July 14, 2024 • 27 mins
This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors chief executive Cameron George joins to reveal the secrets behind their record-breaking run of sold out home games and to give more details about the new Warriors pub.
Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and New Zealand Herald writer Alex Powell discuss Friday's tussle with the Raiders - what changes need to be made?
Plus Luke Metcalf is back training and the Wahs are going to Las Vegas - how good!
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Episode Transcript
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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
Big League Podcast podcast News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, Warriors Chief executive
Cameron George joins to reveal the secrets behind their record
breaking run of sold out home games and to give
more details on the new Warriors pub. New Zealand Herald
writer Alex Powell comes in off the interchange to discuss
Friday's tussle with the Raiders, what changes need to be
made and Luke metcalf as bank training in the Wars
(00:47):
are going to Las Vegas.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
How good. My name is Nathan Limb. Let's go the
b LB.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
We're very lucky to be joined on The Big League
Podcast for the very first time by Warriors Chief Executive
Cameron George.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Cameron, thanks so much for your time. How are you?
Speaker 4 (01:03):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (01:03):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Thanks for the advite.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Caeron the crowds this year.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
In a massive talking point, you've sold out every home
game so far. Can you talk a bit about what
the how you found and how the organization I suppose
has found the reception this year after all of the
success in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
To be selling tickets like you are this year, what's
it been like?
Speaker 4 (01:27):
Yeah, look, it's it's awesome. You know, to be involved
in an organization where you know, you emotionally connect with
your fan base and the experience they get at Gay
Media Stadium is not to be missed. And it's just
the energy of the excitement. You know, you can feel
it when you're walking to the stadium. You can feel it,
(01:48):
you know, three days out when that you know, everyone's
talking about it. You know after each game tickets you
sell really quickly, and it's just so exciting for our
team both on and off the field. That works so
hard to see the support that's there. But we certainly
don't take it for granted. We've got to be innovative,
we've got to be excited by change, and we've got
(02:10):
to work extremely hard with our creative planning.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Yeah, I mean from an organizational perspective, if you look
at your marketing, your sales teams, this must be a
huge source of motivation the street. You don't I'd imagine
you don't want to let it slip. You want to
keep this going as long as possible. Is that a
big motivating factor. And you mentioned the change there. What
change and innovation have you got in the works.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Yeah, we're always looking at what we can do better
in respect to the experience. The whole philosophy for us
is high energy, high engagement. As soon as you walk
in the stadium, you know you're going to have fun,
and you're going to have fun with your family, You're
going to have fun with your friends, and that's what
we want, and we want them to go home and
sell the message to their other friends. It couldn't come,
(02:52):
so the crowd just gets bigger and bigger, and then
the community that we're selling to is louder and prouder.
And you know, you can only achieve this by planning,
really smartly, planning with creation of new things, trying new things,
not to be scared, be bold. And we've got a
really good staff group of staff at the One New
(03:14):
Zealand Warriors that put so much time and effort into it.
And I'm so proud of them because the response to
their work they're planning and execution is outstanding. But we're
already looking at things for next year. We're looking at
new ways of making the experience better. We're looking at
new ways and making the the production better that you
see on TV and all sorts of things. So it
(03:36):
never stops.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
One thing that I think you guys do extremely well
as pregame when the stadium goes dark. You have a
bit of a light show and you have that blue
light emanating from the inside the dressing room, and the
players are running out and the crowd just sort of
the anticipation. You can feel it when you're there at
the game, at the games. What's behind that? Where did
you draw inspiration from? I guess for that sort of entry.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Yeah. The guys again, I just they look around, they
look what works well in other sports in particular, and
not just in New Zealand anywhere the world. If forever
forever doing research on game day initiatives, and we've only
come up with that idea, married it up with other
ideas that they had, and that's where they landed. And
as you say, the anticipation when the lights go out,
(04:25):
it's just sort of like the lights go out, but
the light switch goes on in terms of the excitement
and the anticipation, and you know, it's something that I
think everyone enjoys. They all want to be in their
seats when that happens, and it's exciting for the players,
looks amazing on TV. The amount of feedback we get
from Australia that are watching it through the TV is crazy.
(04:46):
So I'm really happy with what the guys are doing.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
We talk about feedback that you get from Australia. Do
you get other clubs asking you about how you've achieved
this level of success in terms of your engagement with
the fans because you've got other clubs like Cronella who
are doing extremely well on the field but can't sell
as many tickets. Do you get other clubs inquiring and
asking questions general discussions?
Speaker 4 (05:09):
You know is at a meeting in Australia long ago
and we will talk about how each clubs are trending
and you know, what they're doing well and want to
challenge what are they challenged by? And and you know
the whole field thing is. You know, for me, it
comes down to staff, It comes down to planning and
then the execution of it. You've got to be bold
(05:30):
and I just encourage our staff just to do things
that we haven't seen before. And if they work, it's amazing.
If they don't work well, we move on to the
next thing, and and you know, a lot of a
lot of other clubs, you know, we talk about that,
and it's about finding the right people with the creative
mindset and being bold enough to do stuff.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Has an NRL team ever sold out every home game
in a season before, No.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
I don't think so. It's it's very hard to do
for various reasons. And I don't think I've stayed a
club or heard of a club that's done that. So
we're going to achieve it. It'll be an absolute major milestone
for our club and for the game, which is amazing,
and we really hope that our fans can just fill
up the stadium for the last three home games beyond
(06:17):
where we're at now, and with that we can create
some cool history. But we need to still perform on
the field for that to happen. We're not for one
minute thinking that it's just going to happen. We need
to be better as a footy team and as a
club across the board and keep getting better and better
and exciting our fans to come along and not miss out.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
I want to get into the nuts and bolts of
what selling tickets actually means from a business perspective because
we hear about other teams like the Wellington Phoenix for example,
they sold out their semi final in Wellington and their
GM came out afterwards and said, actually, we're still going
to make a loss on this. So if you guys
sell out Mount Smart with a what twenty four approximately
(06:56):
capacity stadium, what does that actually mean for you guys
in terms of revenue and what it does for your business?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Well, it depends on the business model you're working to,
it depends on your stadium costs and that partnership. The
one thing that I feel we've done really well is
played played the market really really strongly in terms of
our pricing. We haven't gone out there and overpriced ourselves.
We do offers on the back of winning footy games
(07:27):
in Australia or at home or whatever it be, and
the take up rate for those is just through the roof.
