. What's been the difference
this year, do you think?
Speaker 7 (08:54):
Look, I think you can't probably understate what a guy
like James Fisher Harris has probably brought to the club. Like,
I don't know about you, but if you've ever seen
the guy up close, I'd be scared to lose games too.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
If he was my captain.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
I think just that he's probably brought that winning mentality
you know they've come from Penrith. I just don't think
he's the kind of guy that accepts failure. And coming
from such a such an organization that they've been so
known for winning those kind of games over the years,
I think that's just added a whole other level to
the Warriors kind of steal and resolve. And I guess
(09:29):
Luke mccuff as well, Like I just think he's so
cool on the pressure. He's been so good. He kind
of nonchalantly slotted.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
That field goal. Over the weekend.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
You know, we saw teams kind of a few teams
struggle to kind of get in position and slot field
goals to win games over the weekend. So I know,
he's just a cool, calm, collective player, similar to a
guy like Wade Eggan and kind of just directs traffic
through the middle. So I just think they've got the
balance really right.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
At the moment.
Speaker 7 (09:54):
And then a guy like Charms at the back is
just kind of going about his business. So yeah, I look,
you'd have to be inside the four walls to kind
of get an understanding of what's really working. But you'd
have to think James Fisher, Harrison just the influence of
him and and guys like Roger and some of those
senior players have really lifted a side. And they probably
identified last year what went wrong. You remember the year
(10:16):
before obviously they had a great year, got to the prelimbs.
I think it was so I think a lot of
people who probably expected what's happening this year last year,
you know, and for whatever reason and pressure and expectation
and whatever, they kind of didn't get it right. But whatever,
they've kind of identified and what went wrong last year.
(10:38):
I think they've kind of refined and got back to
where they are in twenty in twenty three and now
they seem to be excelling.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Do you think the Warriors fly under the radar in
Australia because I remember a few people get a bit
peeved off about this on the side of the tasma.
I remember watching the NRL three sixty or a few
weeks ago after the Broncos and I suppose they talked
about the Warriors Broncos game, but it was framed from
not really talking about the Warriors at all. They were
just talking about being Hunt having a bad game on
(11:05):
the Broncos side of things. Do you think that maybe
it's an audience, but do you think that the Warriors
are overlooked at all in Australia.
Speaker 7 (11:12):
Yeah, they probably are, and it probably just is an
audience singer obviously a massive Queensland audience to talk about
the Broncos is a magnet for attention and people watching
in Australia and Queensland Ben Hunt as well, So yeah,
they probably are overlooked. But I think at the same
time as well, there's also a real soft spot for
the Warriors here in Australia, and I think a lot
(11:35):
of people, myself included, like to see them going well
and love to kind of catch onto the wires bandwagon
when it's when it's rolling.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
I saw a magic ground.
Speaker 7 (11:45):
They were easily the most supported team there and had
the best atmosphere around them, and I think no one
was unhappy kind of seeing that that Warriors fandom kind
of celebrate in the way they're playing and that crazy
game against the Cowboys. So yeah, I think they fly
under the raidar. It's definitely an audience thing, just you know,
working in television, it's all about engaging your audience and
(12:08):
who's watching.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
And you know, of course we are across.
Speaker 7 (12:11):
The Tasman and I know there are a lot of
Warriors fans here in Australia, but they probably do fly
under the radar, but they certainly make their support known
everywhere you go. Every Warriors game in Australia, especially if
it's in Melbourne or in Southeast Queensland, it's almost outnumbered
by by Kiwi fans, so it'll only game all momentum.
(12:32):
The more they kind of keep tracking up the ladder.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
I think you mentioned origin before and obviously just a
few weeks away now. Last year the Warriors head Mitch
Barnett and the New South Wales team, Kurt Capewell and
the Queensland team. Do you expect those players to be
there again and are there any other players that you've
seen that that might be pushing for a jersey.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
I think Mitch Barnett's a Locke. I'm not sure about
Cape well, depends where they can kind of fit him
into the back row. Obviously, David Forfia hasn't been playing well,
it hasn't been playing all for the Titans, so you
imagine he's probably not getting a looking for Coinsland and
they got guys like Nanna and that's there in that
back row, so he probably might get a run tape.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Well.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
Other than that, as I said, Wade Egan is probably
on the cusp is if if Robson was unavailable, Waite
Egan probably forces his way into that New South Wales conversation.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I personally like to see way that he can get
a chance. I think he's been.
Speaker 7 (13:31):
One of the unsung heroes of the Warriors last couple
of years, so crafty around the ruck and the way
he kind of controls things for the Warriors. That's what
allows metcalfs to kind of play his natural game and
be a seven. And I think that's what people were wondering,
is Metcalf for seven And he probably doesn't.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Have to do all the kind of directing.
Speaker 7 (13:51):
That a normal number seven would do because of the
way began kind of controls those forwards around the ruck.
So yeah, I'd like to see him get a chance
barring Robson's availability, but I think, yeah, as I said,
they'll probably be the three guys in contention, which leaves
you open to kind of doing what the Warriors traditionally
do through the origin period, which is pick up wins
(14:13):
and climb up the ladder.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
And normally you know they're.
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Kind of coming from outside of the eight and trying
to push into it in that period, but now they're
already sitting second.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
So yeah, it all boats well for as I said.
Speaker 7 (14:25):
Pushing towards that lap top four finish, which is so
important at the end of the year.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
And just finally, you think if you had to say, now,
I know we're only ten rounds in its very early
in the season and a lot of us on the
side of Tasman trying to sort of temper expectations, But
where do you think they will finish this year?
Speaker 7 (14:40):
Look, I think they've shooting top four. I think at
the moment the side you'd have to kind of look
at and think they're up there are the Dogs, the Raiders,
the Storm and the Warriors. I think they've been the
most consistent performers so far this season. And as I said,
the origin period coming up, guys coming back, James Fisher,
Harris Rogers still to come back. They just seem to
(15:03):
be just plugging along so well. They've got depth in
key positions in halves as well, Guys like Tomata Martin
at the moment isn't playing, can't get a run, good
outside back, strong, big forward pack like They've got all
the kind of ingredients that you would think for a
side to push into that top four. There's a hunger
after last year and the way things didn't go plan
(15:25):
I honestly can't see why they wouldn't be pushing for
a top four spot, and you know and how advantageous
that would be for them as well, the ability to
kind of get home finals in New Zealand, even the
potentially you know, you fish that top four, you.
Speaker 4 (15:37):
Can get a pre lim in New Zealand.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
So like I would think that is a major motivating
factor for them, and they can they can smell this
opportunity here and if you look across the board, it
is quite an inconsistent comp As I said, those four
teams have probably been the most well performed teams, and
the Warrior is probably the most consistent. Over the last
month six weeks. You know, we've seen Melbourne loose games.
(16:00):
We've seen Camber give up a twenty point lead on
the weekend, the Dogs copped a hiding from Brisbane a
couple of weeks ago. So the Warriors, they've been pretty
consistent in.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
The most games.
Speaker 7 (16:10):
You know that that Raiders game in Vegas, which seems
like an eternity, goes probably their most inconsistent result or
their worst results. So and then there was a storm
on the endsac day. I know that, but like so
I don't know. They seem to be plugging along really
well and I can't see what they wouldn't name for
the top four.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
This is the Big League podcast. This is going, yeah,
the Big League Podcast on the Warriors bandwagon since day one.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
So I've going to have Fox Sports commentator and reporter
Jake Juke on the podcast for the very first time.
