August 26, 2024 • 31 mins
This week on The Big League Podcast - high level of mitigation?! Nick Bewley is back alongside Alex Powell to unpack that hit on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the bunker blunder that followed. Human error, or system failure?
Addin Fonua-Blake discusses his final Warriors outing at Mount Smart, and confirmation of international rugby league at the back end of the year. Can the Kiwis repeat the dose against the Kangaroos?
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcast now on
iHeartRadio The Big League Podcast podcast play News TALKSB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, What on Earth
is going on in the Bunker? We take a look
at the weekend that was for our officials, human era
or system failure, the Warriors performance we've become accustomed to
this season. We get the lowdown from Adam Fanua, Blaker's
he bits fearwell to Mount Smart and International Rugby League
lockdown for the back end of the year, and what
do you know, another eligibility yarn surfaces.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
My name is Nick Beauley. Let's go b LB. I
was going to take something rather significant, wasn't it?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
To steal the limelight away from Sean Johnson in his
farewell home game? And we got that hold my beer moment.
In approximately the forty sixth minute, Stephen Crichton shoulder loaded
third man into the tackle, strikes Roger to evasishek flush
on the face, left wobbling as he gets back to
his feet to try and play the ball up, it
goes to the bunker. The slow mo vision damning feels
(01:15):
obvious to everyone except Liam Kennedy the Bunker official a
high level of mitigation apparently, and Cridon is placed on
report no further explanation regarding seaid mitigation and cue the
bewilderments and booing from the Warriors faithful. Twenty four hours earlier,
Manly had two players been for high tackles.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
But nothing here.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Where is the consistency that's all followers of the game want.
The Warrior season has done. The incident didn't cost them
the game against the Bulldogs, but marred the spectacle. The
game and the competition, which is one of the toughest
of any sports in the Southern Hemisphere, deserves better. And look,
I'm not finger pointing at individuals. For me, it's the
(01:56):
system and the rules that clearly leaves too many shades
of gray. It's time for what we call in rugby league,
a crackdown before a final is decided by a call.
Alex Powell of the New Zealand Hera joins me here
on the Big League podcast Greeting X. Alex taught me
through your thoughts on that hits on TILLIVASISHEK So.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
I've done a bit of work this year around CTE
and concussions and the role that head knocks play in sport.
And when you saw Roger get to his feet and
then wobble straightaway, you knew something is seriously wrong here,
and I think that was proven by the fact that
Roger didn't come back. But the issue there is that
that was very clearly dangerous play and foul play, and
(02:39):
it should have meant, you know, Stephen Crichton at least
goes to them for ten minutes, and yet, like you've said,
he's still there and it's a penalty with him on report.
It's not good enough because people are going to turn
away from the game for things like this.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah, I tend to agree, and you know, you can
say what you like about rugby union, but it's actually
become a bit more clearer in rugby around head contact.
They're respective of it's malicious or intent. Of there's hit contact,
you're gone at least having a seat and they'll review
it to upgrade it to a red card. And rugby
league now it's an absolute lottery depending on which on
(03:15):
field official and which bunker official you have. And that's
the bit that I struggle with the most, is that
there seems in the last couple of weeks. I know
we saw a fair few sinbinnings on the weekend, but
just a tendency to go with the I will deal
with it over the weekend, We'll deal with it on Monday.
We'll put the chap On report and the consequences will
(03:37):
follow there.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
But the worry is where they what do they get
out of that?
Speaker 2 (03:40):
They lose their center, that already lost the center earlier
in the game. There's a full back line reshuffle required
and Stephen Crichton plays on and there's a rather significant
say in the game as well. It a line break
to set up Jacob Kraz for the final try for
the Bulldogs.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
It just it's head scratching for mine.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
And before we go into you know, someone might be
listening right now and going, oh boohoo, the couple of
Warriors guys here. You know that the club always gets
the rough end of the stick. There was other calls
on the weekend, two which which were just as crazy.
I mentioned in the intro. The Manly ones were nowhere
near that the same ballpark as Stephen Crichton, yet they
(04:20):
Olakuatu he was sent for ten in the bin. Just yeah,
like coming into finals too. I just I've got some
serious questions and I'm hoping obviously we're recording Monday morning,
New Zealand time. By this afternoon Graham and Isley will
front as he normally does. He'll really put the foot
down rather than defending his officials. He needs to say
(04:40):
what is a ten in the bin? What is ascend off?
And what is on report? Because at the moment I
think it's it's just a guessing game.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
No, it can't be up to the interpretation of each
referee and each bunker coordinator to work out what is what.
You know, the consistency is all that we ask for.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Interesting point made in the Sydney Morning Herald as well
across the weekend Alex there's a different bunker official for
all eight of the games. I think it's quite special work,
isn't it compared to being an on field referee or
a touch judge. I mean, then they're not really suffering
from fatigua. They're looking at all these screens. Do you
(05:19):
think there's an argument to be made that a specialist
bunker official. You know, if there's eight games, perhaps we
just have timber three as opposed to eight.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
I was worried you're going to say one across of
the whole week. No, I think that's a very sound bad.
It's very good to recognize as well that it is
a specialist job. You know, there's talk of well it
should be some of the refereeing experience, or there should
be someone worth playing experience. You know, would there be
a situation where it's not one there's a panel, you know,
and they have to go out and then obviously that'll
(05:48):
just take longer and games will be slowed down. And
these conversations have been had as to what is the
best way to do these things. But it's very clear
something has to change because what we're getting now going
into finance. You spoke you know earlier, we can't see
a big game decided off, you know it. This isn't
like this. We saw it at the Rugby World Cup
last year where Sam came was shown a red card
(06:09):
and then see a Kalisi was more did the same
thing and got a yellow. You know, you cannot have
you can't have the game presented as a show piece
with this sort of indecision and this sort of inconsistency.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Well, you know it's bad. When Andrew Webster, who we've
got to know relatively well over the last two seasons,
finally fires up, I think for the first if a
time in a postmatch media conference. Let's take a listen.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
I'm struggling to understand how like a shoulder can go
into Roger's head and the bunker it's got ages to
see a critical time of the game, and then we
lose Roger for the for the game, and then we're
going to reshuffle out and you've got to reshuffle anyway,
that's football. But if it happens, because it's just happens,
(06:58):
what happens like that, and then nothing gets done to them,
it's you're going to protect our players, And I just
don't see the consistent see one little bit around around that,
like Roger will miss next week now, couldn't come back,
and their play goes on.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
That's all that happened.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
And yeah, there's.
Speaker 5 (07:23):
So many parts in that weeker to control better tonight
and the boys know that, but just frustrated that how
that just happened.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
So there's the thoughts there of Andrew Webster talking about,
you know, protecting the player, making sure that is paramounts,
making some real salient points and just before we get
to Webster's comments there Alex Let's ever listen to I
alluded to it before in terms, it was just a
wild weekend of inconsistencies around hid high contact. In particular,
we had a couple of simbinnings in the Manly Tigers game.
(07:55):
We didn't have one for the Crichton head on toy basis.
