August 19, 2024 • 27 mins
This week on The Big League Podcast - No more mathematical maybes, the Warriors' finals chances are officially in the bin. Nick Bewley is off the bench alongside Alex Powell to run the rule over what went wrong against Manly in a game that followed an all too familiar pattern.
Nick's got a bone to pick (again) about the obstruction interpretations before a look ahead to what we hope is a fitting home farewell for one of the club's favourite sons.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from Newstalks EDB. Follow this
and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio The
Big League Podcast podcast by News TALKSB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, another tough watch
for Warriors fans across the Tasman as the club's top
eight hopes are officially dashed. Alex Powell from The New
Zealand Hero joins me to take a look at what
went wrong against Manly and a final home farewell looms
one of the Warriors' favorite sons. Can that possibly inspire
a change in fortunes and what's been an underwhelming season?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
My name is Nick Muley. Let's go b LB.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Well it's finally over. No more mathematical maybes. The Warriors
won't make the NRL Finals in twenty twenty four, and
in many ways it's a relief to get the red
pen out and put a line through them for good.
The clinging to the slimmest of possibilities and permutations as
a dance. Most Warriors fans know all too well. It's
the hope that kills you, As they say, part of
(01:11):
the appeal of the Warriors over the years is the
club's unpredictability. Heck, just look at last year and its totality,
but sadly it's become predictable this season, predictably stale, particularly
over the last few weeks. The intent is there in patches,
but the polish isn't. Only the heartiest one eyed Warriors
fan could say the club deserves to be in the finals.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Could have, would have, should have.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Some would say, let's hope now it's done the team
plays with a bit more freedom and pride before we
can consign this campaign to history. Alex Powell of the
New Zealand Herald Warriors twenty four to ten beaten at
Friday Night to Manly, as I mentioned there that the
intent was there initially, but just not a lot doing
(01:54):
on attack and as soon as Manly got an opportunity
that they made it count.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
What were your overall thoughts on that fixture.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
I mean, I think you've summed it up pretty well.
It's like watching a fight with a boxer and as
soon as you land one punch, they land eight. You know,
it feels like since that lost to the Storm matt
Go Media Stadium, all of the Warriors games have fired
the same pat where they'll start well not be able
to turn that advantage into any points, and then we'll
immediately get hit on the break and go behind, and
it's just too far back. You might get a little
(02:24):
spark at the end, but that didn't even happen this week.
So it's a pretty disappointing way to see the mathematical
hopes finish. But in reality, I think you're right. These
top eight chances were gone weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Yeah, it felt like for me ever since the Titans
sixty six six one. You know, statistically, no teams ever
won the competition when they've had fifty points put on them.
That was really where it hurt the most. But I
looked at that first ten minutes and perhaps compared to
the Dolphins game the week before, that dreary night at
Mount Smart a few weeks ago when they lost to
(02:55):
Parramatta and they were down about thirty to four at
one point, there was real intent there, positivity Adam fanil
Blake with that late footwork trying to break the line.
But when you look at that ten minutes, there was
you know, how long were we camped there on Manly's line,
and then just for whatever reason that the attack the shape,
(03:16):
it just felt like Manly knew where the Warriors were
going to go and could easily keep them out, and
then it was I think it was a daily cherry
evens forty twenty on tackle three and they get one
chance and put you away.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
It's just incredibly frustrating.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Like it feels like everything that we can say here
has been said all season. This attack, you know, the
style that they play under Andrew Ribster is for all
intenseveps is very simple. You know, the back line's going
to split, They're going to do you know, three on
one side, three another, and then the half back in
the middle and then basically the half back will decide
which way they go, and then you might get one
of the edge forwards as a runner in there as well.
(03:53):
But I mean, if you and me can sit here
and pick this up, opposition coaches and teams will do
the same and they'll have a week to prepare for it.
So I mean, I think there does need to be
a bit of ingenuity put into this Warriors team as
we approach twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Yeah, certainly, I think that lack of evolution on the
attack when you compare twenty three to twenty four has
been part of the Warriors undoing and just looking at
some of the key stats. Always liked to look at
halftime stats versus how it all shakes out a full time.
Of course, it was ten all at halftime. Warriors had
fifty seven percent of possession in the first half, twenty
(04:29):
of twenty four completions. They led all those key metrics
that I know coach Andrew Webster really likes to look
at in terms of run meters, post contact meters. But again,
if you're not able to do anything with it and
turn that into points, then it's a long way back.
And it must be rarely disheartening when you're putting all
that work together and then you look up at the
(04:50):
scoreboard and go, shit, we're actually or either behind or
in this case level then you go to obviously the
heavens open. It made for a pretty tricky second half,
but it kind of unraveled from there. There were errors
again when they did have their limited opportunities. Manly score
off a kick and he just felt like a dagger
(05:10):
blow that Reuben Garrit try. After halftime, they were just
never really able to produce anything that looked like they
were going to threaten the line.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
From there, now you always no conditions are bad when
you can see the rain on the main cameras. That's
how I look at it. But yeah, you're right. It's
frustrating to be sitting here week after week and saying
the same thing. But you've got to give Manly credit.
They came in with a game plan. They are a
genuine top eight side and that's what they should do.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Bang on right.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Here are the highlights courtesy of Fox Sports from the
Warriors round twenty four loss to the Manly Seagulls.
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Over great finds books. He's cherry ever goes out the
fact they've put the numbers here.
Speaker 6 (05:53):
Todd your voi bage gives it off to Jason Sad
who love scoring tries against the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
He plays a Flassis whose walker for.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
Newark Lake who's a specialist. Another really piece of play
by Adam Vanua, Blake and Sean Johnson.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
Now as Brooks shows them.
Speaker 6 (06:14):
The inside A huge hole for Ta Lal. He's got
tom te back through the middle. Turbay will plant it down.
A lovely move on this left hand side, lay it
on top of the tryline.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Is Johnson sweeping again. Nicol cooks down the taser Leslie.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Out they had got them this time the flying put.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Down like d w Z. Last play for men Jim
Jerry Evans will kick out towards Sad and also Garrick contest.
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Damn on tire couldn't captain Groven Garrick?
Speaker 7 (06:49):
Could you're getting that ball caught on the full? There
a little bit of a surprise on his face, just
like that. After they've had the better of the second
half to start the Warriors, Manly good enough. Garret gets
over the stripe.