What did you make Alex of his comment that the
Warriors actually over the last four to six weeks have
been the most consistent side in the NRL with Melbourne
dropping a game, the Raiders getting up a twenty point lead,
the Bulldog's getting flogged. What do you think?
Speaker 5 (16:57):
I mean? I agree and disagree, Like, obviously, yeah, he's right,
they've won the last four. But to say they've been
the most consistent side, I've crossed the whole competition when
they've not played everyone. You know, it's like four games
as such, a small sample size, like we've seen seasons startling.
Remember twenty eleven they lost what three the first four
and you know, so that point you go to the
most inconsistent side and they made the Grand Final. You know,
(17:19):
so it is a very small window to evaluate a
season on.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Let's go through this game in a little bit more detail.
It's worth pointing out before this game the Warriors had
lost eleven from thirteen at wi In Stadium in Woollongong
ahead of this match. It's a tough tough place to win,
and Michael Burgess after this game calling them the Kings
of clutch and as match report.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Do you remember last year we spoke me and barely
spoke about this when you were on your big European jaunt.
Oh yes, But last year when the Warriors went to
the Dragons away, it was the same week that signed
James Fisher Harris and it was such a feel good
feeling around the club. But then the Warriors lost that
game away to Dragons. I got absolutely smashed. It came
out of nowhere and that was the last time they
were actually in the top eight. They never got back
(18:03):
into the eight after that. So to go there this
year and just show no scars from that hoever, I
like that was very impressive for me.
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Now, the Warriors dealt with injuries throughout this game. Jackson
Ford Hia just before halftime, Buntie R four I had
a knee injury. Mitch Barnett the skipper set after the game.
With some players down, others had to step up in
this fixture. That's probably why we sort of looked a
bit clunky in that blokes were just playing bigger minutes.
I didn't have to haven't usually done that. So yeah,
learning on the run.
Speaker 5 (18:32):
Some young luke's got some good lessons and I think
it's for m We'll get a lot out of that,
but I just say we're holding on to the resilience part.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Good tomation. They were a bit clunky, especially through that
second half. But let's talk about the first half. First up,
they had a really high completion rate. They started with
a hiss and a rule nineteen straight completed sets in
the first half. They also had a very high number
of play the balls in the Dragons twenty compared to
the Dragons of the Warriors twenty. Luke metcalf with another try,
his seventh of the season, getting the Warriors off to
(19:00):
a hot start. Their attack was sort of flat and fast,
but it was helped by the Dragon's mistakes. What did
you make it their opening the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (19:06):
I thought they were a well, it's hard to say
because the word I once used was ruthless, and for
that fifteen tournaments they were. You know, you remember Tyrrel
Sloan was clearly hurt and the Warriors attacked that down
there left the Dragon's right after that, though they were
a bit guilty of it last year of being being
the team on top without turning it into points. Remember
the game against the Storm amount smart last.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Year as well.
Speaker 5 (19:28):
They were half an hour, they were all over them
and then just couldn't turn into points when the Storm
came back and won it. So again that might be
a bit of a worry that that's him, But I
thought they were great. I think Luke, we're now in
the Luke metcalf era. Like I feel like I say
this every time I'm in here, but this has just worked.
My big worry now is if they can keep him
or not, because obviously he's an Australian guy, he might
(19:50):
want to go him at some point. He's about Tavis.
I think he has had his first Chiulder. He's about
Tavis first.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
He had a few weeks ago. Yeah, he's only on
a two year deal.
Speaker 5 (19:58):
Well, so what he can renegotiate with rival clubs were
ended this year. So I mean that that is a
worry for me that someone else will come in and
grab him and take him back to Sydney and have
a proper half back.
Speaker 3 (20:09):
Yeah, that's a that's a scary thought. What do you
make of the strategy to kick penalties instead of pushing
for tries early on in this game? Fifth tackle plays
for me are still a little still a little unimagined
of it. So I don't mind the strategy. I don't
mind the conservative approach at this point. Keeping the scoreboard
ticking over and the boot of Luke Metcalf ultimately won
(20:30):
them the game because they got to score three tries
to two.
Speaker 5 (20:32):
Two weeks in a row. You remember last week Scott
drink Order missed a couple of kicks and that ultimately
kept the Warriors in front. I agree with you on
the fifth tackle players, I think, well, maybe two or
three times they kicked for Wattenzel's next wing on the last,
the last play, I don't think Luke Metcalf and that
regard as too strong with his right foot kicking for
(20:53):
that win, I think. And that's where Shanelle Harriswede comes
in really good with that left foot angle out to
that wing. But these these things are always going to
be a working progres. It's like, I don't think this
Warriors team and where they are the finished products. I
think webs have said the same thing. He knows that
as well, and it's like we keep saying, to have
that hagging over your head and keep winning is just
(21:14):
so good.
Speaker 3 (21:15):
So the penalty kicking you in favor of that.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
For now, it feels a bit anti rugby league, like
that's a very rugby I didn't thing to take the points,
but like I mean, it's not. If it's getting you
over the line, then keep doing it.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Yeah, I'm one hundred percent behind it the second half.
If we move on, this game changed, didn't it. And
it started I think with that try the Dragon scored
just before halftime. That was a real change. That was
a real momentum swing of just going into the break.
The Dragons with all the ball for the first twenty
minutes of the second half, and the Warriors we're letting
themselves down with discipline and little handling Eras Webster said afterwards,
(21:48):
they really weren't making it easy.
Speaker 9 (21:50):
We were dropping the ball given my penalties, like I thought,
we were trying, but we just went executing what we
wanted to do, and then we're just adding fatigue to
ourselves because we're putting ourselves under pressure.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
The Dragon scored two tries and three minutes to don't
Egan and Corey Allen defensive issues again sort of on
the right edge, dull and Y Tennis Lesniak struggling with
his positioning.
Speaker 5 (22:08):
We bit Yeah, I mean are we going to give
exceptions for that, given he's had He's had what nine
weeks out.
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Yeah, I'm happy to cut them a little bit of slack.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
Well, like we know at his best how important he
is for the Warriors on both sides of the ball,
Like he can defend down in that wing, like he's
a he's a former key, heis captain, like he's not
some sort of liability.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
No, So I mean, but you that that has been
a theme throughout the last few years.
Speaker 5 (22:35):
Though, Yeah, it's a weird one, isn't it. I'm not
overly concerned. I think that there's a there's a joke
in rugby league that wingers scored a lot of tries
because they're marked by wingers. So along those lines, like,
I've prepared to give it a couple of weeks to
let Down play himself back into form and back into
match fitness.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
So the Warriors sort of weather that period where they
weren't playing amazingly well, they were giving up penalties, they
were dropping the ball inside their own territory. But that
defensive resilience again came to the fore. They really hold
on and Luke Metcalfe would that field goal out of nowhere.
I don't think anyone knew that he was going to
go for that. Webster said that afterwards, actually that he
(23:15):
thought that met Kalf was probably the only person in
the stadium that knew that that field goal was coming.
But he looked so calm, so composed. He slotted it
really easily.
Speaker 5 (23:23):
To do it with like was it ten minutes to go?
As well to know if we have a one point
advantage going into the last time, we will defend it.