Check Cam Murray comes in with a swinging arm on
Tyson Frazzelle and the rabbit Oz Night's game. It takes
the best part of two or three minutes before the
Bunker finally sends Murray for ten. Similar in Away yesterday
Roosters Titans. Eventually they made the right call, Jared, while
we are Hargraves no stranger to the judiciary. A swinging
(08:18):
arm on Sam Virils wasn't picked up at the time
of the on field referee, was only eventually found out
after a try was scored some moments later. But here's
Gold Coast Titans coach Dez Hazlet. This was unprompted, no
question by a journalist about the judiciary or inconsistency with
the Bunker. This is Dees Hazler just finding a moment
(08:39):
and having a rant, there.
Speaker 6 (08:40):
Was something like eighteen penalties today. This is just to
view there's not a lot of confidence at the moment.
I think with players interpretation around what's a high shot,
what is in the high shot, what's deemed, what's coming back.
There's a lot of nervous individuals on both sides at
the moment. You can kind of see it both with
(09:00):
the official them who's running the officials. The officials seem
to be Yeah, they're down on confidence a little bit
there at the moment, and it's probably something that we
have to address pretty quickly going into finals.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
So a couple of coaches there, Alex having their say,
we've all had our say, let's play a bit of
Monday bingo, but a Graham Ansley bingo. What's your expectation
for most people when they're listening to this podcast, we
probably would have heard from Graham Annersley by now, are
we going to get a defense of the officials? Are
we going to see some change, some meaningful change?
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Where are you leaning?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
I think if you're a betting man an apology, it's
paying about a dollar's head. I don't think we'll get
any sort of meaningful change because it's very hard to
bring that stuff in week to week. But you understand
Graham Ansley's possession as referees bosses. He will back the
referees in public. You know, what he says behind closed
doors might be GiB of a completely different thing. But
just to go back to what he said about protecting
(10:04):
the player from Andrew Webster, Yes, absolutely protect play, but
this is a contact sport. We accept that there is
a say wee players accept there is a risk of
that they're going to be protect the game, protect the
integrity of the sport. Make sure it's a contest and
a fair contest. You know, if you're getting guys getting
knocked out, there absolutely has to be fair consequence for that.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
And if you're going to say, and if I do
enjoy the fact that we can hear some of those
conversations that the bunker has with the on field referee,
but if you're going to say higher level of mitigation,
I think the fan and the follower of the game
deserves a greater explanation as to what that mitigation was.
I personally couldn't see it. Third man into a tackle,
(10:49):
no attempt to wrap the arms, shoulder locked in place,
clocks currentk clocks artis flush on the face and just
going back to my other point. So I just feel
like putting someone on report is it's just a safe out.
There's no meaningful consequence when the game takes place. We've
talked a lot about the officials. Let's get into the
(11:11):
game itself, starting with the highlights. Warriors eighteen, Bulldogs thirty four.
This audio courtesy of sky Sport.
Speaker 7 (11:22):
And we're underway or the Warriors.
Speaker 8 (11:26):
I mean, the first carry is Nphidel Blake Johnson, Mica
de Lace, the PASSI Padley and there's.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
No doubt about that one.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
The one whatever.
Speaker 8 (11:37):
Singing lunch oil. He getting out to Tobacco. Nice answer
from him. Kake ball, Oh that's too easy. Kick Capbell
over for another try. Money, let's get it. Bring away
here Sixton, This is looking good. Sherry Cherry slices through
(12:01):
and there is the trife of the buildings.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Let's play now, Sixton, he whoa, it's.
Speaker 8 (12:10):
Been preached by Clon Stephen Crichton, a gift four pointer.
He's out to Britain. He comes kick out kick, How
hows up for.
Speaker 7 (12:20):
The ubby kick?
Speaker 8 (12:21):
How I want to pass? That's a try to Kurs Warren.
Excellent execution by the Bulldogs. Look up in the shadows
off the posts. He gains a crack from Toby Half
he's there, who are you aging?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
Well?
Speaker 8 (12:41):
Much mo than a four pointer for the home team's
sixt and kicking it gain earlier in the camp taking
a wicked the fiction and there's a score for Harry Hayes.
The Bulldogs hit the front again, money big playing the
protects of the game here Britain there, I think let's
a try sus shadow CAUs gets there to score a
(13:08):
four points crick head criton powering up.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Wow, what a bust this your seal? It ain't carez.
Speaker 7 (13:18):
Cuts the Warriors wide open end up col Dance roll forward.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
In twenty twenty four Big Time, Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Actually, before we get our thoughts on the contest, Nick
Buley and Alex Belle here on the Big League Podcast,
our man on the ground at Mount Smart or Sean
Johnson Stadium, I should say Chris Reeve had a chat
to one of the other departing stars, of course, Jazz Devang.
It was his last home game, last home game for
Sean Johnson, last home game in a Warriors jersey as
well for Adam Fana Black Hairs.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Chris chatting to AFB, what was.
Speaker 9 (13:54):
The emotion like coming out last game at home for
the Warriors.
Speaker 7 (13:57):
Yeah, it was pretty emotional. Yeah, burlocks highs and lose
men's sw Yeah, pretting lost with it that this is
the last one I want to have here, but just
enjoyed every every step of the way.
Speaker 9 (14:12):
What do you make of the game out there tonight?
Obviously we've always started very well and got away from
me a little bit at the end.
Speaker 7 (14:18):
Yeah, disappointing that we didn't come out in the second enough.
You know, we lost Roger, you know, we lost Wet early.
But then again, yeah, we just didn't handle it the
second enough as well as we should have. Yea, And
I feel like we've got what we deserved.
Speaker 9 (14:33):
For yourself as a player, seeing a shot like that
on Roger, not get you know, it's like no, not
chin in the bend, Like, how do you respond to that?
Speaker 7 (14:41):
You can't really respond to him, man, because say something
and you get fine. You know, they sort of cause
a bit of a lottery at the moment in the game.
You know, he gets, someone gets smacked in the face,
they get you know, we're losing for the game and
someone that you just put them report, So I don't know,
it's it's above me who controls that and and you
know what their comes.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Off of that.
Speaker 7 (15:00):
But yeah, very like it's just gotta I just got
to get on with it, I guess, and I'm yere.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
You know.
Speaker 7 (15:05):
I felt like we did, but we didn't as well.
Speaker 9 (15:08):
Yeah, for next week, obviously you're heading to Sydney next year,
do you feel I guess, any excitements going into that
one thing? You know, that's where you're going to be
playing your footy for the next couple of years.
Speaker 7 (15:18):
No, not really meant I was gonna take it as
another game, you know. My LORTI at the moment still
to the little Warriors. I can't get excited about going
over there.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
You know.
Speaker 7 (15:27):
It's I don't want to be just sprateful to the Warriors.
You know, I've got another another game to go here
in these colors, and plus we've got another week after
that with the White you know. So my duty is
my judies here aren't done and I'm not going to
clock off just because you know in finals or stuff
like that. Like I'm still going to turn up on
Monday and try and get better.
Speaker 9 (15:46):
So, yeah, what do you I guess want to put
out for the Warriors over there obviously next week and
then when you get.
Speaker 7 (15:52):
Back from the buy. We just a hard game, mat
I just want us to go back to that sort
of how we how we started in that first half.
I know, we spent a lot of time on our
line and turning turning them away, and I just want
us to, you know, sort of try and find out
the identity again and you know, for the boys moving
forward next year, hopefully they can yeah, you know, rediscovered
that sort of the sort of form again.
Speaker 9 (16:12):
Just lastly, seeing the support you guys been over the
last couple of years here, I guess, how will you
reflect on your time other Warriors?
