February 22, 2026 • 32 mins
The Big League Podcast boys are back for the 2026 season.
NZ Herald's Nathan Limm and Alex Powell talk, The Warriors’ 2026 preseason that is in the books — and it’s been a mixed bag that’s left fans equal parts curious and concerned with a 33-18 loss to Manly then a 38-34 loss to the Dolphins.
Also joined by Daily Telegraph's Michael Carayannis out of Las Vegas ahead of round One of the competition that gets underway this weekend in sin city.
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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 by.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
News Talks EDB.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
This week on The Big League Podcast, we crossed to
Daily Telegraph reporter Michael carrianis in Las Vegas ahead of
the NRL season start. Alex Powell and I will dissect
the Warriors pre season. What can we take out of
the two losses. We'll also go through the club's new
characters after movement in the off season and discuss the
(00:44):
state of origin eligibility changes. My name is Nathan Limb.
Let's go god b LV Season twenty twenty six. The
roller coaster starts again and how exciting There is plenty
of new talent to talk about. Lofiana carn Perira Morgan
Gannon Haysan Mallards and Jay Lennane are in on the
(01:06):
flip side. Somehow, the Warrior already have a sizeable casualty ward,
highlighted by made Martin's broken leg. So what can we
derive from the preseason and what are the Warriors prospects?
As the question, as old as time rears his ugly
head once again, is this the Warriors year now. Michael
(01:27):
Burgess has recently welcomed the birth of his second child,
so he will be back in the coming weeks. In
the meantime, we have the expertise of New Zealand Herald
journalist Alex Powell. Welcome to season four of the Big
League Podcast.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
Alex oh okody, mate, thank you for having me.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
Now.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
From a warrior's perspective, massive year ahead. Obviously we're only
in February. This is going to end in October. From
a warrior's perspective, where are your confidence levels for this season?
Speaker 5 (01:53):
M Yeah, it's an interesting wasn't it, Because we've seen
now with the Andrew Webster era, good year, bad year,
good year, So for this any sort of pattern this
year could prove to be quite difficult. But now I
think everything is there for the Warriors too have a
good season, provided they don't get hit by injuries again.
You know we saw last year they will though, I
(02:14):
mean every team does, but it's which players get injured.
Like if you said to the Warriors last year, two
players you don't want injured, Luke Metcalf would be number
one and Mitch Barnett would be somewhere in their number two,
and they both went down with pretty bad ones when
they did. But I think everything is there as and
when every run's back, and I know Metcalf's not going
to be back in the squad until what round seven
at the earliest, But I feel like that there is
(02:36):
enough there. You know, they've recruited really well, They've identified
the areas they need to strengthen and they have. So I mean,
let's just see how we go. But I don't see
any reason why they can't be a top eight side.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Once again, I'm cautiously optimistic because last year we had
the Warriors started off the season the best they ever
have in terms of not in Vegas, they didn't not okay,
not in Vegas, but overall once we got into sort
of week eight, week nine sort of areas, they were
in that top four for such a long time, and
obviously lucky the drawer, they got the Panthers first round
of the of the playoffs and and didn't manage to
(03:09):
get over the line, their injuries taking their toll. Their
season effectively, I think was derailed by those injuries, and
in the back end of the season, the sloppy eras
and a sort of a lack of ruthlessness, which is
what we kept talking about on this podcast. An attack
was sort of proved their undoing. But you know, they've
had a few months to mullet over the coaches. As
you said, they brought in new talents, particularly in that
(03:32):
wing position when you look at the likes of carn Pereira,
and we're going to talk I suppose more specifically about
those players that they've brought in and what changes could
occur for the Warriors season. But I'm cautiously optimistic. I
think once Metcalf and Barnett come back, if the Warriors
are not in too big of a whole, potentially if
they lose a couple of games in the opening rounds,
(03:52):
once they get those two key players back, then they
could be in a very good position. Now, coming up next,
we're going to hear from the man who broke news
of pain Hears, one of the big stories stories I
suppose of the off season. Pain Hears, who's changed his
name to Hakeem has departing the Premiership winning Brisbane Broncos
for the South Sydney Rabbitos. It's Daily Telegraph reporter Michael Carrianas.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It is a very big welcome on the Big League
Podcast for the very first time. Daily Telegraph reporter Michael
carrianis who is coming to us from Las Vegas, where
the NRL season is of course going to be kicking off. Michael,
how are you.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
I'm well, well, how are you?
Speaker 4 (04:36):
I'm very well? Thank you, mate. Can you give us
an overview of what the situation is like? It's Monday,
of course, games still to come in the coming days.
But what's it been like since you arrived at Vegas
and what do you expect from the week ahead.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
Yeah, it's only Sunday in Vegas. So the teams have
just all got here to the Dragons with the last
arrived they arrived yesterday, the board Dogs a couple of
days before that, the night and the Cowboys two days ago.
So they've all rolled into town and not much obviously
forty stuff has happened yet, you know, trying to you know,
(05:11):
each team has had a bit of a blowout, you know,
getting the sights of Las Vegas in and now they'll
shift their attention to the game in the next couple
of days.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
For the next couple of days, what is the week
leading into the NRL season opener, like, what are you
as a journalist I suppose do this week? And and
what is the environment, the atmosphere like with the fans
coming in.
Speaker 6 (05:33):
Yeah, I'm covering the Dragons this week, so I'm in
and around them for the next couple of days. And
you know, in terms of the week a couple of
when I flew out from Sydney, there was a couple
of Rugular League fans on the flight already. They're going
to travel to other parts of the US before they
get to Vegas. And it really amps up at the
(05:54):
back end of next week. So come Wednesday Thursday, in
the lead up to the game, that's when you'll see
footy jerseys everywhere, fans everywhere, and regular League does really
take over Las Vegas, believe it or not supposed to.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
A big question out of Las Vegas is the NRAL
talk about wanting to pierce this American market. Are they
actually doing it, Americans actually getting around this game or
is it really just Australians and New Zealand is coming
over for the ride and filling out Vegas. So Americans
are the locals backing it?
Speaker 6 (06:27):
Well, it's obviously going to be a huge you know,
Ossie and English contingent here this year in terms of
the fans. But I can just give you one example.
Brenton Reed, one of our colleagues, and I was sitting
down two nights ago for dinner and this guy came
up to us, and he was a local guy, and
(06:47):
I definitely thought he was having us on for a bit, right,
But he was a dead set local guy, watches NRL
three sixty, reads everything, listens to everything, and lives lives
in Vegas, right, and he's been captivated by the sport.
We'll go to Round one, you know, to kick start
the season. Then we'll traveled to Australia later in the
year to watch some games. So that's obviously such a
(07:08):
small percentage of the population. But this is a guy
and his wife fallen in love with the game.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
That's fantastic to hear. I suppose if we look at
the games to come Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Dragons, what are
you sort of expecting. Obviously you said you're covering the Dragons.
What are you expecting from these games? And do you
think it is an advantage or a disadvantage for these
teams in the context of the season to have to
come all the way out to Vegas and play the
(07:35):
around one game sort of a weekend early.
Speaker 6 (07:38):
Oh, no doubt. It's a bit of a disadvantage, There's
no doubt about that, from the travel and the change
of routine and you know they get the week off
obviously the following week but still trying to get back
into the swing of things in Australia. Do you know,
it does come at a disadvantage. But you know, we saw,
you know, side last year the Panthers and the Shafts
(07:59):
play fine canbra finished my Primeters right and they played
in Vegas last year, so it didn't really harm their seasons.
So you know, I don't think it's too detrimental in
terms of the outlook of the season. But you know,
the Dragons board off clash. I think the Boarders will start.
Obviously heavy favorite Matt Burton has been clear to play
off the back of last season. They had a good year.
(08:21):
The Dragons was trying to find that feed and New
Hearts combination. And in terms of North Pointansland Newcastle, I
think it's a bit of a toss of the coin.