Like that just says so much.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Webster said afterwards, he believes mit Kalf can offer more.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
I reckon he'll walk in there tonight well happy with
the moment that he stood up and kicked it, But
I reckon he'll actually not be that happy with the
way he played. We love his progression, and I reckon
what he learned tonight will be another good learning curve.
So he kicks again, and how he can bring some
real energy to play in our second half.
Speaker 3 (23:49):
Now, let's talk about the interchange, because the interchange was
massive for the Warriors in this game. Dimitric Vai Manger,
who the commentator starting referred to as a part way
through that second half. They started calling him wey Mainger.
I'm not sure, for every time they said his name,
they changed the pronunciation and press of footwork work rate
to Mindy Martin came off the interchange as a middle.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Dimitric Waymonger Adam Vannul Black two point zero.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Or okay, that's maybe a push. I think he's he
might have I didn't even know a blake head bloody
of footwork as well.
Speaker 5 (24:22):
Go on, yeah, no, no, like I mean, I don't
really have any further comments than that. Obviously, when Adam
announced he was leaving last year, he said, no, no,
this is before they signed James Fisher Harris. He said
the future of this club is in good hands, and
he specifically named Dimitric Lamonger, who at the time was
dimetric cipher caller. So so he clearly is doing things
and training that the rest of the players. And like
(24:44):
Halasm is another one where they go, this kid's got something,
you know, and we we're slowly going to keep seeing
that the more opportunities he gets. How do we feel
that to Mighty Martin this season?
Speaker 3 (24:56):
I feel sorry for him, dare Yeah, because he played
He played brilliantly well last year, played brilliantly well at
the halfback Jersey especially, and he just hasn't had a
look in And you know what, Webs has been right
to back Chanelle and look through this period where they
have struggled. If I were her, M'd be looking at
another club where he could be starting in the halves.
(25:16):
I don't want him to leave. I reckon should we
start him as a middle as a third a player?
And Clark, so what you plan to Mighty at? Yeah,
start a Mighty at prop. Look, his defense was outstanding
in that game.
Speaker 5 (25:29):
He always has been a very good one on one defender,
you know, as a half in the middle. I'm with you.
I think not just him, but Tannerboid as well. Like
that's an NRL halves combination. And they're just cleaning up
in reserve grade. Like if you watched the Warriors I
was cup side, that was so much better than everyone
else because they've got first grade halves.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
It'll be interesting to see I suppose what to Mighty's
moves are. But at some point one of Chanelle and
Luke are going to get injured and he's going to
come into the fourth.
Speaker 7 (25:59):
Well.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
The Warriors face the Dolphins at sun Corpse Stadium on Saturday, afternoon.
The Dolphins sit twelfth on the ladder with four winds
six losses. Christian Wolf's had a challenging start to his
coaching tenure. They're coming off a twenty to sixteen victory
over the Eels, though it depends how much you want
to read into a victory over the Eels, but I
(26:20):
will say from looking at what I saw of that game,
Dylan Walker is playing extremely well for the Eels. He's
playing really well in that fourteen jumper off the endertaine
like he has what was for the Warriors. But for me,
in regards to the Dolphins, most of their talent is
in the back line. Hem So Tabu I Fido at fullback,
who'll be Farnworth in the census, Jermaine I Sakor on
the wing, and then Cody Niicarima who set up two
(26:41):
tries in that game, and Isaac Cartur in the halves.
They've had a lot of tinkering with the halves of
Dolphins over the last couple of years when O'Sullivan was
in there as well, but Wolf seems to have settled
on Kartur and Niicarima as their best combination, and from
what I saw against the Eels. They looked pretty good.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
I love Isaiah Cattar. I generally think he's the most
exciting player in the NRL. Really yeah, big call, Yeah,
but you watch him every week and you just think,
you know, especially when he runs the ball like he's
actually quite some little Luke metcalf and that's He's a
young half back who wants to run before, he wants
to distribute, and he wants to kick. So I think
the Warriors are going to have a huge job keeping
him quiet this week. I also look at a guy
(27:20):
like Jeremy Marshall King, he really scares me. He is
so good. A bit of a bonus. Max Plath probably
won't play right, he's just said foot surgery. He's another
huge player for them, heavy farm with like cheese.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
Do you see the tries scored against the Eels. Yeah,
from what fifteen out there from the car park the
acceleration that he showed. So again, I mean the dragon
said Valentine's home of Valentine Holmes most as soon in
the centers and the Warriors did manage to contain them,
so I'm confident they'll be able to do the same.
I think he be fun with yeah, he's one of
the best centers I think in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (27:54):
He brings his teammates into play just you know, every
time he gets the ball, he's incredible. A lot of
time for the hammer as well. That try Savory made
right at the endings. Like we talk about fullbacks, this
is like where someone like Charns doesn't really get spoken
about because we'd look at four weeks and go, o jeez,
they're so good on attack, but when you have to
make one, you have one moment to save a game
(28:14):
and you do it. Those are the elite guys.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
In terms of the warrior's side of the equation. Obviously,
Dallen came back in the game Just Gone. Roger tuy
Vasaschik was named on the extended bench, and you'd imagine
given another week. This is when he was scheduled to
come back, so you'd imagine he'd be back in the
mix as well. Taine had a bad game a couple
of weeks ago, but was solid. I thought in the
(28:38):
week just gone, does he get straight swapped out? We
don't see Tane again now that Roger's back.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
I wouldn't do it, but I wouldn't be surprised if
that's what happens. I mean we spoke, I mean you
spoke earlier about what will happened last year, and I
feel like that's what they really got wrong about rushing
guys in and out as soon as I you remember
taur who was in and out, Sean Johnson as soon
as he would like Tomighty Martin was playing brilliantly, and
Shawn John's would come back, and all of a sudden,
he's the half back and you're moving guys out of
key positions, guys who were playing well. So I feel
(29:05):
like the Warriors, and obviously like the wanism an influential
position as half back, but what kind of message does
that send if you're playing really well somewhere and then
someone comes back.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
But they have had to shift players around anyway. I mean,
Pompy's been on the wing at center, Leatala and Barry
were both ruled. We did fresh centers this week and
it still worked. I feel like halves, as you touched on,
there is the pivotal position if you're switching players in
and out. For me, I would like to just see
Roger back and see them on the wing. I don't
mind them taking Taene out for this game because also
(29:39):
there's the sort of you know, Tane's young, you're still growing.
I made a couple of areas a couple of weeks ago,
defensive eras. And also with Roger, you've got a bit
more height on that wing, which makes me a little
bit more reassured when you've got bombs raining down on
that corner.
Speaker 5 (29:52):
I am really torn because I you know, like we
just play everyone. I think either way, if they bring
Roger and Rod Lake and let's not forget like hamstrings
are so tough to come back from. Like if they
just give Roger another week to get it right, to
really get it right, so there's no issues like he's
he's my ages anyone Diddy two. So like these sort
of soft tissue injuries are going to be a bit
(30:12):
more prevalent and they really do be managed. So I
wouldn't be surprised if they play it safe. But I
also sort of am expecting him to come straight back.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
In James Fisher Harris also last week, Webster says he
was and maybe obviously we didn't see him, but he
is someone who could be back this week as one.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
The Big League Podcast for the Biggest League fans, The
Big League Podcast on the Warriors Bad Wagons since day one.
