September 1, 2026 • 7 mins
Today on the Show, Jerry and Manaia chatted to former Warrior and Sky Sport Commentator Monty Betham!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Jeremy Wells and Mania Stewart. Find them on Instagram at
Hodaki Breakfast.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Full time here at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
The Warriors are top of the log, heading into the
final rounds. They have beaten Newcastle 46 points to 32.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Yes, so the Warriors are guaranteed a top two finish.
And they lead the NRL table on points differential over
the Panthers.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
So I won.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Yeah, and they're set to play two playoff games in Auckland.
So on Saturday, they wrap up the regular season against
the Manly Seagulls. Just looking at the TAB numbers now.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
$ 1.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
30 the Warriors are paying to win. The Seagulls are
paying $ 3.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
50.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Kick-offs at 5pm. You can watch it on Sky Sport
1 and Sky Sport Now. Joining us now, former Warrior
Montgomery Beetham II. Montgomery, you have won the minor premiership.
You've been in a team that's done it. Put it
into context. What's it worth? I mean, I understand it's
a couple of hundred thousand dollars divvied up amongst the team.
(01:07):
That's just going to be a bit of piss money,
isn't it?
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Yeah, I don't think nowadays we got to see any
of that money. But it was nice to get that shield.
But back in the day, 2002, a whole head of
hair back then. Warriors only got the minor premiership because
they got the salary cap breach from the Bulldogs. So
they got taken all their points off them. So we
(01:29):
went from second on the ladder to first. As a result,
17 wins that year. And at the moment now, the
Warriors of 2026 have 17 wins. So in the club history,
that is the most in the regular season. So if
they win this weekend, they go and take out a record,
which is 18 wins. And potentially, as a result of that,
maybe the Tigers can get up and do something. some
(01:50):
of their best magic, probably hard to see, you know,
you get a minor as well.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Yeah, what is the minor premiership worth to the team?
Is it something that they talk about at the Warriors?
Speaker 1 (02:02):
No, no, I don't think so. Even back in our day,
it was never really something that we spoke about. I
think I don't think I'm going in there today to
watch from afar and to have a look around the players.
I'm pretty sure that they won't be talking about that.
They've got their eyes firmly on winning. I know, Jeremy,
you said that you've got two games at home, but
(02:24):
you've got to win the first game at home of
the finals. to get their next game at home, which
will be the prelim final. So if you win week one,
you get a week off and then you play in
the prelim final and then you travel to the big dance,
which is over there in Sydney. And, you know, that's
pretty good because the thing about going over there to
travel for the big show, if you're good enough to
get there, you haven't left home for a month. That's huge.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
That's interesting. I mean, you've been there before. How does
this team compare to the team that you were a
part of?
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Look, I think back in the day it was a
team of champions versus a champion team. That's probably the
easiest way to sum it all up. There's enough X
factor in this team, but just the process, the systems,
what they value in terms of the effort areas, going
after the games, the hard head in and around the place.
Even the young boys who are just playing... above their
(03:18):
years and maturity and playing so well. You know, Dimitri Kwaimunga, who's,
I think he's, what, 22, 23, and he's played 50
games now. On the weekend, you had 11 guys, 23
years of age or younger.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
Whoa.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
The squad of 18 or 19. It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:36):
It is crazy. This team doesn't seem to fit the
mold of teams in the past that have always had, like,
one massive superstar player, Reece Walsh last year, Nathan Cleary
for the 15 years before that, it seems. Is that unique?
Is this an anomaly, the way this team's set up?
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Well, it just shows with all the halves that have
come in. I think our fifth half was playing on
the weekend, and everyone talks about systems and how good
they're coached. They've had these systems since 2023, but they're
very tightly connected. They're very, very well coached, not just
by Webby, but also their assistant coaches. And they enjoy
each other's company. And, you know, with the game being
(04:15):
as tough as it is now with the six against,
They have the best discipline in the competition. They have
the best completions. So they never beat themselves. But as
a result of that, they just take you into those
deep waters, which makes it really hard to beat them,
especially with the sprinkling of the liquor. We'll take up Laban,
the way he's been playing of late. I know Alufiana
(04:36):
Camparera's speed and Wade Egan, who's just been an absolute
wizard in there at number nine. So I don't know
about you boys, man, but my player of the year
has got to go to someone in the middle, and
I'm going between Wade Egan and Fisher Harris.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Well, that's interesting you say that, actually, Monty Bethan, because...
How much, though, is it important? You've got those young stars, clearly.