We're not sure, you know. Newcastle new coach Dylan Brown
will start in the halves came on the back from injury,
so there's some big ins for him, but can they
find a way to score some points.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
In the context of I suppose the season as a whole,
who do you see as comp heavyweights. It's been a
little bit of movement in terms of players in the
off season, which I'm going to ask you a little
bit more about in a second, But in terms of
this competition as a whole, of the Broncos going back
to back, who do you see as as the big
dogs and is there anyone who surprised you so far?
Speaker 6 (09:01):
Yeah, Brisbane obviously, well, you know, had a poor World
Club challenge, but we've seen Penris lose a couple of
World Cups. Will still come back to win Premierships. I
think Penwith will be back up there and the Roosters
as well, despite the loss of Bruce Robson for a
couple of weeks to start the season. I like the
look of their squad.
Speaker 4 (09:19):
Big news and that Nathan Cleary, Panthers star halfbackers sit
to miss the first couple of games with suspension after
a high tackle in the preseason game against the Tigers.
What sort of impact do you see this having on
the Panthers and how do you see the situation playing out.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Yeah, so he's going to challenge that suspension that has
been handed down, so he may be clear to plays
challenge the grading of it. So that's going to come
out tonight that judiciary here in Australia. So look, if
he misses two games or it's not going to help
the Panther's no doubt about that. But it's a long,
(09:57):
long season. You don't forget last year at the midway
point o last and found a way to play finals footage.
So it'll hurt them, but it's not going to be
a make up.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Now you broke the story about pain heass leaving the
Broncos to go to the Rabbit O's pretty major, I
suppose in terms of the Premiership title defenders. How did
that all come about? And what do you see is
the impact on both of the teams, Yeah, obviously huge us.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I was one sided when I when I got the
tip about the fact that he was leaving the Broncos
to join South and it was you know, I'd just
come back from overseas. I couldn't really believe it. And
then eventually you know, found out that it was the case,
and it was true. You know, huge ramifications for both clubs.
The fact that you know players left aside they won
(10:45):
a competition at not for more money. His decision to
actually get up and leave. That's where it's completely different
from other situations we've seen it with Penrith players in
the last couple of years or left because they've had
huge offers that couldn't compete with. This is completely different.
This is a player that's elected to leave as South
or it's just like they lose kill on Kalamatangi and
(11:07):
there was only you know, one or two possible upgrades
from Keon for players that are off contract. One was
Pino pas La Malawi who reached one of the fighters.
The other one was half and they've landed him. So
a huge, huge signing for South Indian. They've really lacked
an enforcer since Sam Burgess retired.
Speaker 4 (11:24):
Yeah, for sure. And since this is I Guess the
Key with NRL podcast, we'll ask you about the Warriors.
Have you seen much of them in pre season and
just looking at their squad, I suppose a few new
players can Perira coming in from the Titans on the wing.
What do you make of the Warriors as a team
in their prospects this season.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
He had a lot will rest on when Mitch Barnett
gets back, look like round two for him, which will
be a huge return. And then Luke Metcalf's the other
One's going to miss at least probably the first two
months of season. So if they can get to you know,
around that fifty percent when we're eight before Luke Metcalf
comes back, then that would be huge for him. He's
probably their most important player. He'll in outstanding form last season,
(12:06):
so I think a lot will rest on his shoulders.
And you know, you don't want to be you know,
two and six when he returns, because he's going to
be a bit slower start, So they can get near
parody around when Luke Becka comes back. I think that'd
be a good lordship had for him.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Have you headed to the casino mate yet?
Speaker 6 (12:23):
No, not much of a pinter, but the Cassados everywhere,
you can't escape them.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Fantastic. Hey, you have a fantastic week, Michael. Thank you
so much for your time this morning on the Big
League Podcast and you enjoy Vegas pleasure.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Thank you Big League Podcast.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
Okay, Alex Powell let's go through the Warriors preseason and
discuss sort of what we've learned. The Warriors suffering two
losses in the preseason games of thirty three eighteen loss
to the Seagulls and a thirty eight to thirty four
defeat by the Dolphins. The results themselves, I couldn't kill less.
The Warriors flogged Melbourne in the preseason last year, and
(12:59):
obviously that that means very little when it comes to
the NRL season proper. The loss to the Seagules the
Warriors put out the B team. I don't think we
really need to talk about that hell of a lot,
but if there's anything we could take out of it,
please let me know. The thirty eight to thirty four
de feet by the Dolphins just over the weekend was
much closer to what we expect from a first string side.
(13:21):
In terms of the team naming, I thought the off
loaning game was pretty strong. The attacking shape for the
most part looks good. With Tanner Boyd and Luke Hanson
running the ship. We have such good depth, or the
Warriors have such good depth in the halves. What did
you take out of what you've seen from pre season?
Speaker 5 (13:37):
I do worry about the halves for the first few
rounds of the season. Like I said, Luke Metcalf coming
back what seven and eight weeks in will be a
bit of a test. Tanner Boyd has shown he is
a very capable backup, but whether or not he can
lead aside, I think is still to be seen. Luke Hanson,
fair plays and a shot just throw everyone's falling down.
But it's now his opportunity, and we say so many
(13:59):
times in professional sport, opportunity is probably more important than ability.
I was actually really encouraged by Ali l'a tala coming back.
I know I've been on the show so many times.
Every time it seems to be how much does Alex
love Ali Lataha? But I really hope that this is
the year it all sort of comes together from like
it's never been about how good he is, it's just
canny stay fit. I was really impressed by diometric Viyemonger.
(14:22):
There's almost a bit of Adam fanil Blake about him,
and I know that's a huge tag to put on
a on a young prop, but everything is that Like
dam fanil Blake when he left said he was comfortable,
confident in his decision to go to Cone because there
was such good depth coming through in the Warriors young
four sox, and we've seen that. We've seen Jacob Labham,
we've seen Vaimonga, we've seen Lekahala Sima, who could be
(14:44):
one of the breakout players this year after what he
did last year as well. But you do almost worry
for the Warriors, like go back to the halves. How
quickly can they get up to full speed when they
don't have the best site on the park.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
You sort of mentioned the Latawa and I suppose he's
one of the younger players in the squad, and we
talked so much about the young crop of talent coming
through the likes of Halo Seema Vai Manger. You mentioned
as well, another player I thought stood out, Eddie Romir Tuyava.
When he came on the park against the Dolphins as well,
(15:21):
I thought he was really impressive. So I suppose what's
giving me confidence is the fact that the youngsters from
last season who had the breakout seasons, Jacob Laban as well,
I thought was quite strong against the Dolphins. They're looking
another step better, I suppose so far this year, and
we yet to get into the season and all that stuff.
But it's good to see that continuity, I suppose, and
(15:42):
those guys, the likes of Halo Seema Laban, Leatawa Vaimonger,
they are going to be the bedrock of this club
in the years to come as they get into their
sort of mid twenties. But let's talk about a couple
of the signings. Morgan Gannon coming from Leeds in the
UK and also Hazen Mallar, who we've seen on the wing.
(16:02):
We're probably expecting to see maybe slightly less of him.
Roger t I Vasaschek out with injury at the moment,
but he is to return round one. What have you
seen from Gannon? First of all in pre season? What
do you expect? I suppose come NRL.
Speaker 5 (16:17):
English players is always one you take with a grain
of salt. For every Sam Burgess, there as a Sam Tompkins.
So you do worry can he adapt to the NRL.
What I've seen of him so far, I'm really liking.
You know, he is a versatile backgrow Andrew Webster said,
you know, he could probably play six. You know, he's
that good on the ball where he fits into the
side right now. I don't know he might have to
(16:38):
just be patient and wait for his chance play a
bit of New South Wales Cup, but it's there. How
much he adapts the NRL is up to him. But
you look at this Warrior squad. You look at someone
like Kurt Capewell, who you know might have one or
two years left in the NRL. At the Warriors think
is what this is the last year of his deal.