Speaker 3 (30:42):
Okay, Alex Powell quick fire predictions for Round eleven of
the NRL Nights versus the Eels in Newcastle.
Speaker 5 (30:50):
I'm going to go to Eels.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
So I thought I was going to have an outside
prediction there, but based on what I saw, I actually,
you know, I slagged the Eels off and I really
enjoy it because Michael burg just likes to pick their eels.
But from what I saw, they actually looked quite solid
and with Walker coming on as that sort of playmaking
roll off the interchange, Yeah, I'm going to back.
Speaker 5 (31:08):
I really like therese. I think they are a different
side with Mitch Moses, like the table and a lot
like Andrew Websters says this all the time, like don't
look at the table because it doesn't really tell the
full picture. Like having Mitch Moses out for so long
has done with no favors. But now that these back,
they do look like a better team. Bulldogs Roosters, Bulldogs. Yeah,
I'll back the Bulldogs as well. Dolphins versus the Warriors
(31:30):
in Brisbane, I've got to say the Warriors, don't I
you got to go to the Warrior what's the point
of this podcast?
Speaker 3 (31:36):
They won four in a row this second on the ladder,
and yeah, we're back in the Warriors to beat the Dolphins.
Speaker 5 (31:42):
And you know there'll be a home game for them
as well.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
Oh yeah, of course. And Brisbane always Cowboys versus the Seagulls.
Speaker 5 (31:48):
Cowboys.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
Yeah, I'm going to go for the Cowboys as well,
drawing with the Panthers and the Seagulls obviously coming off
a loss against the Sharks. Speaking of they're up against
the Storm in Gronella Jeszu.
Speaker 5 (31:58):
The Storm looks good right now, don't they put?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Oh my goodness me sixty four.
Speaker 5 (32:03):
We've seen Jerome Lewise. Dad has now come out and
said I think we might be off after what they
did to the Tigers. Why he came out and said
he didn't He didn't come out and say he put
it on social media.
Speaker 3 (32:14):
We might be leaving.
Speaker 5 (32:15):
There's an outclause in his contract that can leave after
a year.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
Do you so If anyone hasn't caught up on this,
the Storm pants the Tiger sixty four nil, equal biggest
win in Storm history. Ryan Papenhausen scored thirty six points
on his own He's so good man. He is so good,
kicked ten of eleven conversion, scored four tries eleven conversion.
He's got to be in that New South Wales chaper.
I think he's in the conversation one hundred percent. If
(32:40):
he's If he's not, were be Tedesco Edwards Edwards? Does
he make it? Maybe he's a fourteen, Maybe he's a fourteen. Broncos, Dragons, Broncos,
the Raiders, Titans, Raiders and Tiger's coming off that hiding
against the Bunnies.
Speaker 5 (32:59):
I have to see what team the Bunnies put out,
but I like to say the Tigers at home.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
I'm going to back the rabbit o's who beat the
Broncos on the weekend. Thank you, it's powerful, your time,
your wisdom, your insight. Thank you for making us a
part of your week. We will be back next Monday
to debrief this game against the Dolphins. Can they make
it five in a row? Please follow and rate the podcast.
My name is Nathan Limb. Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (33:29):
For more from News Talks at b listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio The.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Big League Podcast League Podcast Poet by.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
News Talks EDB. This week on The Big League Podcast,
Fox Sports commentator Jake Jewkes joins us to give an
Australian perspective on the Warriors. Are they overlooked across the ditch?
Which players are in the mix for origin and are
they really a top four side? Alex Powell is back
to debrief another clutch win for the Warriors. Why have
(00:42):
they been able to win under pressure this year as
opposed to last year? We'll look ahead to the Dolphins
the top of the table. Beckins, my name is Nathan Limb.
Let's go b LV. What is the difference between this
year's Warriors and the twenty twenty four Warriors. It's a
similar playing group, in fact, arguably a better playing group
(01:03):
last year with Shawn Johnson, Tahu Harris, Dylan Walker and
ad Infanua Blake. And yet in twenty twenty four the
Warriors lost seven games by six or less and only
won three by the same points range. The one point
victory over the Dragons in Wollongong marks the fourth win
by six or less already this year. But why for me?
(01:23):
The answer, unfortunately lies in an area they can't necessarily
control injuries in the halves. Last year, Luke Metcalf got
ruled out early for basically the whole season after a
hot start. Sean Johnson was in and out of training
and games due to an achilles niggle, among others. They
never had the opportunity to settle and properly establish partnerships.
(01:45):
This year, Metcalf and Chanelle Harris Tavta have played every
minute together and although they've had issues and are still
growing as an attacking threat, that consistency in style of
play means and the pressure moments the Warriors have two
familiar sets of hands on the wheel Alex Powell, New
Zealand Herald Ryder. Do you agree? Am I way off
(02:06):
the mark?
Speaker 4 (02:06):
No?
Speaker 5 (02:07):
I think yeah, pretty on there. I mean it feels
like we just say the same thing, like I've done
what's three of these the sea? Yeah, and everyone is
the same, like the Warriors get it done.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Really, it's great advertisement for the podcast.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
I mean, you're great and Burley is great, but no,
I mean it shows that it's not a fluke. You know,
if the warriorsn't keep getting it done, you know, the
first time, the fluke, second times, consistency and the Warriors
keep winning these tight games. You know, with often it's
it's one action. This week it was League Metcalf. That's
really good. I think that's an incredible sign. It's a
(02:39):
sign of a team that doesn't know when it's beaten.
And that's what for so long the Warriors haven't been.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
What impressed you most about that win, because let's be honest,
we're going to go through this game in a bit
more detail later, but they didn't play well. Now, most
of that game they were not playing. They had played
brilliantly in that first fifteen to twenty minutes, scored those
first couple of tries, but they were really average for
the rest of the game. But for a Luke Metcalf
piece of brilliance out of nowhere late in the piece,
(03:05):
to see a the win.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I mean, you're you're a football guy, it's like the
original Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. You know, there was two real
rules for that team. Don't make any mistakes and take
your chances, And that's sort of what the Warriors are
doing at the moment. Yes, they're not perfect, but I
think the second halves might start to be a bit
of a worry, like why can they play so well
in first forty and not back it up. But they're
doing enough in the first half to hold on, and
(03:28):
that I mean, if we're talking about finals football, these
are results that get you to playoff games and to
championship winning games.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
And I suppose a couple of years ago, in twenty
twenty three, it was the opposite. It was why the
Warriors starting so poorly. Yeah, they always conceded the first try,
and although that was a theme for a while, they
sorted it out. By the end of the year it
was all good. But I think you always every season
you have these little themes or these little areas where
they struggle when the stuff doesn't go right. And we
(03:56):
can talk about the second halves. Potentially that is an issue,
but I don't want to make too big of a
deal out of it when at the end of the
day the Warriors are still winning.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Yep, no, I completely agree. Is not too much as
you can say along those lines, it's gonna be a problem,
But at the moment they're getting jobs done.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We're going to hear from Fox Sports commentator Jake Duke
Nicks for first. Here are the highlights. Warriors fifteen Dragons,
fourteen Warriors with the.
Speaker 6 (04:23):
Breeze out their back to begin this game. Now out
the back, Clark heaps, We're going to Metcalf.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
He spakes them on.