Speaker 7 (16:18):
Yeah, man, I'm like I said, man, I'm definitely be
sad that I'm leaving and that luck, you know, but
I feel like I'm a traded at home here. Had
the worries, yeah man, but those cheers and uh, you
know there's chimes that I heard running out today. Yeah, man,
like it's it definitely hit hit me in the chest. Yeah, man,
(16:40):
I'm very grateful for the support that the club showed me,
you know, from from from the CEO all the way
down to you know, the boys that working in the
front desk. You know, it's it's just been a hell
of a ride. And yeah, I'm just very grateful for
the club and and what they've given me, the opportunity
that have helped me grow and also given my family.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
This is the Big League podcast, right, Alex a few
days removed.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
But the game itself a hot start.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
I think I said that that's probably what was going
to happen on the previous podcast, and then faded rather
dramatically and again once the rain arrived. The Warriors don't
really know what to do or on attack, or certainly
aren't his clinical on attack.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
It all sounds a bit familiar, right, I mean last.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
Week were saying we wanted a fast start because they
kept starting quite slowly. No, I mean, you've got to
give credit to the Bulldogs. They are, Like we said
last week, I think they're a top four side, even
if the table won't show it come final. His time, geez,
how emotional was that intro? You know, Shawn Johnson coming
out last out of the tunnel with his kids and
with his wife. You know, we spoke last week, but
(17:46):
it really was there for us all to see how
much the Warriors and the club means to him. You know,
this is a guy that you know, Shawn's a year
or two older than me, And I think I realized
last year because also against the Bulldogs when he bought
his youngest his oldest daughter, Miller, onto the field after
he scored the game winning try, Like, this is just
a bloke, you know, this is just a normal guy
(18:06):
doing his job. And I think we read don't take
notice of that of the human side of sport enough.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Yeah, well said, I mean, he grew up actually not
too far from me on the HIBERSUS Coast, went to
Oriel College's few years a here to me and just
love the Warriors, love Hibusis Coast Raiders, love rugby league.
Dabbled in our first fifteen for a little bit, pretty
much hated it. Can understand that his mates put together
a YouTube highlight reel of his touch highlights, which is
(18:35):
still I think has crazy amount of views, And still
find myself at a quiet moment having a wee look
at that and then from there Toyota Cup Under Twenties
twenty eleven Grand Final. Just a remarkable crew and just
a guy who loves like he lived out his dream.
He got to play for the Warriors so many times.
And I'll tell you what you can say what you
like about the Warriors in terms of the season they've been,
(18:55):
but they are a top four club, if not a
Grand Final club. And when it comes to that entertainment
wrapping around knowing how to celebrate an occasion, that the
off field stuff that the Warriors to around, you know,
whether it be with their jerseys to remember an occasion
like that or or the light shows, et cetera. And
(19:15):
I thought that was that was spectacular on the one
of the other positive things. If we can be positive
for a time here after that, Warriors to for Alex,
I know you want to get into as well as
I've got a lot of young guys coming through the
system that we've seen in sort of drips and drabs
this year. I really like what Lequahala Seema had done.
And Dimitric Sepher Cooler has caught your eye. He's come
(19:38):
back from a pretty nasty knee reconstruction some nice touches
on the weekend. That breathes a bit of hope looking
ahead to next year.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
So I mean being in and around the Warriors youth
set up, you know, and the circles that you operated
as a journalist all you know, like you say, the
young Ford's coming through, You've got Lequa Hala Sema Jacob
labur Zimo. The talk within the Warriors is that dimetrics
of Cooler is the best of them, you know. I
think we saw a bit of that. I went through
the numbers earlier, only add infanel Blake had more post
(20:07):
contact meters than Black played seventy meters for c for
Coal played thirty. This kid, I feel like, is going
to If that's any sort of indication of how good
he's going to be, we're going to have a special
one on our hands here.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Yeah, he's got that similar to fanol Blake.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
He's got that sort of late footwork and that that
sort of hit movement for a big lad, which I
think really is going to catch some defenses off guard.
So I like the look at him, and I know
we're going to rarely unpack season twenty twenty four next
week and look ahead to twenty twenty five. But off
the top of my head, I can't see a best
seventeen without Dimitric Cipher Cooler in twenty twenty five, staying here,
(20:46):
God b LB.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
Big Hits, Big Moments, the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Well, of course the Warriors season ends the Saturday because
they have the buy in the final rounds of the
regular season. But Alex, just before we get to the
Warriors last game away to Cranulla Friday morning, have to
say curiously to announcement, but good news all the same
for international rugby league with the Pacific Championship schedule coming
out to someone myself based down here in christ jur
(21:17):
it's very very pleased to see us secure a double
hitter on a Sunday afternoon as well as part of
the Labor weekend long weekend with Australia in town for
both the Kiwi's, Kangaroo's Kiwi Ferns jill ARUs, whats what
say you you you'd be relatively dilled in when this
rolls around and what chances do you give both the
(21:38):
both the Kiwis and the Kiwi fans.
Speaker 4 (21:40):
I mean, I absolutely love the international game. One of
my formative memories coming through was that two thousand and
eight World Cup Final, which was actually the night before
my NCAA Level one English exam, so there were a
lot of tide faces that day.
Speaker 7 (21:55):
But no, it's great.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
I think I don't feel like international rugby league gets
the celebration that needs. We hear so much lip service
from the NRAL about what it wants to do. We
know that their priority of state of origin. Seeing the
Kiwis and the Kiwi fans both take on Australia on
the same we know what happened last year when that
happened is that was two wins from Zealand. So I
think there will be a bit of a bit in
the teeth for Australia if they need to. Hopefully both
(22:18):
teams are able to name their full strength sides. We
know that that time of year, you know, for whatever reason,
players don't always commit. Sometimes I want to holiday, sometimes
I need a bit of postseason surgery. So let's just
hope for some bloody good rugby league with two or
four bloody good teams.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
Indeed, and I wouldn't be rugby league at an international
level alex without an eligibility story. Right off the bat
Friday afternoon are the new Keyis coach Stacy Jones revealing
Roger Tui Vasishek he's had a busier weekend hasn't. He's
going to play for some off. They're not involved in
the Pacific Championship, but they do, by all reports, have
(22:53):
a series coming up later this year in England. Look,
I personally don't begrudge the guy Alex at the stage
of his career to commit for SAMA.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
What are your thoughts on this?
Speaker 4 (23:06):
I do think it's overlooked how much represent PACIFICA heritage
means to PACIFICA players. We've seen Ardie savea look to
move from the Hurricanes to one in PACIFICA to do that.
We know that rugby league is a bit better at
it with you memback to twenty seventeen when it felt
like half the key we squad went and played for time.
So yeah, I'm really happy for Roger he hasn't. You know,
He's made no secret of this that he wants to
(23:27):
represent Somemore at some point? Do you play him at central?
Do you play him at fullback with Crichton in there
as well.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Yeah, it's a tough problem for the Salmon coach to have,
isn't it. You know Brian Totter as well, but of
course he'll be on the wing. But another pretty handy
back Luncherome Louis, I would have thought might play for
Samoa as well. Look like going back to we're talking
when we're talking about the judiciary and the bunker and
that in terms of credibility, that's probably the one thing
when there's too much chopping and changing as opposed you know,
(23:55):
doing one one year, one the next year flip flopping.