So you think if morgan Ganna can come and hit
the ground, learn from someone like a Capewell and then
(17:00):
replace him next year, then I think the Warriors you
do need a pat on the back for having that
sort of forward thinking in their salary, captain their roster.
But everything we've seen from morgan Gannon so far says
that there's a player there. It's just what can he
do in adapting to a new country and into a
new league.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
The second row is going to be a really interesting
I suppose a very good conundrum for the Warriors selectors
to have. I don't have at the moment Gannon in
my starting you know our first top eighteen, would you say,
I suppose I'd have Halaesema and Cape Well and potentially
near Quardia on the interchange, but you only really have
that third option. So I do expect morgan Gannon to
(17:40):
have to wait for injury for his opportunity. Having said that,
the Warriors have players like Halosima who could potentially switch
over to center. So with Rocoberry routinely getting injured, is
their room for him to come in because one of
the second rowers has moved out to center. It was
such a conundrum for them last year.
Speaker 5 (17:56):
Do you want Hallasima in the centers? Because I die.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
I think he's got potential there.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
I'm sure he does, but he has potential in every
position he could plan. But you look at the way
his success happened last year. It was those sort of
short balls off Luke Metc running from him as an
edge forward. You move him out to the center, there's
going to be less of that. You're you're sort of
taking away his strength to weaken a weakness, and that's
never a good place to be.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Okay, I take I take your point. I think he's
young enough that they can afford to try him out
in a few different places, and he's got still got
so much development left to go. If they put him
at center, I wouldn't mind it. Just on a trial
basis even through the NRL, because I don't think you're
going to get a huge drop in quality.
Speaker 5 (18:35):
No, but we've seen we know, like it doesn't need
to be a trial basis. We know he can play
center because he's a bloody good footballer, you know. But
it's the problem because his best position is in the
second row. You know. We've spoken about cape Well if anything,
we need to put someone at center week, if the
Warriors need to put someone at center, I'd say cape
Well would be the one to go there rather than Hall.
Speaker 4 (18:54):
Well, he's not fast enough. We saw him last year
when he was moved out to center's he was skilled
skinned on the outside and when they Warriors had those
right edge defense issues and it was down, down and
out there, Capeor just wasn't able to keep up with
his opposite. Who's if his opposite was you know, an
out and out seat to a back.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Yeah, you do. Those those edge worries are pretty consistent
then coming into this new season, aren't they.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
But you're right?
Speaker 5 (19:18):
I mean, would you would you look at someone like
morgan Gannon ats center then just give them minutes on
the park and maybe a less sort of out of
the firing line of the centers rather than the forwards.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Potentially. The only issue is, I guess we haven't seen
him yet on this in this country, I suppose at
that position, So something for them to I guess filter out,
But not a pressing issue for the Warriors in terms
of that Dolphins game. Was there anything else you took
out of it in terms of stuff they might need
to look at. I know the commentators were talking a
bit about how it didn't seem like NRL standard intensity.
(19:50):
There was some real sloppy defense sort of around the ruck.
Speaker 5 (19:53):
It was a bit like a basketball, wasn't it just
get everyone going back and forth and back and forth.
So yeah, look, I'd never read too much into preseason.
The important thing is that the players who have needed
to have minutes on the park have had it. Now
they're going to have an extra week off because the
season starts in Las Vegas before the effectively start and
what should be round two, but it's round one, just
split by two weeks.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
Let's move on to I suppose to warry is a
casualty ward, which, as I mentioned before, somehow already is stacked.
Let's go through it. If you're wondering why you haven't
seen Chanelle Harris Tavita in pre season. He is dealing
with a calf issue. He is expected to be back
in Round one for that first game, as is car Perreira,
who suffered a concussion in the All Stars Game, Martinia
(20:35):
Cordier who's also got a carf issue. Roger toy Vasa
Strek has a hamstring niggle, but they are all back
due round one. Mitch Barnett, returning from an ACL injuries,
expected to come back in round two. Luke metcalf is
expected in round seven to Mike and Martin. This was
sort of the big one in pre season. Broken his
leg and he is out for twelve weeks, which means
he will return in round ten. Rocco'berry, as per usual,
(20:59):
has done his shoulder and his return to players is
to be confirmed. I'll ask you about to Midy Martin, Alex,
how big of a blow is that.
Speaker 5 (21:08):
The issue in the halves. I'd say it's a very
big loss. You look, if everyone's fit for the Warriors,
what's to Mighty Martin's best position? Is it that number
fourteen role? I think it is, see because I think
Sam Healey needs to be invested in not just as
a fourteen, but as a hooker. And that's so from
that side of it, to Mighty Martin's loss isn't exactly
as big as it might be. I know, is it
(21:29):
is actually a problem when you don't have that sort
of quality and training. But in terms of the match
day was at seventeen, but nineteen now because you hear
the two extra spots on the bench before you finalize
it into a seventeen, I think it opens it all
for Sam Heley. And as we've seen, you know, throughout
last season and when he came in against the Sharks,
the sky is up to it. You know, the Warriors
have had not a problem, but that is a very
(21:52):
clear drop off from Wade Eggan into what was traditionally
Freddy Lussick. Sam Healey's an upgrade. I'm Freddy Lussick and
so I'm actually quite excit. I know you've asked me
about to Mighty Martin, I've made it about Freddy Lastick.
So you're right, you feel for Tomighty this guy's career
has been you know, pretty stop start. Anytime feels like
he gets a runner games to get something happens, whether
it's injury or remember when he retired with a brain
(22:14):
bleeding out all all that was so now he's what
twenty nine thirty. You feel like as a half of
these are your best years. So it would be good
to see him back on the park in some form,
whether that's fourteen, whether that's seven or even a one.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
I know that he doesn't necessarily mind where he plays,
but I suppose the unfortunate thing is once he by
the time he comes back, Luke Metcalff's meant to be
fit again, so that opportunity I supposed to play in
that seven jumper might be might go and miss. Having
said that, we saw how he was used as a
utility so much last year that I'm sure he will
get game time in some capacity once he does return
(22:53):
and he is fit. Cant Perreira, I suppose the highlight
signing of the off season, known for his speed coming
from the Titans as tri scoring ability, probably didn't have
as much. He didn't have as much game time last
year as he did in previous season. Is he starting
on the on the wing in place of Dala montins
O Listenick.
Speaker 5 (23:12):
I would obviously Andrew Webster and the coaches are the
ones that see them in training every day and will
make that decision. But I think that's what the Warriors
have really been missing for the last couple of years.
It's just out and outpace on the wing. I know
that Burge is a big proponent of this, of just
getting someone who's rapid. Cambrera has probably found the fastest
player in the NRL. Yes, he does have weaknesses on defense,
(23:33):
as we've seen. He might score a try game, but
he also might concede one. But I think that's the
way the NRL, the way the NRL is now, that's
a risk worth taking of having somebody who might be
a bit like we still a Dan Dalla by Tennis Lesnik.
He wasn't always the best defender. You look at some
of the issues they had on that edge last year.
So as an upgrade on Dalla by Tennis Lesnik, yep
(23:54):
for me big time. With what carmberre brings Roger two
of us a check on the other side, I don't
know what to make of where he's at. You know,
there are the links to our three sixty last year
are three sixties fall and over. It's got a bit quiet.
They gave him the Warrior player of the Year, which
I didn't feel.
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Not are you are you promoting a conspiracy here, Alex Power.
Do you think they've given him Player of the Year
to keep him at the club? Do you think that
would work?
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Well?
Speaker 5 (24:20):
I mean now he doesn't really have a choice, you know,
Like I'm such a huge fan of Roger to us Chick,
I think he is probably in the Warrior's best three
players of all time, you know, Johnson, Mannering and Roger.
Sorry to anyone else who's off that list. That he
is now at the point of his career where he
has done to think about the end, and they're like
the R three sixty links didn't come from nowhere.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
You know.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
His agent confirmed that Yep, this is something will considered because.