Speaker 7 (04:30):
He will rick out.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
What a blossoming halfback is the Luke Metcalf In the NRL,
Aristafna kicks the Hords at the corner, chance out wide
for Pompey, tapping it back.
Speaker 8 (04:42):
To Metcalf, straight to tu o' picky brilliant hairs.
Speaker 6 (04:48):
King Tony lay Lula Holmes gives.
Speaker 8 (04:51):
It to Gufferson.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
King guffho is it in?
Speaker 8 (04:55):
The villain and shockall Heigan he's a triscorer.
Speaker 6 (05:01):
Plannagan out the back.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
King Tommy takes it.
Speaker 8 (05:04):
On himself with a kick in comes aways Cory out.
He thinks he has scored, and so's the referee. Metcalf
he is digging one pointer and he's got it.
Speaker 6 (05:16):
It stays inside the right up right they go early.
Metcalf takes till one comes away.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Here to suer, he says, I don't want it. I
go back to let luvera cut out.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
The Lockdown five.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
We're Tennis a Leslia the Warriors. We lock God how good?
Audio courtesy of Fox Sports.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
The Big League Podcast.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
We're very lucky to be joined on The Big League
Podcast by Fox Sports commentator and reporter Jake Duke, who's
been with Fox Sports for the last five years. He's
a face you'd recognize on the nr RAP coverage. Jake,
thank you so much for taking the time to be
on the podcast. How are you?
Speaker 4 (05:55):
Oh, very well, no problem. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Obviously, I wanted to get an Australian voice to get Yeah,
an ossie take, I suppose on on what we've seen
from the Warriors so far this year, because I'll be
honest with you, Jake, seeing the Warriors second on the
ladder ten to the NRL, it's sort of something that
happens once every decade and I don't know if Warriors
fans quite know what to make of it or how
to handle this so early in the season. But versy,
(06:19):
can you give me your take of how much notice
has been taken across the Tasman of the Warrior's start
to the NRAL and what have you made of them?
So far this year, I.
Speaker 7 (06:27):
Think they've been the real surprise packet, and I think
there's probably been a few surprise packets you see Camber
at the top of the ladder as well. But I
think most people, a lot of people would have thought
after the way last year went for the Warriors, and
then the fact that they missed and lost so many
guys with experience, Toto Harris, the captain retiring before the season,
(06:49):
Shawn Johnson as well. You know, so many people didn't
have expectations and they come out in Vegas and get
absolutely rolled by the Raiders, who at the time people
were not really having.
Speaker 4 (07:00):
Much thought about either.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
So we thought, oh god, this is not.
Speaker 7 (07:03):
Looking good for the Warriors, who are be going to
be their halves. You know, they're lacking experience in the
forward pack. And then they pretty much won. Ever since,
they've been on a roll. I think they've won four
straight now second on the ladder. I think it's their
best ever start to a season, which is incredible. So yeah,
and Luke Metcalf, I think he's been one of the
(07:25):
real surprise packets of the season. I think people knew
he could play, but I didn't know. I don't think
they've considered him to be a half backer. Could be
so dominant this early in his career and just really
stepped into those shoes left by Shawn Johnson. He's been
absolutely incredible. Guys around him playing so well. A guy
(07:46):
like Eron Clark has been really impressive for me, just
come from the Titans, was a bit of a bench player,
utility hooker there, and suddenly he's just averaging well over
one hundred meters big minutes, tying the middle together for
the Warriors. And they've been doing it without some big stars.
And our Dallen returned on the weekend. Roger's still out,
(08:08):
so it's and James Fisher Harris obviously so pretty impressive.
I'll be interested to see where they end up over
the next couple of weeks. Obviously the Origin period's coming up.
I wouldn't expect them to lose too many players, Probably
miss Barnette, Wade Egan's probably in those conversations, but Rich
Robson's kind of had that Jersey lockdown last couple of years.
(08:29):
So yeah, it looks like they're in the box seat
to really.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
Push for a top four finish and then who knows.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Winning tight games executing in high pressure moments. That's never
really been something that this club's known for. Why do
you think they've been able to ic these pressure moments?
If you think to Metcalf's field goal on the weekend,
when last year they lost seven games by six or list,
they weren't able to do that. What's been the difference
this year, do you think?
Speaker 7 (08:54):
Look, I think you can't probably understate what a guy
like James Fisher Harris has probably brought to the club. Like,
I don't know about you, but if you've ever seen
the guy up close, I'd be scared to lose games too.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
If he was my captain.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
I think just that he's probably brought that winning mentality
you know they've come from Penrith. I just don't think
he's the kind of guy that accepts failure. And coming
from such a such an organization that they've been so
known for winning those kind of games over the years,
I think that's just added a whole other level to
the Warriors kind of steal and resolve. And I guess
(09:29):
Luke mccuff as well, Like I just think he's so
cool on the pressure. He's been so good. He kind
of nonchalantly slotted.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
That field goal. Over the weekend.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
You know, we saw teams kind of a few teams
struggle to kind of get in position and slot field
goals to win games over the weekend. So I know,
he's just a cool, calm, collective player, similar to a
guy like Wade Eggan and kind of just directs traffic
through the middle. So I just think they've got the
balance really right.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
At the moment.
Speaker 7 (09:54):
And then a guy like Charms at the back is
just kind of going about his business. So yeah, I look,
you'd have to be inside the four walls to kind
of get an understanding of what's really working. But you'd
have to think James Fisher, Harrison just the influence of
him and and guys like Roger and some of those
senior players have really lifted a side. And they probably
identified last year what went wrong. You remember the year
(10:16):
before obviously they had a great year, got to the prelimbs.
I think it was so I think a lot of
people who probably expected what's happening this year last year,
you know, and for whatever reason and pressure and expectation
and whatever, they kind of didn't get it right. But whatever,
they've kind of identified and what went wrong last year.
(10:38):
I think they've kind of refined and got back to
where they are in twenty in twenty three and now
they seem to be excelling.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Do you think the Warriors fly under the radar in
Australia because I remember a few people get a bit
peeved off about this on the side of the tasma.
I remember watching the NRL three sixty or a few
weeks ago after the Broncos and I suppose they talked
about the Warriors Broncos game, but it was framed from
not really talking about the Warriors at all. They were
just talking about being Hunt having a bad game on
(11:05):
the Broncos side of things. Do you think that maybe
it's an audience, but do you think that the Warriors
are overlooked at all in Australia.
Speaker 7 (11:12):
Yeah, they probably are, and it probably just is an
audience singer obviously a massive Queensland audience to talk about
the Broncos is a magnet for attention and people watching
in Australia and Queensland Ben Hunt as well, So yeah,
they probably are overlooked. But I think at the same
time as well, there's also a real soft spot for
the Warriors here in Australia, and I think a lot
(11:35):
of people, myself included, like to see them going well
and love to kind of catch onto the wires bandwagon
when it's when it's rolling.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
I saw a magic ground.
Speaker 7 (11:45):
They were easily the most supported team there and had
the best atmosphere around them, and I think no one
was unhappy kind of seeing that that Warriors fandom kind
of celebrate in the way they're playing and that crazy
game against the Cowboys. So yeah, I think they fly
under the raidar. It's definitely an audience thing, just you know,
working in television, it's all about engaging your audience and
(12:08):
who's watching.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
And you know, of course we are across.
