August 29, 2026 • 9 mins
The Warriors are preparing to roll out the least experienced halves combination in a decade against the Knights this afternoon.
Jett Cleary will debut at halfback alongside Luke Hanson, who's making just his third NRL appearance.
Sky Sport NRL commentator Beaven Dewar joined Piney to speculate ahead of the match.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Pine
from Newstalk ZB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The Warriors' depth, and in particular the depth of their halves,
will be put to the ultimate test this afternoon. Chanel
Harris-Tavita and Tamari Martin will miss the NRL clash against
the Knights at Go Media with injury, meaning Jet Cleary
and Luke Hansen will form a new look halves pairing.
It'll be Cleary's debut, while Hansen has played just two
(00:36):
first-grade games. With the Roosters going down to the Dolphins
last night, the Warriors know that a win would all
but secure them a top two spot. It would put
them level on points with the Panthers at the top
heading into the final round of the regular season. So
it's a massive, massive game incoming. Four o'clock kickoff at
(00:56):
Go Media Stadium. Bevan Dewar has the call on Sky Sport.
and joins us now. Bev, thanks for your time. How
big a storyline is this? A brand new halves pairing
with Jack Clary on debut and Luke Hanson with just
a couple of first grade games under his belt.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, it's huge, mate. And I mean, it's been the
ongoing story of the year. Every half has been injured
in the Warriors and now they're down to the last
two or at least the two that have been playing
majority of the New South Wales Cup. And look, to
be fair, mate, in the New South Wales Cup, in form,
absolutely in form, both of them, And, yeah, Jack Cleary,
what a story with, what, one more regular season game
(01:36):
to go. He's pulled into the big time. And, look,
to be fair, mate, he's got a massive four-pack in
front of him. He should have a lot of confidence
going into this just because of that.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
What will Andrew Webster be asking of Jack Cleary today?
Is it simply about keeping things simple, or will he
be looking to Webby, that is, for Jack Cleary to
steer the side around?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Yeah, look, if you have a look at the New
South Wales Cup over the last season, and particularly with
the stats, you'll notice that Hanson does a lot more
of the playmaking than Jett. I would not be surprised
if they just tell Jett to just kind of, as
you say, the first thing you said, keep it simple,
just play your cards right. I wouldn't be surprised if
(02:21):
Hanson takes more of a senior role in that attacking space,
but So far, so good from Hanson as well, right?
I mean, he's had, as you say, two first-grade games,
and he hasn't had a bad game yet, you know,
so he's got a load of confidence going into this.
I would not be surprised. I'm not saying it's going
to happen, but I would not be surprised if Hanson
takes more of a senior role when it comes to
attacking play.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
If you're Newcastle, Bev, do you look to immediately put
pressure on Jack Cleary?
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Yes, I think on both of their halves. I was
saying that, Piney, it's our forward pack. Our forward pack's
the best in the competition. As long as they do
their job and give front football to Jet and Luke,
they've got a heap tonne of confidence going in. You
know what I mean? So, yes, Newcastle will be targeting them,
but if the Warriors forwards do their job right, then
(03:11):
Jet and Luke should have a lot of freedom.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Yeah, well, let's unpack that a little bit. While there
have been all sorts of changes needed in the back
line across the season... the Warriors forward pack in recent times,
ultra consistent. In fact, I think this is the seventh
straight game with the same starting pack. So what are
we looking for today from the blokes in the forward pack?
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well, as we've seen all year, mate, you know, first kickoff,
first hit up, The likes of James Fisher-Harris and Barnett
leading the charge. Then you've got the likes of Aaron
Clark and Laban that do the extra little bits in between.
I mean, as I say, best four-pack in the competition.
They get front football in front of 25,000 people on
a Sunday afternoon in, I think, fairly OK conditions. It's
(03:54):
hard to stop that rolling four-pack. And once they get going, Newcastle,
all respect to them, not as powerful as this Warriors four-pack. So,
as I say, Warriors get their job done up front.
the likes of Luke and Jet have a bit of
freedom and, you know, a bit of experiment to have
a go and have an attack.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
You mentioned it before, but how helpful will it be
that actually these two have had a lot of playing
time together? For example, if Jet Cleary came in and
had to play with a Chanel Harris-Tavita, for example, who
he hasn't played with a lot, how much will the
fact that these two have played a lot of New
South Wales Cup together... How big a factor will that
be this afternoon?