As soon as we win a game, there is just
a massive surge in twenty four hour sal window and
that has been a really good thing to see that
we've met the market. The market are waiting for us,
and when we hit the market with that sale, it
(07:48):
just goes berserk. But I think people can run the
risk of overpricing themselves and under delivering the experience. And
my personal philosophy and the theory I put around to
the staff is I'd rather have a full stadium and
break even than have a half full stadium and make
(08:09):
it a little bit of money. The important thing to
me is I want to engage. I want our club
to engage with a large fan base, kids and families, adults,
whoever they are, at whatever age they are, we want
to make it easy for them to get to the
stadium and have the best time. Now, with that, you
start selling more food and beverage. With that experience that
(08:32):
they get, they start to consider buying a membership. With
that engagement and excitement they get at the stadium by
everything we're doing, they go and buy a Warriors cap
or a Warrior's jumper. So it flows onto other parts
of your business. So the important part is meet the
market in terms of pricing, get them into your stadium,
(08:53):
give them the greatest experience, which is so important, and
then let their emotions engage with the club further. They
might go and buy more tickets, they might buy a membership,
and they buy a merchandise and that all helps our
bottom line. But the most important thing is to me,
they have a hell of a good time and they
come there and we have a full house, because that
(09:14):
just excites everyone.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
I see online on social media all the time, people
putting up posts saying, I need two tickets to the
Broncos game. I need two tickets to this. Does anyone
have a spare ticket? Your tickets are selling. It's like
drugs cameon. It's like everyone's going through these back channels
to try and get to them. Is there any way
that you look into bringing in like extra stands or anything.
(09:36):
Are you totally maxed out in what you can provide
with tickets and people just have to get the season pass?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
That's correct. No, I'm not interested, you know, to put
in extra seating because the desail in which we had
down behind the goalpost, if you have a look at
that on game day night, there are hundreds, if not
thousands of people there meeting before the game, during the game,
and after the game for a drink and fun with
their friends and allows us to activate really well with
our sponsors, which is a very important part of experience.
(10:04):
And if we were to take that away to put
an extra five thousand seats there. Believe you know, it's
going to create the experience I want to have for
our fan base. So no extra seeding, twenty six and
a half thousand seats, buy a membership. We'll get in
early and buy your tickets, you know, for the rest
of the season or during the season. That's that's what
we have, and everyone's sitting in their seats. We'll have
(10:25):
a hell of a time.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
A couple of topical things just to finish, Cameron, how
keen are you for Las Vegas? How big would that
be for the club?
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Yeah? Very keen. I feel like the club we want
to experience that. The club deserves to experience that a
brand and be outstanding with it. I think it grows
our footy club from a commercial stance. Our owner has
a lot of business in America, so you know it's
good for him in All tex So there's a lot
(10:53):
of pluses. Yet you've got to go there and play
a game of footy and winning game of footy. That's
the key. But I think the whole experience is, you know,
it would be worthwhile for our foota club and our brand.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And the Warriors pub, the wa barh Are we close
to a name. Do we have a time line on
opening day?
Speaker 4 (11:10):
Oh well mate, we just started getting stuck into the work,
so look we're closer and closer watch his space. But
look at the end of the day, hopefully we're open
in sort of mid September. It's going to be a
great place. It's going to be awesome for any sports
lover and I can't wait to get in there that
(11:31):
business and get.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
It going fantastic. Worries Chief executive Cameron George, thank you
so much for your time.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
No problem, Thank you.
Speaker 6 (11:38):
This is the Big League Podcast. This is yeah, the
Big League Podcast on the Worries band Wagons. It's day one.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
It is my pleasure to welcome onto the Big League
Podcast for the very first time. New Zealand Herald writer
Alex Powell. A very insightful chat there with Cameron George.
Can I just say he's one of the best chief
executives for giving you the time of day if he
picks up your call. I don't think he's ever replied
to one of my texts, but he is good Cam
and George. In terms of that, I guess transparency and
(12:11):
the ease of access.
Speaker 7 (12:12):
Yeah, he's very good. When the team's going well, isn't it.
No thanks for having me, am I the tain to it,
picky to Michael Burgers, Charles nikkel clock Stad, but no
great to hear from Cam on the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Okay, so let's look forward to Friday's game. Here's the situation.
The Warriors sit twelfth on the ladder. They're on nineteen points.
They're three points outside the eight. Here are the run
of games in for the rest of the regular season.
They pay the Raiders on Friday, then they've got the Tigers,
the Eels, the Dolphins, the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks, and
(12:43):
then the buy to finish the regular season. Now, Alex
Nick Beuley said last week on the podcast that if
they lose any of the next three, right, so Raiders, Tigers, Eels,
the so called easier games before you get into the Dolphins,
Manly Bulldogs, they won't make the aid if they lose
any of the next three. I'm not going to go
that far because I believe the Warriors are capable of
(13:04):
causing some upsets at the back end. But where do
you stand in terms of the next three weeks. How
crucial do they still make the eight if they lose
any of them.
Speaker 7 (13:13):
I think with any competition like this, you have to
beat the teams around you. I'm not going to go
as far as Nick and say they won't make the
eight if they don't beat them, but if you're not
picking up points against the teams around and below you,
you're going to have a bloody hard time taking on
the teams above you.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Well, that's the frustrating thing. Because they dropped two games
to the Titans. Pick up those two games. The Warriors
are there in the eight, but they just fell on
their faces. Then again, they upset the Dolphins, we know
one expected. They upset the Panthers were no one expected.
So that's why I'm not ruling it out if the
Warriors were to drop any of these three games, but
they just got to get it done. Canberra Raiders on Friday.
(13:48):
If we take a look at them, they are eleventh
on the ladder, so one above the Warriors, with seven
wins nine losses, and they have been in miserable form.
They've lost their last four in a row. But not
only that, they've lost their last four in a row
at home. They started the season so well, Alex and
it's just sort of come off. I've I've loved listening
(14:10):
to Ricky Stewart over the last four weeks. One of
the best personalities in the NRL in my opinion, because
he's so straight up. And I would hate to be
a Canberra a journalist and having to talk to him
all the time because I think you'd cop a fair
amount of heat.
Speaker 7 (14:21):
But I'd hate to be a referee having to deal
with them all the time.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yeah, yeah, well exactly.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
But in terms of the Raiders, I guess what are
the things that you're looking at in terms of the
Warriors need to get right this week and where are
the potential areas of weakness in terms of the Raiders.