Speaker 7 (12:11):
The Tasman and I know there are a lot of
Warriors fans here in Australia, but they probably do fly
under the radar, but they certainly make their support known
everywhere you go. Every Warriors game in Australia, especially if
it's in Melbourne or in Southeast Queensland, it's almost outnumbered
by by Kiwi fans, so it'll only game all momentum.
(12:32):
The more they kind of keep tracking up the ladder.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
I think you mentioned origin before and obviously just a
few weeks away now. Last year the Warriors head Mitch
Barnett and the New South Wales team, Kurt Capewell and
the Queensland team. Do you expect those players to be
there again and are there any other players that you've
seen that that might be pushing for a jersey.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
I think Mitch Barnett's a Locke. I'm not sure about
Cape well, depends where they can kind of fit him
into the back row. Obviously, David Forfia hasn't been playing well,
it hasn't been playing all for the Titans, so you
imagine he's probably not getting a looking for Coinsland and
they got guys like Nanna and that's there in that
back row, so he probably might get a run tape.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Well.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
Other than that, as I said, Wade Egan is probably
on the cusp is if if Robson was unavailable, Waite
Egan probably forces his way into that New South Wales conversation.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I personally like to see way that he can get
a chance. I think he's been.
Speaker 7 (13:31):
One of the unsung heroes of the Warriors last couple
of years, so crafty around the ruck and the way
he kind of controls things for the Warriors. That's what
allows metcalfs to kind of play his natural game and
be a seven. And I think that's what people were wondering,
is Metcalf for seven And he probably doesn't.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Have to do all the kind of directing.
Speaker 7 (13:51):
That a normal number seven would do because of the
way began kind of controls those forwards around the ruck.
So yeah, I'd like to see him get a chance
barring Robson's availability, but I think, yeah, as I said,
they'll probably be the three guys in contention, which leaves
you open to kind of doing what the Warriors traditionally
do through the origin period, which is pick up wins
(14:13):
and climb up the ladder.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
And normally you know they're.
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Kind of coming from outside of the eight and trying
to push into it in that period, but now they're
already sitting second.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
So yeah, it all boats well for as I said.
Speaker 7 (14:25):
Pushing towards that lap top four finish, which is so
important at the end of the year.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
And just finally, you think if you had to say, now,
I know we're only ten rounds in its very early
in the season and a lot of us on the
side of Tasman trying to sort of temper expectations, But
where do you think they will finish this year?
Speaker 7 (14:40):
Look, I think they've shooting top four. I think at
the moment the side you'd have to kind of look
at and think they're up there are the Dogs, the Raiders,
the Storm and the Warriors. I think they've been the
most consistent performers so far this season. And as I said,
the origin period coming up, guys coming back, James Fisher,
Harris Rogers still to come back. They just seem to
(15:03):
be just plugging along so well. They've got depth in
key positions in halves as well, Guys like Tomata Martin
at the moment isn't playing, can't get a run, good
outside back, strong, big forward pack like They've got all
the kind of ingredients that you would think for a
side to push into that top four. There's a hunger
after last year and the way things didn't go plan
(15:25):
I honestly can't see why they wouldn't be pushing for
a top four spot, and you know and how advantageous
that would be for them as well, the ability to
kind of get home finals in New Zealand, even the
potentially you know, you fish that top four, you.
Speaker 4 (15:37):
Can get a pre lim in New Zealand.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
So like I would think that is a major motivating
factor for them, and they can they can smell this
opportunity here and if you look across the board, it
is quite an inconsistent comp As I said, those four
teams have probably been the most well performed teams, and
the Warrior is probably the most consistent. Over the last
month six weeks. You know, we've seen Melbourne loose games.
(16:00):
We've seen Camber give up a twenty point lead on
the weekend, the Dogs copped a hiding from Brisbane a
couple of weeks ago. So the Warriors, they've been pretty
consistent in.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
The most games.
Speaker 7 (16:10):
You know that that Raiders game in Vegas, which seems
like an eternity, goes probably their most inconsistent result or
their worst results. So and then there was a storm
on the endsac day. I know that, but like so
I don't know. They seem to be plugging along really
well and I can't see what they wouldn't name for
the top four.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
This is the Big League podcast. This is going, yeah,
the Big League Podcast on the Warriors bandwagon since day one.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
So I've going to have Fox Sports commentator and reporter
Jake Juke on the podcast for the very first time.
What did you make Alex of his comment that the
Warriors actually over the last four to six weeks have
been the most consistent side in the NRL with Melbourne
dropping a game, the Raiders getting up a twenty point lead,
the Bulldog's getting flogged. What do you think?
Speaker 5 (16:57):
I mean? I agree and disagree, Like, obviously, yeah, he's right,
they've won the last four. But to say they've been
the most consistent side, I've crossed the whole competition when
they've not played everyone. You know, it's like four games
as such, a small sample size, like we've seen seasons startling.
Remember twenty eleven they lost what three the first four
and you know, so that point you go to the
most inconsistent side and they made the Grand Final. You know,
(17:19):
so it is a very small window to evaluate a
season on.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Let's go through this game in a little bit more detail.
It's worth pointing out before this game the Warriors had
lost eleven from thirteen at wi In Stadium in Woollongong
ahead of this match. It's a tough tough place to win,
and Michael Burgess after this game calling them the Kings
of clutch and as match report.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Do you remember last year we spoke me and barely
spoke about this when you were on your big European jaunt.
Oh yes, But last year when the Warriors went to
the Dragons away, it was the same week that signed
James Fisher Harris and it was such a feel good
feeling around the club. But then the Warriors lost that
game away to Dragons. I got absolutely smashed. It came
out of nowhere and that was the last time they
were actually in the top eight. They never got back
(18:03):
into the eight after that. So to go there this
year and just show no scars from that hoever, I
like that was very impressive for me.
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Now, the Warriors dealt with injuries throughout this game. Jackson
Ford Hia just before halftime, Buntie R four I had
a knee injury. Mitch Barnett the skipper set after the game.
With some players down, others had to step up in
this fixture. That's probably why we sort of looked a
bit clunky in that blokes were just playing bigger minutes.
I didn't have to haven't usually done that. So yeah,
learning on the run.
Speaker 5 (18:32):
Some young luke's got some good lessons and I think
it's for m We'll get a lot out of that,
but I just say we're holding on to the resilience part.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Good tomation. They were a bit clunky, especially through that
second half. But let's talk about the first half. First up,
they had a really high completion rate. They started with
a hiss and a rule nineteen straight completed sets in
the first half. They also had a very high number
of play the balls in the Dragons twenty compared to
the Dragons of the Warriors twenty. Luke metcalf with another try,
his seventh of the season, getting the Warriors off to
(19:00):
a hot start. Their attack was sort of flat and fast,
but it was helped by the Dragon's mistakes. What did
you make it their opening the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (19:06):
I thought they were a well, it's hard to say
because the word I once used was ruthless, and for
that fifteen tournaments they were. You know, you remember Tyrrel
Sloan was clearly hurt and the Warriors attacked that down
there left the Dragon's right after that, though they were
a bit guilty of it last year of being being
the team on top without turning it into points. Remember
the game against the Storm amount smart last.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Year as well.
Speaker 5 (19:28):
They were half an hour, they were all over them
and then just couldn't turn into points when the Storm
came back and won it. So again that might be
a bit of a worry that that's him, But I
thought they were great. I think Luke, we're now in
the Luke metcalf era. Like I feel like I say
this every time I'm in here, but this has just worked.
