This week the Warriors begin their pre-season campaign in Rotorua against the defending champions, and current dynasty in all of Australasian sport, the Melbourne Storm.

The Storm are who the Warriors have tried to mirror for the past several seasons, with the Mt Smart club hiring everything Storm-related from former players to former coaches in an attempt to become the next NRL powerhouse.

This has led to promise after promise and failure after failure. Players like Dane Nielsen, Todd Lawrie and Ryan Hoffman have arrived on big contracts with the notion that they would bring a winning culture and work ethic back to the club only to leave with their tails between their legs. Tohu Harris is the latest (you could count Adam Blair and Blake Green too) but by now the fans have grown weary of the wannabe Storm system.

The Warriors have a lot of flaws but one of the biggest has been their plan of simply trying to mimic other teams (the other club the Warriors copy frequently is the Broncos and with head coach Stephen Kearney, from both Storm and Broncos coaching ranks, on the hot seat, another Broncos coaching disciple, Michael McGuire, is rumoured to be the favoured replacement).

We hear the soundbites of “improving the culture” and “having the right systems in place” but all that is happening is a club feebly hoping for a culture from another team to work magic on them. That mindset never wins in pro sports.

You need to realise what your club, players, coaches and management are good at and build from there. Being the Storm isn’t it. Nor the Broncos. And don’t try to be the default national team because that’s a total disaster.

Can the Warriors make the playoffs? Maybe. But every team has improved their rosters this off-season, especially wooden-spooners Newcastle, so last place is also a possibility heading into the season.

This season will be defined in the first handful of games. The Warriors need to start playing like Warriors and less like a poor man’s Storm or it will be yet another year of disappointment.

Kia ora: Peta Hiku (Warrington), Adam Blair (Broncos), Gerard Beale (Sharks), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Leivaha Pulu (Titans), Agnatius Paasi (Titans), Blake Green (Manly), Matiu Love-Henry (Broncos)
Ka kite ano: Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Ben Matulino (Tigers), Jacob Lillyman (Knights), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm), Toafofoa Sipley (Manly)

Fullback
Incumbent: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Challengers: Peta Hiku, David Fusitua, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Zac Santo

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will enter the season wearing the number one on his back and the © beside his name on the team sheet. However, he isn’t signed for 2019 and there are many rumours out there from South Sydney to the All Blacks. The longer he leaves this undecided, the more of a distraction it will become. Peta Hiku was signed as an insurance policy should Roger the Dodger head back to Sydney or take his talents to rugby union. A capable player who the Warriors tried to sign to a $3 million deal back in 2014, the club gets him for cheaper as the utility back was homesick. David Fusitua and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are two other alternatives with Fusitua already having a good amount of NRL experience playing at the back. Zac Santo will be the star fullback for the NSW Cup side.

Wings
Incumbents: David Fusitua, Ken Maumalo
Challengers: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck

The one thing the Warriors are not lacking this year is outside backs. Following strong form for Tonga, David Fusitua will be back on the wing to start the season. He’s the best finisher the Warriors have and should surpass his total of 12 tries from 2017. Big Ken Maumalo looks to be the most in trouble of losing his position. Maumalo had moments last season where it seemed he was going to fulfil his potential but would then revert back to cement hands and slow footwork. There are better players in this squad. Before the arrival of Hiku and Beale, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was favoured to be Maumalo’s replacement. There is still a chance of that and if last season is anything, Charnze showed he has the nous to play wing, centre or fullback. Expect this 2016 NSW Cup Centre of the Year to be in the line up most weeks. Peta Hiku is another strong wing option but will more likely start the season in the centres with Gerard Beale still recovering from his broken ankle. Roger’s brother Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck will make more of an impact on the Warriors’ social media channels than on the field.

Centres
Incumbents: Solomone Kata, Blake Ayshford
Challengers: Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, David Fusitua,

The two incumbents from 2017 could both miss out on a starting spot in 2018. Just when he looked to be evolving as a player in 2016, Solomone Kata was horrendous in 2017 to the point he thought about retiring. Now, there was some family tragedy but the NRL waits for no man and a poor preseason could end Kata’s time at the club. Blake Ayshford had a different 2017 season to Kata, proving to be one of the few consistent players. His defence was solid (87% of tackles made) and his offensive output was quite good with five tries while always attempting to set up his wing (unlike Kata). Should be starting in round one but might have to work his way into the line up again.
Gerard Beale was already penciled in to start at centre but then he snapped his leg at the Rugby League World Cup and is out. Initially it was thought Beale was gone for the season but now they project he might be back to full health around round 12. Peta Hiku will be Beale’s immediate replacement and should do alright as centre is his best position. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and David Fusitua are other worthy challengers to wear #3 or #4 this season. Anthony Gelling is a late off-season signing from Wigan. An above-average player with a sense of humour, Gelling signed as his partner is recovering in Auckland following a nasty car accident. He seems set for NSW Cup duty before looking overseas again in 2019.

Standoff
Incumbent: Ata Hingano
Challengers: Blake Green, Sam Cook, Mason Lino, Peta Hiku

Following the disaster that was Kieran Foran in 2017 (I think he’ll be a disaster at the Bulldogs too) it seemed the Warriors were content with Ata Hingano at standoff. He is combative and quick and showed in the Rugby League World Cup that he can play if the forward pack is moving.
The Warriors instead sign Blake Green from Manly and now a 31 year-old journeyman is to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves. Here’s the career of Green: he was terrible early in his NRL career, went to the SuperLeague and shone, came back and has been pretty good since. However, the problem is he was good in Melbourne and Manly. Heck, I would look good playing next to Cooper Cronk or Daly Cherry-Evans! I fear the Warriors might have signed pre-SuperLeague Blake Green thinking they’re getting Cooper Cronk/Daly Cherry-Evans. Be worried.
Sam Cook has really developed in the NSW Cup and will probably surpass Mason Lino on the Warriors depth chart although both will be playing for a dominant NSW Cup team this season. No first grade.
Peta Hiku will be the emergency halves man this season (like Tui Lolohea was last season).