Speaker 7 (14:37):
So I think the Raiders forward pack is easily their
strongest for me. You know, you look at the two
big guns and Josh Papa and Joey Tarpenhay. If the
Warriors can take those two out of the game, I
think they'll go a long way towards winning it, as
we've seen them do. Let's not forget Andrew Webster is
unbeaten against the Raiders. He's three from three.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
He is, and of course the golden point win last
year at home and then Jared Crocus three hundredth, which
all of the hype was around the Raiders for that game,
and to be honest, I think that took the steam,
it took the windo out of the same but the
Warriors just went there and completely upset them.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
That was one of my favorite games last year because
there was just so much against the Warriors. Remember how
the Raiders started that game. They rarely came out of
the blocks, and the Warriors just soaked up all the
pressure and then hit them when they needed to. That
was Ali Laya TAA's debut, remember, And that was one
of my standout quotes from Webster last year when he
got asked, was it about coming here and ruining Crocus
three hundredth game? And Andrew Webster's response was, it wasn't
(15:33):
about Jared Crocus three hundred it was about Ali layer
Tawa's first and I think at that point anyone who
wasn't on the Andrew Webster train was on it.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Then, Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
And I suppose in terms of the Warriors team, if
we're looking at it, so many injuries from that last game.
Obviously the back three chancey Ko Kooksa, Marcelo Montoya, Dulin
Tini is Alesniak going out in that Golden Point loss
to the Bulldogs, which was such a good game, but
the ultimately the harsh reality is it goes down as
(16:04):
another loss and the Warriors they've got Kurt Capewell and
Mitch playing in Origin Wednesday night. How good it's going
to be so good to see those two going head
to head as well. Fingers crossed that neither of them
get injured, because that would be really really bad. First
of all, do we expect them to back up? Because
he talked about the forward pack, Capewell and Barnett are
(16:26):
so crucial to it, and you can see the difference
when they're there compared to when they're absent and what
that means for the Warriors, especially going forward through the middle.
Speaker 7 (16:32):
Look, I think we saw a couple of weeks go
against the Broncos. Webster made the call to bring in
or bring back Barnett and Cape. Well, the Broncos didn't.
They left Reese, Walsh, paint Ass and Pack Gagan on
the sidelines and it really cost them. You I go
whether you'd argue that the Broncos season might be done now?
All right?
Speaker 3 (16:49):
So six in a row is a six losses six.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
In a row, you know, and they you know, team
who were on top the large parts of the last year's
Grand Final, which shows how tight this competition is. But
they they cannot miss this chance. They have to play
Mitch Barnett, who for me has been the Warrior's best
player this year, and Kurt Capewell, who has admittedly struggled
with fitness and he's been there you can see what
he brings.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, I suppose the thing is kok Well starting for Queensland,
whereas Barney is coming off the interchange, and if there's
any sort of point that we can look at with
in terms of actually they may back up. At least
Barnett's coming off the interchange, He's not likely to play
as many minutes and he only has to fly. He's
flying from Brisbane to Canberra. I don't know what that
flight is length is but hopefully that means that maybe
(17:33):
he could be there on Friday. If it was a
Saturday game, I'd have a lot more confidence, but since
it's on Friday, there is that element of doubt playing
two league games in space of forty eight hours. In
terms of the injuries, though, Webster said, I think after
the Bulldog's game that Montoya and Nicole Cook start are
unlikely to be there, Dala Montenez, Lesniak had Hia, so
(17:54):
he should be all good to be there. I know
Wade Egan was carrying an injury during that game. I
suppose who expecting to be out? And how do they
fill those gaps? Assumed course he comes on?
Speaker 7 (18:04):
Do they take this chance to move Roger tu Vasis
check to the wing? Is this the time where you
keep that left edge largely the same? You keep Pompy
there and then you move to Vasa check to the wing,
and then you can bring in a guy like ali
Leaa Tawa. You know, I'm basically the president of the
Ali La Tower fan club at the moment. So if
he gets another run, he's got a good record in camera.
He's never lost there or there you goes admittedly with
(18:26):
only one game played, but these are things I have
to do as far as fallback. We know it's going
to be taged to a picky, isn't it. You know
he's never let this team down when he's coming, you know,
And I don't imagine they'll miss the chance to do
it again.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
How good would it be to see Lequa hala Sima
back out there.
Speaker 7 (18:42):
I think he will be back out there.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
You think he will.
Speaker 7 (18:44):
I think he will. I don't think you'll start. I think,
but he'll be on the interchange.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
So you've got Dylan Walker starting at lock Ford Tahu House,
presumably still out with the wrist injury. We'll get updates
on that this week, obviously, but Lecqua Halasima on the interchange.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
That's what I would do. I feel like that makes
the most sense. And then you looking at the jazz
tabanger Freddi last week, maybe Madatania Corde filling up the
other three spots.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Speaking of players coming back, Luke Metcalfe post on social
media along with the Warriors, he's back training, He's back
on the field. I jumped the gun initially. I thought,
oh my god, he's going to be back playing for
the Raiders. Uh not for the for the Raiders game,
Luke Metcalfe. Let's say, let's say he's still a few
weeks away. Right, he's been out since since Round four
(19:27):
head surgery on a tibia injury. Let's say he comes
back the same week Shawn Johnson does Who's your haves combination?
Speaker 7 (19:35):
It's so interesting, isn't it, Because I think that's basically
what it's going to come down to, who gives the
best combination. If you're looking at if Tomighty Martin's you're seven,
Chanelle's the six that compliments the most. Likewise, if Sean
Johnson's your seven, Luke Metcalf's the one that compliments on
them the most. I don't think they'll give Luke Metcalf.
I don't think they'll throw them in there straight away.
They'll have to give him a couple of New South
fALS Cups games just to get back into where he is,
(19:57):
you know, as an NRL Quality five eight. But when
they've got all four to choose from, I genuinely have
no idea how they're going to go. I don't know
if we're even going to be as it's Mighty Martin
at six and Sean Johnson seven, because I think there
still are a lot of flaws in that combination. I agree,
just because they've not worked on it together, I don't
I'm not saying that's not a combination that will ever work,
because it clearly can work. You know, to Mighty Martin
(20:19):
partner Jonathan Thurston, you know it's not as though he
has to be the half back all the time. He's
a very smart footballer.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Yeah, well, yeah, I do agree. It's not because like
if Johnson hadn't got injured, And I did a piece
in the Herod about this the other week and I
copped a lot of flak for it. But if Johnson,
if Johnson hadn't got injured, and they had those extra
weeks to just have those two together, those two are
the most experienced halves. I believe that in high precious situations,
those the two I want on the field, Like in
(20:46):
the Bulldogs game, who I was thinking, God, if only
we had Sewan Johnson here to take that field the
field goal, but instead obviously it was Schanell doing it.