My big worry now is if they can keep him
or not, because obviously he's an Australian guy, he might
(19:50):
want to go him at some point. He's about Tavis.
I think he has had his first Chiulder. He's about
Tavis first.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
He had a few weeks ago. Yeah, he's only on
a two year deal.
Speaker 5 (19:58):
Well, so what he can renegotiate with rival clubs were
ended this year. So I mean that that is a
worry for me that someone else will come in and
grab him and take him back to Sydney and have
a proper half back.
Speaker 3 (20:09):
Yeah, that's a that's a scary thought. What do you
make of the strategy to kick penalties instead of pushing
for tries early on in this game? Fifth tackle plays
for me are still a little still a little unimagined
of it. So I don't mind the strategy. I don't
mind the conservative approach at this point. Keeping the scoreboard
ticking over and the boot of Luke Metcalf ultimately won
(20:30):
them the game because they got to score three tries
to two.
Speaker 5 (20:32):
Two weeks in a row. You remember last week Scott
drink Order missed a couple of kicks and that ultimately
kept the Warriors in front. I agree with you on
the fifth tackle players, I think, well, maybe two or
three times they kicked for Wattenzel's next wing on the last,
the last play, I don't think Luke Metcalf and that
regard as too strong with his right foot kicking for
(20:53):
that win, I think. And that's where Shanelle Harriswede comes
in really good with that left foot angle out to
that wing. But these these things are always going to
be a working progres. It's like, I don't think this
Warriors team and where they are the finished products. I
think webs have said the same thing. He knows that
as well, and it's like we keep saying, to have
that hagging over your head and keep winning is just
(21:14):
so good.
Speaker 3 (21:15):
So the penalty kicking you in favor of that.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
For now, it feels a bit anti rugby league, like
that's a very rugby I didn't thing to take the points,
but like I mean, it's not. If it's getting you
over the line, then keep doing it.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Yeah, I'm one hundred percent behind it the second half.
If we move on, this game changed, didn't it. And
it started I think with that try the Dragon scored
just before halftime. That was a real change. That was
a real momentum swing of just going into the break.
The Dragons with all the ball for the first twenty
minutes of the second half, and the Warriors we're letting
themselves down with discipline and little handling Eras Webster said afterwards,
(21:48):
they really weren't making it easy.
Speaker 9 (21:50):
We were dropping the ball given my penalties, like I thought,
we were trying, but we just went executing what we
wanted to do, and then we're just adding fatigue to
ourselves because we're putting ourselves under pressure.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
The Dragon scored two tries and three minutes to don't
Egan and Corey Allen defensive issues again sort of on
the right edge, dull and Y Tennis Lesniak struggling with
his positioning.
Speaker 5 (22:08):
We bit Yeah, I mean are we going to give
exceptions for that, given he's had He's had what nine
weeks out.
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Yeah, I'm happy to cut them a little bit of slack.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
Well, like we know at his best how important he
is for the Warriors on both sides of the ball,
Like he can defend down in that wing, like he's
a he's a former key, heis captain, like he's not
some sort of liability.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
No, So I mean, but you that that has been
a theme throughout the last few years.
Speaker 5 (22:35):
Though, Yeah, it's a weird one, isn't it. I'm not
overly concerned. I think that there's a there's a joke
in rugby league that wingers scored a lot of tries
because they're marked by wingers. So along those lines, like,
I've prepared to give it a couple of weeks to
let Down play himself back into form and back into
match fitness.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
So the Warriors sort of weather that period where they
weren't playing amazingly well, they were giving up penalties, they
were dropping the ball inside their own territory. But that
defensive resilience again came to the fore. They really hold
on and Luke Metcalfe would that field goal out of nowhere.
I don't think anyone knew that he was going to
go for that. Webster said that afterwards, actually that he
(23:15):
thought that met Kalf was probably the only person in
the stadium that knew that that field goal was coming.
But he looked so calm, so composed. He slotted it
really easily.
Speaker 5 (23:23):
To do it with like was it ten minutes to go?
As well to know if we have a one point
advantage going into the last time, we will defend it.
Like that just says so much.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Webster said afterwards, he believes mit Kalf can offer more.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
I reckon he'll walk in there tonight well happy with
the moment that he stood up and kicked it, But
I reckon he'll actually not be that happy with the
way he played. We love his progression, and I reckon
what he learned tonight will be another good learning curve.
So he kicks again, and how he can bring some
real energy to play in our second half.
Speaker 3 (23:49):
Now, let's talk about the interchange, because the interchange was
massive for the Warriors in this game. Dimitric Vai Manger,
who the commentator starting referred to as a part way
through that second half. They started calling him wey Mainger.
I'm not sure, for every time they said his name,
they changed the pronunciation and press of footwork work rate
to Mindy Martin came off the interchange as a middle.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Dimitric Waymonger Adam Vannul Black two point zero.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Or okay, that's maybe a push. I think he's he
might have I didn't even know a blake head bloody
of footwork as well.
Speaker 5 (24:22):
Go on, yeah, no, no, like I mean, I don't
really have any further comments than that. Obviously, when Adam
announced he was leaving last year, he said, no, no,
this is before they signed James Fisher Harris. He said
the future of this club is in good hands, and
he specifically named Dimitric Lamonger, who at the time was
dimetric cipher caller. So so he clearly is doing things
and training that the rest of the players. And like
(24:44):
Halasm is another one where they go, this kid's got something,
you know, and we we're slowly going to keep seeing
that the more opportunities he gets. How do we feel
that to Mighty Martin this season?
Speaker 3 (24:56):
I feel sorry for him, dare Yeah, because he played
He played brilliantly well last year, played brilliantly well at
the halfback Jersey especially, and he just hasn't had a
look in And you know what, Webs has been right
to back Chanelle and look through this period where they
have struggled. If I were her, M'd be looking at
another club where he could be starting in the halves.
(25:16):
I don't want him to leave. I reckon should we
start him as a middle as a third a player?
And Clark, so what you plan to Mighty at? Yeah,
start a Mighty at prop. Look, his defense was outstanding
in that game.
Speaker 5 (25:29):
He always has been a very good one on one defender,
you know, as a half in the middle. I'm with you.
I think not just him, but Tannerboid as well. Like
that's an NRL halves combination. And they're just cleaning up
in reserve grade. Like if you watched the Warriors I
was cup side, that was so much better than everyone
else because they've got first grade halves.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
It'll be interesting to see I suppose what to Mighty's
moves are. But at some point one of Chanelle and
Luke are going to get injured and he's going to
come into the fourth.
Speaker 7 (25:59):
Well.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
The Warriors face the Dolphins at sun Corpse Stadium on Saturday, afternoon.
The Dolphins sit twelfth on the ladder with four winds
six losses. Christian Wolf's had a challenging start to his
coaching tenure. They're coming off a twenty to sixteen victory
over the Eels, though it depends how much you want
to read into a victory over the Eels, but I
(26:20):
will say from looking at what I saw of that game,
Dylan Walker is playing extremely well for the Eels. He's
playing really well in that fourteen jumper off the endertaine
like he has what was for the Warriors. But for me,
in regards to the Dolphins, most of their talent is
in the back line. Hem So Tabu I Fido at fullback,
who'll be Farnworth in the census, Jermaine I Sakor on
the wing, and then Cody Niicarima who set up two
(26:41):
tries in that game, and Isaac Cartur in the halves.