Speaker 4 (24:43):
He talked about it too, Roger did.
Speaker 5 (24:44):
Yeah, so they do need and I think that's why
they've gone gone signing two wingers in Malas and Camperrara.
So whether or not we'll see both of them at
the same time in those new signings, or whether or
not it'll be mix and match one with the other,
I don't know. Obviously it's up to the coaches, but
(25:04):
I think it is very clearly that they have looked
at the wing and gone, that is a weakness. That
is what we need to improve.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
Yeah, I do think that based on I asked Andrew
Webster a couple of weeks ago about Camprera and if
he does have potential to start once we get into
the NRAL season, and Webster said absolutely, and was talking
very very sort of encouragingly about a Camperrera and his
prospects and he wants to start. We spoke to Camprera
himself as well, So I do expect him to be
(25:32):
there on the right edge for the Warriors, and I
expect Roger to Bevarsischek to be on the left. Just
to glance over the other preseason results, I'm not sure
how much you read into all of these, given it
is preseason. The Tigers actually flogged the Panthers, and the
Cleary versus Leui battle twenty six to twelve Nathan Clearia
(25:52):
possible suspension is a top touched on with Michael Carianis.
The Sharks crossed the Raiders forty eight six, the Eels
each of the roosters twenty eight twenty two. Rabbito has
beat the Seagles thirty to six, and if you want
further evidence, that the preseason means very little. The Titans
thrashed the Storm forty two twelve.
Speaker 3 (26:10):
Could be healthy, right.
Speaker 4 (26:12):
Big news over the last couple of weeks has been
talked about a lot, but we're going to touch on it.
State of Origin. Not only is it coming to New
Zealand with a fixture at Eden Park next year, but
they have finally changed the eligibility criteria. So previously, if
you wanted to represent New Zealand or England you could
not play State of Origin. However, the rules did not
apply if you wanted to represent Tong or some Moore.
(26:35):
They've changed that now given the rise of Tong and Salmour,
the players, the caliber of the players they have think
Jerome Lewi Brighten to Or, they have changed the rules
so now anyone can represent New South Wales or Queensland
as long as you have the prescribed criteria to represent
those states, no matter what international side you play for.
It means that Caylen Ponger Queensland could play for the Kiwis.
(26:58):
This has been vocal about wanting to do adaf NOA
Blake and Casey McClain that Kiwis who could potentially now
play for New South Wales with Britain Nick or potentially
on board for Queensland as well. Alex, what did you
make of these changes? For me, it was absolutely necessary
because it just was not fair that Kiwi's players couldn't
(27:22):
be involved.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
About Bloody Time was my reaction. I know there's been
a bit of an uproar across the ditch in places
like you know, especially Queensland. It's st value and state
of origin, but it's just a reflection of where not
the sporters, but just where society is. You know, in
twenty twenty six, it's not abnormal for people to be
mixed nationality. You know, my mum's English, my dad's Kiwi.
(27:43):
I could in theory represent either. But the fact that
Kiwis were being punished in Australia, like you say, like
some of autong Are Fiji, they were all free to
play state of origin if they met the criteria because
they're supposed Tier two nations. The tear system was never
about how good you were. It was about the pathways
in your country, you know, So all the players that
come through for some of tong Are and Fiji or
(28:03):
all being developed in Australia and New Zealand anyway, and
now they're getting to have the cakene it too. The
match payments state of origin at what ninety thousand for
the three games have you played? The more that's money
that players just couldn't turn down. And remember what James Tamo,
he's from Palmst the North, who's playing for New South Wales,
and he just said, yeah, this is a professional decision.
I cannot you know, that's not money I can look
away from. So in that instance, it's great. You talk
(28:25):
about Kaylen Ponger. He's sort of been the one that's
been at the center of this because he's always said
he wants to play for New Zealand but he couldn't
give up up the Queensland Jersey. He's actually been really
quiet on it, and he was asked about and said, oh,
I've got some decisions to make and people to talk to.
Adam Fanol Blake and Britain in the Cordo both said yep,
I'm keen Accaudam particularly he would be such a boost
(28:46):
for Queensland. They've been not weak, but that edge or
sorry that the edge forwards they've had aren't really NRL specialists.
You think Ruben Codd has played in the number eleven
Jersey for Queensland.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
He's a middle forward.
Speaker 5 (28:58):
So I think it's just such a good thing for
the game. If they want state of origin to be
the pinnacle of the game, let the best players play in.
It doesn't matter where you're born.
Speaker 4 (29:07):
I fully, and the international game is going to benefit
so much for it, because for me, we talk about
state of origin as the peak of the sport and
it really is. It shouldn't be. In my opinion, International
rugby league should be the peak, and I think this
lifts the standard of that. And there's such an appetite
for international rugby league as well when you look at
the colors of Eden Park when the Keywis turn out
(29:29):
to play Tonga or some more. You know, I suppose
when all of the league fan base in New Zealand,
in Auckland, especially a Lumpton as being you know, predominantly
Warriors fans, as soon as it turns to international you
see everyone's true sort of colors I suppose, and that
and it feels like you know you're playing an RP
when the Keys run out against some wore at Eden Park,
(29:52):
which sort of tells you the tale here is Jonathan
Thurston talking about Ponger at Eden Park, courtesy of International
Rugby League' video on X Well, that's what we want.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
We want the best players playing for growing the game.
So you know, Caleb Pomner is the superstar of our
game and if you want to represent New Zealand, it's
going to bring more eyeballs to the game.
Speaker 6 (30:16):
So that's what we want.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
Would you start pomer at fallback for the kiwis.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
That's a big question. Actually, would you?
Speaker 5 (30:25):
I don't know, because I mean if you'd ask me
this question a year ago, sure, but look at what
count O Kenny's done for the Titans Innfini.
Speaker 4 (30:31):
No, yeah, I would start Actually I've thought about it
for a few seconds. No, you start him because of
his experience, count of Kenny's been fantastic, But I would
start caunupon.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
The Big League Podcast podcast The Big League Podcast The
Warrior is Bad Wagon since day one right.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
The NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas this weekend.
It is the Knights and the Cowboys, the Bulldogs and
the Dragons. Of these four teams, only the Bulldogs were
in the top eight last season. A little bit of
move in the off season, though, with Dylan Brown joining
the Knights on that mega, mega deal from the Eels.
(31:15):
So Alex Poweller put it to you, first of all Knights, Cowboys,
how do you see this one starting out as the
twenty twenty six season kicks off.
Speaker 5 (31:23):
I'm genuinely torn over this. I think the Knights player
for player, you'd say the Knights, but you would say
that about them most seasons, and they just cannot get
it right. You know, you talk about Dylan Brown going there,
and you know Sandon Smith as well, which is quite
a good pickup from the Roosters, but Fletcher Sharp was
one of their best players of the year last year
and now it looks like he's what starting in fourteen.
(31:43):
So I just don't know. I will go Cowboys.
Speaker 4 (31:46):
It's always a coin flip at the start of the season,
but I'm going to disagree with you and go for
the Knights. Let's see what Dylan Brown can produce in
Newcastle Bulldogs Dragons.
Speaker 5 (31:58):
I mean, Bulldogs was such a mess last year. They
started the season so well and then for no reason
just changed their arms bearing because they could when they
got Loggie Galvin from the Tigers, and that completely derailed
their whole season. Now that they've had a preseason where
you're going to have Gaben and Burton at six and
seven or seven and six seven, I'd like to think
(32:19):
they'll have enough. But they've got Leo Thompson as well.
That's another big signing, even though he's not going to
play this one because he's picked up an injury in
pre season. So that's yeah, Bulldogs.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
I'm going to agree with you there, just on paper,
I think the Bulldogs with that preseason should have had
time to sort some things out. We'll see how we go.
Those are the predictions to start us off for Remember
we'll be back next week to preview the Warriors first
game of the NRL season, But for now, enjoy Las Vegas.
