March 1, 2026 • 25 mins
This week on The Big League Podcast — Newstalk ZB’s Nathan Limm and the NZ Herald’s Chris Reive break down the big news of Mitch Barnett’s decision to leave the Warriors at the end of the 2026 season. They also review the two NRL fixtures out of Las Vegas and, most importantly, preview the Warriors’ round‑one clash against the Sydney Roosters.
Plus, Nathan catches up with Roger Tuivasa‑Sheck, Luke Metcalf and Alofiana Khan‑Pereira.
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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.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
The Big League Podcast League podcast at by News TALKSB.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, we hear from
an all star lineup Roger twey vasa check on rugby
three sixty, Luke Metcar on his ACL injury update, and
new winger a Lopiana carn Perreira on how many of
his teammates he skinned it training. Chris Reeves off the
interchange to dissect the Mitch Barnett departure. The NURL season
(00:45):
start in Las Vegas and were expectations are from an
opening round clash with the Roosters at Mount Smart. My
name is Nathan Limb. Let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
God be healthy.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
A delayed blow to the Warriors before the season has
even started. Mitch Barnett has been granted a release from
his contract on compassionate grounds to return to Australia at
the end of the set due to one of his
children's health requirements and the need for ongoing family support.
I have massive respect for Barnett the way he carries
(01:17):
himself on and off the field. At his best, he
is just about the club's best player. But I also
think he deserves credit for the way this call has
been handled. He gets it out of the way at
the beginning of the season and he remains with the
club for the year, when I don't think people would
have blamed him for departing immediately given the circumstances. Chris Reeve,
(01:38):
New Zealand Herald Rider. How much more importance does this
season take on given they'll be losing Barnett next year
and welcome?
Speaker 4 (01:47):
Yeah good.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
I mean it's a bit early to say off the interchange,
isn't it like Week one? Surely I'm the starter of
this year?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Right?
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You are a Week two I suppose for this year,
but no, still know Michael Burgers hopefully he's back next week.
Speaker 5 (02:00):
Yes, yeah much. Barnett huge loss for the Warriors. I
mean you just look at how much he's grown into
the role since he joined the club. You know, not
wanted by Newcastle, given an early release there to join
the Warriors, He's come over and, like you say, the
best player in the team. So it's a huge loss
for the club. How I guess it impacts the year
going ahead. I really think it's too early to tell
(02:24):
I think it'll depend on who the Warriors can bring
in to replace them as to how they'll be placed.
I guess contend moving forward without Barnett. I mean, Barnett
is such a big piece in this team. You know,
if it is going to be the year, it feels
like they're going to need a lot out of Barnett.
But moving forward, if you get someone equally as good,
(02:47):
then maybe you know, the trajectory continues on the same
sort of path that they're going on.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
And the Warriors also have really good depth. I mean
the way Dimitric Vaimonger has developed I suppose over the
last year, in the way he's looked in pre season
as well. They will want to bring someone in with
a lot of experience given Barnett's leadership. But you know,
I have a lot of faith in the players that
they've coming through, particularly Vye.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Mama.
Speaker 5 (03:10):
Yeah he looks good, doesn't he. He took a big step
last year.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Yeah. One up.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Next, we're gonna hear from Roger to Evasa Sheck, Luke
Metcalf and a Lofiana can Perira.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Last week, the Big League Podcast producer Matt Kelly and
I headed along to the One New Zealand headquarters and
wind Yard Quarter to track down a few big names,
and this num bigger than Roger to Evasa Sheck.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
First of all, how are you feeling?
Speaker 6 (03:39):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What year is just with the Cup for you?
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Hell on, man, I think it's.
Speaker 7 (03:45):
Yeah, thirteen fourteen, something like that. But I'm excited about
this yet you think that the two boys I've been
saying it, Oh sorry.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
Something good? Well does it even go if you get old?
Speaker 6 (03:57):
No? Never does you know? And it's it's exciting.
Speaker 7 (04:00):
Boy's going to a new crop up boys there bringing new
energy and that's all that's not beloved, New boys coming in,
new energy coming through.
Speaker 6 (04:07):
Yeah, tell just meet and that's what I need.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
Tell us about that new energy.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
What's different about this year and compare comparison to other
years that you've been.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
With the Cup?
Speaker 7 (04:16):
Well, first of all, the game is changing, you know,
the game is getting a lot faster.
Speaker 6 (04:19):
And I'm seeing all these young athletes coming through like
it has to be by Hayes.
Speaker 7 (04:24):
We've got young young Ed and Mere who's sort of
grow where we've are card that's coming through.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
All these young players. What's another one.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
That they're just coming to get faster, the get bigger.
Speaker 7 (04:33):
You're more athletic, and it makes us want to challenge
each other, and especially us older boys. You know, we
see this crop coming through, We're just wow. The game
is here in the right direction and you just want
to make sure you're part of them.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Yeah, what was the biggest thing you guys took out
of last year that you want to implement, improve on,
or continue with this year.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
We love the next man up mentality. We love the
it's gonna take a club to win the premiership. And
you know we saw that our round one team what's
different to us and be our finals team, So it's
gonna take all of us.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
So everyone needs to know they're wrong. Everyone needs to
turn up and make sure they be getting their role done.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
How are you physically? You missed?
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Do you have a carfish or something? In the preseason, you
missed a couple of precents.
Speaker 7 (05:13):
Yeah, I missed the last two and I went to
because it was a short turnaround for our second trial
and I could to get enough he runs for my hamstring.
Speaker 6 (05:21):
But I'm good to go and hopefully I've got to
take a few more boxes over the next coming days
and be ready to go around one.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Obviously pretty big news over the last few days with
Mitch Barney obviously announcing it to be his last year.
What's been your reaction to that, especially as another sort
of talismanic leader on the side.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
What do you see for for what Mitch does for
the club?
Speaker 6 (05:41):
Oh, he's awesome, man.
Speaker 7 (05:43):
We were all devastated and guts it about the news,
but when when you break it down for us, by him.
Speaker 6 (05:48):
And his family, all we can do is support him.
You know, we've got a lot of love for him,
Claire and the boys and I just.
Speaker 7 (05:53):
Want to wish him all the best at the end
of the year.
Speaker 6 (05:56):
But for this year, like you said, extra motivation to
drive a bank.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Obviously, Luke's still a wee while away to mind, it's
just gone down with injury.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
You guys have got good depth in the hearts.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
How much confidence have you got in the guy's coming
through Obviously Tanner and Chanelle would presume would be running
the show.