If two of us are ship, plays out the rest
of his International regul League career with Sama, then that's
that's cool with me.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
I just don't like the flip flop nature of it.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
And I look at the Keywi's team, and I know
Joey Mark who's off to the dark side to earn
some money up in Japan. But guys like Matt to
Mokel really liked the look of the young fella out
of the Melbourne Storm, Jack Howarth. He's been going really
well this year in the centers, so I think the
Keywis will be okay there in the centers as well.
(24:27):
Come Labor weekend when that all kicks off. Speaking of
two of us as Ship, he'll be scratched for this weekend,
So the next time we see him play rugby League,
most likely we'll be in the international game. Let's take
a look at Saturday night Warriors Sharks over there in
Sydney and a bit of a dilemma on the hands
of Andrew Webster in terms of his centers because we
(24:49):
haven't mentioned either that Adam Pompey was injured early in
the contest. What he sins that web will do with
his center peering for Saturday Night?
Speaker 4 (24:59):
I mean, who's left standing? Are we going to go
back to Marlo Graham Tolfa and Alila Towers tower back?
Speaker 7 (25:04):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (25:04):
I saw them both play play Cup, so that seems
the logical thing, right unless they get really frisky the
last game seeing Kay there, perhaps, but then again you're
going to put to a perky to fullback. I don't know.
It's probably the probably where they go Cape Wor could
play there. Yeah, it will be interesting. Again, it's a
It's a situation, isn't it. Where the finish line is
in sight. Outside of pride and sending some a club
(25:27):
injured and some other guys out on a high note,
there's very little to play for when the opposition, on
the other hand, the Bulldogs heavily motivated Friday just been
the Sharks last night put the SmackDown on Saint George
and they're our third on the ladder. I mean, what
are you expecting to see? I feel like I know
this answer already. What would you like to see? Even
(25:49):
if it's a bit fanciful given what we have seen,
I don't think there's any shame and losing to a
better side. You know, let's just get that underwey shaft about.
That is what's basically happened for most of the Warriors
problems this year. You know, there's been a couple with
defeats where you go, Okay, that probably wasn't good. They've
let that close.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
A lot of the time they have just been beaten
by better team and that's what should happen here. But like,
like you say, let's just hope for the hope of
Sean Johnson, for the OPA, Jaztavanger, for the op Edfanil Blake,
that it's just a good one that they can actually
be proud of.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
Are you of the view at this point of the season,
is there anything to be gained by giving any other
younger players ago bringing Like you were alluding to you
you're familiar with the juniors in terms of my Jacob
Laban or are you do you stick with who's got
you this far? And also probably having in mind too
that the Cup team pretty well. I think they're third
(26:42):
leading into the finals, so you don't want to mess
up that. At the same time, no, I don't think
their top four place in the Cups and Jeopardy this
week is it.
Speaker 3 (26:51):
No, I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (26:52):
But then so you can afford to give these guys
a run at neral level if like Andrew Whibster has
actually said he's not going to pick you know, just
to give guys a run. He's going to put his
best team out there. But we've seen this year those
guys are more than capable of stepping up. You move
back to the wins over the Panthers and the Dolphins.
You know there are some bloody good footballers and those
youth sides.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
Big League Podcast the big League podcast for the biggest
league fans. Okay, an ultimate round of the inn R.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
Just recapping on last week My Faith and the Warriors
Let Me Down was five from eight to me Alex
pit me by one, going with the Bulldogs see a
fucking jag one back here. Pretty good Thursday night game
to kick things off Alex Cowboys and the Storm Storm.
Speaker 4 (27:40):
For me just think that they're leading the way at
the moment in terms of what is possible in this competition.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Bang On even in Townsville. Storm on a roll, and
it'll just be in terms of their motivation level. I
think it's a six point gap now, isn't it at
the top of the table.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
So yeah, the team how.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Boys place in the eight as secure as well now,
so maybe maybe they can take their foot off the.
Speaker 7 (28:01):
Gas of it.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Bulldogs Manly Bulldogs.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Yeah, I like the Bulldogs And at the same time,
I wouldn't be surprised if there's a response out of Manly.
That was quite the upset, wasn't it. Neither of us
saw that coming, losing to the Tigers. Speaking of not
seeing it coming, Panthers and lost to the Raiders. On
the weekend they'll be hosting the South Sydney rabbit Os.
(28:26):
I mean, surely the Panthers won't lose two in a row.
You know, that might be the wake up call they
actually need. Yeah, good one, Canberra, Well we really needed that.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I tend to agree, and I don't think there's much
here for the Rabbits to play force. I think the
Panthers will figure it out. Ills Dragons, you know, I
might go but left friend and go the Eels. Okay,
you want to expand on that, Alex, I.
Speaker 4 (28:49):
Feel like at home guys looking to impress the new
coach Dragons have just had a pretty, you know what
could be a deflating loss, so maybe that'll get them
over the line.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
Yeah. I'm going to go with the Dragons just on
the basis that if they lose this weekend, then destiny
is out of their hands. If they just go with
a win here a when next week they'll be in
the eights. If they lose, then it's really open. There's
I think there's four teams two points further back, and
the Dragon's sitting in that eighth spot at the moment.
Speaking of two of them in this Queensland Derby Dolphins Broncos.
Speaker 4 (29:24):
I mean, I was gonna say the Dolphins are at home,
so I think the Broncos. Yeah, I'll go Broncos as well.
I think they'll they'll find a way. There's just something
about the Dolphins.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
They're a bit of an enigma, but I feel like
they play their best footialls in the two years they've
been in the competition so far at the front and
then seem to fade at the end of the season.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
So I'll get I'll say the Broncos will get one up,
all right.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
The one that we will probably be focusing most on
here itan is in me and the Big League Podcast
are Sharks Warriors.
Speaker 4 (29:55):
I'm gonna have to go to Sharks.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Yeah, I am as well. Yeah, for reasons that we
have gone into great detail over the last few weeks.
It's just hard to see another way. You know, if
they couldn't get up three or four go now against
Parramatta when this season was on the line at home.
You know they struggle to get up at home in
an emotional occasion like Friday night. Yes, against a better team, Yeah,
hard to see against the Sharks team who are really
(30:19):
airborne at the minu at Knights.
Speaker 3 (30:20):
Titans.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
Oh so this is the one that's giving me the
most trouble.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
I am going to go Titans.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
Yeah, I will disagree, just on the basis that Newcastle
are still within a sniff and the Titans, even though
they can score tries, they can certainly concede them racked up.
We'll conceded plenty last nights against Sydney Roosters who round
out the rounds on Sunday nights. They're hosting the Raiders.
(30:47):
That'll be a good one.
Speaker 4 (30:48):
Yeah, the Roosters for me, they're going to be right
in the next come finals time. I think now they're
really going to click into gear and sort of see
themselves into a position where they can be a contender
in the latter stage of the season.
Speaker 2 (30:59):
I'm going to go smoky here. I'm going to go
with the Raiders, I think. Yeah, just off the back
of beating Penrith seasons still there for the taking. I
know they're much better team at home, but yeah, I
just I think they might have found something at the
weekend and I think that might extend through to taking
on anyway. That'll do us for another edition of the
(31:21):
Big League Podcast. Warriors final game of the NRL season
this Saturday, nine thirty five taking on the Kernala Sharks.
Alix Pell Thanks so much for your time on him
is Nick Buley. Please like, follow and subscribe the podcast.