But you're right, that combination just hasn't clicked, and I
think they've just run out of time to allow it
to have a bit more development, and they need to
go with what's working. Having said that to Mighty Martin
and Sell has to bed obviously struggled in that game.
(21:08):
But we're going to see them again together, presumably on
Friday against the Raiders.
Speaker 7 (21:13):
We saw watchingel Harris Devita and Tomighty Martin did against
the Broncos. You know, there's no issues with that combination.
They just had a bad night against the Bulldogs. I
don't if that's what is named to face the Raiders,
I'm absolutely fine with that.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Now, speaking of the Raiders Las Vegas, Alex Powell, how good.
The Warriors will open the NRL season next year on
March second, New Zealand time in. It'll be a Sunday
afternoon game, which will be weird to open the NRL
before the Sharks play the Panthers. Now, Michael Berg just
(21:46):
broke the story the other week and it was confirmed
last week by the NRL.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
I have to admit when I.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Found out the Warriors would be playing the Raiders, my
action was, oh, do you agree?
Speaker 7 (21:59):
I mean, the narrative was there, wasn't it. You know,
James Fisher Harris will be playing his first game for
the Warriors, will be against his old side. Oh no,
he's just going to find the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Now.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Yeah, Well, the other storyliners Edanfanuel Blake, it's going to
be going to the Sharks. I hadn't even thought after
all of that drama, so the Warriors could have played
the Sharks. It could have been Edenfanuel Blake against this
old Club. We had two options there, but instead it
is the Raiders. And I don't want to talk too
much crap because if the Warriors lose, so the Raiders
on Friday, I'll hear it back. But I think it's
(22:28):
really good for the Warriors to be going through this occasion.
I think they're going to make a lot of money
out of it actually, So it is interesting in terms
of how they're I guess marketing this to Australians and
New Zealanders because it's under the guise of sort of
we're going over there to grow the game in the
United States, But I get the feeling they're really going
over there to make a whole lot of money out
of New Zealanders and Australia's.
Speaker 7 (22:51):
Can be it can be both.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
I'd just be interested to see how many Americans are
filling up the seats.
Speaker 7 (22:56):
I don't imagine many. There's a reason why it's in
Las Vegas, which does not have a very large sort
of local population. It's a lot of out of town
is Look are you on the bosses at the moment
saying hey, look, someone's going to go over to a
vague same It will be unfair to send.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
No I want to go. I want to go. You
can't go one.
Speaker 7 (23:14):
From the held, one from zedv all right, yeah, you
know Winston all Worth of your listening. Look, it would
be irresponsible to send Michael Burgess. He's got a young family.
You can't do that. Send me and Nate.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Yeah. Nick Buley's got a young family as well. It's
got to be Alexon and I go.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
The Big League Podcast on the Warriors bad Wagon since
day one, The Big League Podcast for the biggest league fans.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Okay, Alex, just skip into quick fire predictions ahead of
this round. Obviously, the Raiders and the Warriors both coming
off the bye and they are game one Friday night
in Canberra.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
Raiders Warriors. Who are you going with them? Why? Warriors?
Speaker 7 (23:58):
I think they have shown they can bounce back a
lot quicker than the Raiders can. I mean, you look
at the Raiders recent record. They are in a bit
of a spiral. So fingers crossed for all without.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
I'm going to agree with you there and go for
the Warriors coming off the bike. Come on, let's see
Lequahllasima out there. Let's see Roger on the wing. Rabbit
Os Tigers.
Speaker 7 (24:17):
Rabbit Os like I think forms with them. They looked
crapped that season, but now they are, you know, an
outside chance making the eight.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
And yeah, obviously the trel Mitchell's sort of gone down.
I'm not sure what the situation is with that at
the moment. But now you're right, the Rabbitos have just
been on an absolute tear. They five in a row,
so they've they've really turned this season around here and
making a late charge for the playoffs. Knights versus the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (24:43):
Knights same as before. I don't I don't see.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
What's happened to the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (24:47):
I mean, you take Adam six in a row, you
take Adam Reynolds out of that team, and they are
a lot worse. They shouldn't be as bad as they are,
and then they're going to have obviously their origin contingent
backing up or not backing up.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
I'm going to agree with you there and go for
the Knights, who didn't have a good performance on the weekend,
got absolutely penced by Manly. Next game is stam Roosters.
This is a big one.
Speaker 7 (25:10):
Yeah, I'd like to think the Storm would get it
done in Melbourne and Melbourne even with players out, even
with players out. I mean, that's just the Melbourne Storm,
isn't it. You know, they just find ways to win.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
I have to disagree with you on this one, Alex. Roosters.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
I mean, we're getting to the business end and I
just feel like they are the form team of the
I mean, Melbourn's been outstanding, They've probably been the best
team this year. But I just feel like the Roosters
are going to hit their peak at the right time
and this could be a really real statement game for them.
Speaker 7 (25:40):
Panthers Dolphins, Panthers classes, permanent formers, temporary. Look at the
way the Panthers have played with Nathan Cleary out, you
wouldn't really know that they aren't the top side.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
I agree with you there. Seagulls versus the Titans.
Speaker 7 (25:55):
I don't know, maybe the Titans. I think I've only
backed the home team.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Titans are getting a twenty four to sixteen job done
over the Eels, who are well, they have been playing
like mud. Meanwhile, manly, as I mentioned before, forty four
to six over the night nights, who did you go with?
Speaker 7 (26:12):
Titan?
Speaker 2 (26:14):
Mainly at home? They'll have plenty of momentum coming off
that nights. When I go with the Seagulls and finally
Cowboys versus the Bulldogs.
Speaker 7 (26:21):
Bulldogs, I'd say it's really been a very quiet success
for the Bulldogs this year. But you look at how
they're going, you make a very strong case Cameron Surround
the will be coach of the year. They're probably, I
mean they're almost confirmed for a top four, sorry, a
top eight finish. I'd be very surprised if they didn't
get up.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Yeah, the Cowboys sitting eighth place, just on the precipice
of the playoffs. But I am going to back the
Bulldogs here to get the job done to finish out
the following round of in our Alex Powell, thank you
so much for your time, your wisdom and insight on
the Big League Podcast today. Please follow and rate the podcast.