Speaker 7 (06:12):
Yeah, that's a big confidence. Like I said, the next
man up mentality, you know, there's a big crew. You've
got young Jenny there, You've got Luke Hanson, the other
two you just named Chanelle and and Tanner Boyd. There
is a good group of halves there that you know
their next man up here, I is going to know
their role.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
And the all different players too.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
It's exciting. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
And in regards to you, obviously rag Me three sixty
popped up in the middle of the league. Yeah, last
year they were a bit interested in you. Is there
any update with that, what's going on?
Speaker 6 (06:36):
There's no update at all.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
You know.
Speaker 7 (06:37):
I'm focusing here and my regular league and continues now
and like my like my body was and right for
the first of two trials, but that's in my focus
is trying to get ready so for our one and
to focus all on there.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Right.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Luke Metcalf's due back in Round seven from an ACL
injury suffered last year, and he said to play a
pivotal role should the Warriors be successful this year. But
is it as simple as just staying healthy. Look, really
appreciate you joining the Big League Podcast again. Firstly, how
last few months been, I imagine fairly frustrating.
Speaker 8 (07:08):
Yeah, obviously, yeah, it was frustrating at the start, but
I feel like ever since pre season I got back underway,
I've been feeling really good, been training with Big Mitchie
Barnett pretty similar and sort of where we're at with
our rehab.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
So yeah, it was good to have someone to deal with.
Speaker 8 (07:22):
And yeah, it's as frustrating as it is at the start.
The longer you go on, I feel like easier gets
to Now I'm at the back end and the lights
and the end of.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
The tunnels are we're right what what can you do?
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Everything?
Speaker 8 (07:33):
Yeah, I'm doing everything at the moment. I've passed all
my testing and that, and so tomorrow I'll be back
doing Last week was my first sort of week no one,
I'm not really restricted him much, so yeah, it's now
it's a good part. I get to actually training the
boys and.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Do all the good shit.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
And just an update on what week you expect us
of you been.
Speaker 8 (07:53):
No, I don't really have a week, but I know
it'll be pretty early. It won't be it won't be
that late. But yeah, not too not too stress. Haven't
actually said, oh bang, it's gonna be this day. I've
got a few boxes just to tick with the boys.
I need some some reps and some k's in the
legs training with the team. So yeah, once I sort
of get through a couple weeks of that. I think
then I'll be able to maybe put a timeline on
(08:14):
it house to mighty. Obviously pretty devastating your own. Yeah,
frustrating for Tea. So something just looks so so nothing,
you know what I mean. It didn't look like anything bad,
but yeah, obviously just copped a knock on on the
outside of his leg there, and frustrating for him doing that.
Two weeks Moore the season starts. But yeah, he's he's
in good spirits. He's he's a bit of Alaric and
(08:35):
he's a character.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
So yeah, we know.
Speaker 8 (08:36):
I think it's said about a twelve week recovery, so
we know about round ten, hopefully he'll be backing and.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Mixing it with the boys. What was your reaction to
Mitch Bannett's news.
Speaker 8 (08:48):
Yeah, he's one of my best mates at this club,
so yeah, I'll support Barney all the way. You know,
like I think if anyone fan player sponsor whatever it is,
you you know that situation, you see it. I don't
think there's any other way you can look at it
other than empathy and and compassion. You know, he's he's
something that puts in bloodspreent tiers for for this club
(09:10):
and he will continue to do so this year, nothing's
gonna change with him. So I think as as players,
as fans, we should rally around someone like that, and
I feel like that's what everyone has done. So yeah,
I'm just so obviously devastated as a as a player
that he has to go.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
You know, I want him on my team, But as.
Speaker 8 (09:25):
A mate, I'm I'm just really happy for him that
he gets to you know, gets to go home and
does what he needs to do for his family, because
at the end of the day, that's what's most important.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
And I think everyone was grown up.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Last year.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
You guys had the best start the club's either ahead,
and obviously injuries sort of took the toll later in
the year. But this year, is it as simple as
staying healthy?
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Yeah, it could be in a way.
Speaker 8 (09:48):
It always helps, you know, if you have you know,
everyone's fitting, everyone's fine. You're sort of seeing over the
last few rounds. Last year was almost the healthiest teams
got to the got to the pointy end of the season.
But yeah, obviously mixed that in with getting better, you know,
building combinations, playing together for longer. I feel like that
all plays a part, and not to see you can
(10:09):
stay injury free, that's all that might be half the battle.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
And he had a couple of mister personal milestones. Last year.
You had a baby, didn't you? And you got married
as well last year.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Yeah. How's the family have you have you been?
Speaker 8 (10:20):
Yeah, no, they're really good. Had a baby in April,
April fourth, I'm easy to remember, fourth of the fourth,
so I had her names Maya. Then in October got
married down in Monica, So that was awesome. Had a
few of the boys here and a couple of stuff
come as well.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Yeah, it was such an awesome time.
Speaker 8 (10:39):
Yeah, one of the best days of my life to
go down there and get married, and it's just such
a cool place in the world like this instantly became
one of my favorite places to go down Queenstown, Monica area, Arrowtown.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
All out love it.
Speaker 8 (10:50):
So any chance now I'll get any by weekends or
something like that might be.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Spent down there.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Did you go on the Louse go skiing? Funny?
Speaker 8 (10:57):
Definitely didn't go skiing, But funny thing about the Lose,
I'm too. I'm a bit scared of heights, so yeah,
I'm like, I'm all right on planes and stuff, but
just anything like in one of those lose things or
like I went to the London I London one time
and ah that yeah, not good at that where you're
just sitting up there. I don't like when you're just there.
I'd rather be going fast on a rollercoaster or something
like that. Yeah, but I didn't go up there. I
was my thought. It was six months old at the time,
(11:20):
and she went up So.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
Yeah, so it's out, but there was a good time.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
After arriving from the Titans, Alafiana, Kahn Perira joins a
competitive cohort of wing options for the Warriors, but his
pace is what sets him apart. Hello, Fianna Camperera, thank
you so much for joining the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
Man, I really appreciate it. Season launch. How excited are
you coming into this new club? How have you found it?
Speaker 6 (11:42):
Yeah, definitely excited. I was very.
Speaker 9 (11:45):
Welcome to two open arms on the boys and the staff. Honestly,
boys been ripping in pre season and there's nothing.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
That I've witnessed ever before.
Speaker 9 (11:56):
And now the boys are killing and I think I
think we're in for a great year this year.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Say, I'm very excited.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
What sort of differences have you noticed coming to the
Warriors from the Titans.
Speaker 9 (12:05):
I think just that the vestalism, everyone really more onto it.
I'm not saying that the boys back home we're not
onto it, but I think it's it's just real consistent.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Over here, and.
Speaker 6 (12:18):
You know, everyone's.
Speaker 9 (12:19):
Striving to get that first round. Jersey and another. Boys
are very hungry, and I think that's been one of
the things that I've noticed here.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
And you spoke about that getting that starting spot. There's
a lot of competition on the wings. How do you
think you're fearing going into week one? Do you have
an indication of whether or not you'll be getting a start.