Speaker 8 (07:04):
From the left edge on the field, though Baby howards him.
Now Cherry Evans is brooked. Tom Travue which bay passes
Kahla father line Lee hi Hipaadi.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
A famous name at this famous rugby league venue.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
We'll watch it again comes up with the player over
the top of the Jan Harris.
Speaker 8 (07:25):
Tavita who comes down on the back of your head
and then get another placed on report here it will
be an all time record tonight.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
Block little play is placed on report for the last
play of the game, Manly on the doorstep of the finals.
With this victory, Garrick gets the flags in the air
and after being locked together at ten points apiece, it's
Manly who do all of the scoring in the second.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Half, picularly here with Alex Powell alongside.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Now, look, I'm a bit of a gripe and that
first half, and I know this wasn't the decisive part
of the game, but certainly from a momentum standpoint, it's
sort of stimied where the Warriors were going in.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
That firm the obstruction law.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
It's not new this weekend, and it's not just the
Warriors copping these types of interpretations. I remember earlier in
the season various other teams, but that line that usually
it's usually a second row was running. In this instance,
it was Kirk Caple running sort of the shadow line
for the half back to play out the back and
(08:31):
hit Adam Pompey. On this occasion, the defensive halfback is
getting this get out of jail free card for just
showing some semblance of intent to get across when he's
already made a defensive era. Now it was Daily Tiar Evans.
He just sort of he realized he was done. The
Warriors had them strip for numbers on the outside, and
(08:52):
he just sort of moves ever so slightly to the right.
Where's Kirk Capele's supposed to go? It's called a try
on field, there's a bit of toing and froing, and
eventually the bunker rules the try out. Where do you,
sir Alex, on the obstruction interpretation. I know you can
make the argument that if Kate Pble just runs maybe
(09:12):
a slightly angling line and hits a gap, then there's
no problem. But it just feels like the benefit of
the doubt is going with the defensive team and we're
just scrubbing out tries for you know, when it seems
like the slimmest of possibility that the halfback's actually going
to be able to stop a try.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
It feels very conservative, doesn't it. You know, like you said,
the benefit of the doubt goes to defensive team. I'd
really like to see what we see in cricket where
the benefit of the doubt goes to the on field decision,
which in this instance was a try. Daily Cherry Evans
is thirty five. Do you really think he was going
to get across and make that covering tackle to stop
Adam pomp scoring? Because I don't.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Absolutely no chance, But he knows as a three hundred
gamer in the NRL, and again he's not alone that
they can just get across and perhaps feign a bit
of contact minor contact at that and know that when
the bunker goes over it with a fine tooth comb,
they're going to spot something. I think it's something down
the line that Graham and Isley and Cod needs to
(10:05):
have a look at him and look back to Sunday
night as well. Around this new rule with the blocker
the field goal. There was two field goals that were
ruled off in that Newcastle Cronulla game. I think for
a game that for a lot of people is attractive
through its simplicity, we're getting a little bit over complicated.
I guess back on the Warriors and I know, I'm
(10:26):
sure with the weeks to come and we'll unpack and
go through a real season post Morten. But one of
the other glaring things in mine, and it's really a
match up thing that we see against the likes of
Manly Whoever, Jason Saab or the Gold Coast Titans with
carn Pereira out wide, is that sometimes they don't even
really have to earn the right to go wide. They've
(10:47):
just got so much pace. And I wonder, I know
with our wing is they do a lot of work
in terms of that yardage work out of their defensive end,
the likes of Watenis Lesnik and Montour. But for quite
some time now I was trying to think back of
when the Warriors had like an out and out speedster
on the wing. Of course we've had the kim Mal
Marlow's and even further back Manuvaduvaya, like, do you think
(11:10):
that the Warriors might have missed a trick? And going
forward to into twenty twenty five when they'll be looking
at all sorts of things just having a bit of
pace out wide because a number of times whether it
was a short side raid or just be able to
shift the pass. I just thought Manly knew that with
a speeds throughout wide they could get around us.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
I mean it's a bit of a trade off, isn't it.
You look at Manly's two wingers. They're not flash on defense.
You know, if you put those two wingers up against
down By tennans his Neck and Marcella Montoya, I would
happily say the Warriors have the two better defensive wingers.
But that's not really what a winger is there to do.
There's a joke in rugby league if wingers score so
many tries because they're marked by wingers. But do the
(11:47):
Warriors have two guys who are easily the first choice
pair on the two wings who are both touching thirty
and we know, not just in Rugby League, but all
over the shop that it is a young man's game.
Whether or not that means those two have a short
shelf life, I am not sure because they are both
off contract in twenty five, But if it's a direction
they want to go in, I think it does take
(12:09):
away from Andrew Webster's game plan, which is, you know,
you start your sets by having your wingers carry hard
and then your forwards go towards the back end of
the set, which is basically the inverse of what every
other team in there OL does, isn't it.
Speaker 9 (12:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Look, don't get me wrong, I really like what Watsen
is Leslie it does in his ability to finish so
many of those those right edge attacks in the corner.
But it just keeps feeling like to me, just something
we might be lacking in, something that the Warriors need
to look at going forward. There was some late changes
to the Warriors side Friday night as well. The twenty
four hour squad switcheroo that has become quite common practice
(12:45):
for coach Andrew Webster. Luke Metcalfe back in the halves,
starting alongside Sewn Johnson, No Wade Egan Chanelle, Harris Tavita
back to the interchange. It was what the end of
March that we last saw Luke Metcalfe in first grade. No,
he's impressed with a couple of returns return games in
(13:06):
New South Wales cut from that broken leg suffered against Newcastle.
Here's coach Webster on what he made of Luke Metcalfe's return.
Speaker 9 (13:14):
Awesome, Yeah, he was great. He asked a lot of questions.
I thought the lawyers having fun and he's only going
to get better. Like he's he's a real threat. He's
seeing it really clearly. He's matured and none exactly how
he wants to play. And I thought he added plenty
for us.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So relatively happy was Webster, Alex, what did you make
of metcalf And I suppose, as we all know, Shawn
Johnson's hanging the boots up, But where do you see
metcalf fitting long term?
Speaker 4 (13:40):
It's a strange one, isn't it. I mean, my first
answer is hopefully at the Warriors, because we know that
these guys do get a sniff to go back to
Australia and Sydney and they'll generally take it. Last year,
Andrew Webster did say he sees Luke metcalf as a
seven long term. Whether or not he still sticks to
that give him what to Mighty Martin's done this year,
I don't know, but I thought it was great to
(14:00):
see him back. I thought there was obviously a bit
of russ there, which I think you forgive at this level.