We will be back next Monday. My name is Nathan Limb.
(26:59):
Have a great week.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
For more from news Talks, there'd be listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio The
Big League Podcast podcast News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, Warriors Chief executive
Cameron George joins to reveal the secrets behind their record
breaking run of sold out home games and to give
more details on the new Warriors pub. New Zealand Herald
writer Alex Powell comes in off the interchange to discuss
Friday's tussle with the Raiders, what changes need to be
made and Luke metcalf as bank training in the Wars
(00:47):
are going to Las Vegas.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
How good. My name is Nathan Limb. Let's go the
b LB.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
We're very lucky to be joined on The Big League
Podcast for the very first time by Warriors Chief Executive
Cameron George.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Cameron, thanks so much for your time. How are you?
Speaker 4 (01:03):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (01:03):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Thanks for the advite.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Caeron the crowds this year.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
In a massive talking point, you've sold out every home
game so far. Can you talk a bit about what
the how you found and how the organization I suppose
has found the reception this year after all of the
success in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
To be selling tickets like you are this year, what's
it been like?
Speaker 4 (01:27):
Yeah, look, it's it's awesome. You know, to be involved
in an organization where you know, you emotionally connect with
your fan base and the experience they get at Gay
Media Stadium is not to be missed. And it's just
the energy of the excitement. You know, you can feel
it when you're walking to the stadium. You can feel it,
(01:48):
you know, three days out when that you know, everyone's
talking about it. You know after each game tickets you
sell really quickly, and it's just so exciting for our
team both on and off the field. That works so
hard to see the support that's there. But we certainly
don't take it for granted. We've got to be innovative,
we've got to be excited by change, and we've got
(02:10):
to work extremely hard with our creative planning.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Yeah, I mean from an organizational perspective, if you look
at your marketing, your sales teams, this must be a
huge source of motivation the street. You don't I'd imagine
you don't want to let it slip. You want to
keep this going as long as possible. Is that a
big motivating factor. And you mentioned the change there. What
change and innovation have you got in the works.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Yeah, we're always looking at what we can do better
in respect to the experience. The whole philosophy for us
is high energy, high engagement. As soon as you walk
in the stadium, you know you're going to have fun,
and you're going to have fun with your family, You're
going to have fun with your friends, and that's what
we want, and we want them to go home and
sell the message to their other friends. It couldn't come,
(02:52):
so the crowd just gets bigger and bigger, and then
the community that we're selling to is louder and prouder.
And you know, you can only achieve this by planning,
really smartly, planning with creation of new things, trying new things,
not to be scared, be bold. And we've got a
really good staff group of staff at the One New
(03:14):
Zealand Warriors that put so much time and effort into it.
And I'm so proud of them because the response to
their work they're planning and execution is outstanding. But we're
already looking at things for next year. We're looking at
new ways of making the experience better. We're looking at
new ways and making the the production better that you
see on TV and all sorts of things. So it
(03:36):
never stops.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
One thing that I think you guys do extremely well
as pregame when the stadium goes dark. You have a
bit of a light show and you have that blue
light emanating from the inside the dressing room, and the
players are running out and the crowd just sort of
the anticipation. You can feel it when you're there at
the game, at the games. What's behind that? Where did
you draw inspiration from? I guess for that sort of entry.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Yeah. The guys again, I just they look around, they
look what works well in other sports in particular, and
not just in New Zealand anywhere the world. If forever
forever doing research on game day initiatives, and we've only
come up with that idea, married it up with other
ideas that they had, and that's where they landed. And
as you say, the anticipation when the lights go out,
(04:25):
it's just sort of like the lights go out, but
the light switch goes on in terms of the excitement
and the anticipation, and you know, it's something that I
think everyone enjoys. They all want to be in their
seats when that happens, and it's exciting for the players,
looks amazing on TV. The amount of feedback we get
from Australia that are watching it through the TV is crazy.
(04:46):
So I'm really happy with what the guys are doing.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
We talk about feedback that you get from Australia. Do
you get other clubs asking you about how you've achieved
this level of success in terms of your engagement with
the fans because you've got other clubs like Cronella who
are doing extremely well on the field but can't sell
as many tickets. Do you get other clubs inquiring and
asking questions general discussions?
Speaker 4 (05:09):
You know is at a meeting in Australia long ago
and we will talk about how each clubs are trending
and you know, what they're doing well and want to
challenge what are they challenged by? And and you know
the whole field thing is. You know, for me, it
comes down to staff, It comes down to planning and
then the execution of it. You've got to be bold
(05:30):
and I just encourage our staff just to do things
that we haven't seen before. And if they work, it's amazing.
If they don't work well, we move on to the
next thing, and and you know, a lot of a
lot of other clubs, you know, we talk about that,
and it's about finding the right people with the creative
mindset and being bold enough to do stuff.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Has an NRL team ever sold out every home game
in a season before, No.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
I don't think so. It's it's very hard to do
for various reasons. And I don't think I've stayed a
club or heard of a club that's done that. So
we're going to achieve it. It'll be an absolute major milestone
for our club and for the game, which is amazing,
and we really hope that our fans can just fill
up the stadium for the last three home games beyond
(06:17):
where we're at now, and with that we can create
some cool history. But we need to still perform on
the field for that to happen. We're not for one
minute thinking that it's just going to happen. We need
to be better as a footy team and as a
club across the board and keep getting better and better
and exciting our fans to come along and not miss out.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
I want to get into the nuts and bolts of
what selling tickets actually means from a business perspective because
we hear about other teams like the Wellington Phoenix for example,
they sold out their semi final in Wellington and their
GM came out afterwards and said, actually, we're still going
to make a loss on this. So if you guys
sell out Mount Smart with a what twenty four approximately
(06:56):
capacity stadium, what does that actually mean for you guys
in terms of revenue and what it does for your business?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Well, it depends on the business model you're working to,
it depends on your stadium costs and that partnership. The
one thing that I feel we've done really well is
played played the market really really strongly in terms of
our pricing. We haven't gone out there and overpriced ourselves.
We do offers on the back of winning footy games
(07:27):
in Australia or at home or whatever it be, and
the take up rate for those is just through the roof.