Speaker 6 (12:39):
I'm not sure.
Speaker 9 (12:40):
Still at the moment, I think, you know, still a
lot of a lot of time left and four round one,
so I'm still just knocking those days off and just
focusing on my part and what I can do for
the team. Oh yeah, bro, it's to be a real
patient and you know, if I do get it, you know,
I want to.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
Take your the two hands.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Where and not look back.
Speaker 9 (12:59):
But right now I'm not too sure. I'm just focus
more on the trainings and the combinations and what I.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
Can do with my playing style.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
You didn't get out on the field during preest those
two preseason games, did you what was going on?
Speaker 9 (13:12):
First one under stabbed the All Stars and then there
was a bit of a miscommunication.
Speaker 6 (13:16):
With a round two trials.
Speaker 9 (13:19):
I just had a head knock by just put me
and you know I fell right, but you know I'd
rather be safe for Sorry.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah, what are you your goals? Obviously coming to a
new club, everything's very new. Do you set yourself still
lofty goals or is it about just sitting in and
assimilating into this new club, new environment, your team.
Speaker 9 (13:37):
No, for me, like, I'm always gonna set a good
goals and bigger goals for myself and for me Broy, like,
I just want to play my best footy and that
that comes with consistent footy as well.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (13:50):
Like, I've learned so much, love love being here, and
I think I can I moment a lot of the
playing style that the boys I've given me here and
put that within myself and put my best foot forward.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Bro.
Speaker 6 (14:00):
I think it's being here has only.
Speaker 9 (14:01):
Progressed my my game further and I'm just so excited
to display that this year. And for me, it's just
consist a foodio.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
The thing that the fans are really excited to see
from you.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
Is your pace? Have you been able to skin anyone
at training? Have you guys had one hundred meter dash
to teast it out?
Speaker 9 (14:17):
No, one hundred meter dash is just yeah, But I've
skinned a few, giving the boys a few fades.
Speaker 4 (14:24):
Who have you whacked?
Speaker 9 (14:25):
Oh no, I can't say anyone. They'll give it to
me after Nah, he comes and goes. But come of
the boys skin me as well. You know, we give
it to each other. But yeah, bro, a lot of
boys here still quick.
Speaker 6 (14:38):
Like like Dalphins.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Is he still He's still got it in him?
Speaker 9 (14:41):
So yeah, it's kind of it's kind of hard, you know,
hold him back sometimes, but Broke.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
Yeah, I love giving it to my price And obviously
big news out last couple of days Mitch Bannett hitting
off at the end of this season. I know you've
only just come to the club, but what have you
been able to take away about Mitch Bannett and his
leadership and his place in this team since you've arrived.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
Just me confident to speak, bro to be honest.
Speaker 9 (15:06):
You know, I'm just saying I'm just a winger, but
I'm out in the sting Brown and you know, for me.
It's for me seeing him just communicate the boys and
his leadership has really what I mean, just sneak up
and you know, say might say because there's there is
no wrong answer when when talking to the boys.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
But yeah, for me, Bro, he's a.
Speaker 9 (15:26):
Massive leadership and you know, hopefully I'll get to play
and put that jersey on playing aside alongside with him.
But I'm so glad that he's leaving.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Man, you could have learned more of him.
Speaker 9 (15:38):
Just I'm just so.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
Happy for that.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Still a year ago though, plenty of time to learn
some stuff on yeah exactly.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
Still, yeah, a year to go.
Speaker 9 (15:45):
Yeah, Like for me, Bro, seeing a person like that,
and I just want to play with him forever.
Speaker 6 (15:50):
You know, you don't, you don't want to.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
I don't want to lose those guys out of the team.
Speaker 6 (15:54):
But yeah, big and better things for him. I'm very
very happy.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Big League Podcast this is coming the Big League Podcast
on the Worries band wagon since day one.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Now.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
The Warriors face the Roosters on Friday at Mount Smart
in the NRL season opener. The Roosters they suffered preseason losses,
like the Warriors to the Eels and the Tigers. The
Warriors aren't the only side losing a key player at
the end of the season. The Roosters are in the
same boat. Angus Crichton is code hopping to rugby union
to join the Waratas next year to chase a place
(16:32):
in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad. Winger Mark Nawangannitaase
is also switching to rugby union to play in Japan
next year. The Roosters have gained over the offseason Tommy Tallao,
winger Cody Ramsey and hooker Rhese Robson from the Cowboys,
but the biggest signing of all is Daily Cherry Evans
on a one year deal. A lot of controversy around this.
(16:54):
Chris Reeve dce pretty adamant the rumors of a falling
out with the club are off the mark. But this
was a major thing that happened last year, and since
it happened, I think it was March last year, the
Seagle season sort of down the toilet a little bit.
What did you make of Daily cherri Evens changes to
the Roosters.
Speaker 5 (17:13):
Yeah, I mean personally we saw it years ago when
he committed to the Titans. I was half expecting another
backflip at some point during the year, but that didn't come,
so he had the rich get rich all right. With
DC joining the Roosters, heck of a player, still very
very good, even you know, pretty late in his career now.
But yeah, I feel like for the Sea Eagles, yeah,
(17:35):
whether or not you believe what was coming out this season,
like you say, kind of went downhill last year and
I'm really curious to see how they go this year
without DC kind of pulling the strings there.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
I'm really interested to. I suppose if you look at
the Roosters as a whole, the halves, maybe we're an
area in which they didn't have that experience. With Sam
Walker very young running the show at seven, I presume
he'd swatch over to five eight. Then DC comes in
the half back jumper. He's only here on a one
year deal, but what do you think, what kind of
game do you think he's going to be running at
the Roosters, especially with Sam wah.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how those two work together, right,
because they are, like I said, they're generally both sevens.
One of them is going to have to, I guess,
do a little bit more running. Hopefully you'd think maybe
you'll see someone like Connor Watson move into six occasionally
because they do have that option with him there.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Yeah, And I suppose on the Warriors side of things,
we're awaiting I suppose the first team selection of the season.
Last year, every time there was a team naming, the
team would change about thirty thousand times before we actually
got out on game day. So maybe take it with
a grain of salt. Andrew Rivster likes playing tricks with us.
But in terms of the side that we're going to
see run out for the Warriors, do you have any
(18:49):
of the new players in there, Carperreira, Morgan Gannon maybe
who's starting on the wing for example, it's a pretty
crowded cohort there.
Speaker 5 (18:56):
I think on the wing, I would probably be putting
carn Pereira in there, probably ahead of Dallan Wattenizelisniak. I
just think Camprera can create a little bit more of
his own offenses, not just a finisher in the corner.