I thought his kicking game left a few questions to me.
The fact he was kicking goals as well was obviously
assigned to the future. But overall, look, I'm in the
webs to camp with that. I was pretty happy to
see him back out there.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I think with this Jay, as we all know, he's
a dominant half, so Metcalfe his role alongside Johnson is
more that secondary playmaker being there and support and I
think he only had about two sort of attacking two
or three attacking kicks all and I found it a
little bit stranger. Must admit that that metcalf took on
the goal kicking duties with Adam Pompey back as well.
(14:37):
That might just be a confidence thing. Sometimes it is
for a half. They like to be more involved in
the game and have that extra responsibility. Will be interesting
down the line. I'm sure that'll be a big talking
point going into the preseason with Harris Tavita, with Tomighty Martin,
I know you guys, with Nathan of speculated around where
Jet Cleary fits and all this as well. We will
(14:57):
be twenty next year. It will be one we will
watch with interest. Belvy, this is the big league po Well, let's.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Take a look at this week then Friday night.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Otherwise we're a pretty who hum night, I think, but
an opportunity to fare well one of the club's favorite
sons and Alex I know you and Nathan last week
reflected on where Sean Johnson sits in the greatest Warriors
of all time. I think you've got that pretty much
spot on, just that number three behind Stacy Jones and
Simon Manning. But on this weekend, Friday, and I'm sure
(15:34):
the club will roll out the red carpet for Sean.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
What are you expecting? What are you hearing? Surely the
fans are going to give him some Flowers.
Speaker 6 (15:42):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
I mean, look, I think he deserves it. You know,
this is a guy that could have I mean, he
did walk away from the club because it didn't all
go the way he needed it to, and then came back.
You know, let's not forget that he wanted to come back.
He wanted to finish his career here, got an offer
for what eight hundred thousand at the Roosters this year,
and could have taken that for next year, but decided
against it. Look, I hope in some way Sean gets
(16:05):
to send off he deserves and not a lot of
athlete to get that. You know, it's a very romanticized
way that you get to choose how you bow out,
and not a lot of guys get to do it.
So I'm thankful that Sean does this week.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
And I see there's already been a bit of discussion around,
you know, more than the seventh for so long, whether
they do something like that you sometimes see in European football,
where there's a sort of minute applause at the seventh
minute or something like that.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
I think they would be pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
Here's Andrew Webster just after the Manly defeat, just talking
about I guess the week and trying not to allow
the occasion to get in the way of what we
still hope we hope as a win for the Worries.
Speaker 9 (16:46):
If we want to really do the best and for
Sean this week, that we're going to have to make
sure that we prepare properly. I think the fans are
going to make it about Sean, which will be the
best one and they really celebrate him. And if we
get a win, then we can celebrate that after as
I think if we get it back to front and
pull energy or that we're going to get it wrong.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Certainly saying the right things there as coach Webster, but look,
I'm sure he's been saying similar things in the last
few weeks and haven't been able to produce an eighty
minute performance. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, plenty to
play for. They're sitting fifth at the moment, got another
really good win at the weekend. I think that's four
on the bounce now. I mean, can you see the
Warriors Alex being inspired by the occasion or is it
(17:26):
just a case of you look at two teams in
terms of the form and one's gone a lot better
than the other.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I mean, there's absolutely that form element to it. The
Bulldogs are flying at the moment, and you know they
deserve nothing but praise for the season they've had so far.
They're going to be back in the finals, you know,
not odds on, but if they finished in the top four,
I wouldn't be surprised. In the Sliders, Cameron Soreldo has
completely turned that team around. These two teams will know
each other quite well because of the link the coaches have.
(17:52):
You know, Andrew Webster and Sireldo were both part of
that Penrith dynasty under Ivan Cleary. But I look, I
just don't know anymore. I would like to think the
Warriors get up and send Sean out, and not just Sean,
because this will also be the goodbye for add FANUELB.
Blake and jas Tavanga.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
Well let's touch on those two guys, and I think, look,
I've said some things here on this podcast around Adam
fanoa Blake in terms of his motivation at times this year.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
You know, we all know what happened after that.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
You know what was probably the most memorable moment of
the season from a positive standpoint, when they beat the
Penrith Panthers. He didn't get involved in the team celebrations.
There was a week stand down, it felt like, and
drips and drabs. He was heavily involved in games and
then sort of took a bit of a backwards seat.
But I thought he was Actually it was very impressive,
obviously setting up that try for Sean on Friday before
(18:40):
we get to Jazz, who deserves his flowers too. How
do you think that Adam fanol Blake era at the
Warriors will be remembered as he gets set to say
farewell as well?
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Well, I mean we've all sort of been talking about
this in the office. I mean my consensus, I generally
would consider add In fanoel Blake probably one of the
two best front rowers the Warriors've ever had. I would
just like to have seen him do it for longer.
The off field stuff, I worry will detract from his
legacy at the club. You know, let's not forget he
won the Delian Prop of the Year last year. You know,
he's not a player we should you know, scoff out
(19:11):
by any means, it's just who is advising him to
act this way? And you hope that you know, I
mean you worry that will it keep happening throughout his career,
because let's not forget how he even came to the
Warriors in the first place.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Yeah, and I think that's something crediller that they've probably
looked at risk reward and gone jee if we can
get the twenty twenty three version of Adam Fanol Blake
or just get that and extrapolate that out to an
entire season or two, Like the Sharks are already a
bloody good team and currently sitting fourth at the moment,
and they're going to be even better when they have
Adam Fanola Blake on the books in twenty twenty five.
Jazz Savanga, though he's kind of he's one of those
(19:45):
cult heroes is and he's been in the system. He
went for a Warriors junior trial a decade ago, finally
got his first grade debut in twenty sixteen. Not the
way when you were talking Alex before about sort of
fairy tale finishes or being able to go out on
your own terms. I've heard Jazz say would have liked
to go around again the club looking more at youth
in terms of those middle prop positions. But what about Jazz,
(20:08):
what's going to stand out for you when you think
back his time at the club.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
The thing that I love about Jazz, and we're about
Jazz is how much he cares. I think sometimes he
has been guilty of trying too hard.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
You know.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
Remember back to twenty eighteen, in the season that Roger
Turvasishek had to win the dai M. Jessee Vunger also
won a DLIM that year for the Interchange Player of
the Year. But that sort of comes into arguably the
problem with Jazz is we still probably don't know what
his best position is, you know, because remember he came
through as a hooker. You know, is a hooker? Is
he at thirteen?