As soon as we win a game, there is just
a massive surge in twenty four hour sal window and
that has been a really good thing to see that
we've met the market. The market are waiting for us,
and when we hit the market with that sale, it
(07:48):
just goes berserk. But I think people can run the
risk of overpricing themselves and under delivering the experience. And
my personal philosophy and the theory I put around to
the staff is I'd rather have a full stadium and
break even than have a half full stadium and make
(08:09):
it a little bit of money. The important thing to
me is I want to engage. I want our club
to engage with a large fan base, kids and families, adults,
whoever they are, at whatever age they are, we want
to make it easy for them to get to the
stadium and have the best time. Now, with that, you
start selling more food and beverage. With that experience that
(08:32):
they get, they start to consider buying a membership. With
that engagement and excitement they get at the stadium by
everything we're doing, they go and buy a Warriors cap
or a Warrior's jumper. So it flows onto other parts
of your business. So the important part is meet the
market in terms of pricing, get them into your stadium,
(08:53):
give them the greatest experience, which is so important, and
then let their emotions engage with the club further. They
might go and buy more tickets, they might buy a membership,
and they buy a merchandise and that all helps our
bottom line. But the most important thing is to me,
they have a hell of a good time and they
come there and we have a full house, because that
(09:14):
just excites everyone.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
I see online on social media all the time, people
putting up posts saying, I need two tickets to the
Broncos game. I need two tickets to this. Does anyone
have a spare ticket? Your tickets are selling. It's like
drugs cameon. It's like everyone's going through these back channels
to try and get to them. Is there any way
that you look into bringing in like extra stands or anything.
(09:36):
Are you totally maxed out in what you can provide
with tickets and people just have to get the season pass?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
That's correct. No, I'm not interested, you know, to put
in extra seating because the desail in which we had
down behind the goalpost, if you have a look at
that on game day night, there are hundreds, if not
thousands of people there meeting before the game, during the game,
and after the game for a drink and fun with
their friends and allows us to activate really well with
our sponsors, which is a very important part of experience.
(10:04):
And if we were to take that away to put
an extra five thousand seats there. Believe you know, it's
going to create the experience I want to have for
our fan base. So no extra seeding, twenty six and
a half thousand seats, buy a membership. We'll get in
early and buy your tickets, you know, for the rest
of the season or during the season. That's that's what
we have, and everyone's sitting in their seats. We'll have
(10:25):
a hell of a time.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
A couple of topical things just to finish, Cameron, how
keen are you for Las Vegas? How big would that
be for the club?
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Yeah? Very keen. I feel like the club we want
to experience that. The club deserves to experience that a
brand and be outstanding with it. I think it grows
our footy club from a commercial stance. Our owner has
a lot of business in America, so you know it's
good for him in All tex So there's a lot
(10:53):
of pluses. Yet you've got to go there and play
a game of footy and winning game of footy. That's
the key. But I think the whole experience is, you know,
it would be worthwhile for our foota club and our brand.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And the Warriors pub, the wa barh Are we close
to a name. Do we have a time line on
opening day?
Speaker 4 (11:10):
Oh well mate, we just started getting stuck into the work,
so look we're closer and closer watch his space. But
look at the end of the day, hopefully we're open
in sort of mid September. It's going to be a
great place. It's going to be awesome for any sports
lover and I can't wait to get in there that
(11:31):
business and get.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
It going fantastic. Worries Chief executive Cameron George, thank you
so much for your time.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
No problem, Thank you.
Speaker 6 (11:38):
This is the Big League Podcast. This is yeah, the
Big League Podcast on the Worries band Wagons. It's day one.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
It is my pleasure to welcome onto the Big League
Podcast for the very first time. New Zealand Herald writer
Alex Powell. A very insightful chat there with Cameron George.
Can I just say he's one of the best chief
executives for giving you the time of day if he
picks up your call. I don't think he's ever replied
to one of my texts, but he is good Cam
and George. In terms of that, I guess transparency and
(12:11):
the ease of access.
Speaker 7 (12:12):
Yeah, he's very good. When the team's going well, isn't it.
No thanks for having me, am I the tain to it,
picky to Michael Burgers, Charles nikkel clock Stad, but no
great to hear from Cam on the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Okay, so let's look forward to Friday's game. Here's the situation.
The Warriors sit twelfth on the ladder. They're on nineteen points.
They're three points outside the eight. Here are the run
of games in for the rest of the regular season.
They pay the Raiders on Friday, then they've got the Tigers,
the Eels, the Dolphins, the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks, and
(12:43):
then the buy to finish the regular season. Now, Alex
Nick Beuley said last week on the podcast that if
they lose any of the next three, right, so Raiders, Tigers, Eels,
the so called easier games before you get into the Dolphins,
Manly Bulldogs, they won't make the aid if they lose
any of the next three. I'm not going to go
that far because I believe the Warriors are capable of
(13:04):
causing some upsets at the back end. But where do
you stand in terms of the next three weeks. How
crucial do they still make the eight if they lose
any of them.
Speaker 7 (13:13):
I think with any competition like this, you have to
beat the teams around you. I'm not going to go
as far as Nick and say they won't make the
eight if they don't beat them, but if you're not
picking up points against the teams around and below you,
you're going to have a bloody hard time taking on
the teams above you.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Well, that's the frustrating thing. Because they dropped two games
to the Titans. Pick up those two games. The Warriors
are there in the eight, but they just fell on
their faces. Then again, they upset the Dolphins, we know
one expected. They upset the Panthers were no one expected.
So that's why I'm not ruling it out if the
Warriors were to drop any of these three games, but
they just got to get it done. Canberra Raiders on Friday.
(13:48):
If we take a look at them, they are eleventh
on the ladder, so one above the Warriors, with seven
wins nine losses, and they have been in miserable form.
They've lost their last four in a row. But not
only that, they've lost their last four in a row
at home. They started the season so well, Alex and
it's just sort of come off. I've I've loved listening
(14:10):
to Ricky Stewart over the last four weeks. One of
the best personalities in the NRL in my opinion, because
he's so straight up. And I would hate to be
a Canberra a journalist and having to talk to him
all the time because I think you'd cop a fair
amount of heat.
Speaker 7 (14:21):
But I'd hate to be a referee having to deal
with them all the time.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yeah, yeah, well exactly.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
But in terms of the Raiders, I guess what are
the things that you're looking at in terms of the
Warriors need to get right this week and where are
the potential areas of weakness in terms of the Raiders.