He can do a little bit a little bit more,
and like you say, his pace is a huge weapon,
and he has some concerns defensively, as a lot of
(19:18):
wingers in the competition do, But I feel like that's
a trade off with a guy like that is you
take the good with the bad, and there is a
lot of sort of potential there.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
And obviously we heard from Roger ty varsa check before
he was dealing with a hamstring injury and the lead
up in preseason. So I would I agree with you.
I'd have cart Perreira on that wing just to see
how he goes. I do have a feeling I guess
that given he hasn't had much preseason, he didn't play
hell of a lot last year, maybe they do start
downing at least for the first game. Roger Tvaschik does
(19:50):
have the other wing down pat for me. The other
question I suppose is around the halves, and we heard
from Luke Metcalf who's not due back until round seven.
Tom and Martin's gone down for twelve weeks. I mean,
the Warriors and their injuries. It never stops, does it?
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Do you have?
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I've got Tanner Boyd at half back, Chanell Harris Tavita
at five eighth.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
You the same, Yeah, I think that's pretty easy choices
are Isn't it like two veteran guys know what you're doing.
That's kind of what you want for round one, especially
with a team like the Roosters coming to town, and
you mentioned before sort of the weapons the Roosters have.
You want your best, most experienced players out there to
be competitive in this one.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Be healthy.
Speaker 6 (20:31):
Now.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
The NRL season kicked off over the weekend in Las Vegas,
the Knights with a twenty eight to eighteen victory over
the Cowboys, and in Golden Point the Bulldogs beat the
Dragons fifteen fourteen is Stephen crichton field goal winning it
there for the Canterbury Banks Town Bulldogs. Will just touched
on these games quickly, Chris Reeve for me, looking at
(20:55):
the Knights, Klen Ponger, Fletcher Sharp, Dylan Brown, Phoenix Croslin,
what a spine the Knights had, and they looked really,
really good, especially with Fletcher's Sharp firing in that opener.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Yeah, I was a little bit surprised to see them
as the underdog in this game, I thought looking at
that team and historically the Vegas games are quite open affairs,
and that's a team that's kind of built to run, right,
Like you mentioned, that spine, very very good. Unfortunately, Fletcher
Sharp went out with a knee injury sort of early on,
but yeah, they still managed to get past the Cowboys
(21:29):
pretty easily in the end. They looked they looked pretty
good doing it too, Kaylen Ponger looked amazing yesterday.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
He looked really really good. He didn't take a massive
hit to the side of the head. He did, he didn't.
He obviously finished the game, so presumably he's okay. Bulldogs
fifteen fourteen over the Dragons. The Bulldogs were obviously favorites
going in given the dragons struggles over a number of years.
Dragons I thought defensively looked pretty solid, but were just
(21:55):
ill disciplined. They were pinged a few times for a
bit of push and shove, which was interesting. But I
wanted to also give a shout out to Setsu too,
who's been in the Warriors development system for years and
finally makes his first grade debut on the wing for
the Dragons at the age of twenty seven. What did
you take out of that game?
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Yeah, I'm not really sure what I took out of
that game. To be honest, I thought the Bulldogs would
win a little bit more easily, but I guess it
just shows the Dragons pretty solid coming in Week one.
You know, not a lot was expected of that team
against the Bulldogs, who I guess have some pretty big
raps after what they managed to do last season. They
lost a couple of key players, but you'd still expect
(22:34):
the Bulldogs to get that one done. But sneaking out
with a golden point when I think there's probably more
questions on the Bulldogs and there is pros on the
Dragons out of that one.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
Well, you mentioned the Dragons aren't expected to produce much.
Another person who's not expecting the Dragons to produce much
is their coach, Shane Flanagan, has apparently written them off
before the season even started.
Speaker 9 (22:56):
We probably know that we're not going to win the
camp this year, but you know, we ow in Devas
are to win a lot of football games.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Can you imagine being a Dragons fan and hearing that
before the season even starts. The coaches like, well, you
know we're not going to win this year. What are
you talking about?
Speaker 5 (23:12):
It's just tampering down expectations. Is like, Okay, we're not
We're not gonna win, But what if we do? I
reckon that's the thing.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
We're going to win games. Yeah, if I was I'd
be filthy. I'd actually be filthy.
Speaker 6 (23:26):
As a fan.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
You're just like, Okay, well, gonn, what's the point of
the year?
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Right?
Speaker 4 (23:29):
Why we watched to say in this week?
Speaker 5 (23:31):
What?
Speaker 4 (23:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (23:33):
What's the one? What are we going to get out
of this year?
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Having said that, it would have been fun if they
did pull off that that golden point winning and beat
the the the both talks against.
Speaker 5 (23:44):
I still got go there. That'll be fun to watch.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
All right, let's rap through these quick fire predictions Chris Reeve,
and it's obviously a bit of a lottery round one.
We haven't really seen much of any of these teams
at their full strength. So Storm Eels in Melbourne. I
presume this is an easy one.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Are you keeping? Are you keeping score for yourself and
whoever's on the other side of the panel this year?
Speaker 4 (24:12):
Yeah, of course I got both of them right last week.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
By the way, all right, well, since since I'm playing
for Birds this week, I will say the Storm. You know,
I want to pick the.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
Eels fan, Chris Reef Warriors versus the Roosters.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
Where are you going here?
Speaker 5 (24:29):
I'm going with the Roosters. Just look at that team
line up, even with a couple of injuries. I think
they're going to be too good for the Warriors first up.
Speaker 3 (24:37):
Look, I look at the logical option here as potentially
the Roosters, but it's a Warriors podcast. We've got to
back them. First up. Broncos Panthers. What what a matchup
for the opening round of the NRL. Yeah, I'm gonna
go with Freedom Final you're gonna go.
Speaker 5 (24:55):
I'm gonna go the Panthers in this one. I don't
know why. I just think Nathan Cleary not being suspended,
maybe they'll be like, hey, we've got Nathan Cleary. He
is going to just put on a show.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
A lot of fans saying protected species, Nathan clear Come.
I'm gonna go with the premiers, the Broncos Sharks, Titans Sharks.
Speaker 5 (25:14):
Pretty pretty easy one there.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
You just never you never picked the Titans. I take
pride in never picking the Titans.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
Seagulls Raiders, Uh yeah, I'm going to go the Raiders
and that one. The too many questions over the Seagles
and how they're gonna play with out DC.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Agree with you there?
Speaker 3 (25:29):
And Dolphins rabbit o's in Redcliffe.
Speaker 5 (25:32):
Rabbit os for me, Dolphins have too many injuries.