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Is he a prop?
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I like to think, you know, and taking the journalist's
hat off for a second here and being a fan,
I think every fan likes to think if we were
in the Warriors, we'd play like Jazz, would, you know?
Because because of the love for the club. I think
that's what will stand out for me. I don't know
how I'm going to go if he signs for another team,
and I hope he'd get a good reception if he
comes back to Mount Smart, I.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Hope, I hope he does find another home, because you're right,
he's just one of those guys that's going to give
absolutely everything in the whatever minutes he gets. He cares
so deep, plea and as you mentioned there, sometimes it's
one of those cases. Sometimes it's just too much, and
you know he's thinking about just nailing someone or running
over the top of someone when the first thing he
needs to do is catch the ball. When you mentioned
(21:21):
twenty eighteen there, Alex, you know now that Jazz and
SJ are leaving. It's just what Roger and Taurho and
I know this turnover at a lot of different clubs.
But yeah, that feels you know, that feels like a
lifetime ago. Now that finals run in twenty eighteen.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
It makes you fair LOLd, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
You said it.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Big League Podcast, Big Hits, Big Mullets, The Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
Right onto Round twenty five, quick fire Predictions, we goes,
interesting results, no doubt about it, and Round twenty four.
But it all kicks off Thursday night. The Tigers, who
got up over South Sydney at the weekend taking on
the Manly Seagulls.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
I like, I think I'm gonna have to go manly
for this one.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, I mean as good as the I think the
Tigers probably inspired maybe Boyd a little bit after their
coach Benji Marshall, the news got through that he'll be
inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame this week, which
is thoroughly deserved. The fourth key we to be in
that Rugby League royalty. But you look at where Manly
are and where they you know they need to obviously
(22:31):
keep building the results through towards the finals. All right,
so one we all care about the Warriors and the Bulldogs?
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Is it heart over here? Alex Bell?
Speaker 4 (22:40):
No to go the Bulldogs. Yeah, I think there is
a real risk the Warriors start playing this one on
a motion and that could open the door.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Yeah, I'm just going to be a romantic for the
sake of it, I think, yeah, hopefully, And I'd just
like to think that they can show something special. There's
absolutely no evidence to suggest they can over eighty minutes
when you couple that as well with how well the
Bulldogs are going. But as you mention, Alex, I'll take
take your words. These two teams do know each other
very well. The Seraldo Webster dynamic it was only about
(23:12):
just a little over a month ago it was thirteen
twelve to the Dogs.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
It could have easily been the Warriors on that night.
I think it'll be.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
I'm certain of one thing is that the Warriors will
start with a hiss and a raw. Whether that will
translate to points, we'll find out. Also Friday night the
Broncos up against Paramatta.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
Surely the Broncos on a Friday night at Suncorp will
get it done.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
You'd have to think so.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
But gee, it's been a season of hell for them,
hasn't it. The Broncos don't think they're quite out of
the mixhead of course.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Just coming off the buy.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
But yeah, they've really gone backwards after what been twenty
minutes away from winning the Grand Final last year. Speaking
of that Grand Final, the Penrith Panthers open up things
on Saturday afternoon. They're away to Canberra.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I mean, you think after losing Nathan Cleary that the
Panthers might take a bit of a backward step, but
they just haven't this year, so I think you're going
to have to back them.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
When Cleary went down the first time earlier in the season,
I thought, yes, they're a system club and they seem
to be able to just chuck anyone in there, but
surely like Cleary's so key for that team. But Jerome
Law I just looked very much at home at half
back as well, shouldering more responsibility. So yeah, I think
the Panther's too good, and I think the Raiders I'm
pretty sure out of the finals equation now, so not
(24:32):
much really for them to play for Storm, who currently
sits top of the table now hosting the Dolphins.
Speaker 4 (24:39):
I've said for the last two weeks and I think
the Storm are going to win the whole thing. So
just to stay true to myself for back then.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Yeah, this is a simple one for me, as desperate
as the Dolphins are. I think Storm with players back,
just two goods. The Rabbit O's and the Knights.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Nights thought they looked good yesterday, got a rough one.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Now I'll go with that as well.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
With a couple of teams, I heard Adam O'Brien say
they need other results to go their way. Basically they're
where the Warriors were last week. But yeah, they're probably
will be a little bit heart after last week, a
little bit fired up, and they'll probably get some some
news from Graham Annersley later Monday, afternoon that they'll even
fire them up some more. In terms of some of
(25:19):
the things, out of O'Brien was a bit upset about
Sunday night Titans Roosters.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
I mean, surely it's the Roosters to lose, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
The Titans are an enigma. I never know they're They're
like the old Warriors. They actually throw the ball around,
but I never quite know what they're going to get.
They can certainly rack up the points, but when you know,
I know you said the storm are your favorites. I
still think the Roosters, if they can piece it all together,
they're very much in The conversation comes September.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Which which way we go for broosters Roosters easy and
just around things out. The Dragons and the Sharks. I
want to go Dragons, Okay, why I see?
Speaker 4 (26:03):
It feels like whenever I watch the Dragons they play well,
but whenever I don't watch them, they lose.
Speaker 3 (26:08):
Are you planning or watching this weekend, Alex?
Speaker 4 (26:10):
Or what am I doing on Sunday? They're probably not
the Sharks for me. Even though they'reforeth they haven't looked
like a top four team at times. You know, you
think of what we saw last year in the top
four were very much the four best teams, whereas this
year just feel so much more up and down.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Yeah, I don't mind that.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
And I think the Dragons they're looking good to be
one of those maybe seven eight, picking up seven or
eight seeds in the eight. A lot of class here
in the lights of Ben Hunt, Zach Lomax and his
last year at the club, for example.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
So I think they might get one over.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
There, and then who knows where they'll where that'll shake
out come September. That'll do us here on the Big
League Podcast this week. Please do like subscribe and follow
worries of course, in action last home game of the
season against the Bulldogs Friday nights, we have fingers toes,
everything cross that we can pull something out of the
(27:04):
fire against the Bulldogs. Teams that are certainly on the
upper Nutculey signing off, Thanks so much Alex Powell for
your time.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
We'll be back here, same time, same place next week
for more from News Talk sed B.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
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 Newstalks EDB. Follow this
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Big League Podcast podcast by News TALKSB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, another tough watch
for Warriors fans across the Tasman as the club's top
eight hopes are officially dashed. Alex Powell from The New
Zealand Hero joins me to take a look at what
went wrong against Manly and a final home farewell looms
one of the Warriors' favorite sons. Can that possibly inspire
a change in fortunes and what's been an underwhelming season?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
My name is Nick Muley. Let's go b LB.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Well it's finally over. No more mathematical maybes. The Warriors
won't make the NRL Finals in twenty twenty four, and
in many ways it's a relief to get the red
pen out and put a line through them for good.