Speaker 3 (04:33):
Yeah, I think it's important too. I mean, the combination's important. But,
you know, as you say, the experience between the two,
they've had a lot of New South Wales Cup experience
and they've played really well together. And so they can
trust one another. Now they're stepping up with the big boys.
But as I mentioned, you know, the fact is the
big boys are on their side with the four-pack. So, look...
(04:53):
As you said before, mate, like, you know, Jet Cleary,
he's coming into the big time. No doubt Andrew would
have told him or will tell him, you know. Just
do the basics right. You've got a massive four-pack in
front of you. Just, you know, do your job. And
as you say, like, New South Wales Cup form between them.
It's time to step up and we'll soon find out.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
And there's a change on the wing as well. Dylan Watene-Zelezniak,
of course, with the injury he suffered a week ago.
We keep our fingers crossed as to his further involvement
in the final series. But, you know, such a prolific try-scorer.
How big a loss is he?
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Yes, huge, mate, and especially from things like from the back.
I mean, when he brings the ball back from the
kick returns, that sort of thing, huge impact. Luke Lalletti,
who's coming into the starting side, former Tigers player, going
to the Perth Bears next year. He's not a bad
winger either, and he's got a few games to prove
himself before he heads over to Perth. So, look, we
(05:50):
lose Dallin, but we get Luke Lalili, and it's an
opportunity for him to step up to the game today.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Newcastle, they come into this game after a pretty ugly
44-24 home loss to Manly last weekend. What do you
expect from the Knights today, particularly given that they know
a win could help secure them a home final in
a couple of weeks?
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Yeah, look, they're definitely the underdogs going into this game.
I don't think we can, we don't have to beat
around the bush about that. Missing a few key players
as well, the likes of Phoenix Crosman. Obviously, Dylan Brown's
out for the season as well. But they do have
a very strong back three, the likes of Greg Marjou.
He's a player to watch out for. Of course, Caelan Ponga.
(06:31):
But also their links as well with the likes of
Betts and Dangai as well. So if they go wide,
they can be dangerous. But again, I know I keep
repeating myself, but our four-pack is very dominant. If the
Warriors can... Get on top of that, it's hard to
beat them.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Yeah, no, no, you land on the salient point. And
you've certainly got me watching the forwards this afternoon, Bev,
so I'll take that on board. A win today and
the Warriors effectively seal a top two spot. How deep
a motivation is that?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Oh, it's huge. And with one round to go, it's
important you get it done, right? I mean.
I don't think anyone was expecting something like this at
the start of the season where they're finishing in the
top two. Get the win. It's yours. And maybe look
ahead to maybe a minor premiership. I mean, I think
they've got to win by 14 points today to go
back to first spot. The minor premiership is a nice
(07:27):
to have, but it's not an absolute. As I mentioned, mate, like,
you know, if you told a Warriors fan at the
start of the year, would you finish in the top two?
You're happy? They would take it. Bugger the minor premiership, mate.
Just the top two is fine.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
We'll take it.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
When the game kicks off in a couple of hours
and you're behind the microphone, will they be in some,
will they be basking in some late afternoon Auckland sunshine?
What's the story for those of us, not the 09?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Well, we had a look at the forecast. It looks
like it will hold up, which is good. Of course,
in front of 25,000 screening fans. Mate, it's hard to
go past the Warriors today, especially with that scenario. And
it's good to have some Sunday afternoon footy for once, Piney.
It's good to be back on the afternoon instead of nighttime.
I quite rate it.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Absolutely. Well, I do too. Looking forward to settling down
and tuning in. Have a great call, Bev. Thanks for
your time this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Thank you, Peter. Have a good Sunday.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
You have a good Sunday too, Bev. Bevan Dewar, who
will be calling the game this afternoon on Sky. Four o'clock,
Go Media Stadium. Our top eight are locked in. Just
their finishing positions are to be confirmed. So as far
as the equation is concerned, here are the numbers you
need to know as far as the Warriors are concerned.
In order to go back to the top of the table,
(08:38):
ahead of the Panthers, with one game to go, the
Warriors need to beat the Knights this afternoon by 14
points or more. 14, 1-4. That would send them back
to the top of the table with a game to
go on points differential. A win by any margin would effectively, though,
seal the Warriors a top two spot. The two sides
(09:01):
in third and fourth have far inferior points differentials to
the Warriors. So inferior, in fact, that they couldn't pass
the Warriors even if they won next week and the
Warriors lost. So win today and it is a top
two spot and a home finals match in week one
(09:22):
of the finals a fortnight from now. It's pretty exciting.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, listen live
to News Talk ZB weekends from midday or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Pine
from Newstalk ZB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The Warriors' depth, and in particular the depth of their halves,
will be put to the ultimate test this afternoon. Chanel
Harris-Tavita and Tamari Martin will miss the NRL clash against
the Knights at Go Media with injury, meaning Jet Cleary
and Luke Hansen will form a new look halves pairing.