Speaker 4 (25:36):
Agree with you again.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
To round out the podcast for episode two of season four,
The Big League Podcast, please follow and rate if you
enjoyed Chris Reeve, Thank you so much for your time,
your wisdom, your insight. This week we excitedly await the
Warriors first performance of the season at Mount Smart on
Friday against the Roosters. We'll see you next week to
digest it. My name is Nathan Limb. Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (25:58):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iroart Radio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
The Big League Podcast League podcast at by News TALKSB.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, we hear from
an all star lineup Roger twey vasa check on rugby
three sixty, Luke Metcar on his ACL injury update, and
new winger a Lopiana carn Perreira on how many of
his teammates he skinned it training. Chris Reeves off the
interchange to dissect the Mitch Barnett departure. The NURL season
(00:45):
start in Las Vegas and were expectations are from an
opening round clash with the Roosters at Mount Smart. My
name is Nathan Limb. Let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
God be healthy.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
A delayed blow to the Warriors before the season has
even started. Mitch Barnett has been granted a release from
his contract on compassionate grounds to return to Australia at
the end of the set due to one of his
children's health requirements and the need for ongoing family support.
I have massive respect for Barnett the way he carries
(01:17):
himself on and off the field. At his best, he
is just about the club's best player. But I also
think he deserves credit for the way this call has
been handled. He gets it out of the way at
the beginning of the season and he remains with the
club for the year, when I don't think people would
have blamed him for departing immediately given the circumstances. Chris Reeve,
(01:38):
New Zealand Herald Rider. How much more importance does this
season take on given they'll be losing Barnett next year
and welcome?
Speaker 4 (01:47):
Yeah good.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
I mean it's a bit early to say off the interchange,
isn't it like Week one? Surely I'm the starter of
this year?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Right?
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You are a Week two I suppose for this year,
but no, still know Michael Burgers hopefully he's back next week.
Speaker 5 (02:00):
Yes, yeah much. Barnett huge loss for the Warriors. I
mean you just look at how much he's grown into
the role since he joined the club. You know, not
wanted by Newcastle, given an early release there to join
the Warriors, He's come over and, like you say, the
best player in the team. So it's a huge loss
for the club. How I guess it impacts the year
going ahead. I really think it's too early to tell
(02:24):
I think it'll depend on who the Warriors can bring
in to replace them as to how they'll be placed.
I guess contend moving forward without Barnett. I mean, Barnett
is such a big piece in this team. You know,
if it is going to be the year, it feels
like they're going to need a lot out of Barnett.
But moving forward, if you get someone equally as good,
(02:47):
then maybe you know, the trajectory continues on the same
sort of path that they're going on.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
And the Warriors also have really good depth. I mean
the way Dimitric Vaimonger has developed I suppose over the
last year, in the way he's looked in pre season
as well. They will want to bring someone in with
a lot of experience given Barnett's leadership. But you know,
I have a lot of faith in the players that
they've coming through, particularly Vye.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Mama.
Speaker 5 (03:10):
Yeah he looks good, doesn't he. He took a big step
last year.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Yeah. One up.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Next, we're gonna hear from Roger to Evasa Sheck, Luke
Metcalf and a Lofiana can Perira.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Last week, the Big League Podcast producer Matt Kelly and
I headed along to the One New Zealand headquarters and
wind Yard Quarter to track down a few big names,
and this num bigger than Roger to Evasa Sheck.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
First of all, how are you feeling?
Speaker 6 (03:39):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What year is just with the Cup for you?
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Hell on, man, I think it's.
Speaker 7 (03:45):
Yeah, thirteen fourteen, something like that. But I'm excited about
this yet you think that the two boys I've been
saying it, Oh sorry.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
Something good? Well does it even go if you get old?
Speaker 6 (03:57):
No? Never does you know? And it's it's exciting.
Speaker 7 (04:00):
Boy's going to a new crop up boys there bringing new
energy and that's all that's not beloved, New boys coming in,
new energy coming through.
Speaker 6 (04:07):
Yeah, tell just meet and that's what I need.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
Tell us about that new energy.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
What's different about this year and compare comparison to other
years that you've been.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
With the Cup?
Speaker 7 (04:16):
Well, first of all, the game is changing, you know,
the game is getting a lot faster.
Speaker 6 (04:19):
And I'm seeing all these young athletes coming through like
it has to be by Hayes.
Speaker 7 (04:24):
We've got young young Ed and Mere who's sort of
grow where we've are card that's coming through.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
All these young players. What's another one.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
That they're just coming to get faster, the get bigger.
Speaker 7 (04:33):
You're more athletic, and it makes us want to challenge
each other, and especially us older boys. You know, we
see this crop coming through, We're just wow. The game
is here in the right direction and you just want
to make sure you're part of them.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Yeah, what was the biggest thing you guys took out
of last year that you want to implement, improve on,
or continue with this year.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
We love the next man up mentality. We love the
it's gonna take a club to win the premiership. And
you know we saw that our round one team what's
different to us and be our finals team, So it's
gonna take all of us.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
So everyone needs to know they're wrong. Everyone needs to
turn up and make sure they be getting their role done.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
How are you physically? You missed?
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Do you have a carfish or something? In the preseason, you
missed a couple of precents.
Speaker 7 (05:13):
Yeah, I missed the last two and I went to
because it was a short turnaround for our second trial
and I could to get enough he runs for my hamstring.
Speaker 6 (05:21):
But I'm good to go and hopefully I've got to
take a few more boxes over the next coming days
and be ready to go around one.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Obviously pretty big news over the last few days with
Mitch Barney obviously announcing it to be his last year.
What's been your reaction to that, especially as another sort
of talismanic leader on the side.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
What do you see for for what Mitch does for
the club?
Speaker 6 (05:41):
Oh, he's awesome, man.
Speaker 7 (05:43):
We were all devastated and guts it about the news,
but when when you break it down for us, by him.
Speaker 6 (05:48):
And his family, all we can do is support him.
You know, we've got a lot of love for him,
Claire and the boys and I just.
Speaker 7 (05:53):
Want to wish him all the best at the end
of the year.
Speaker 6 (05:56):
But for this year, like you said, extra motivation to
drive a bank.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Obviously, Luke's still a wee while away to mind, it's
just gone down with injury.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
You guys have got good depth in the hearts.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
How much confidence have you got in the guy's coming
through Obviously Tanner and Chanelle would presume would be running
the show.
Speaker 7 (06:12):
Yeah, that's a big confidence. Like I said, the next
man up mentality, you know, there's a big crew. You've
got young Jenny there, You've got Luke Hanson, the other
two you just named Chanelle and and Tanner Boyd. There
is a good group of halves there that you know
their next man up here, I is going to know
their role.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
And the all different players too.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
It's exciting. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
And in regards to you, obviously rag Me three sixty
popped up in the middle of the league. Yeah, last
year they were a bit interested in you. Is there
any update with that, what's going on?