The clinging to the slimmest of possibilities and permutations as
a dance. Most Warriors fans know all too well. It's
the hope that kills you, As they say, part of
(01:11):
the appeal of the Warriors over the years is the
club's unpredictability. Heck, just look at last year and its totality,
but sadly it's become predictable this season, predictably stale, particularly
over the last few weeks. The intent is there in patches,
but the polish isn't. Only the heartiest one eyed Warriors
fan could say the club deserves to be in the finals.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Could have, would have, should have.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Some would say, let's hope now it's done the team
plays with a bit more freedom and pride before we
can consign this campaign to history. Alex Powell of the
New Zealand Herald Warriors twenty four to ten beaten at
Friday Night to Manly, as I mentioned there that the
intent was there initially, but just not a lot doing
(01:54):
on attack and as soon as Manly got an opportunity
that they made it count.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
What were your overall thoughts on that fixture.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
I mean, I think you've summed it up pretty well.
It's like watching a fight with a boxer and as
soon as you land one punch, they land eight. You know,
it feels like since that lost to the Storm matt
Go Media Stadium, all of the Warriors games have fired
the same pat where they'll start well not be able
to turn that advantage into any points, and then we'll
immediately get hit on the break and go behind, and
it's just too far back. You might get a little
(02:24):
spark at the end, but that didn't even happen this week.
So it's a pretty disappointing way to see the mathematical
hopes finish. But in reality, I think you're right. These
top eight chances were gone weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Yeah, it felt like for me ever since the Titans
sixty six six one. You know, statistically, no teams ever
won the competition when they've had fifty points put on them.
That was really where it hurt the most. But I
looked at that first ten minutes and perhaps compared to
the Dolphins game the week before, that dreary night at
Mount Smart a few weeks ago when they lost to
(02:55):
Parramatta and they were down about thirty to four at
one point, there was real intent there, positivity Adam fanil
Blake with that late footwork trying to break the line.
But when you look at that ten minutes, there was
you know, how long were we camped there on Manly's line,
and then just for whatever reason that the attack the shape,
(03:16):
it just felt like Manly knew where the Warriors were
going to go and could easily keep them out, and
then it was I think it was a daily cherry
evens forty twenty on tackle three and they get one
chance and put you away.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
It's just incredibly frustrating.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Like it feels like everything that we can say here
has been said all season. This attack, you know, the
style that they play under Andrew Ribster is for all
intenseveps is very simple. You know, the back line's going
to split, They're going to do you know, three on
one side, three another, and then the half back in
the middle and then basically the half back will decide
which way they go, and then you might get one
of the edge forwards as a runner in there as well.
(03:53):
But I mean, if you and me can sit here
and pick this up, opposition coaches and teams will do
the same and they'll have a week to prepare for it.
So I mean, I think there does need to be
a bit of ingenuity put into this Warriors team as
we approach twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Yeah, certainly, I think that lack of evolution on the
attack when you compare twenty three to twenty four has
been part of the Warriors undoing and just looking at
some of the key stats. Always liked to look at
halftime stats versus how it all shakes out a full time.
Of course, it was ten all at halftime. Warriors had
fifty seven percent of possession in the first half, twenty
(04:29):
of twenty four completions. They led all those key metrics
that I know coach Andrew Webster really likes to look
at in terms of run meters, post contact meters. But again,
if you're not able to do anything with it and
turn that into points, then it's a long way back.
And it must be rarely disheartening when you're putting all
that work together and then you look up at the
(04:50):
scoreboard and go, shit, we're actually or either behind or
in this case level then you go to obviously the
heavens open. It made for a pretty tricky second half,
but it kind of unraveled from there. There were errors
again when they did have their limited opportunities. Manly score
off a kick and he just felt like a dagger
(05:10):
blow that Reuben Garrit try. After halftime, they were just
never really able to produce anything that looked like they
were going to threaten the line.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
From there, now you always no conditions are bad when
you can see the rain on the main cameras. That's
how I look at it. But yeah, you're right. It's
frustrating to be sitting here week after week and saying
the same thing. But you've got to give Manly credit.
They came in with a game plan. They are a
genuine top eight side and that's what they should do.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Bang on right.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Here are the highlights courtesy of Fox Sports from the
Warriors round twenty four loss to the Manly Seagulls.
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Over great finds books. He's cherry ever goes out the
fact they've put the numbers here.
Speaker 6 (05:53):
Todd your voi bage gives it off to Jason Sad
who love scoring tries against the Warriors.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
He plays a Flassis whose walker for.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
Newark Lake who's a specialist. Another really piece of play
by Adam Vanua, Blake and Sean Johnson.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
Now as Brooks shows them.
Speaker 6 (06:14):
The inside A huge hole for Ta Lal. He's got
tom te back through the middle. Turbay will plant it down.
A lovely move on this left hand side, lay it
on top of the tryline.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Is Johnson sweeping again. Nicol cooks down the taser Leslie.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Out they had got them this time the flying put.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Down like d w Z. Last play for men Jim
Jerry Evans will kick out towards Sad and also Garrick contest.
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Damn on tire couldn't captain Groven Garrick?
Speaker 7 (06:49):
Could you're getting that ball caught on the full? There
a little bit of a surprise on his face, just
like that. After they've had the better of the second
half to start the Warriors, Manly good enough. Garret gets
over the stripe.
Speaker 8 (07:04):
From the left edge on the field, though Baby howards him.
Now Cherry Evans is brooked. Tom Travue which bay passes
Kahla father line Lee hi Hipaadi.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
A famous name at this famous rugby league venue.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
We'll watch it again comes up with the player over
the top of the Jan Harris.