Zesty boys. But then, to me, having Mitch Barnett and
having James Fisher Harris just solid as a rock, and
you look at the calming influence that a couple of
those real seasoned pros have, like proper seasoned pros, and
(05:13):
the respect that those guys have, that must be massive.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
And throw Kirk Capple into the mix as well. One
of the best basketball queens in this year. And, you know,
he's won two NRL titles at two different clubs. And
there's no coincidence why. Just seeing what he's been able
to do, his leadership, his ability on the field. And
we talk about effort areas. He's the one who goes
after it more than anyone. It's a bit of a
shame that Mitch Barnett leaves because I would have loved
to have him there for one more year with that leadership,
(05:39):
that standards that he leads and that he pushes, that
all our young boys coming through just learn, feed off,
understand that gets, you know, just put into them, drummed
into them. And it's going to be a shame, but
they're coming through nicely. You know, Tanisdale Smith and Eddie Iremia, Toyaba,
all these young boys. We've seen the silly. He gets
(06:01):
to start this weekend out on the left edge. You know,
you've seen what he's best at what he can do.
He's been in the middle, been on the edge, and
even been at centre. So, yes, it's just a really
nice mix of– the experience versus the use and just
across it all, though, is that discipline and the hard-nosed approach,
which is underpinned by a lot of connection.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Monty Beetham, just before we go, obviously, you know, this team,
the current set-up, everything around it is bringing a lot
of people a lot of joy in New Zealand. But
I do think players like you, it must be bringing
you so much more joy than what, you know, say,
Minaya and I experienced because you've got a history with
the club and to see it all come together, man,
that must feel good for you.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
I signed as a 15-year-old for the club on a scholarship,
so that's only, what, 20 years ago now. And GST.
I'll tell you what, when you dream of what's possible
and then you go through the almost times and you're
part of the team that sort of broke the narrative.
to be in a situation and to go, you know what?
(07:04):
There's never been a better opportunity that has never been
more winnable. You've never had a team that is more
capable and what it does for the rest of the country.
My weekend's a better weekend after the Warriors. That was
my Monday. You know what? Every Saturday, every year, but
you know what? This could be that actual year, boys.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Thank you so much for your time this morning. Always
great to chat.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Thanks, Jeremy.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Want Jerry and Mania?
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Wait.
Jeremy Wells and Mania Stewart. Find them on Instagram at
Hodaki Breakfast.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Full time here at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
The Warriors are top of the log, heading into the
final rounds. They have beaten Newcastle 46 points to 32.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Yes, so the Warriors are guaranteed a top two finish.
And they lead the NRL table on points differential over
the Panthers.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
So I won.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Yeah, and they're set to play two playoff games in Auckland.
So on Saturday, they wrap up the regular season against
the Manly Seagulls. Just looking at the TAB numbers now.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
$ 1.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
30 the Warriors are paying to win. The Seagulls are
paying $ 3.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
50.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Kick-offs at 5pm. You can watch it on Sky Sport
1 and Sky Sport Now. Joining us now, former Warrior
Montgomery Beetham II. Montgomery, you have won the minor premiership.
You've been in a team that's done it. Put it
into context. What's it worth? I mean, I understand it's
a couple of hundred thousand dollars divvied up amongst the team.
(01:07):
That's just going to be a bit of piss money,
isn't it?
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Yeah, I don't think nowadays we got to see any
of that money. But it was nice to get that shield.
But back in the day, 2002, a whole head of
hair back then. Warriors only got the minor premiership because
they got the salary cap breach from the Bulldogs. So
they got taken all their points off them. So we
(01:29):
went from second on the ladder to first. As a result,
17 wins that year. And at the moment now, the
Warriors of 2026 have 17 wins. So in the club history,
that is the most in the regular season. So if
they win this weekend, they go and take out a record,
which is 18 wins. And potentially, as a result of that,
maybe the Tigers can get up and do something. some
(01:50):
of their best magic, probably hard to see, you know,
you get a minor as well.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Yeah, what is the minor premiership worth to the team?
Is it something that they talk about at the Warriors?
Speaker 1 (02:02):
No, no, I don't think so. Even back in our day,
it was never really something that we spoke about. I
think I don't think I'm going in there today to
watch from afar and to have a look around the players.
I'm pretty sure that they won't be talking about that.