Speaker 6 (06:36):
There's no update at all.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
You know.
Speaker 7 (06:37):
I'm focusing here and my regular league and continues now
and like my like my body was and right for
the first of two trials, but that's in my focus
is trying to get ready so for our one and
to focus all on there.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Right.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Luke Metcalf's due back in Round seven from an ACL
injury suffered last year, and he said to play a
pivotal role should the Warriors be successful this year. But
is it as simple as just staying healthy. Look, really
appreciate you joining the Big League Podcast again. Firstly, how
last few months been, I imagine fairly frustrating.
Speaker 8 (07:08):
Yeah, obviously, yeah, it was frustrating at the start, but
I feel like ever since pre season I got back underway,
I've been feeling really good, been training with Big Mitchie
Barnett pretty similar and sort of where we're at with
our rehab.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
So yeah, it was good to have someone to deal with.
Speaker 8 (07:22):
And yeah, it's as frustrating as it is at the start.
The longer you go on, I feel like easier gets
to Now I'm at the back end and the lights
and the end of.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
The tunnels are we're right what what can you do?
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Everything?
Speaker 8 (07:33):
Yeah, I'm doing everything at the moment. I've passed all
my testing and that, and so tomorrow I'll be back
doing Last week was my first sort of week no one,
I'm not really restricted him much, so yeah, it's now
it's a good part. I get to actually training the
boys and.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Do all the good shit.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
And just an update on what week you expect us
of you been.
Speaker 8 (07:53):
No, I don't really have a week, but I know
it'll be pretty early. It won't be it won't be
that late. But yeah, not too not too stress. Haven't
actually said, oh bang, it's gonna be this day. I've
got a few boxes just to tick with the boys.
I need some some reps and some k's in the
legs training with the team. So yeah, once I sort
of get through a couple weeks of that. I think
then I'll be able to maybe put a timeline on
(08:14):
it house to mighty. Obviously pretty devastating your own. Yeah,
frustrating for Tea. So something just looks so so nothing,
you know what I mean. It didn't look like anything bad,
but yeah, obviously just copped a knock on on the
outside of his leg there, and frustrating for him doing that.
Two weeks Moore the season starts. But yeah, he's he's
in good spirits. He's he's a bit of Alaric and
(08:35):
he's a character.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
So yeah, we know.
Speaker 8 (08:36):
I think it's said about a twelve week recovery, so
we know about round ten, hopefully he'll be backing and.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Mixing it with the boys. What was your reaction to
Mitch Bannett's news.
Speaker 8 (08:48):
Yeah, he's one of my best mates at this club,
so yeah, I'll support Barney all the way. You know,
like I think if anyone fan player sponsor whatever it is,
you you know that situation, you see it. I don't
think there's any other way you can look at it
other than empathy and and compassion. You know, he's he's
something that puts in bloodspreent tiers for for this club
(09:10):
and he will continue to do so this year, nothing's
gonna change with him. So I think as as players,
as fans, we should rally around someone like that, and
I feel like that's what everyone has done. So yeah,
I'm just so obviously devastated as a as a player
that he has to go.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
You know, I want him on my team, But as.
Speaker 8 (09:25):
A mate, I'm I'm just really happy for him that
he gets to you know, gets to go home and
does what he needs to do for his family, because
at the end of the day, that's what's most important.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
And I think everyone was grown up.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Last year.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
You guys had the best start the club's either ahead,
and obviously injuries sort of took the toll later in
the year. But this year, is it as simple as
staying healthy?
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Yeah, it could be in a way.
Speaker 8 (09:48):
It always helps, you know, if you have you know,
everyone's fitting, everyone's fine. You're sort of seeing over the
last few rounds. Last year was almost the healthiest teams
got to the got to the pointy end of the season.
But yeah, obviously mixed that in with getting better, you know,
building combinations, playing together for longer. I feel like that
all plays a part, and not to see you can
(10:09):
stay injury free, that's all that might be half the battle.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
And he had a couple of mister personal milestones. Last year.
You had a baby, didn't you? And you got married
as well last year.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Yeah. How's the family have you have you been?
Speaker 8 (10:20):
Yeah, no, they're really good. Had a baby in April,
April fourth, I'm easy to remember, fourth of the fourth,
so I had her names Maya. Then in October got
married down in Monica, So that was awesome. Had a
few of the boys here and a couple of stuff
come as well.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Yeah, it was such an awesome time.
Speaker 8 (10:39):
Yeah, one of the best days of my life to
go down there and get married, and it's just such
a cool place in the world like this instantly became
one of my favorite places to go down Queenstown, Monica area, Arrowtown.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
All out love it.
Speaker 8 (10:50):
So any chance now I'll get any by weekends or
something like that might be.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Spent down there.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Did you go on the Louse go skiing? Funny?
Speaker 8 (10:57):
Definitely didn't go skiing, But funny thing about the Lose,
I'm too. I'm a bit scared of heights, so yeah,
I'm like, I'm all right on planes and stuff, but
just anything like in one of those lose things or
like I went to the London I London one time
and ah that yeah, not good at that where you're
just sitting up there. I don't like when you're just there.
I'd rather be going fast on a rollercoaster or something
like that. Yeah, but I didn't go up there. I
was my thought. It was six months old at the time,
(11:20):
and she went up So.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
Yeah, so it's out, but there was a good time.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
After arriving from the Titans, Alafiana, Kahn Perira joins a
competitive cohort of wing options for the Warriors, but his
pace is what sets him apart. Hello, Fianna Camperera, thank
you so much for joining the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
Man, I really appreciate it. Season launch. How excited are
you coming into this new club? How have you found it?
Speaker 6 (11:42):
Yeah, definitely excited. I was very.
Speaker 9 (11:45):
Welcome to two open arms on the boys and the staff. Honestly,
boys been ripping in pre season and there's nothing.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
That I've witnessed ever before.
Speaker 9 (11:56):
And now the boys are killing and I think I
think we're in for a great year this year.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Say, I'm very excited.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
What sort of differences have you noticed coming to the
Warriors from the Titans.
Speaker 9 (12:05):
I think just that the vestalism, everyone really more onto it.
I'm not saying that the boys back home we're not
onto it, but I think it's it's just real consistent.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Over here, and.
Speaker 6 (12:18):
You know, everyone's.
Speaker 9 (12:19):
Striving to get that first round. Jersey and another. Boys
are very hungry, and I think that's been one of
the things that I've noticed here.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
And you spoke about that getting that starting spot. There's
a lot of competition on the wings. How do you
think you're fearing going into week one? Do you have
an indication of whether or not you'll be getting a start.
Speaker 6 (12:39):
I'm not sure.