Speaker 8 (07:25):
Tavita who comes down on the back of your head
and then get another placed on report here it will
be an all time record tonight.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
Block little play is placed on report for the last
play of the game, Manly on the doorstep of the finals.
With this victory, Garrick gets the flags in the air
and after being locked together at ten points apiece, it's
Manly who do all of the scoring in the second.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Half, picularly here with Alex Powell alongside.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Now, look, I'm a bit of a gripe and that
first half, and I know this wasn't the decisive part
of the game, but certainly from a momentum standpoint, it's
sort of stimied where the Warriors were going in.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
That firm the obstruction law.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
It's not new this weekend, and it's not just the
Warriors copping these types of interpretations. I remember earlier in
the season various other teams, but that line that usually
it's usually a second row was running. In this instance,
it was Kirk Caple running sort of the shadow line
for the half back to play out the back and
(08:31):
hit Adam Pompey. On this occasion, the defensive halfback is
getting this get out of jail free card for just
showing some semblance of intent to get across when he's
already made a defensive era. Now it was Daily Tiar Evans.
He just sort of he realized he was done. The
Warriors had them strip for numbers on the outside, and
(08:52):
he just sort of moves ever so slightly to the right.
Where's Kirk Capele's supposed to go? It's called a try
on field, there's a bit of toing and froing, and
eventually the bunker rules the try out. Where do you,
sir Alex, on the obstruction interpretation. I know you can
make the argument that if Kate Pble just runs maybe
(09:12):
a slightly angling line and hits a gap, then there's
no problem. But it just feels like the benefit of
the doubt is going with the defensive team and we're
just scrubbing out tries for you know, when it seems
like the slimmest of possibility that the halfback's actually going
to be able to stop a try.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
It feels very conservative, doesn't it. You know, like you said,
the benefit of the doubt goes to defensive team. I'd
really like to see what we see in cricket where
the benefit of the doubt goes to the on field decision,
which in this instance was a try. Daily Cherry Evans
is thirty five. Do you really think he was going
to get across and make that covering tackle to stop
Adam pomp scoring? Because I don't.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Absolutely no chance, But he knows as a three hundred
gamer in the NRL, and again he's not alone that
they can just get across and perhaps feign a bit
of contact minor contact at that and know that when
the bunker goes over it with a fine tooth comb,
they're going to spot something. I think it's something down
the line that Graham and Isley and Cod needs to
(10:05):
have a look at him and look back to Sunday
night as well. Around this new rule with the blocker
the field goal. There was two field goals that were
ruled off in that Newcastle Cronulla game. I think for
a game that for a lot of people is attractive
through its simplicity, we're getting a little bit over complicated.
I guess back on the Warriors and I know, I'm
(10:26):
sure with the weeks to come and we'll unpack and
go through a real season post Morten. But one of
the other glaring things in mine, and it's really a
match up thing that we see against the likes of
Manly Whoever, Jason Saab or the Gold Coast Titans with
carn Pereira out wide, is that sometimes they don't even
really have to earn the right to go wide. They've
(10:47):
just got so much pace. And I wonder, I know
with our wing is they do a lot of work
in terms of that yardage work out of their defensive end,
the likes of Watenis Lesnik and Montour. But for quite
some time now I was trying to think back of
when the Warriors had like an out and out speedster
on the wing. Of course we've had the kim Mal
Marlow's and even further back Manuvaduvaya, like, do you think
(11:10):
that the Warriors might have missed a trick? And going
forward to into twenty twenty five when they'll be looking
at all sorts of things just having a bit of
pace out wide because a number of times whether it
was a short side raid or just be able to
shift the pass. I just thought Manly knew that with
a speeds throughout wide they could get around us.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
I mean it's a bit of a trade off, isn't it.
You look at Manly's two wingers. They're not flash on defense.
You know, if you put those two wingers up against
down By tennans his Neck and Marcella Montoya, I would
happily say the Warriors have the two better defensive wingers.
But that's not really what a winger is there to do.
There's a joke in rugby league if wingers score so
many tries because they're marked by wingers. But do the
(11:47):
Warriors have two guys who are easily the first choice
pair on the two wings who are both touching thirty
and we know, not just in Rugby League, but all
over the shop that it is a young man's game.
Whether or not that means those two have a short
shelf life, I am not sure because they are both
off contract in twenty five, But if it's a direction
they want to go in, I think it does take
(12:09):
away from Andrew Webster's game plan, which is, you know,
you start your sets by having your wingers carry hard
and then your forwards go towards the back end of
the set, which is basically the inverse of what every
other team in there OL does, isn't it.
Speaker 9 (12:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Look, don't get me wrong, I really like what Watsen
is Leslie it does in his ability to finish so
many of those those right edge attacks in the corner.
But it just keeps feeling like to me, just something
we might be lacking in, something that the Warriors need
to look at going forward. There was some late changes
to the Warriors side Friday night as well. The twenty
four hour squad switcheroo that has become quite common practice
(12:45):
for coach Andrew Webster. Luke Metcalfe back in the halves,
starting alongside Sewn Johnson, No Wade Egan Chanelle, Harris Tavita
back to the interchange. It was what the end of
March that we last saw Luke Metcalfe in first grade. No,
he's impressed with a couple of returns return games in
(13:06):
New South Wales cut from that broken leg suffered against Newcastle.
Here's coach Webster on what he made of Luke Metcalfe's return.
Speaker 9 (13:14):
Awesome, Yeah, he was great. He asked a lot of questions.
I thought the lawyers having fun and he's only going
to get better. Like he's he's a real threat. He's
seeing it really clearly. He's matured and none exactly how
he wants to play. And I thought he added plenty
for us.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So relatively happy was Webster, Alex, what did you make
of metcalf And I suppose, as we all know, Shawn
Johnson's hanging the boots up, But where do you see
metcalf fitting long term?
Speaker 4 (13:40):
It's a strange one, isn't it. I mean, my first
answer is hopefully at the Warriors, because we know that
these guys do get a sniff to go back to
Australia and Sydney and they'll generally take it. Last year,
Andrew Webster did say he sees Luke metcalf as a
seven long term. Whether or not he still sticks to
that give him what to Mighty Martin's done this year,
I don't know, but I thought it was great to
(14:00):
see him back. I thought there was obviously a bit
of russ there, which I think you forgive at this level.