Thank you Alex Power for your time, your wisdom, your
insight on the Big League Podcast. Season four is underway.
(32:51):
Please follow and rate the podcast. My name is Nathan Limb.
Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (32:57):
For more from News Talk said B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iart Radio
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 by.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
News Talks EDB.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
This week on The Big League Podcast, we crossed to
Daily Telegraph reporter Michael carrianis in Las Vegas ahead of
the NRL season start. Alex Powell and I will dissect
the Warriors pre season. What can we take out of
the two losses. We'll also go through the club's new
characters after movement in the off season and discuss the
(00:44):
state of origin eligibility changes. My name is Nathan Limb.
Let's go god b LV Season twenty twenty six. The
roller coaster starts again and how exciting There is plenty
of new talent to talk about. Lofiana carn Perira Morgan
Gannon Haysan Mallards and Jay Lennane are in on the
(01:06):
flip side. Somehow, the Warrior already have a sizeable casualty ward,
highlighted by made Martin's broken leg. So what can we
derive from the preseason and what are the Warriors prospects?
As the question, as old as time rears his ugly
head once again, is this the Warriors year now. Michael
(01:27):
Burgess has recently welcomed the birth of his second child,
so he will be back in the coming weeks. In
the meantime, we have the expertise of New Zealand Herald
journalist Alex Powell. Welcome to season four of the Big
League Podcast.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
Alex oh okody, mate, thank you for having me.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
Now.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
From a warrior's perspective, massive year ahead. Obviously we're only
in February. This is going to end in October. From
a warrior's perspective, where are your confidence levels for this season?
Speaker 5 (01:53):
M Yeah, it's an interesting wasn't it, Because we've seen
now with the Andrew Webster era, good year, bad year,
good year, So for this any sort of pattern this
year could prove to be quite difficult. But now I
think everything is there for the Warriors too have a
good season, provided they don't get hit by injuries again.
You know we saw last year they will though, I
(02:14):
mean every team does, but it's which players get injured.
Like if you said to the Warriors last year, two
players you don't want injured, Luke Metcalf would be number
one and Mitch Barnett would be somewhere in their number two,
and they both went down with pretty bad ones when
they did. But I think everything is there as and
when every run's back, and I know Metcalf's not going
to be back in the squad until what round seven
at the earliest, But I feel like that there is
(02:36):
enough there. You know, they've recruited really well, They've identified
the areas they need to strengthen and they have. So I mean,
let's just see how we go. But I don't see
any reason why they can't be a top eight side.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Once again, I'm cautiously optimistic because last year we had
the Warriors started off the season the best they ever
have in terms of not in Vegas, they didn't not okay,
not in Vegas, but overall once we got into sort
of week eight, week nine sort of areas, they were
in that top four for such a long time, and
obviously lucky the drawer, they got the Panthers first round
of the of the playoffs and and didn't manage to
(03:09):
get over the line, their injuries taking their toll. Their
season effectively, I think was derailed by those injuries, and
in the back end of the season, the sloppy eras
and a sort of a lack of ruthlessness, which is
what we kept talking about on this podcast. An attack
was sort of proved their undoing. But you know, they've
had a few months to mullet over the coaches. As
you said, they brought in new talents, particularly in that
(03:32):
wing position when you look at the likes of carn Pereira,
and we're going to talk I suppose more specifically about
those players that they've brought in and what changes could
occur for the Warriors season. But I'm cautiously optimistic. I
think once Metcalf and Barnett come back, if the Warriors
are not in too big of a whole, potentially if
they lose a couple of games in the opening rounds,
(03:52):
once they get those two key players back, then they
could be in a very good position. Now, coming up next,
we're going to hear from the man who broke news
of pain Hears, one of the big stories stories I
suppose of the off season. Pain Hears, who's changed his
name to Hakeem has departing the Premiership winning Brisbane Broncos
for the South Sydney Rabbitos. It's Daily Telegraph reporter Michael Carrianas.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It is a very big welcome on the Big League
Podcast for the very first time. Daily Telegraph reporter Michael
carrianis who is coming to us from Las Vegas, where
the NRL season is of course going to be kicking off. Michael,
how are you.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
I'm well, well, how are you?
Speaker 4 (04:36):
I'm very well? Thank you, mate. Can you give us
an overview of what the situation is like? It's Monday,
of course, games still to come in the coming days.
But what's it been like since you arrived at Vegas
and what do you expect from the week ahead.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
Yeah, it's only Sunday in Vegas. So the teams have
just all got here to the Dragons with the last
arrived they arrived yesterday, the board Dogs a couple of
days before that, the night and the Cowboys two days ago.
So they've all rolled into town and not much obviously
forty stuff has happened yet, you know, trying to you know,
(05:11):
each team has had a bit of a blowout, you know,
getting the sights of Las Vegas in and now they'll
shift their attention to the game in the next couple
of days.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
For the next couple of days, what is the week
leading into the NRL season opener, like, what are you
as a journalist I suppose do this week? And and
what is the environment, the atmosphere like with the fans
coming in.
Speaker 6 (05:33):
Yeah, I'm covering the Dragons this week, so I'm in
and around them for the next couple of days. And
you know, in terms of the week a couple of
when I flew out from Sydney, there was a couple
of Rugular League fans on the flight already. They're going
to travel to other parts of the US before they
get to Vegas. And it really amps up at the
(05:54):
back end of next week. So come Wednesday Thursday, in
the lead up to the game, that's when you'll see
footy jerseys everywhere, fans everywhere, and regular League does really
take over Las Vegas, believe it or not supposed to.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
A big question out of Las Vegas is the NRAL
talk about wanting to pierce this American market. Are they
actually doing it, Americans actually getting around this game or
is it really just Australians and New Zealand is coming
over for the ride and filling out Vegas. So Americans
are the locals backing it?
Speaker 6 (06:27):
Well, it's obviously going to be a huge you know,
Ossie and English contingent here this year in terms of
the fans. But I can just give you one example.
Brenton Reed, one of our colleagues, and I was sitting
down two nights ago for dinner and this guy came
up to us, and he was a local guy, and
(06:47):
I definitely thought he was having us on for a bit, right,
But he was a dead set local guy, watches NRL
three sixty, reads everything, listens to everything, and lives lives
in Vegas, right, and he's been captivated by the sport.
We'll go to Round one, you know, to kick start
the season. Then we'll traveled to Australia later in the
year to watch some games. So that's obviously such a
(07:08):
small percentage of the population. But this is a guy
and his wife fallen in love with the game.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
That's fantastic to hear. I suppose if we look at
the games to come Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Dragons, what are
you sort of expecting. Obviously you said you're covering the Dragons.
What are you expecting from these games? And do you
think it is an advantage or a disadvantage for these
teams in the context of the season to have to
come all the way out to Vegas and play the
(07:35):
around one game sort of a weekend early.
Speaker 6 (07:38):
Oh, no doubt. It's a bit of a disadvantage, There's
no doubt about that, from the travel and the change
of routine and you know they get the week off
obviously the following week but still trying to get back
into the swing of things in Australia. Do you know,
it does come at a disadvantage. But you know, we saw,
you know, side last year the Panthers and the Shafts
(07:59):
play fine canbra finished my Primeters right and they played
in Vegas last year, so it didn't really harm their seasons.
So you know, I don't think it's too detrimental in
terms of the outlook of the season. But you know,
the Dragons board off clash. I think the Boarders will start.
Obviously heavy favorite Matt Burton has been clear to play
off the back of last season. They had a good year.
(08:21):
The Dragons was trying to find that feed and New
Hearts combination. And in terms of North Pointansland Newcastle, I
think it's a bit of a toss of the coin.
We're not sure, you know. Newcastle new coach Dylan Brown
will start in the halves came on the back from injury,
so there's some big ins for him, but can they
find a way to score some points.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
In the context of I suppose the season as a whole,
who do you see as comp heavyweights. It's been a
little bit of movement in terms of players in the
off season, which I'm going to ask you a little
bit more about in a second, But in terms of
this competition as a whole, of the Broncos going back
to back, who do you see as as the big
dogs and is there anyone who surprised you so far?