Speaker 9 (12:40):
Still at the moment, I think, you know, still a
lot of a lot of time left and four round one,
so I'm still just knocking those days off and just
focusing on my part and what I can do for
the team. Oh yeah, bro, it's to be a real
patient and you know, if I do get it, you know,
I want to.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
Take your the two hands.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Where and not look back.
Speaker 9 (12:59):
But right now I'm not too sure. I'm just focus
more on the trainings and the combinations and what I.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
Can do with my playing style.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
You didn't get out on the field during preest those
two preseason games, did you what was going on?
Speaker 9 (13:12):
First one under stabbed the All Stars and then there
was a bit of a miscommunication.
Speaker 6 (13:16):
With a round two trials.
Speaker 9 (13:19):
I just had a head knock by just put me
and you know I fell right, but you know I'd
rather be safe for Sorry.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah, what are you your goals? Obviously coming to a
new club, everything's very new. Do you set yourself still
lofty goals or is it about just sitting in and
assimilating into this new club, new environment, your team.
Speaker 9 (13:37):
No, for me, like, I'm always gonna set a good
goals and bigger goals for myself and for me Broy, like,
I just want to play my best footy and that
that comes with consistent footy as well.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (13:50):
Like, I've learned so much, love love being here, and
I think I can I moment a lot of the
playing style that the boys I've given me here and
put that within myself and put my best foot forward.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Bro.
Speaker 6 (14:00):
I think it's being here has only.
Speaker 9 (14:01):
Progressed my my game further and I'm just so excited
to display that this year. And for me, it's just
consist a foodio.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
The thing that the fans are really excited to see
from you.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
Is your pace? Have you been able to skin anyone
at training? Have you guys had one hundred meter dash
to teast it out?
Speaker 9 (14:17):
No, one hundred meter dash is just yeah, But I've
skinned a few, giving the boys a few fades.
Speaker 4 (14:24):
Who have you whacked?
Speaker 9 (14:25):
Oh no, I can't say anyone. They'll give it to
me after Nah, he comes and goes. But come of
the boys skin me as well. You know, we give
it to each other. But yeah, bro, a lot of
boys here still quick.
Speaker 6 (14:38):
Like like Dalphins.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Is he still He's still got it in him?
Speaker 9 (14:41):
So yeah, it's kind of it's kind of hard, you know,
hold him back sometimes, but Broke.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
Yeah, I love giving it to my price And obviously
big news out last couple of days Mitch Bannett hitting
off at the end of this season. I know you've
only just come to the club, but what have you
been able to take away about Mitch Bannett and his
leadership and his place in this team since you've arrived.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
Just me confident to speak, bro to be honest.
Speaker 9 (15:06):
You know, I'm just saying I'm just a winger, but
I'm out in the sting Brown and you know, for me.
It's for me seeing him just communicate the boys and
his leadership has really what I mean, just sneak up
and you know, say might say because there's there is
no wrong answer when when talking to the boys.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
But yeah, for me, Bro, he's a.
Speaker 9 (15:26):
Massive leadership and you know, hopefully I'll get to play
and put that jersey on playing aside alongside with him.
But I'm so glad that he's leaving.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Man, you could have learned more of him.
Speaker 9 (15:38):
Just I'm just so.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
Happy for that.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Still a year ago though, plenty of time to learn
some stuff on yeah exactly.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
Still, yeah, a year to go.
Speaker 9 (15:45):
Yeah, Like for me, Bro, seeing a person like that,
and I just want to play with him forever.
Speaker 6 (15:50):
You know, you don't, you don't want to.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
I don't want to lose those guys out of the team.
Speaker 6 (15:54):
But yeah, big and better things for him. I'm very
very happy.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Big League Podcast this is coming the Big League Podcast
on the Worries band wagon since day one.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Now.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
The Warriors face the Roosters on Friday at Mount Smart
in the NRL season opener. The Roosters they suffered preseason losses,
like the Warriors to the Eels and the Tigers. The
Warriors aren't the only side losing a key player at
the end of the season. The Roosters are in the
same boat. Angus Crichton is code hopping to rugby union
to join the Waratas next year to chase a place
(16:32):
in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad. Winger Mark Nawangannitaase
is also switching to rugby union to play in Japan
next year. The Roosters have gained over the offseason Tommy Tallao,
winger Cody Ramsey and hooker Rhese Robson from the Cowboys,
but the biggest signing of all is Daily Cherry Evans
on a one year deal. A lot of controversy around this.
(16:54):
Chris Reeve dce pretty adamant the rumors of a falling
out with the club are off the mark. But this
was a major thing that happened last year, and since
it happened, I think it was March last year, the
Seagle season sort of down the toilet a little bit.
What did you make of Daily cherri Evens changes to
the Roosters.
Speaker 5 (17:13):
Yeah, I mean personally we saw it years ago when
he committed to the Titans. I was half expecting another
backflip at some point during the year, but that didn't come,
so he had the rich get rich all right. With
DC joining the Roosters, heck of a player, still very
very good, even you know, pretty late in his career now.
But yeah, I feel like for the Sea Eagles, yeah,
(17:35):
whether or not you believe what was coming out this season,
like you say, kind of went downhill last year and
I'm really curious to see how they go this year
without DC kind of pulling the strings there.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
I'm really interested to. I suppose if you look at
the Roosters as a whole, the halves, maybe we're an
area in which they didn't have that experience. With Sam
Walker very young running the show at seven, I presume
he'd swatch over to five eight. Then DC comes in
the half back jumper. He's only here on a one
year deal, but what do you think, what kind of
game do you think he's going to be running at
the Roosters, especially with Sam wah.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how those two work together, right,
because they are, like I said, they're generally both sevens.
One of them is going to have to, I guess,
do a little bit more running. Hopefully you'd think maybe
you'll see someone like Connor Watson move into six occasionally
because they do have that option with him there.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Yeah, And I suppose on the Warriors side of things,
we're awaiting I suppose the first team selection of the season.
Last year, every time there was a team naming, the
team would change about thirty thousand times before we actually
got out on game day. So maybe take it with
a grain of salt. Andrew Rivster likes playing tricks with us.
But in terms of the side that we're going to
see run out for the Warriors, do you have any
(18:49):
of the new players in there, Carperreira, Morgan Gannon maybe
who's starting on the wing for example, it's a pretty
crowded cohort there.
Speaker 5 (18:56):
I think on the wing, I would probably be putting
carn Pereira in there, probably ahead of Dallan Wattenizelisniak. I
just think Camprera can create a little bit more of
his own offenses, not just a finisher in the corner.
He can do a little bit a little bit more,
and like you say, his pace is a huge weapon,
and he has some concerns defensively, as a lot of
(19:18):
wingers in the competition do, But I feel like that's
a trade off with a guy like that is you
take the good with the bad, and there is a
lot of sort of potential there.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
And obviously we heard from Roger ty varsa check before
he was dealing with a hamstring injury and the lead
up in preseason. So I would I agree with you.