Speaker 7 (14:37):
So I think the Raiders forward pack is easily their
strongest for me. You know, you look at the two
big guns and Josh Papa and Joey Tarpenhay. If the
Warriors can take those two out of the game, I
think they'll go a long way towards winning it, as
we've seen them do. Let's not forget Andrew Webster is
unbeaten against the Raiders. He's three from three.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
He is, and of course the golden point win last
year at home and then Jared Crocus three hundredth, which
all of the hype was around the Raiders for that game,
and to be honest, I think that took the steam,
it took the windo out of the same but the
Warriors just went there and completely upset them.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
That was one of my favorite games last year because
there was just so much against the Warriors. Remember how
the Raiders started that game. They rarely came out of
the blocks, and the Warriors just soaked up all the
pressure and then hit them when they needed to. That
was Ali Laya TAA's debut, remember, And that was one
of my standout quotes from Webster last year when he
got asked, was it about coming here and ruining Crocus
three hundredth game? And Andrew Webster's response was, it wasn't
(15:33):
about Jared Crocus three hundred it was about Ali layer
Tawa's first and I think at that point anyone who
wasn't on the Andrew Webster train was on it.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Then, Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
And I suppose in terms of the Warriors team, if
we're looking at it, so many injuries from that last game.
Obviously the back three chancey Ko Kooksa, Marcelo Montoya, Dulin
Tini is Alesniak going out in that Golden Point loss
to the Bulldogs, which was such a good game, but
the ultimately the harsh reality is it goes down as
(16:04):
another loss and the Warriors they've got Kurt Capewell and
Mitch playing in Origin Wednesday night. How good it's going
to be so good to see those two going head
to head as well. Fingers crossed that neither of them
get injured, because that would be really really bad. First
of all, do we expect them to back up? Because
he talked about the forward pack, Capewell and Barnett are
(16:26):
so crucial to it, and you can see the difference
when they're there compared to when they're absent and what
that means for the Warriors, especially going forward through the middle.
Speaker 7 (16:32):
Look, I think we saw a couple of weeks go
against the Broncos. Webster made the call to bring in
or bring back Barnett and Cape. Well, the Broncos didn't.
They left Reese, Walsh, paint Ass and Pack Gagan on
the sidelines and it really cost them. You I go
whether you'd argue that the Broncos season might be done now?
All right?
Speaker 3 (16:49):
So six in a row is a six losses six.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
In a row, you know, and they you know, team
who were on top the large parts of the last year's
Grand Final, which shows how tight this competition is. But
they they cannot miss this chance. They have to play
Mitch Barnett, who for me has been the Warrior's best
player this year, and Kurt Capewell, who has admittedly struggled
with fitness and he's been there you can see what
he brings.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, I suppose the thing is kok Well starting for Queensland,
whereas Barney is coming off the interchange, and if there's
any sort of point that we can look at with
in terms of actually they may back up. At least
Barnett's coming off the interchange, He's not likely to play
as many minutes and he only has to fly. He's
flying from Brisbane to Canberra. I don't know what that
flight is length is but hopefully that means that maybe
(17:33):
he could be there on Friday. If it was a
Saturday game, I'd have a lot more confidence, but since
it's on Friday, there is that element of doubt playing
two league games in space of forty eight hours. In
terms of the injuries, though, Webster said, I think after
the Bulldog's game that Montoya and Nicole Cook start are
unlikely to be there, Dala Montenez, Lesniak had Hia, so
(17:54):
he should be all good to be there. I know
Wade Egan was carrying an injury during that game. I
suppose who expecting to be out? And how do they
fill those gaps? Assumed course he comes on?
Speaker 7 (18:04):
Do they take this chance to move Roger tu Vasis
check to the wing? Is this the time where you
keep that left edge largely the same? You keep Pompy
there and then you move to Vasa check to the wing,
and then you can bring in a guy like ali
Leaa Tawa. You know, I'm basically the president of the
Ali La Tower fan club at the moment. So if
he gets another run, he's got a good record in camera.
He's never lost there or there you goes admittedly with
(18:26):
only one game played, but these are things I have
to do as far as fallback. We know it's going
to be taged to a picky, isn't it. You know
he's never let this team down when he's coming, you know,
And I don't imagine they'll miss the chance to do
it again.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
How good would it be to see Lequa hala Sima
back out there.
Speaker 7 (18:42):
I think he will be back out there.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
You think he will.
Speaker 7 (18:44):
I think he will. I don't think you'll start. I think,
but he'll be on the interchange.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
So you've got Dylan Walker starting at lock Ford Tahu House,
presumably still out with the wrist injury. We'll get updates
on that this week, obviously, but Lecqua Halasima on the interchange.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
That's what I would do. I feel like that makes
the most sense. And then you looking at the jazz
tabanger Freddi last week, maybe Madatania Corde filling up the
other three spots.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Speaking of players coming back, Luke Metcalfe post on social
media along with the Warriors, he's back training, He's back
on the field. I jumped the gun initially. I thought,
oh my god, he's going to be back playing for
the Raiders. Uh not for the for the Raiders game,
Luke Metcalfe. Let's say, let's say he's still a few
weeks away. Right, he's been out since since Round four
(19:27):
head surgery on a tibia injury. Let's say he comes
back the same week Shawn Johnson does Who's your haves combination?
Speaker 7 (19:35):
It's so interesting, isn't it, Because I think that's basically
what it's going to come down to, who gives the
best combination. If you're looking at if Tomighty Martin's you're seven,
Chanelle's the six that compliments the most. Likewise, if Sean
Johnson's your seven, Luke Metcalf's the one that compliments on
them the most. I don't think they'll give Luke Metcalf.
I don't think they'll throw them in there straight away.
They'll have to give him a couple of New South
fALS Cups games just to get back into where he is,
(19:57):
you know, as an NRL Quality five eight. But when
they've got all four to choose from, I genuinely have
no idea how they're going to go. I don't know
if we're even going to be as it's Mighty Martin
at six and Sean Johnson seven, because I think there
still are a lot of flaws in that combination. I agree,
just because they've not worked on it together, I don't
I'm not saying that's not a combination that will ever work,
because it clearly can work. You know, to Mighty Martin
(20:19):
partner Jonathan Thurston, you know it's not as though he
has to be the half back all the time. He's
a very smart footballer.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Yeah, well, yeah, I do agree. It's not because like
if Johnson hadn't got injured, And I did a piece
in the Herod about this the other week and I
copped a lot of flak for it. But if Johnson,
if Johnson hadn't got injured, and they had those extra
weeks to just have those two together, those two are
the most experienced halves. I believe that in high precious situations,
those the two I want on the field, Like in
(20:46):
the Bulldogs game, who I was thinking, God, if only
we had Sewan Johnson here to take that field the
field goal, but instead obviously it was Schanell doing it.