It'll be Cleary's debut, while Hansen has played just two
(00:36):
first-grade games. With the Roosters going down to the Dolphins
last night, the Warriors know that a win would all
but secure them a top two spot. It would put
them level on points with the Panthers at the top
heading into the final round of the regular season. So
it's a massive, massive game incoming. Four o'clock kickoff at
(00:56):
Go Media Stadium. Bevan Dewar has the call on Sky Sport.
and joins us now. Bev, thanks for your time. How
big a storyline is this? A brand new halves pairing
with Jack Clary on debut and Luke Hanson with just
a couple of first grade games under his belt.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, it's huge, mate. And I mean, it's been the
ongoing story of the year. Every half has been injured
in the Warriors and now they're down to the last
two or at least the two that have been playing
majority of the New South Wales Cup. And look, to
be fair, mate, in the New South Wales Cup, in form,
absolutely in form, both of them, And, yeah, Jack Cleary,
what a story with, what, one more regular season game
(01:36):
to go. He's pulled into the big time. And, look,
to be fair, mate, he's got a massive four-pack in
front of him. He should have a lot of confidence
going into this just because of that.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
What will Andrew Webster be asking of Jack Cleary today?
Is it simply about keeping things simple, or will he
be looking to Webby, that is, for Jack Cleary to
steer the side around?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Yeah, look, if you have a look at the New
South Wales Cup over the last season, and particularly with
the stats, you'll notice that Hanson does a lot more
of the playmaking than Jett. I would not be surprised
if they just tell Jett to just kind of, as
you say, the first thing you said, keep it simple,
just play your cards right. I wouldn't be surprised if
(02:21):
Hanson takes more of a senior role in that attacking space,
but So far, so good from Hanson as well, right?
I mean, he's had, as you say, two first-grade games,
and he hasn't had a bad game yet, you know,
so he's got a load of confidence going into this.
I would not be surprised. I'm not saying it's going
to happen, but I would not be surprised if Hanson
takes more of a senior role when it comes to
attacking play.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
If you're Newcastle, Bev, do you look to immediately put
pressure on Jack Cleary?
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Yes, I think on both of their halves. I was
saying that, Piney, it's our forward pack. Our forward pack's
the best in the competition. As long as they do
their job and give front football to Jet and Luke,
they've got a heap tonne of confidence going in. You
know what I mean? So, yes, Newcastle will be targeting them,
but if the Warriors forwards do their job right, then
(03:11):
Jet and Luke should have a lot of freedom.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Yeah, well, let's unpack that a little bit. While there
have been all sorts of changes needed in the back
line across the season... the Warriors forward pack in recent times,
ultra consistent. In fact, I think this is the seventh
straight game with the same starting pack. So what are
we looking for today from the blokes in the forward pack?
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well, as we've seen all year, mate, you know, first kickoff,
first hit up, The likes of James Fisher-Harris and Barnett
leading the charge. Then you've got the likes of Aaron
Clark and Laban that do the extra little bits in between.
I mean, as I say, best four-pack in the competition.
They get front football in front of 25,000 people on
a Sunday afternoon in, I think, fairly OK conditions. It's
(03:54):
hard to stop that rolling four-pack. And once they get going, Newcastle,
all respect to them, not as powerful as this Warriors four-pack. So,
as I say, Warriors get their job done up front.
the likes of Luke and Jet have a bit of
freedom and, you know, a bit of experiment to have
a go and have an attack.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
You mentioned it before, but how helpful will it be
that actually these two have had a lot of playing
time together? For example, if Jet Cleary came in and
had to play with a Chanel Harris-Tavita, for example, who
he hasn't played with a lot, how much will the
fact that these two have played a lot of New
South Wales Cup together... How big a factor will that
be this afternoon?
Speaker 3 (04:33):
Yeah, I think it's important too. I mean, the combination's important. But,
you know, as you say, the experience between the two,
they've had a lot of New South Wales Cup experience
and they've played really well together. And so they can
trust one another. Now they're stepping up with the big boys.