I thought his kicking game left a few questions to me.
The fact he was kicking goals as well was obviously
assigned to the future. But overall, look, I'm in the
webs to camp with that. I was pretty happy to
see him back out there.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I think with this Jay, as we all know, he's
a dominant half, so Metcalfe his role alongside Johnson is
more that secondary playmaker being there and support and I
think he only had about two sort of attacking two
or three attacking kicks all and I found it a
little bit stranger. Must admit that that metcalf took on
the goal kicking duties with Adam Pompey back as well.
(14:37):
That might just be a confidence thing. Sometimes it is
for a half. They like to be more involved in
the game and have that extra responsibility. Will be interesting
down the line. I'm sure that'll be a big talking
point going into the preseason with Harris Tavita, with Tomighty Martin,
I know you guys, with Nathan of speculated around where
Jet Cleary fits and all this as well. We will
(14:57):
be twenty next year. It will be one we will
watch with interest. Belvy, this is the big league po Well, let's.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Take a look at this week then Friday night.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Otherwise we're a pretty who hum night, I think, but
an opportunity to fare well one of the club's favorite
sons and Alex I know you and Nathan last week
reflected on where Sean Johnson sits in the greatest Warriors
of all time. I think you've got that pretty much
spot on, just that number three behind Stacy Jones and
Simon Manning. But on this weekend, Friday, and I'm sure
(15:34):
the club will roll out the red carpet for Sean.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
What are you expecting? What are you hearing? Surely the
fans are going to give him some Flowers.
Speaker 6 (15:42):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
I mean, look, I think he deserves it. You know,
this is a guy that could have I mean, he
did walk away from the club because it didn't all
go the way he needed it to, and then came back.
You know, let's not forget that he wanted to come back.
He wanted to finish his career here, got an offer
for what eight hundred thousand at the Roosters this year,
and could have taken that for next year, but decided
against it. Look, I hope in some way Sean gets
(16:05):
to send off he deserves and not a lot of
athlete to get that. You know, it's a very romanticized
way that you get to choose how you bow out,
and not a lot of guys get to do it.
So I'm thankful that Sean does this week.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
And I see there's already been a bit of discussion around,
you know, more than the seventh for so long, whether
they do something like that you sometimes see in European football,
where there's a sort of minute applause at the seventh
minute or something like that.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
I think they would be pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
Here's Andrew Webster just after the Manly defeat, just talking
about I guess the week and trying not to allow
the occasion to get in the way of what we
still hope we hope as a win for the Worries.
Speaker 9 (16:46):
If we want to really do the best and for
Sean this week, that we're going to have to make
sure that we prepare properly. I think the fans are
going to make it about Sean, which will be the
best one and they really celebrate him. And if we
get a win, then we can celebrate that after as
I think if we get it back to front and
pull energy or that we're going to get it wrong.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Certainly saying the right things there as coach Webster, but look,
I'm sure he's been saying similar things in the last
few weeks and haven't been able to produce an eighty
minute performance. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, plenty to
play for. They're sitting fifth at the moment, got another
really good win at the weekend. I think that's four
on the bounce now. I mean, can you see the
Warriors Alex being inspired by the occasion or is it
(17:26):
just a case of you look at two teams in
terms of the form and one's gone a lot better
than the other.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I mean, there's absolutely that form element to it. The
Bulldogs are flying at the moment, and you know they
deserve nothing but praise for the season they've had so far.
They're going to be back in the finals, you know,
not odds on, but if they finished in the top four,
I wouldn't be surprised. In the Sliders, Cameron Soreldo has
completely turned that team around. These two teams will know
each other quite well because of the link the coaches have.
(17:52):
You know, Andrew Webster and Sireldo were both part of
that Penrith dynasty under Ivan Cleary. But I look, I
just don't know anymore. I would like to think the
Warriors get up and send Sean out, and not just Sean,
because this will also be the goodbye for add FANUELB.
Blake and jas Tavanga.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
Well let's touch on those two guys, and I think, look,
I've said some things here on this podcast around Adam
fanoa Blake in terms of his motivation at times this year.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
You know, we all know what happened after that.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
You know what was probably the most memorable moment of
the season from a positive standpoint, when they beat the
Penrith Panthers. He didn't get involved in the team celebrations.
There was a week stand down, it felt like, and
drips and drabs. He was heavily involved in games and
then sort of took a bit of a backwards seat.
But I thought he was Actually it was very impressive,
obviously setting up that try for Sean on Friday before
(18:40):
we get to Jazz, who deserves his flowers too. How
do you think that Adam fanol Blake era at the
Warriors will be remembered as he gets set to say
farewell as well?
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Well, I mean we've all sort of been talking about
this in the office. I mean my consensus, I generally
would consider add In fanoel Blake probably one of the
two best front rowers the Warriors've ever had. I would
just like to have seen him do it for longer.
The off field stuff, I worry will detract from his
legacy at the club. You know, let's not forget he
won the Delian Prop of the Year last year. You know,
he's not a player we should you know, scoff out
(19:11):
by any means, it's just who is advising him to
act this way? And you hope that you know, I
mean you worry that will it keep happening throughout his career,
because let's not forget how he even came to the
Warriors in the first place.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Yeah, and I think that's something crediller that they've probably
looked at risk reward and gone jee if we can
get the twenty twenty three version of Adam Fanol Blake
or just get that and extrapolate that out to an
entire season or two, Like the Sharks are already a
bloody good team and currently sitting fourth at the moment,
and they're going to be even better when they have
Adam Fanola Blake on the books in twenty twenty five.
Jazz Savanga, though he's kind of he's one of those
(19:45):
cult heroes is and he's been in the system. He
went for a Warriors junior trial a decade ago, finally
got his first grade debut in twenty sixteen. Not the
way when you were talking Alex before about sort of
fairy tale finishes or being able to go out on
your own terms. I've heard Jazz say would have liked
to go around again the club looking more at youth
in terms of those middle prop positions. But what about Jazz,
(20:08):
what's going to stand out for you when you think
back his time at the club.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
The thing that I love about Jazz, and we're about
Jazz is how much he cares. I think sometimes he
has been guilty of trying too hard.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
You know.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
Remember back to twenty eighteen, in the season that Roger
Turvasishek had to win the dai M. Jessee Vunger also
won a DLIM that year for the Interchange Player of
the Year. But that sort of comes into arguably the
problem with Jazz is we still probably don't know what
his best position is, you know, because remember he came
through as a hooker. You know, is a hooker? Is
he at thirteen?