We will be back for one final episode next Monday
to review the season that's been for the Warriors and
(31:43):
look ahead to see if we can find any glimmers
of Hope for twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
For more from News Talks B listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on ihart Radio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks ed B.
Follow this and our wide range of podcast now on
iHeartRadio The Big League Podcast podcast play News TALKSB.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This week on The Big League Podcast, What on Earth
is going on in the Bunker? We take a look
at the weekend that was for our officials, human era
or system failure, the Warriors performance we've become accustomed to
this season. We get the lowdown from Adam Fanua, Blaker's
he bits fearwell to Mount Smart and International Rugby League
lockdown for the back end of the year, and what
do you know, another eligibility yarn surfaces.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
My name is Nick Beauley. Let's go b LB. I
was going to take something rather significant, wasn't it?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
To steal the limelight away from Sean Johnson in his
farewell home game? And we got that hold my beer moment.
In approximately the forty sixth minute, Stephen Crichton shoulder loaded
third man into the tackle, strikes Roger to evasishek flush
on the face, left wobbling as he gets back to
his feet to try and play the ball up, it
goes to the bunker. The slow mo vision damning feels
(01:15):
obvious to everyone except Liam Kennedy the Bunker official a
high level of mitigation apparently, and Cridon is placed on
report no further explanation regarding seaid mitigation and cue the
bewilderments and booing from the Warriors faithful. Twenty four hours earlier,
Manly had two players been for high tackles.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
But nothing here.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Where is the consistency that's all followers of the game want.
The Warrior season has done. The incident didn't cost them
the game against the Bulldogs, but marred the spectacle. The
game and the competition, which is one of the toughest
of any sports in the Southern Hemisphere, deserves better. And look,
I'm not finger pointing at individuals. For me, it's the
(01:56):
system and the rules that clearly leaves too many shades
of gray. It's time for what we call in rugby league,
a crackdown before a final is decided by a call.
Alex Powell of the New Zealand Hera joins me here
on the Big League podcast Greeting X. Alex taught me
through your thoughts on that hits on TILLIVASISHEK So.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
I've done a bit of work this year around CTE
and concussions and the role that head knocks play in sport.
And when you saw Roger get to his feet and
then wobble straightaway, you knew something is seriously wrong here,
and I think that was proven by the fact that
Roger didn't come back. But the issue there is that
that was very clearly dangerous play and foul play, and
(02:39):
it should have meant, you know, Stephen Crichton at least
goes to them for ten minutes, and yet, like you've said,
he's still there and it's a penalty with him on report.
It's not good enough because people are going to turn
away from the game for things like this.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah, I tend to agree, and you know, you can
say what you like about rugby union, but it's actually
become a bit more clearer in rugby around head contact.
They're respective of it's malicious or intent. Of there's hit contact,
you're gone at least having a seat and they'll review
it to upgrade it to a red card. And rugby
league now it's an absolute lottery depending on which on
(03:15):
field official and which bunker official you have. And that's
the bit that I struggle with the most, is that
there seems in the last couple of weeks. I know
we saw a fair few sinbinnings on the weekend, but
just a tendency to go with the I will deal
with it over the weekend, We'll deal with it on Monday.
We'll put the chap On report and the consequences will
(03:37):
follow there.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
But the worry is where they what do they get
out of that?
Speaker 2 (03:40):
They lose their center, that already lost the center earlier
in the game. There's a full back line reshuffle required
and Stephen Crichton plays on and there's a rather significant
say in the game as well. It a line break
to set up Jacob Kraz for the final try for
the Bulldogs.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
It just it's head scratching for mine.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
And before we go into you know, someone might be
listening right now and going, oh boohoo, the couple of
Warriors guys here. You know that the club always gets
the rough end of the stick. There was other calls
on the weekend, two which which were just as crazy.
I mentioned in the intro. The Manly ones were nowhere
near that the same ballpark as Stephen Crichton, yet they
(04:20):
Olakuatu he was sent for ten in the bin. Just yeah,
like coming into finals too. I just I've got some
serious questions and I'm hoping obviously we're recording Monday morning,
New Zealand time. By this afternoon Graham and Isley will
front as he normally does. He'll really put the foot
down rather than defending his officials. He needs to say
(04:40):
what is a ten in the bin? What is ascend off?
And what is on report? Because at the moment I
think it's it's just a guessing game.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
No, it can't be up to the interpretation of each
referee and each bunker coordinator to work out what is what.
You know, the consistency is all that we ask for.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Interesting point made in the Sydney Morning Herald as well
across the weekend Alex there's a different bunker official for
all eight of the games. I think it's quite special work,
isn't it compared to being an on field referee or
a touch judge. I mean, then they're not really suffering
from fatigua. They're looking at all these screens. Do you
(05:19):
think there's an argument to be made that a specialist
bunker official. You know, if there's eight games, perhaps we
just have timber three as opposed to eight.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
I was worried you're going to say one across of
the whole week. No, I think that's a very sound bad.
It's very good to recognize as well that it is
a specialist job. You know, there's talk of well it
should be some of the refereeing experience, or there should
be someone worth playing experience. You know, would there be
a situation where it's not one there's a panel, you know,
and they have to go out and then obviously that'll
(05:48):
just take longer and games will be slowed down. And
these conversations have been had as to what is the
best way to do these things. But it's very clear
something has to change because what we're getting now going
into finance. You spoke you know earlier, we can't see
a big game decided off, you know it. This isn't
like this. We saw it at the Rugby World Cup
last year where Sam came was shown a red card
(06:09):
and then see a Kalisi was more did the same
thing and got a yellow. You know, you cannot have
you can't have the game presented as a show piece
with this sort of indecision and this sort of inconsistency.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Well, you know it's bad. When Andrew Webster, who we've
got to know relatively well over the last two seasons,
finally fires up, I think for the first if a
time in a postmatch media conference. Let's take a listen.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
I'm struggling to understand how like a shoulder can go
into Roger's head and the bunker it's got ages to
see a critical time of the game, and then we
lose Roger for the for the game, and then we're
going to reshuffle out and you've got to reshuffle anyway,
that's football. But if it happens, because it's just happens,
(06:58):
what happens like that, and then nothing gets done to them,
it's you're going to protect our players, And I just
don't see the consistent see one little bit around around that,
like Roger will miss next week now, couldn't come back,
and their play goes on.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
That's all that happened.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
And yeah, there's.
Speaker 5 (07:23):
So many parts in that weeker to control better tonight
and the boys know that, but just frustrated that how
that just happened.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
So there's the thoughts there of Andrew Webster talking about,
you know, protecting the player, making sure that is paramounts,
making some real salient points and just before we get
to Webster's comments there Alex Let's ever listen to I
alluded to it before in terms, it was just a
wild weekend of inconsistencies around hid high contact. In particular,
we had a couple of simbinnings in the Manly Tigers game.
(07:55):
We didn't have one for the Crichton head on toy basis.
Check Cam Murray comes in with a swinging arm on
Tyson Frazzelle and the rabbit Oz Night's game. It takes
the best part of two or three minutes before the
Bunker finally sends Murray for ten. Similar in Away yesterday
Roosters Titans. Eventually they made the right call, Jared, while
we are Hargraves no stranger to the judiciary. A swinging
(08:18):
arm on Sam Virils wasn't picked up at the time
of the on field referee, was only eventually found out
after a try was scored some moments later. But here's
Gold Coast Titans coach Dez Hazlet. This was unprompted, no
question by a journalist about the judiciary or inconsistency with
the Bunker. This is Dees Hazler just finding a moment
(08:39):
and having a rant, there.