They've had a lot of tinkering with the halves of
Dolphins over the last couple of years when O'Sullivan was
in there as well, but Wolf seems to have settled
on Kartur and Niicarima as their best combination, and from
what I saw against the Eels. They looked pretty good.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
I love Isaiah Cattar. I generally think he's the most
exciting player in the NRL. Really yeah, big call, Yeah,
but you watch him every week and you just think,
you know, especially when he runs the ball like he's
actually quite some little Luke metcalf and that's He's a
young half back who wants to run before, he wants
to distribute, and he wants to kick. So I think
the Warriors are going to have a huge job keeping
him quiet this week. I also look at a guy
(27:20):
like Jeremy Marshall King, he really scares me. He is
so good. A bit of a bonus. Max Plath probably
won't play right, he's just said foot surgery. He's another
huge player for them, heavy farm with like cheese.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
Do you see the tries scored against the Eels. Yeah,
from what fifteen out there from the car park the
acceleration that he showed. So again, I mean the dragon
said Valentine's home of Valentine Holmes most as soon in
the centers and the Warriors did manage to contain them,
so I'm confident they'll be able to do the same.
I think he be fun with yeah, he's one of
the best centers I think in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (27:54):
He brings his teammates into play just you know, every
time he gets the ball, he's incredible. A lot of
time for the hammer as well. That try Savory made
right at the endings. Like we talk about fullbacks, this
is like where someone like Charns doesn't really get spoken
about because we'd look at four weeks and go, o jeez,
they're so good on attack, but when you have to
make one, you have one moment to save a game
(28:14):
and you do it. Those are the elite guys.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
In terms of the warrior's side of the equation. Obviously,
Dallen came back in the game Just Gone. Roger tuy
Vasaschik was named on the extended bench, and you'd imagine
given another week. This is when he was scheduled to
come back, so you'd imagine he'd be back in the
mix as well. Taine had a bad game a couple
of weeks ago, but was solid. I thought in the
(28:38):
week just gone, does he get straight swapped out? We
don't see Tane again now that Roger's back.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
I wouldn't do it, but I wouldn't be surprised if
that's what happens. I mean we spoke, I mean you
spoke earlier about what will happened last year, and I
feel like that's what they really got wrong about rushing
guys in and out as soon as I you remember
taur who was in and out, Sean Johnson as soon
as he would like Tomighty Martin was playing brilliantly, and
Shawn John's would come back, and all of a sudden,
he's the half back and you're moving guys out of
key positions, guys who were playing well. So I feel
(29:05):
like the Warriors, and obviously like the wanism an influential
position as half back, but what kind of message does
that send if you're playing really well somewhere and then
someone comes back.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
But they have had to shift players around anyway. I mean,
Pompy's been on the wing at center, Leatala and Barry
were both ruled. We did fresh centers this week and
it still worked. I feel like halves, as you touched on,
there is the pivotal position if you're switching players in
and out. For me, I would like to just see
Roger back and see them on the wing. I don't
mind them taking Taene out for this game because also
(29:39):
there's the sort of you know, Tane's young, you're still growing.
I made a couple of areas a couple of weeks ago,
defensive eras. And also with Roger, you've got a bit
more height on that wing, which makes me a little
bit more reassured when you've got bombs raining down on
that corner.
Speaker 5 (29:52):
I am really torn because I you know, like we
just play everyone. I think either way, if they bring
Roger and Rod Lake and let's not forget like hamstrings
are so tough to come back from. Like if they
just give Roger another week to get it right, to
really get it right, so there's no issues like he's
he's my ages anyone Diddy two. So like these sort
of soft tissue injuries are going to be a bit
(30:12):
more prevalent and they really do be managed. So I
wouldn't be surprised if they play it safe. But I
also sort of am expecting him to come straight back.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
In James Fisher Harris also last week, Webster says he
was and maybe obviously we didn't see him, but he
is someone who could be back this week as one.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
The Big League Podcast for the Biggest League fans, The
Big League Podcast on the Warriors Bad Wagons since day one.
Speaker 3 (30:42):
Okay, Alex Powell quick fire predictions for Round eleven of
the NRL Nights versus the Eels in Newcastle.
Speaker 5 (30:50):
I'm going to go to Eels.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
So I thought I was going to have an outside
prediction there, but based on what I saw, I actually,
you know, I slagged the Eels off and I really
enjoy it because Michael burg just likes to pick their eels.
But from what I saw, they actually looked quite solid
and with Walker coming on as that sort of playmaking
roll off the interchange, Yeah, I'm going to back.
Speaker 5 (31:08):
I really like therese. I think they are a different
side with Mitch Moses, like the table and a lot
like Andrew Websters says this all the time, like don't
look at the table because it doesn't really tell the
full picture. Like having Mitch Moses out for so long
has done with no favors. But now that these back,
they do look like a better team. Bulldogs Roosters, Bulldogs. Yeah,
I'll back the Bulldogs as well. Dolphins versus the Warriors
(31:30):
in Brisbane, I've got to say the Warriors, don't I
you got to go to the Warrior what's the point
of this podcast?
Speaker 3 (31:36):
They won four in a row this second on the ladder,
and yeah, we're back in the Warriors to beat the Dolphins.
Speaker 5 (31:42):
And you know there'll be a home game for them
as well.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
Oh yeah, of course. And Brisbane always Cowboys versus the Seagulls.
Speaker 5 (31:48):
Cowboys.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
Yeah, I'm going to go for the Cowboys as well,
drawing with the Panthers and the Seagulls obviously coming off
a loss against the Sharks. Speaking of they're up against
the Storm in Gronella Jeszu.
Speaker 5 (31:58):
The Storm looks good right now, don't they put?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Oh my goodness me sixty four.
Speaker 5 (32:03):
We've seen Jerome Lewise. Dad has now come out and
said I think we might be off after what they
did to the Tigers. Why he came out and said
he didn't He didn't come out and say he put
it on social media.
Speaker 3 (32:14):
We might be leaving.
Speaker 5 (32:15):
There's an outclause in his contract that can leave after
a year.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
Do you so If anyone hasn't caught up on this,
the Storm pants the Tiger sixty four nil, equal biggest
win in Storm history. Ryan Papenhausen scored thirty six points
on his own He's so good man. He is so good,
kicked ten of eleven conversion, scored four tries eleven conversion.
He's got to be in that New South Wales chaper.
I think he's in the conversation one hundred percent. If
(32:40):
he's If he's not, were be Tedesco Edwards Edwards? Does
he make it? Maybe he's a fourteen, Maybe he's a fourteen. Broncos, Dragons, Broncos,
the Raiders, Titans, Raiders and Tiger's coming off that hiding
against the Bunnies.
Speaker 5 (32:59):
I have to see what team the Bunnies put out,
but I like to say the Tigers at home.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
I'm going to back the rabbit o's who beat the
Broncos on the weekend. Thank you, it's powerful, your time,
your wisdom, your insight. Thank you for making us a
part of your week. We will be back next Monday
to debrief this game against the Dolphins. Can they make
it five in a row? Please follow and rate the podcast.
My name is Nathan Limb. Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (33:29):
For more from News Talks at b listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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