Speaker 6 (09:01):
Yeah, Brisbane obviously, well, you know, had a poor World
Club challenge, but we've seen Penris lose a couple of
World Cups. Will still come back to win Premierships. I
think Penwith will be back up there and the Roosters
as well, despite the loss of Bruce Robson for a
couple of weeks to start the season. I like the
look of their squad.
Speaker 4 (09:19):
Big news and that Nathan Cleary, Panthers star halfbackers sit
to miss the first couple of games with suspension after
a high tackle in the preseason game against the Tigers.
What sort of impact do you see this having on
the Panthers and how do you see the situation playing out.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Yeah, so he's going to challenge that suspension that has
been handed down, so he may be clear to plays
challenge the grading of it. So that's going to come
out tonight that judiciary here in Australia. So look, if
he misses two games or it's not going to help
the Panther's no doubt about that. But it's a long,
(09:57):
long season. You don't forget last year at the midway
point o last and found a way to play finals footage.
So it'll hurt them, but it's not going to be
a make up.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Now you broke the story about pain heass leaving the
Broncos to go to the Rabbit O's pretty major, I
suppose in terms of the Premiership title defenders. How did
that all come about? And what do you see is
the impact on both of the teams, Yeah, obviously huge us.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I was one sided when I when I got the
tip about the fact that he was leaving the Broncos
to join South and it was you know, I'd just
come back from overseas. I couldn't really believe it. And
then eventually you know, found out that it was the case,
and it was true. You know, huge ramifications for both clubs.
The fact that you know players left aside they won
(10:45):
a competition at not for more money. His decision to
actually get up and leave. That's where it's completely different
from other situations we've seen it with Penrith players in
the last couple of years or left because they've had
huge offers that couldn't compete with. This is completely different.
This is a player that's elected to leave as South
or it's just like they lose kill on Kalamatangi and
(11:07):
there was only you know, one or two possible upgrades
from Keon for players that are off contract. One was
Pino pas La Malawi who reached one of the fighters.
The other one was half and they've landed him. So
a huge, huge signing for South Indian. They've really lacked
an enforcer since Sam Burgess retired.
Speaker 4 (11:24):
Yeah, for sure. And since this is I Guess the
Key with NRL podcast, we'll ask you about the Warriors.
Have you seen much of them in pre season and
just looking at their squad, I suppose a few new
players can Perira coming in from the Titans on the wing.
What do you make of the Warriors as a team
in their prospects this season.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
He had a lot will rest on when Mitch Barnett
gets back, look like round two for him, which will
be a huge return. And then Luke Metcalf's the other
One's going to miss at least probably the first two
months of season. So if they can get to you know,
around that fifty percent when we're eight before Luke Metcalf
comes back, then that would be huge for him. He's
probably their most important player. He'll in outstanding form last season,
(12:06):
so I think a lot will rest on his shoulders.
And you know, you don't want to be you know,
two and six when he returns, because he's going to
be a bit slower start, So they can get near
parody around when Luke Becka comes back. I think that'd
be a good lordship had for him.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Have you headed to the casino mate yet?
Speaker 6 (12:23):
No, not much of a pinter, but the Cassados everywhere,
you can't escape them.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Fantastic. Hey, you have a fantastic week, Michael. Thank you
so much for your time this morning on the Big
League Podcast and you enjoy Vegas pleasure.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Thank you Big League Podcast.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
Okay, Alex Powell let's go through the Warriors preseason and
discuss sort of what we've learned. The Warriors suffering two
losses in the preseason games of thirty three eighteen loss
to the Seagulls and a thirty eight to thirty four
defeat by the Dolphins. The results themselves, I couldn't kill less.
The Warriors flogged Melbourne in the preseason last year, and
(12:59):
obviously that that means very little when it comes to
the NRL season proper. The loss to the Seagules the
Warriors put out the B team. I don't think we
really need to talk about that hell of a lot,
but if there's anything we could take out of it,
please let me know. The thirty eight to thirty four
de feet by the Dolphins just over the weekend was
much closer to what we expect from a first string side.
(13:21):
In terms of the team naming, I thought the off
loaning game was pretty strong. The attacking shape for the
most part looks good. With Tanner Boyd and Luke Hanson
running the ship. We have such good depth, or the
Warriors have such good depth in the halves. What did
you take out of what you've seen from pre season?
Speaker 5 (13:37):
I do worry about the halves for the first few
rounds of the season. Like I said, Luke Metcalf coming
back what seven and eight weeks in will be a
bit of a test. Tanner Boyd has shown he is
a very capable backup, but whether or not he can
lead aside, I think is still to be seen. Luke Hanson,
fair plays and a shot just throw everyone's falling down.
But it's now his opportunity, and we say so many
(13:59):
times in professional sport, opportunity is probably more important than ability.
I was actually really encouraged by Ali l'a tala coming back.
I know I've been on the show so many times.
Every time it seems to be how much does Alex
love Ali Lataha? But I really hope that this is
the year it all sort of comes together from like
it's never been about how good he is, it's just
canny stay fit. I was really impressed by diometric Viyemonger.
(14:22):
There's almost a bit of Adam fanil Blake about him,
and I know that's a huge tag to put on
a on a young prop, but everything is that Like
dam fanil Blake when he left said he was comfortable,
confident in his decision to go to Cone because there
was such good depth coming through in the Warriors young
four sox, and we've seen that. We've seen Jacob Labham,
we've seen Vaimonga, we've seen Lekahala Sima, who could be
(14:44):
one of the breakout players this year after what he
did last year as well. But you do almost worry
for the Warriors, like go back to the halves. How
quickly can they get up to full speed when they
don't have the best site on the park.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
You sort of mentioned the Latawa and I suppose he's
one of the younger players in the squad, and we
talked so much about the young crop of talent coming
through the likes of Halo Seema Vai Manger. You mentioned
as well, another player I thought stood out, Eddie Romir Tuyava.
When he came on the park against the Dolphins as well,
(15:21):
I thought he was really impressive. So I suppose what's
giving me confidence is the fact that the youngsters from
last season who had the breakout seasons, Jacob Laban as well,
I thought was quite strong against the Dolphins. They're looking
another step better, I suppose so far this year, and
we yet to get into the season and all that stuff.
But it's good to see that continuity, I suppose, and
(15:42):
those guys, the likes of Halo Seema Laban, Leatawa Vaimonger,
they are going to be the bedrock of this club
in the years to come as they get into their
sort of mid twenties. But let's talk about a couple
of the signings. Morgan Gannon coming from Leeds in the
UK and also Hazen Mallar, who we've seen on the wing.
(16:02):
We're probably expecting to see maybe slightly less of him.
Roger t I Vasaschek out with injury at the moment,
but he is to return round one. What have you
seen from Gannon? First of all in pre season? What
do you expect? I suppose come NRL.
Speaker 5 (16:17):
English players is always one you take with a grain
of salt. For every Sam Burgess, there as a Sam Tompkins.
So you do worry can he adapt to the NRL.
What I've seen of him so far, I'm really liking.
You know, he is a versatile backgrow Andrew Webster said,
you know, he could probably play six. You know, he's
that good on the ball where he fits into the
side right now. I don't know he might have to
(16:38):
just be patient and wait for his chance play a
bit of New South Wales Cup, but it's there. How
much he adapts the NRL is up to him. But
you look at this Warrior squad. You look at someone
like Kurt Capewell, who you know might have one or
two years left in the NRL. At the Warriors think
is what this is the last year of his deal.
So you think if morgan Ganna can come and hit
the ground, learn from someone like a Capewell and then
(17:00):
replace him next year, then I think the Warriors you
do need a pat on the back for having that
sort of forward thinking in their salary, captain their roster.