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Is he a prop?
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I like to think, you know, and taking the journalist's
hat off for a second here and being a fan,
I think every fan likes to think if we were
in the Warriors, we'd play like Jazz, would, you know?
Because because of the love for the club. I think
that's what will stand out for me. I don't know
how I'm going to go if he signs for another team,
and I hope he'd get a good reception if he
comes back to Mount Smart, I.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Hope, I hope he does find another home, because you're right,
he's just one of those guys that's going to give
absolutely everything in the whatever minutes he gets. He cares
so deep, plea and as you mentioned there, sometimes it's
one of those cases. Sometimes it's just too much, and
you know he's thinking about just nailing someone or running
over the top of someone when the first thing he
needs to do is catch the ball. When you mentioned
(21:21):
twenty eighteen there, Alex, you know now that Jazz and
SJ are leaving. It's just what Roger and Taurho and
I know this turnover at a lot of different clubs.
But yeah, that feels you know, that feels like a
lifetime ago. Now that finals run in twenty eighteen.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
It makes you fair LOLd, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
You said it.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Big League Podcast, Big Hits, Big Mullets, The Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
Right onto Round twenty five, quick fire Predictions, we goes,
interesting results, no doubt about it, and Round twenty four.
But it all kicks off Thursday night. The Tigers, who
got up over South Sydney at the weekend taking on
the Manly Seagulls.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
I like, I think I'm gonna have to go manly
for this one.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, I mean as good as the I think the
Tigers probably inspired maybe Boyd a little bit after their
coach Benji Marshall, the news got through that he'll be
inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame this week, which
is thoroughly deserved. The fourth key we to be in
that Rugby League royalty. But you look at where Manly
are and where they you know they need to obviously
(22:31):
keep building the results through towards the finals. All right,
so one we all care about the Warriors and the Bulldogs?
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Is it heart over here? Alex Bell?
Speaker 4 (22:40):
No to go the Bulldogs. Yeah, I think there is
a real risk the Warriors start playing this one on
a motion and that could open the door.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Yeah, I'm just going to be a romantic for the
sake of it, I think, yeah, hopefully, And I'd just
like to think that they can show something special. There's
absolutely no evidence to suggest they can over eighty minutes
when you couple that as well with how well the
Bulldogs are going. But as you mention, Alex, I'll take
take your words. These two teams do know each other
very well. The Seraldo Webster dynamic it was only about
(23:12):
just a little over a month ago it was thirteen
twelve to the Dogs.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
It could have easily been the Warriors on that night.
I think it'll be.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
I'm certain of one thing is that the Warriors will
start with a hiss and a raw. Whether that will
translate to points, we'll find out. Also Friday night the
Broncos up against Paramatta.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
Surely the Broncos on a Friday night at Suncorp will
get it done.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
You'd have to think so.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
But gee, it's been a season of hell for them,
hasn't it. The Broncos don't think they're quite out of
the mixhead of course.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Just coming off the buy.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
But yeah, they've really gone backwards after what been twenty
minutes away from winning the Grand Final last year. Speaking
of that Grand Final, the Penrith Panthers open up things
on Saturday afternoon. They're away to Canberra.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I mean, you think after losing Nathan Cleary that the
Panthers might take a bit of a backward step, but
they just haven't this year, so I think you're going
to have to back them.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
When Cleary went down the first time earlier in the season,
I thought, yes, they're a system club and they seem
to be able to just chuck anyone in there, but
surely like Cleary's so key for that team. But Jerome
Law I just looked very much at home at half
back as well, shouldering more responsibility. So yeah, I think
the Panther's too good, and I think the Raiders I'm
pretty sure out of the finals equation now, so not
(24:32):
much really for them to play for Storm, who currently
sits top of the table now hosting the Dolphins.
Speaker 4 (24:39):
I've said for the last two weeks and I think
the Storm are going to win the whole thing. So
just to stay true to myself for back then.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Yeah, this is a simple one for me, as desperate
as the Dolphins are. I think Storm with players back,
just two goods. The Rabbit O's and the Knights.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Nights thought they looked good yesterday, got a rough one.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Now I'll go with that as well.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
With a couple of teams, I heard Adam O'Brien say
they need other results to go their way. Basically they're
where the Warriors were last week. But yeah, they're probably
will be a little bit heart after last week, a
little bit fired up, and they'll probably get some some
news from Graham Annersley later Monday, afternoon that they'll even
fire them up some more. In terms of some of
(25:19):
the things, out of O'Brien was a bit upset about
Sunday night Titans Roosters.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
I mean, surely it's the Roosters to lose, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
The Titans are an enigma. I never know they're They're
like the old Warriors. They actually throw the ball around,
but I never quite know what they're going to get.
They can certainly rack up the points, but when you know,
I know you said the storm are your favorites. I
still think the Roosters, if they can piece it all together,
they're very much in The conversation comes September.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Which which way we go for broosters Roosters easy and
just around things out. The Dragons and the Sharks. I
want to go Dragons, Okay, why I see?
Speaker 4 (26:03):
It feels like whenever I watch the Dragons they play well,
but whenever I don't watch them, they lose.
Speaker 3 (26:08):
Are you planning or watching this weekend, Alex?
Speaker 4 (26:10):
Or what am I doing on Sunday? They're probably not
the Sharks for me. Even though they'reforeth they haven't looked
like a top four team at times. You know, you
think of what we saw last year in the top
four were very much the four best teams, whereas this
year just feel so much more up and down.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Yeah, I don't mind that.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
And I think the Dragons they're looking good to be
one of those maybe seven eight, picking up seven or
eight seeds in the eight. A lot of class here
in the lights of Ben Hunt, Zach Lomax and his
last year at the club, for example.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
So I think they might get one over.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
There, and then who knows where they'll where that'll shake
out come September. That'll do us here on the Big
League Podcast this week. Please do like subscribe and follow
worries of course, in action last home game of the
season against the Bulldogs Friday nights, we have fingers toes,
everything cross that we can pull something out of the
(27:04):
fire against the Bulldogs. Teams that are certainly on the
upper Nutculey signing off, Thanks so much Alex Powell for
your time.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
We'll be back here, same time, same place next week
for more from News Talk sed B.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
Listen live on air or online, and keep our shows
with you wherever you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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