Speaker 6 (08:40):
Was something like eighteen penalties today. This is just to
view there's not a lot of confidence at the moment.
I think with players interpretation around what's a high shot,
what is in the high shot, what's deemed, what's coming back.
There's a lot of nervous individuals on both sides at
the moment. You can kind of see it both with
(09:00):
the official them who's running the officials. The officials seem
to be Yeah, they're down on confidence a little bit
there at the moment, and it's probably something that we
have to address pretty quickly going into finals.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
So a couple of coaches there, Alex having their say,
we've all had our say, let's play a bit of
Monday bingo, but a Graham Ansley bingo. What's your expectation
for most people when they're listening to this podcast, we
probably would have heard from Graham Annersley by now, are
we going to get a defense of the officials? Are
we going to see some change, some meaningful change?
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Where are you leaning?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
I think if you're a betting man an apology, it's
paying about a dollar's head. I don't think we'll get
any sort of meaningful change because it's very hard to
bring that stuff in week to week. But you understand
Graham Ansley's possession as referees bosses. He will back the
referees in public. You know, what he says behind closed
doors might be GiB of a completely different thing. But
just to go back to what he said about protecting
(10:04):
the player from Andrew Webster, Yes, absolutely protect play, but
this is a contact sport. We accept that there is
a say wee players accept there is a risk of
that they're going to be protect the game, protect the
integrity of the sport. Make sure it's a contest and
a fair contest. You know, if you're getting guys getting
knocked out, there absolutely has to be fair consequence for that.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
And if you're going to say, and if I do
enjoy the fact that we can hear some of those
conversations that the bunker has with the on field referee,
but if you're going to say higher level of mitigation,
I think the fan and the follower of the game
deserves a greater explanation as to what that mitigation was.
I personally couldn't see it. Third man into a tackle,
(10:49):
no attempt to wrap the arms, shoulder locked in place,
clocks currentk clocks artis flush on the face and just
going back to my other point. So I just feel
like putting someone on report is it's just a safe out.
There's no meaningful consequence when the game takes place. We've
talked a lot about the officials. Let's get into the
(11:11):
game itself, starting with the highlights. Warriors eighteen, Bulldogs thirty four.
This audio courtesy of sky Sport.
Speaker 7 (11:22):
And we're underway or the Warriors.
Speaker 8 (11:26):
I mean, the first carry is Nphidel Blake Johnson, Mica
de Lace, the PASSI Padley and there's.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
No doubt about that one.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
The one whatever.
Speaker 8 (11:37):
Singing lunch oil. He getting out to Tobacco. Nice answer
from him. Kake ball, Oh that's too easy. Kick Capbell
over for another try. Money, let's get it. Bring away
here Sixton, This is looking good. Sherry Cherry slices through
(12:01):
and there is the trife of the buildings.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Let's play now, Sixton, he whoa, it's.
Speaker 8 (12:10):
Been preached by Clon Stephen Crichton, a gift four pointer.
He's out to Britain. He comes kick out kick, How
hows up for.
Speaker 7 (12:20):
The ubby kick?
Speaker 8 (12:21):
How I want to pass? That's a try to Kurs Warren.
Excellent execution by the Bulldogs. Look up in the shadows
off the posts. He gains a crack from Toby Half
he's there, who are you aging?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
Well?
Speaker 8 (12:41):
Much mo than a four pointer for the home team's
sixt and kicking it gain earlier in the camp taking
a wicked the fiction and there's a score for Harry Hayes.
The Bulldogs hit the front again, money big playing the
protects of the game here Britain there, I think let's
a try sus shadow CAUs gets there to score a
(13:08):
four points crick head criton powering up.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Wow, what a bust this your seal? It ain't carez.
Speaker 7 (13:18):
Cuts the Warriors wide open end up col Dance roll forward.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
In twenty twenty four Big Time, Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Actually, before we get our thoughts on the contest, Nick
Buley and Alex Belle here on the Big League Podcast,
our man on the ground at Mount Smart or Sean
Johnson Stadium, I should say Chris Reeve had a chat
to one of the other departing stars, of course, Jazz Devang.
It was his last home game, last home game for
Sean Johnson, last home game in a Warriors jersey as
well for Adam Fana Black Hairs.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Chris chatting to AFB, what was.
Speaker 9 (13:54):
The emotion like coming out last game at home for
the Warriors.
Speaker 7 (13:57):
Yeah, it was pretty emotional. Yeah, burlocks highs and lose
men's sw Yeah, pretting lost with it that this is
the last one I want to have here, but just
enjoyed every every step of the way.
Speaker 9 (14:12):
What do you make of the game out there tonight?
Obviously we've always started very well and got away from
me a little bit at the end.
Speaker 7 (14:18):
Yeah, disappointing that we didn't come out in the second enough.
You know, we lost Roger, you know, we lost Wet early.
But then again, yeah, we just didn't handle it the
second enough as well as we should have. Yea, And
I feel like we've got what we deserved.
Speaker 9 (14:33):
For yourself as a player, seeing a shot like that
on Roger, not get you know, it's like no, not
chin in the bend, Like, how do you respond to that?
Speaker 7 (14:41):
You can't really respond to him, man, because say something
and you get fine. You know, they sort of cause
a bit of a lottery at the moment in the game.
You know, he gets, someone gets smacked in the face,
they get you know, we're losing for the game and
someone that you just put them report, So I don't know,
it's it's above me who controls that and and you
know what their comes.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Off of that.
Speaker 7 (15:00):
But yeah, very like it's just gotta I just got
to get on with it, I guess, and I'm yere.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
You know.
Speaker 7 (15:05):
I felt like we did, but we didn't as well.
Speaker 9 (15:08):
Yeah, for next week, obviously you're heading to Sydney next year,
do you feel I guess, any excitements going into that
one thing? You know, that's where you're going to be
playing your footy for the next couple of years.
Speaker 7 (15:18):
No, not really meant I was gonna take it as
another game, you know. My LORTI at the moment still
to the little Warriors. I can't get excited about going
over there.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
You know.
Speaker 7 (15:27):
It's I don't want to be just sprateful to the Warriors.
You know, I've got another another game to go here
in these colors, and plus we've got another week after
that with the White you know. So my duty is
my judies here aren't done and I'm not going to
clock off just because you know in finals or stuff
like that. Like I'm still going to turn up on
Monday and try and get better.
Speaker 9 (15:46):
So, yeah, what do you I guess want to put
out for the Warriors over there obviously next week and
then when you get.
Speaker 7 (15:52):
Back from the buy. We just a hard game, mat
I just want us to go back to that sort
of how we how we started in that first half.
I know, we spent a lot of time on our
line and turning turning them away, and I just want
us to, you know, sort of try and find out
the identity again and you know, for the boys moving
forward next year, hopefully they can yeah, you know, rediscovered
that sort of the sort of form again.
Speaker 9 (16:12):
Just lastly, seeing the support you guys been over the
last couple of years here, I guess, how will you
reflect on your time other Warriors?