But everything we've seen from morgan Gannon so far says
that there's a player there. It's just what can he
do in adapting to a new country and into a
new league.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
The second row is going to be a really interesting
I suppose a very good conundrum for the Warriors selectors
to have. I don't have at the moment Gannon in
my starting you know our first top eighteen, would you say,
I suppose I'd have Halaesema and Cape Well and potentially
near Quardia on the interchange, but you only really have
that third option. So I do expect morgan Gannon to
(17:40):
have to wait for injury for his opportunity. Having said that,
the Warriors have players like Halosima who could potentially switch
over to center. So with Rocoberry routinely getting injured, is
their room for him to come in because one of
the second rowers has moved out to center. It was
such a conundrum for them last year.
Speaker 5 (17:56):
Do you want Hallasima in the centers? Because I die.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
I think he's got potential there.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
I'm sure he does, but he has potential in every
position he could plan. But you look at the way
his success happened last year. It was those sort of
short balls off Luke Metc running from him as an
edge forward. You move him out to the center, there's
going to be less of that. You're you're sort of
taking away his strength to weaken a weakness, and that's
never a good place to be.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Okay, I take I take your point. I think he's
young enough that they can afford to try him out
in a few different places, and he's got still got
so much development left to go. If they put him
at center, I wouldn't mind it. Just on a trial
basis even through the NRL, because I don't think you're
going to get a huge drop in quality.
Speaker 5 (18:35):
No, but we've seen we know, like it doesn't need
to be a trial basis. We know he can play
center because he's a bloody good footballer, you know. But
it's the problem because his best position is in the
second row. You know. We've spoken about cape Well if anything,
we need to put someone at center week, if the
Warriors need to put someone at center, I'd say cape
Well would be the one to go there rather than Hall.
Speaker 4 (18:54):
Well, he's not fast enough. We saw him last year
when he was moved out to center's he was skilled
skinned on the outside and when they Warriors had those
right edge defense issues and it was down, down and
out there, Capeor just wasn't able to keep up with
his opposite. Who's if his opposite was you know, an
out and out seat to a back.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Yeah, you do. Those those edge worries are pretty consistent
then coming into this new season, aren't they.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
But you're right?
Speaker 5 (19:18):
I mean, would you would you look at someone like
morgan Gannon ats center then just give them minutes on
the park and maybe a less sort of out of
the firing line of the centers rather than the forwards.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Potentially. The only issue is, I guess we haven't seen
him yet on this in this country, I suppose at
that position, So something for them to I guess filter out,
But not a pressing issue for the Warriors in terms
of that Dolphins game. Was there anything else you took
out of it in terms of stuff they might need
to look at. I know the commentators were talking a
bit about how it didn't seem like NRL standard intensity.
(19:50):
There was some real sloppy defense sort of around the ruck.
Speaker 5 (19:53):
It was a bit like a basketball, wasn't it just
get everyone going back and forth and back and forth.
So yeah, look, I'd never read too much into preseason.
The important thing is that the players who have needed
to have minutes on the park have had it. Now
they're going to have an extra week off because the
season starts in Las Vegas before the effectively start and
what should be round two, but it's round one, just
split by two weeks.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
Let's move on to I suppose to warry is a
casualty ward, which, as I mentioned before, somehow already is stacked.
Let's go through it. If you're wondering why you haven't
seen Chanelle Harris Tavita in pre season. He is dealing
with a calf issue. He is expected to be back
in Round one for that first game, as is car Perreira,
who suffered a concussion in the All Stars Game, Martinia
(20:35):
Cordier who's also got a carf issue. Roger toy Vasa
Strek has a hamstring niggle, but they are all back
due round one. Mitch Barnett, returning from an ACL injuries,
expected to come back in round two. Luke metcalf is
expected in round seven to Mike and Martin. This was
sort of the big one in pre season. Broken his
leg and he is out for twelve weeks, which means
he will return in round ten. Rocco'berry, as per usual,
(20:59):
has done his shoulder and his return to players is
to be confirmed. I'll ask you about to Midy Martin, Alex,
how big of a blow is that.
Speaker 5 (21:08):
The issue in the halves. I'd say it's a very
big loss. You look, if everyone's fit for the Warriors,
what's to Mighty Martin's best position? Is it that number
fourteen role? I think it is, see because I think
Sam Healey needs to be invested in not just as
a fourteen, but as a hooker. And that's so from
that side of it, to Mighty Martin's loss isn't exactly
as big as it might be. I know, is it
(21:29):
is actually a problem when you don't have that sort
of quality and training. But in terms of the match
day was at seventeen, but nineteen now because you hear
the two extra spots on the bench before you finalize
it into a seventeen, I think it opens it all
for Sam Heley. And as we've seen, you know, throughout
last season and when he came in against the Sharks,
the sky is up to it. You know, the Warriors
have had not a problem, but that is a very
(21:52):
clear drop off from Wade Eggan into what was traditionally
Freddy Lussick. Sam Healey's an upgrade. I'm Freddy Lussick and
so I'm actually quite excit. I know you've asked me
about to Mighty Martin, I've made it about Freddy Lastick.
So you're right, you feel for Tomighty this guy's career
has been you know, pretty stop start. Anytime feels like
he gets a runner games to get something happens, whether
it's injury or remember when he retired with a brain
(22:14):
bleeding out all all that was so now he's what
twenty nine thirty. You feel like as a half of
these are your best years. So it would be good
to see him back on the park in some form,
whether that's fourteen, whether that's seven or even a one.
Speaker 4 (22:31):
I know that he doesn't necessarily mind where he plays,
but I suppose the unfortunate thing is once he by
the time he comes back, Luke Metcalff's meant to be
fit again, so that opportunity I supposed to play in
that seven jumper might be might go and miss. Having
said that, we saw how he was used as a
utility so much last year that I'm sure he will
get game time in some capacity once he does return
(22:53):
and he is fit. Cant Perreira, I suppose the highlight
signing of the off season, known for his speed coming
from the Titans as tri scoring ability, probably didn't have
as much. He didn't have as much game time last
year as he did in previous season. Is he starting
on the on the wing in place of Dala montins
O Listenick.
Speaker 5 (23:12):
I would obviously Andrew Webster and the coaches are the
ones that see them in training every day and will
make that decision. But I think that's what the Warriors
have really been missing for the last couple of years.
It's just out and outpace on the wing. I know
that Burge is a big proponent of this, of just
getting someone who's rapid. Cambrera has probably found the fastest
player in the NRL. Yes, he does have weaknesses on defense,
(23:33):
as we've seen. He might score a try game, but
he also might concede one. But I think that's the
way the NRL, the way the NRL is now, that's
a risk worth taking of having somebody who might be
a bit like we still a Dan Dalla by Tennis Lesnik.
He wasn't always the best defender. You look at some
of the issues they had on that edge last year.
So as an upgrade on Dalla by Tennis Lesnik, yep
(23:54):
for me big time. With what carmberre brings Roger two
of us a check on the other side, I don't
know what to make of where he's at. You know,
there are the links to our three sixty last year
are three sixties fall and over. It's got a bit quiet.
They gave him the Warrior player of the Year, which
I didn't feel.
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Not are you are you promoting a conspiracy here, Alex Power.
Do you think they've given him Player of the Year
to keep him at the club? Do you think that
would work?
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Well?
Speaker 5 (24:20):
I mean now he doesn't really have a choice, you know,
Like I'm such a huge fan of Roger to us Chick,
I think he is probably in the Warrior's best three
players of all time, you know, Johnson, Mannering and Roger.
Sorry to anyone else who's off that list. That he
is now at the point of his career where he
has done to think about the end, and they're like
the R three sixty links didn't come from nowhere.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
You know.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
His agent confirmed that Yep, this is something will considered because.
Speaker 4 (24:43):
He talked about it too, Roger did.
Speaker 5 (24:44):
Yeah, so they do need and I think that's why
they've gone gone signing two wingers in Malas and Camperrara.