They've got their eyes firmly on winning. I know, Jeremy,
you said that you've got two games at home, but
(02:24):
you've got to win the first game at home of
the finals. to get their next game at home, which
will be the prelim final. So if you win week one,
you get a week off and then you play in
the prelim final and then you travel to the big dance,
which is over there in Sydney. And, you know, that's
pretty good because the thing about going over there to
travel for the big show, if you're good enough to
get there, you haven't left home for a month. That's huge.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
That's interesting. I mean, you've been there before. How does
this team compare to the team that you were a
part of?
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Look, I think back in the day it was a
team of champions versus a champion team. That's probably the
easiest way to sum it all up. There's enough X
factor in this team, but just the process, the systems,
what they value in terms of the effort areas, going
after the games, the hard head in and around the place.
Even the young boys who are just playing... above their
(03:18):
years and maturity and playing so well. You know, Dimitri Kwaimunga, who's,
I think he's, what, 22, 23, and he's played 50
games now. On the weekend, you had 11 guys, 23
years of age or younger.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
Whoa.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
The squad of 18 or 19. It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:36):
It is crazy. This team doesn't seem to fit the
mold of teams in the past that have always had, like,
one massive superstar player, Reece Walsh last year, Nathan Cleary
for the 15 years before that, it seems. Is that unique?
Is this an anomaly, the way this team's set up?
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Well, it just shows with all the halves that have
come in. I think our fifth half was playing on
the weekend, and everyone talks about systems and how good
they're coached. They've had these systems since 2023, but they're
very tightly connected. They're very, very well coached, not just
by Webby, but also their assistant coaches. And they enjoy
each other's company. And, you know, with the game being
(04:15):
as tough as it is now with the six against,
They have the best discipline in the competition. They have
the best completions. So they never beat themselves. But as
a result of that, they just take you into those
deep waters, which makes it really hard to beat them,
especially with the sprinkling of the liquor. We'll take up Laban,
the way he's been playing of late. I know Alufiana
(04:36):
Camparera's speed and Wade Egan, who's just been an absolute
wizard in there at number nine. So I don't know
about you boys, man, but my player of the year
has got to go to someone in the middle, and
I'm going between Wade Egan and Fisher Harris.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Well, that's interesting you say that, actually, Monty Bethan, because...
How much, though, is it important? You've got those young stars, clearly.
Zesty boys. But then, to me, having Mitch Barnett and
having James Fisher Harris just solid as a rock, and
you look at the calming influence that a couple of
those real seasoned pros have, like proper seasoned pros, and
(05:13):
the respect that those guys have, that must be massive.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
And throw Kirk Capple into the mix as well. One
of the best basketball queens in this year. And, you know,
he's won two NRL titles at two different clubs. And
there's no coincidence why. Just seeing what he's been able
to do, his leadership, his ability on the field. And
we talk about effort areas. He's the one who goes
after it more than anyone. It's a bit of a
shame that Mitch Barnett leaves because I would have loved
to have him there for one more year with that leadership,
(05:39):
that standards that he leads and that he pushes, that
all our young boys coming through just learn, feed off,
understand that gets, you know, just put into them, drummed
into them. And it's going to be a shame, but
they're coming through nicely. You know, Tanisdale Smith and Eddie Iremia, Toyaba,
all these young boys. We've seen the silly. He gets
(06:01):
to start this weekend out on the left edge. You know,
you've seen what he's best at what he can do.
He's been in the middle, been on the edge, and
even been at centre. So, yes, it's just a really
nice mix of– the experience versus the use and just
across it all, though, is that discipline and the hard-nosed approach,
which is underpinned by a lot of connection.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Monty Beetham, just before we go, obviously, you know, this team,
the current set-up, everything around it is bringing a lot
of people a lot of joy in New Zealand. But
I do think players like you, it must be bringing
you so much more joy than what, you know, say,
Minaya and I experienced because you've got a history with
the club and to see it all come together, man,
that must feel good for you.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
I signed as a 15-year-old for the club on a scholarship,
so that's only, what, 20 years ago now. And GST.
I'll tell you what, when you dream of what's possible
and then you go through the almost times and you're
part of the team that sort of broke the narrative.
to be in a situation and to go, you know what?
(07:04):
There's never been a better opportunity that has never been
more winnable. You've never had a team that is more
capable and what it does for the rest of the country.
My weekend's a better weekend after the Warriors. That was
my Monday. You know what? Every Saturday, every year, but
you know what? This could be that actual year, boys.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Thank you so much for your time this morning. Always
great to chat.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Thanks, Jeremy.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Want Jerry and Mania?
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Wait.
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