But as I mentioned, you know, the fact is the
big boys are on their side with the four-pack. So, look...
(04:53):
As you said before, mate, like, you know, Jet Cleary,
he's coming into the big time. No doubt Andrew would
have told him or will tell him, you know. Just
do the basics right. You've got a massive four-pack in
front of you. Just, you know, do your job. And
as you say, like, New South Wales Cup form between them.
It's time to step up and we'll soon find out.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
And there's a change on the wing as well. Dylan Watene-Zelezniak,
of course, with the injury he suffered a week ago.
We keep our fingers crossed as to his further involvement
in the final series. But, you know, such a prolific try-scorer.
How big a loss is he?
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Yes, huge, mate, and especially from things like from the back.
I mean, when he brings the ball back from the
kick returns, that sort of thing, huge impact. Luke Lalletti,
who's coming into the starting side, former Tigers player, going
to the Perth Bears next year. He's not a bad
winger either, and he's got a few games to prove
himself before he heads over to Perth. So, look, we
(05:50):
lose Dallin, but we get Luke Lalili, and it's an
opportunity for him to step up to the game today.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Newcastle, they come into this game after a pretty ugly
44-24 home loss to Manly last weekend. What do you
expect from the Knights today, particularly given that they know
a win could help secure them a home final in
a couple of weeks?
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Yeah, look, they're definitely the underdogs going into this game.
I don't think we can, we don't have to beat
around the bush about that. Missing a few key players
as well, the likes of Phoenix Crosman. Obviously, Dylan Brown's
out for the season as well. But they do have
a very strong back three, the likes of Greg Marjou.
He's a player to watch out for. Of course, Caelan Ponga.
(06:31):
But also their links as well with the likes of
Betts and Dangai as well. So if they go wide,
they can be dangerous. But again, I know I keep
repeating myself, but our four-pack is very dominant. If the
Warriors can... Get on top of that, it's hard to
beat them.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Yeah, no, no, you land on the salient point. And
you've certainly got me watching the forwards this afternoon, Bev,
so I'll take that on board. A win today and
the Warriors effectively seal a top two spot. How deep
a motivation is that?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Oh, it's huge. And with one round to go, it's
important you get it done, right? I mean.
I don't think anyone was expecting something like this at
the start of the season where they're finishing in the
top two. Get the win. It's yours. And maybe look
ahead to maybe a minor premiership. I mean, I think
they've got to win by 14 points today to go
back to first spot. The minor premiership is a nice
(07:27):
to have, but it's not an absolute. As I mentioned, mate, like,
you know, if you told a Warriors fan at the
start of the year, would you finish in the top two?
You're happy? They would take it. Bugger the minor premiership, mate.
Just the top two is fine.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
We'll take it.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
When the game kicks off in a couple of hours
and you're behind the microphone, will they be in some,
will they be basking in some late afternoon Auckland sunshine?
What's the story for those of us, not the 09?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Well, we had a look at the forecast. It looks
like it will hold up, which is good. Of course,
in front of 25,000 screening fans. Mate, it's hard to
go past the Warriors today, especially with that scenario. And
it's good to have some Sunday afternoon footy for once, Piney.
It's good to be back on the afternoon instead of nighttime.
I quite rate it.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Absolutely. Well, I do too. Looking forward to settling down
and tuning in. Have a great call, Bev. Thanks for
your time this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Thank you, Peter. Have a good Sunday.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
You have a good Sunday too, Bev. Bevan Dewar, who
will be calling the game this afternoon on Sky. Four o'clock,
Go Media Stadium. Our top eight are locked in. Just
their finishing positions are to be confirmed. So as far
as the equation is concerned, here are the numbers you
need to know as far as the Warriors are concerned.
In order to go back to the top of the table,
(08:38):
ahead of the Panthers, with one game to go, the
Warriors need to beat the Knights this afternoon by 14
points or more. 14, 1-4. That would send them back
to the top of the table with a game to
go on points differential. A win by any margin would effectively, though,
seal the Warriors a top two spot. The two sides
(09:01):
in third and fourth have far inferior points differentials to
the Warriors. So inferior, in fact, that they couldn't pass
the Warriors even if they won next week and the
Warriors lost. So win today and it is a top
two spot and a home finals match in week one
(09:22):
of the finals a fortnight from now. It's pretty exciting.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, listen live
to News Talk ZB weekends from midday or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio.
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