So whether or not we'll see both of them at
the same time in those new signings, or whether or
not it'll be mix and match one with the other,
I don't know. Obviously it's up to the coaches, but
(25:04):
I think it is very clearly that they have looked
at the wing and gone, that is a weakness. That
is what we need to improve.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
Yeah, I do think that based on I asked Andrew
Webster a couple of weeks ago about Camprera and if
he does have potential to start once we get into
the NRAL season, and Webster said absolutely, and was talking
very very sort of encouragingly about a Camperrera and his
prospects and he wants to start. We spoke to Camprera
himself as well, So I do expect him to be
(25:32):
there on the right edge for the Warriors, and I
expect Roger to Bevarsischek to be on the left. Just
to glance over the other preseason results, I'm not sure
how much you read into all of these, given it
is preseason. The Tigers actually flogged the Panthers, and the
Cleary versus Leui battle twenty six to twelve Nathan Clearia
(25:52):
possible suspension is a top touched on with Michael Carianis.
The Sharks crossed the Raiders forty eight six, the Eels
each of the roosters twenty eight twenty two. Rabbito has
beat the Seagles thirty to six, and if you want
further evidence, that the preseason means very little. The Titans
thrashed the Storm forty two twelve.
Speaker 3 (26:10):
Could be healthy, right.
Speaker 4 (26:12):
Big news over the last couple of weeks has been
talked about a lot, but we're going to touch on it.
State of Origin. Not only is it coming to New
Zealand with a fixture at Eden Park next year, but
they have finally changed the eligibility criteria. So previously, if
you wanted to represent New Zealand or England you could
not play State of Origin. However, the rules did not
apply if you wanted to represent Tong or some Moore.
(26:35):
They've changed that now given the rise of Tong and Salmour,
the players, the caliber of the players they have think
Jerome Lewi Brighten to Or, they have changed the rules
so now anyone can represent New South Wales or Queensland
as long as you have the prescribed criteria to represent
those states, no matter what international side you play for.
It means that Caylen Ponger Queensland could play for the Kiwis.
(26:58):
This has been vocal about wanting to do adaf NOA
Blake and Casey McClain that Kiwis who could potentially now
play for New South Wales with Britain Nick or potentially
on board for Queensland as well. Alex, what did you
make of these changes? For me, it was absolutely necessary
because it just was not fair that Kiwi's players couldn't
(27:22):
be involved.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
About Bloody Time was my reaction. I know there's been
a bit of an uproar across the ditch in places
like you know, especially Queensland. It's st value and state
of origin, but it's just a reflection of where not
the sporters, but just where society is. You know, in
twenty twenty six, it's not abnormal for people to be
mixed nationality. You know, my mum's English, my dad's Kiwi.
(27:43):
I could in theory represent either. But the fact that
Kiwis were being punished in Australia, like you say, like
some of autong Are Fiji, they were all free to
play state of origin if they met the criteria because
they're supposed Tier two nations. The tear system was never
about how good you were. It was about the pathways
in your country, you know, So all the players that
come through for some of tong Are and Fiji or
(28:03):
all being developed in Australia and New Zealand anyway, and
now they're getting to have the cakene it too. The
match payments state of origin at what ninety thousand for
the three games have you played? The more that's money
that players just couldn't turn down. And remember what James Tamo,
he's from Palmst the North, who's playing for New South Wales,
and he just said, yeah, this is a professional decision.
I cannot you know, that's not money I can look
away from. So in that instance, it's great. You talk
(28:25):
about Kaylen Ponger. He's sort of been the one that's
been at the center of this because he's always said
he wants to play for New Zealand but he couldn't
give up up the Queensland Jersey. He's actually been really
quiet on it, and he was asked about and said, oh,
I've got some decisions to make and people to talk to.
Adam Fanol Blake and Britain in the Cordo both said yep,
I'm keen Accaudam particularly he would be such a boost
(28:46):
for Queensland. They've been not weak, but that edge or
sorry that the edge forwards they've had aren't really NRL specialists.
You think Ruben Codd has played in the number eleven
Jersey for Queensland.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
He's a middle forward.
Speaker 5 (28:58):
So I think it's just such a good thing for
the game. If they want state of origin to be
the pinnacle of the game, let the best players play in.
It doesn't matter where you're born.
Speaker 4 (29:07):
I fully, and the international game is going to benefit
so much for it, because for me, we talk about
state of origin as the peak of the sport and
it really is. It shouldn't be. In my opinion, International
rugby league should be the peak, and I think this
lifts the standard of that. And there's such an appetite
for international rugby league as well when you look at
the colors of Eden Park when the Keywis turn out
(29:29):
to play Tonga or some more. You know, I suppose
when all of the league fan base in New Zealand,
in Auckland, especially a Lumpton as being you know, predominantly
Warriors fans, as soon as it turns to international you
see everyone's true sort of colors I suppose, and that
and it feels like you know you're playing an RP
when the Keys run out against some wore at Eden Park,
(29:52):
which sort of tells you the tale here is Jonathan
Thurston talking about Ponger at Eden Park, courtesy of International
Rugby League' video on X Well, that's what we want.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
We want the best players playing for growing the game.
So you know, Caleb Pomner is the superstar of our
game and if you want to represent New Zealand, it's
going to bring more eyeballs to the game.
Speaker 6 (30:16):
So that's what we want.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
Would you start pomer at fallback for the kiwis.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
That's a big question. Actually, would you?
Speaker 5 (30:25):
I don't know, because I mean if you'd ask me
this question a year ago, sure, but look at what
count O Kenny's done for the Titans Innfini.
Speaker 4 (30:31):
No, yeah, I would start Actually I've thought about it
for a few seconds. No, you start him because of
his experience, count of Kenny's been fantastic, But I would
start caunupon.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
The Big League Podcast podcast The Big League Podcast The
Warrior is Bad Wagon since day one right.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
The NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas this weekend.
It is the Knights and the Cowboys, the Bulldogs and
the Dragons. Of these four teams, only the Bulldogs were
in the top eight last season. A little bit of
move in the off season, though, with Dylan Brown joining
the Knights on that mega, mega deal from the Eels.
(31:15):
So Alex Poweller put it to you, first of all Knights, Cowboys,
how do you see this one starting out as the
twenty twenty six season kicks off.
Speaker 5 (31:23):
I'm genuinely torn over this. I think the Knights player
for player, you'd say the Knights, but you would say
that about them most seasons, and they just cannot get
it right. You know, you talk about Dylan Brown going there,
and you know Sandon Smith as well, which is quite
a good pickup from the Roosters, but Fletcher Sharp was
one of their best players of the year last year
and now it looks like he's what starting in fourteen.
(31:43):
So I just don't know. I will go Cowboys.
Speaker 4 (31:46):
It's always a coin flip at the start of the season,
but I'm going to disagree with you and go for
the Knights. Let's see what Dylan Brown can produce in
Newcastle Bulldogs Dragons.
Speaker 5 (31:58):
I mean, Bulldogs was such a mess last year. They
started the season so well and then for no reason
just changed their arms bearing because they could when they
got Loggie Galvin from the Tigers, and that completely derailed
their whole season. Now that they've had a preseason where
you're going to have Gaben and Burton at six and
seven or seven and six seven, I'd like to think
(32:19):
they'll have enough. But they've got Leo Thompson as well.
That's another big signing, even though he's not going to
play this one because he's picked up an injury in
pre season. So that's yeah, Bulldogs.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
I'm going to agree with you there, just on paper,
I think the Bulldogs with that preseason should have had
time to sort some things out. We'll see how we go.
Those are the predictions to start us off for Remember
we'll be back next week to preview the Warriors first
game of the NRL season, But for now, enjoy Las Vegas.
Thank you Alex Power for your time, your wisdom, your
insight on the Big League Podcast. Season four is underway.
(32:51):
Please follow and rate the podcast. My name is Nathan Limb.
Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (32:57):
For more from News Talk said B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iart Radio
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