Speaker 7 (16:18):
Yeah, man, I'm like I said, man, I'm definitely be
sad that I'm leaving and that luck, you know, but
I feel like I'm a traded at home here. Had
the worries, yeah man, but those cheers and uh, you
know there's chimes that I heard running out today. Yeah, man,
like it's it definitely hit hit me in the chest. Yeah, man,
(16:40):
I'm very grateful for the support that the club showed me,
you know, from from from the CEO all the way
down to you know, the boys that working in the
front desk. You know, it's it's just been a hell
of a ride. And yeah, I'm just very grateful for
the club and and what they've given me, the opportunity
that have helped me grow and also given my family.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
This is the Big League podcast, right, Alex a few
days removed.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
But the game itself a hot start.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
I think I said that that's probably what was going
to happen on the previous podcast, and then faded rather
dramatically and again once the rain arrived. The Warriors don't
really know what to do or on attack, or certainly
aren't his clinical on attack.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
It all sounds a bit familiar, right, I mean last.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
Week were saying we wanted a fast start because they
kept starting quite slowly. No, I mean, you've got to
give credit to the Bulldogs. They are, Like we said
last week, I think they're a top four side, even
if the table won't show it come final. His time, geez,
how emotional was that intro? You know, Shawn Johnson coming
out last out of the tunnel with his kids and
with his wife. You know, we spoke last week, but
(17:46):
it really was there for us all to see how
much the Warriors and the club means to him. You know,
this is a guy that you know, Shawn's a year
or two older than me, And I think I realized
last year because also against the Bulldogs when he bought
his youngest his oldest daughter, Miller, onto the field after
he scored the game winning try, Like, this is just
a bloke, you know, this is just a normal guy
(18:06):
doing his job. And I think we read don't take
notice of that of the human side of sport enough.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Yeah, well said, I mean, he grew up actually not
too far from me on the HIBERSUS Coast, went to
Oriel College's few years a here to me and just
love the Warriors, love Hibusis Coast Raiders, love rugby league.
Dabbled in our first fifteen for a little bit, pretty
much hated it. Can understand that his mates put together
a YouTube highlight reel of his touch highlights, which is
(18:35):
still I think has crazy amount of views, And still
find myself at a quiet moment having a wee look
at that and then from there Toyota Cup Under Twenties
twenty eleven Grand Final. Just a remarkable crew and just
a guy who loves like he lived out his dream.
He got to play for the Warriors so many times.
And I'll tell you what you can say what you
like about the Warriors in terms of the season they've been,
(18:55):
but they are a top four club, if not a
Grand Final club. And when it comes to that entertainment
wrapping around knowing how to celebrate an occasion, that the
off field stuff that the Warriors to around, you know,
whether it be with their jerseys to remember an occasion
like that or or the light shows, et cetera. And
(19:15):
I thought that was that was spectacular on the one
of the other positive things. If we can be positive
for a time here after that, Warriors to for Alex,
I know you want to get into as well as
I've got a lot of young guys coming through the
system that we've seen in sort of drips and drabs
this year. I really like what Lequahala Seema had done.
And Dimitric Sepher Cooler has caught your eye. He's come
(19:38):
back from a pretty nasty knee reconstruction some nice touches
on the weekend. That breathes a bit of hope looking
ahead to next year.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
So I mean being in and around the Warriors youth
set up, you know, and the circles that you operated
as a journalist all you know, like you say, the
young Ford's coming through, You've got Lequa Hala Sema Jacob
labur Zimo. The talk within the Warriors is that dimetrics
of Cooler is the best of them, you know. I
think we saw a bit of that. I went through
the numbers earlier, only add infanel Blake had more post
(20:07):
contact meters than Black played seventy meters for c for
Coal played thirty. This kid, I feel like, is going
to If that's any sort of indication of how good
he's going to be, we're going to have a special
one on our hands here.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Yeah, he's got that similar to fanol Blake.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
He's got that sort of late footwork and that that
sort of hit movement for a big lad, which I
think really is going to catch some defenses off guard.
So I like the look at him, and I know
we're going to rarely unpack season twenty twenty four next
week and look ahead to twenty twenty five. But off
the top of my head, I can't see a best
seventeen without Dimitric Cipher Cooler in twenty twenty five, staying here,
(20:46):
God b LB.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
Big Hits, Big Moments, the Big League Podcast.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Well, of course the Warriors season ends the Saturday because
they have the buy in the final rounds of the
regular season. But Alex, just before we get to the
Warriors last game away to Cranulla Friday morning, have to
say curiously to announcement, but good news all the same
for international rugby league with the Pacific Championship schedule coming
out to someone myself based down here in christ jur
(21:17):
it's very very pleased to see us secure a double
hitter on a Sunday afternoon as well as part of
the Labor weekend long weekend with Australia in town for
both the Kiwi's, Kangaroo's Kiwi Ferns jill ARUs, whats what
say you you you'd be relatively dilled in when this
rolls around and what chances do you give both the
(21:38):
both the Kiwis and the Kiwi fans.
Speaker 4 (21:40):
I mean, I absolutely love the international game. One of
my formative memories coming through was that two thousand and
eight World Cup Final, which was actually the night before
my NCAA Level one English exam, so there were a
lot of tide faces that day.
Speaker 7 (21:55):
But no, it's great.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
I think I don't feel like international rugby league gets
the celebration that needs. We hear so much lip service
from the NRAL about what it wants to do. We
know that their priority of state of origin. Seeing the
Kiwis and the Kiwi fans both take on Australia on
the same we know what happened last year when that
happened is that was two wins from Zealand. So I
think there will be a bit of a bit in
the teeth for Australia if they need to. Hopefully both
(22:18):
teams are able to name their full strength sides. We
know that that time of year, you know, for whatever reason,
players don't always commit. Sometimes I want to holiday, sometimes
I need a bit of postseason surgery. So let's just
hope for some bloody good rugby league with two or
four bloody good teams.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
Indeed, and I wouldn't be rugby league at an international
level alex without an eligibility story. Right off the bat
Friday afternoon are the new Keyis coach Stacy Jones revealing
Roger Tui Vasishek he's had a busier weekend hasn't. He's
going to play for some off. They're not involved in
the Pacific Championship, but they do, by all reports, have
(22:53):
a series coming up later this year in England. Look,
I personally don't begrudge the guy Alex at the stage
of his career to commit for SAMA.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
What are your thoughts on this?
Speaker 4 (23:06):
I do think it's overlooked how much represent PACIFICA heritage
means to PACIFICA players. We've seen Ardie savea look to
move from the Hurricanes to one in PACIFICA to do that.
We know that rugby league is a bit better at
it with you memback to twenty seventeen when it felt
like half the key we squad went and played for time.
So yeah, I'm really happy for Roger he hasn't. You know,
He's made no secret of this that he wants to
(23:27):
represent Somemore at some point? Do you play him at central?
Do you play him at fullback with Crichton in there
as well.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Yeah, it's a tough problem for the Salmon coach to have,
isn't it. You know Brian Totter as well, but of
course he'll be on the wing. But another pretty handy
back Luncherome Louis, I would have thought might play for
Samoa as well. Look like going back to we're talking
when we're talking about the judiciary and the bunker and
that in terms of credibility, that's probably the one thing
when there's too much chopping and changing as opposed you know,
(23:55):
doing one one year, one the next year flip flopping.
If two of us are ship, plays out the rest
of his International regul League career with Sama, then that's
that's cool with me.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
I just don't like the flip flop nature of it.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
And I look at the Keywi's team, and I know
Joey Mark who's off to the dark side to earn
some money up in Japan. But guys like Matt to
Mokel really liked the look of the young fella out
of the Melbourne Storm, Jack Howarth. He's been going really
well this year in the centers, so I think the
Keywis will be okay there in the centers as well.