But you're right, that combination just hasn't clicked, and I
think they've just run out of time to allow it
to have a bit more development, and they need to
go with what's working. Having said that to Mighty Martin
and Sell has to bed obviously struggled in that game.
(21:08):
But we're going to see them again together, presumably on
Friday against the Raiders.
Speaker 7 (21:13):
We saw watchingel Harris Devita and Tomighty Martin did against
the Broncos. You know, there's no issues with that combination.
They just had a bad night against the Bulldogs. I
don't if that's what is named to face the Raiders,
I'm absolutely fine with that.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Now, speaking of the Raiders Las Vegas, Alex Powell, how good.
The Warriors will open the NRL season next year on
March second, New Zealand time in. It'll be a Sunday
afternoon game, which will be weird to open the NRL
before the Sharks play the Panthers. Now, Michael Berg just
(21:46):
broke the story the other week and it was confirmed
last week by the NRL.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
I have to admit when I.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Found out the Warriors would be playing the Raiders, my
action was, oh, do you agree?
Speaker 7 (21:59):
I mean, the narrative was there, wasn't it. You know,
James Fisher Harris will be playing his first game for
the Warriors, will be against his old side. Oh no,
he's just going to find the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Now.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Yeah, Well, the other storyliners Edanfanuel Blake, it's going to
be going to the Sharks. I hadn't even thought after
all of that drama, so the Warriors could have played
the Sharks. It could have been Edenfanuel Blake against this
old Club. We had two options there, but instead it
is the Raiders. And I don't want to talk too
much crap because if the Warriors lose, so the Raiders
on Friday, I'll hear it back. But I think it's
(22:28):
really good for the Warriors to be going through this occasion.
I think they're going to make a lot of money
out of it actually, So it is interesting in terms
of how they're I guess marketing this to Australians and
New Zealanders because it's under the guise of sort of
we're going over there to grow the game in the
United States, But I get the feeling they're really going
over there to make a whole lot of money out
of New Zealanders and Australia's.
Speaker 7 (22:51):
Can be it can be both.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
I'd just be interested to see how many Americans are
filling up the seats.
Speaker 7 (22:56):
I don't imagine many. There's a reason why it's in
Las Vegas, which does not have a very large sort
of local population. It's a lot of out of town
is Look are you on the bosses at the moment
saying hey, look, someone's going to go over to a
vague same It will be unfair to send.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
No I want to go. I want to go. You
can't go one.
Speaker 7 (23:14):
From the held, one from zedv all right, yeah, you
know Winston all Worth of your listening. Look, it would
be irresponsible to send Michael Burgess. He's got a young family.
You can't do that. Send me and Nate.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Yeah. Nick Buley's got a young family as well. It's
got to be Alexon and I go.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
The Big League Podcast on the Warriors bad Wagon since
day one, The Big League Podcast for the biggest league fans.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Okay, Alex, just skip into quick fire predictions ahead of
this round. Obviously, the Raiders and the Warriors both coming
off the bye and they are game one Friday night
in Canberra.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
Raiders Warriors. Who are you going with them? Why? Warriors?
Speaker 7 (23:58):
I think they have shown they can bounce back a
lot quicker than the Raiders can. I mean, you look
at the Raiders recent record. They are in a bit
of a spiral. So fingers crossed for all without.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
I'm going to agree with you there and go for
the Warriors coming off the bike. Come on, let's see
Lequahllasima out there. Let's see Roger on the wing. Rabbit
Os Tigers.
Speaker 7 (24:17):
Rabbit Os like I think forms with them. They looked
crapped that season, but now they are, you know, an
outside chance making the eight.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
And yeah, obviously the trel Mitchell's sort of gone down.
I'm not sure what the situation is with that at
the moment. But now you're right, the Rabbitos have just
been on an absolute tear. They five in a row,
so they've they've really turned this season around here and
making a late charge for the playoffs. Knights versus the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (24:43):
Knights same as before. I don't I don't see.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
What's happened to the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (24:47):
I mean, you take Adam six in a row, you
take Adam Reynolds out of that team, and they are
a lot worse. They shouldn't be as bad as they are,
and then they're going to have obviously their origin contingent
backing up or not backing up.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
I'm going to agree with you there and go for
the Knights, who didn't have a good performance on the weekend,
got absolutely penced by Manly. Next game is stam Roosters.
This is a big one.
Speaker 7 (25:10):
Yeah, I'd like to think the Storm would get it
done in Melbourne and Melbourne even with players out, even
with players out. I mean, that's just the Melbourne Storm,
isn't it. You know, they just find ways to win.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
I have to disagree with you on this one, Alex. Roosters.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
I mean, we're getting to the business end and I
just feel like they are the form team of the
I mean, Melbourn's been outstanding, They've probably been the best
team this year. But I just feel like the Roosters
are going to hit their peak at the right time
and this could be a really real statement game for them.
Speaker 7 (25:40):
Panthers Dolphins, Panthers classes, permanent formers, temporary. Look at the
way the Panthers have played with Nathan Cleary out, you
wouldn't really know that they aren't the top side.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
I agree with you there. Seagulls versus the Titans.
Speaker 7 (25:55):
I don't know, maybe the Titans. I think I've only
backed the home team.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Titans are getting a twenty four to sixteen job done
over the Eels, who are well, they have been playing
like mud. Meanwhile, manly, as I mentioned before, forty four
to six over the night nights, who did you go with?
Speaker 7 (26:12):
Titan?
Speaker 2 (26:14):
Mainly at home? They'll have plenty of momentum coming off
that nights. When I go with the Seagulls and finally
Cowboys versus the Bulldogs.
Speaker 7 (26:21):
Bulldogs, I'd say it's really been a very quiet success
for the Bulldogs this year. But you look at how
they're going, you make a very strong case Cameron Surround
the will be coach of the year. They're probably, I
mean they're almost confirmed for a top four, sorry, a
top eight finish. I'd be very surprised if they didn't
get up.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Yeah, the Cowboys sitting eighth place, just on the precipice
of the playoffs. But I am going to back the
Bulldogs here to get the job done to finish out
the following round of in our Alex Powell, thank you
so much for your time, your wisdom and insight on
the Big League Podcast today. Please follow and rate the podcast.
We will be back next Monday. My name is Nathan Limb.
(26:59):
Have a great week.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
For more from news Talks, there'd be listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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