I'd have cart Perreira on that wing just to see
how he goes. I do have a feeling I guess
that given he hasn't had much preseason, he didn't play
hell of a lot last year, maybe they do start
downing at least for the first game. Roger Tvaschik does
(19:50):
have the other wing down pat for me. The other
question I suppose is around the halves, and we heard
from Luke Metcalf who's not due back until round seven.
Tom and Martin's gone down for twelve weeks. I mean,
the Warriors and their injuries. It never stops, does it?
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Do you have?
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I've got Tanner Boyd at half back, Chanell Harris Tavita
at five eighth.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
You the same, Yeah, I think that's pretty easy choices
are Isn't it like two veteran guys know what you're doing.
That's kind of what you want for round one, especially
with a team like the Roosters coming to town, and
you mentioned before sort of the weapons the Roosters have.
You want your best, most experienced players out there to
be competitive in this one.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Be healthy.
Speaker 6 (20:31):
Now.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
The NRL season kicked off over the weekend in Las Vegas,
the Knights with a twenty eight to eighteen victory over
the Cowboys, and in Golden Point the Bulldogs beat the
Dragons fifteen fourteen is Stephen crichton field goal winning it
there for the Canterbury Banks Town Bulldogs. Will just touched
on these games quickly, Chris Reeve for me, looking at
(20:55):
the Knights, Klen Ponger, Fletcher Sharp, Dylan Brown, Phoenix Croslin,
what a spine the Knights had, and they looked really,
really good, especially with Fletcher's Sharp firing in that opener.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Yeah, I was a little bit surprised to see them
as the underdog in this game, I thought looking at
that team and historically the Vegas games are quite open affairs,
and that's a team that's kind of built to run, right,
Like you mentioned, that spine, very very good. Unfortunately, Fletcher
Sharp went out with a knee injury sort of early on,
but yeah, they still managed to get past the Cowboys
(21:29):
pretty easily in the end. They looked they looked pretty
good doing it too, Kaylen Ponger looked amazing yesterday.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
He looked really really good. He didn't take a massive
hit to the side of the head. He did, he didn't.
He obviously finished the game, so presumably he's okay. Bulldogs
fifteen fourteen over the Dragons. The Bulldogs were obviously favorites
going in given the dragons struggles over a number of years.
Dragons I thought defensively looked pretty solid, but were just
(21:55):
ill disciplined. They were pinged a few times for a
bit of push and shove, which was interesting. But I
wanted to also give a shout out to Setsu too,
who's been in the Warriors development system for years and
finally makes his first grade debut on the wing for
the Dragons at the age of twenty seven. What did
you take out of that game?
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Yeah, I'm not really sure what I took out of
that game. To be honest, I thought the Bulldogs would
win a little bit more easily, but I guess it
just shows the Dragons pretty solid coming in Week one.
You know, not a lot was expected of that team
against the Bulldogs, who I guess have some pretty big
raps after what they managed to do last season. They
lost a couple of key players, but you'd still expect
(22:34):
the Bulldogs to get that one done. But sneaking out
with a golden point when I think there's probably more
questions on the Bulldogs and there is pros on the
Dragons out of that one.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
Well, you mentioned the Dragons aren't expected to produce much.
Another person who's not expecting the Dragons to produce much
is their coach, Shane Flanagan, has apparently written them off
before the season even started.
Speaker 9 (22:56):
We probably know that we're not going to win the
camp this year, but you know, we ow in Devas
are to win a lot of football games.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Can you imagine being a Dragons fan and hearing that
before the season even starts. The coaches like, well, you
know we're not going to win this year. What are
you talking about?
Speaker 5 (23:12):
It's just tampering down expectations. Is like, Okay, we're not
We're not gonna win, But what if we do? I
reckon that's the thing.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
We're going to win games. Yeah, if I was I'd
be filthy. I'd actually be filthy.
Speaker 6 (23:26):
As a fan.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
You're just like, Okay, well, gonn, what's the point of
the year?
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Right?
Speaker 4 (23:29):
Why we watched to say in this week?
Speaker 5 (23:31):
What?
Speaker 4 (23:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (23:33):
What's the one? What are we going to get out
of this year?
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Having said that, it would have been fun if they
did pull off that that golden point winning and beat
the the the both talks against.
Speaker 5 (23:44):
I still got go there. That'll be fun to watch.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
The Big League Podcast podcast.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
All right, let's rap through these quick fire predictions Chris Reeve,
and it's obviously a bit of a lottery round one.
We haven't really seen much of any of these teams
at their full strength. So Storm Eels in Melbourne. I
presume this is an easy one.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Are you keeping? Are you keeping score for yourself and
whoever's on the other side of the panel this year?
Speaker 4 (24:12):
Yeah, of course I got both of them right last week.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
By the way, all right, well, since since I'm playing
for Birds this week, I will say the Storm. You know,
I want to pick the.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
Eels fan, Chris Reef Warriors versus the Roosters.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
Where are you going here?
Speaker 5 (24:29):
I'm going with the Roosters. Just look at that team
line up, even with a couple of injuries. I think
they're going to be too good for the Warriors first up.
Speaker 3 (24:37):
Look, I look at the logical option here as potentially
the Roosters, but it's a Warriors podcast. We've got to
back them. First up. Broncos Panthers. What what a matchup
for the opening round of the NRL. Yeah, I'm gonna
go with Freedom Final you're gonna go.
Speaker 5 (24:55):
I'm gonna go the Panthers in this one. I don't
know why. I just think Nathan Cleary not being suspended,
maybe they'll be like, hey, we've got Nathan Cleary. He
is going to just put on a show.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
A lot of fans saying protected species, Nathan clear Come.
I'm gonna go with the premiers, the Broncos Sharks, Titans Sharks.
Speaker 5 (25:14):
Pretty pretty easy one there.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
You just never you never picked the Titans. I take
pride in never picking the Titans.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
Seagulls Raiders, Uh yeah, I'm going to go the Raiders
and that one. The too many questions over the Seagles
and how they're gonna play with out DC.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Agree with you there?
Speaker 3 (25:29):
And Dolphins rabbit o's in Redcliffe.
Speaker 5 (25:32):
Rabbit os for me, Dolphins have too many injuries.
Speaker 4 (25:36):
Agree with you again.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
To round out the podcast for episode two of season four,
The Big League Podcast, please follow and rate if you
enjoyed Chris Reeve, Thank you so much for your time,
your wisdom, your insight. This week we excitedly await the
Warriors first performance of the season at Mount Smart on
Friday against the Roosters. We'll see you next week to
digest it. My name is Nathan Limb. Have a fantastic week.
Speaker 1 (25:58):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iroart Radio
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