(24:27):
Come Labor weekend when that all kicks off. Speaking of
two of us as Ship, he'll be scratched for this weekend,
So the next time we see him play rugby League,
most likely we'll be in the international game. Let's take
a look at Saturday night Warriors Sharks over there in
Sydney and a bit of a dilemma on the hands
of Andrew Webster in terms of his centers because we
(24:49):
haven't mentioned either that Adam Pompey was injured early in
the contest. What he sins that web will do with
his center peering for Saturday Night?
Speaker 4 (24:59):
I mean, who's left standing? Are we going to go
back to Marlo Graham Tolfa and Alila Towers tower back?
Speaker 7 (25:04):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (25:04):
I saw them both play play Cup, so that seems
the logical thing, right unless they get really frisky the
last game seeing Kay there, perhaps, but then again you're
going to put to a perky to fullback. I don't know.
It's probably the probably where they go Cape Wor could
play there. Yeah, it will be interesting. Again, it's a
It's a situation, isn't it. Where the finish line is
in sight. Outside of pride and sending some a club
(25:27):
injured and some other guys out on a high note,
there's very little to play for when the opposition, on
the other hand, the Bulldogs heavily motivated Friday just been
the Sharks last night put the SmackDown on Saint George
and they're our third on the ladder. I mean, what
are you expecting to see? I feel like I know
this answer already. What would you like to see? Even
(25:49):
if it's a bit fanciful given what we have seen,
I don't think there's any shame and losing to a
better side. You know, let's just get that underwey shaft about.
That is what's basically happened for most of the Warriors
problems this year. You know, there's been a couple with
defeats where you go, Okay, that probably wasn't good. They've
let that close.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
A lot of the time they have just been beaten
by better team and that's what should happen here. But like,
like you say, let's just hope for the hope of
Sean Johnson, for the OPA, Jaztavanger, for the op Edfanil Blake,
that it's just a good one that they can actually
be proud of.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
Are you of the view at this point of the season,
is there anything to be gained by giving any other
younger players ago bringing Like you were alluding to you
you're familiar with the juniors in terms of my Jacob
Laban or are you do you stick with who's got
you this far? And also probably having in mind too
that the Cup team pretty well. I think they're third
(26:42):
leading into the finals, so you don't want to mess
up that. At the same time, no, I don't think
their top four place in the Cups and Jeopardy this
week is it.
Speaker 3 (26:51):
No, I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (26:52):
But then so you can afford to give these guys
a run at neral level if like Andrew Whibster has
actually said he's not going to pick you know, just
to give guys a run. He's going to put his
best team out there. But we've seen this year those
guys are more than capable of stepping up. You move
back to the wins over the Panthers and the Dolphins.
You know there are some bloody good footballers and those
youth sides.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
Big League Podcast the big League podcast for the biggest
league fans. Okay, an ultimate round of the inn R.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
Just recapping on last week My Faith and the Warriors
Let Me Down was five from eight to me Alex
pit me by one, going with the Bulldogs see a
fucking jag one back here. Pretty good Thursday night game
to kick things off Alex Cowboys and the Storm Storm.
Speaker 4 (27:40):
For me just think that they're leading the way at
the moment in terms of what is possible in this competition.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Bang On even in Townsville. Storm on a roll, and
it'll just be in terms of their motivation level. I
think it's a six point gap now, isn't it at
the top of the table.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
So yeah, the team how.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Boys place in the eight as secure as well now,
so maybe maybe they can take their foot off the.
Speaker 7 (28:01):
Gas of it.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Bulldogs Manly Bulldogs.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Yeah, I like the Bulldogs And at the same time,
I wouldn't be surprised if there's a response out of Manly.
That was quite the upset, wasn't it. Neither of us
saw that coming, losing to the Tigers. Speaking of not
seeing it coming, Panthers and lost to the Raiders. On
the weekend they'll be hosting the South Sydney rabbit Os.
(28:26):
I mean, surely the Panthers won't lose two in a row.
You know, that might be the wake up call they
actually need. Yeah, good one, Canberra, Well we really needed that.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I tend to agree, and I don't think there's much
here for the Rabbits to play force. I think the
Panthers will figure it out. Ills Dragons, you know, I
might go but left friend and go the Eels. Okay,
you want to expand on that, Alex, I.
Speaker 4 (28:49):
Feel like at home guys looking to impress the new
coach Dragons have just had a pretty, you know what
could be a deflating loss, so maybe that'll get them
over the line.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
Yeah. I'm going to go with the Dragons just on
the basis that if they lose this weekend, then destiny
is out of their hands. If they just go with
a win here a when next week they'll be in
the eights. If they lose, then it's really open. There's
I think there's four teams two points further back, and
the Dragon's sitting in that eighth spot at the moment.
Speaking of two of them in this Queensland Derby Dolphins Broncos.
Speaker 4 (29:24):
I mean, I was gonna say the Dolphins are at home,
so I think the Broncos. Yeah, I'll go Broncos as well.
I think they'll they'll find a way. There's just something
about the Dolphins.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
They're a bit of an enigma, but I feel like
they play their best footialls in the two years they've
been in the competition so far at the front and
then seem to fade at the end of the season.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
So I'll get I'll say the Broncos will get one up,
all right.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
The one that we will probably be focusing most on
here itan is in me and the Big League Podcast
are Sharks Warriors.
Speaker 4 (29:55):
I'm gonna have to go to Sharks.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Yeah, I am as well. Yeah, for reasons that we
have gone into great detail over the last few weeks.
It's just hard to see another way. You know, if
they couldn't get up three or four go now against
Parramatta when this season was on the line at home.
You know they struggle to get up at home in
an emotional occasion like Friday night. Yes, against a better team, Yeah,
hard to see against the Sharks team who are really
(30:19):
airborne at the minu at Knights.
Speaker 3 (30:20):
Titans.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
Oh so this is the one that's giving me the
most trouble.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
I am going to go Titans.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
Yeah, I will disagree, just on the basis that Newcastle
are still within a sniff and the Titans, even though
they can score tries, they can certainly concede them racked up.
We'll conceded plenty last nights against Sydney Roosters who round
out the rounds on Sunday nights. They're hosting the Raiders.
(30:47):
That'll be a good one.
Speaker 4 (30:48):
Yeah, the Roosters for me, they're going to be right
in the next come finals time. I think now they're
really going to click into gear and sort of see
themselves into a position where they can be a contender
in the latter stage of the season.
Speaker 2 (30:59):
I'm going to go smoky here. I'm going to go
with the Raiders, I think. Yeah, just off the back
of beating Penrith seasons still there for the taking. I
know they're much better team at home, but yeah, I
just I think they might have found something at the
weekend and I think that might extend through to taking
on anyway. That'll do us for another edition of the
(31:21):
Big League Podcast. Warriors final game of the NRL season
this Saturday, nine thirty five taking on the Kernala Sharks.
Alix Pell Thanks so much for your time on him
is Nick Buley. Please like, follow and subscribe the podcast.
We will be back for one final episode next Monday
to review the season that's been for the Warriors and
(31:43):
look ahead to see if we can find any glimmers
of Hope for twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
For more from News Talks B listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on ihart Radio
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