Halfback
Incumbent: Shaun Johnson
Challengers: Mason Lino, Sam Cook, Ata Hingano, Nathaniel Roache

Shaun Johnson will hold the halfback position but following the disaster that was the Rugby League World Cup (“yous got your way”) it looks like every man and his dog is conceding that Shaun Johnson is what he is: a player who can dominate a game only if the forwards are dominating but can’t be relied upon to rally the troops ala Jonathan Thurston if the trenches are being overrun. Mason Lino, Sam Cook, Ata Hingano, Nathaniel Roache all serve as backups to SJ.

Lock
Incumbent: Simon Mannering
Challengers: Adam Blair, Agnatius Paasi, Jazz Tevaga, Leivaha Pulu

Simon Mannering excels in the lock position with his all-round skills and should do the same again in 2018. Adam Blair is an option for Kearney, but if Kearney’s use of Blair in the Kiwis is anything to go by it seems Blair is destined to play in a make-shift frontrow. That’s good because, in my opinion, Blair plays his worst when at lock. If the coach was to move Mannering back into the secondrow, former Titans players Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu would be the next options as both have played the position before. Jazz Tevaga, a hooker, could fill the role coming off the bench.

Secondrow
Incumbents: none
Challengers: Tohu Harris, Bunty Afoa, Leivaha Pulu, Matiu Love-Henry, James Bell

With Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson gone, both secondrow spots will have new inhabitants. Tohu Harris is obviously one starter but who his partner will be is still undecided. The best bet would be Bunty Afoa, a hard-nose player who just runs the ball straight (something the Warriors need more of from their forwards), but the Warriors website has him listed as a prop. Leivaha Pulu, also listed as a prop, could start there too but seems more of a bench option at this moment. The darkhorse could be former Broncos under-20 player Matiu Love-Henry. He was highly touted in Brisbane (the Broncos had to let him go due to salary cap issues) but has arrived in Auckland with little fanfare - which is a good thing for a young player with a point to prove. James Bell is a smaller backrower who did little in his two games for the club last year. NSW Cup for him.

Frontrow
Incumbents: James Gavet, Sam Lisone
Challengers: Adam Blair, Bunty Afoa, Leivaha Pulu, Albert Vete, Isaiah Papali'I, Ligi Sao, Patrick Sipley

Here is the critical weak point in this Warriors squad. If this team is to have any go-forward in 2018 it will need James Gavet to lead the way. His aggressive, smart style of football is able to get the Warriors moving, opening space for Shaun Johnson, and the team will need plenty of it. I’m not the biggest fan of the Adam Blair signing, but if he can replicate Gavet’s aggressive approach it would help the pack immensely. Sam Lisone is another aggressive ball-carrier but needs to work on his defence if he wants a place in this side. Bunty Afoa, Leivaha Pulu, Albert Vete and Ligi Sao are all frontrow/secondrow hybrids and will contend for the two remaining bench spots - Afoa and Pulu are best of this bunch. Isaiah Papali’l and Patrick Sipley are young talent that will spend large chunks of the season in the NSW Cup.

Hooker
Incumbent: Isaac Luke
Challengers: Nathaniel Roache, Manaia Cherrington, Jazz Tevaga, Sam Cook

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Isaac Luke has been terrible in his time at the Warriors and the Warriors know this. Luke is playing for another contract this season but should he struggle in the early rounds Kearney, in desperation of course, will turn it over to the young and now extremely muscular Nathaniel Roache. Roache has bulked up this off-season, my take is that it means he will get game time at lock as well as hooker. Manaia Cherrington has moved around several clubs now and finds himself now at the Warriors. He’s skilled but is relying on either Luke or Roache to fall. Jazz Tevaga has dropped down the depth chart but still has potential - if he can stay healthy. Utility Sam Cook will try his luck at hooker in the pre-season games.

Sneakdefreak’s best 17 for round one:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck © 2.Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3.Blake Ayshford 4.Peta Hiku 5.David Fusitua 6.Blake Green 7.Shaun Johnson 8.James Gavet 9.Isaac Luke 10.Adam Blair 11.Matiu Love-Henry 12.Tohu Harris 13.Simon Mannering Bench: 14.Nathaniel Roache 15.Sam Lisone 16.Bunty Afoa 17.Leivaha Pulu

The Warriors will hit the quarter century mark this season, celebrating 25 years of playing in the ARL/Super League/NRL competition.
When Dean Bell led the veteran-heavy Warriors out of the tunnel and onto the turf at the newly upgraded Mt Smart Stadium in 1995 most pundits had them winning the competition within five years.
It took them seven years just to make the playoffs and, despite two Grand Finals appearances, it has been 25 years of frustration for fans.
Frustration reached its peak during a five-year span from 2012 to 2017, which happened to be the prime years of franchise playmaker Shaun Johnson. None of that was Johnson’s fault but more poor asset management by the then-front office, which included Dean Bell.
The club would panic-sign potential free agent veterans, thus letting young talent like Leeson Ah Mau and Sio Siua Taukeiaho walk because of the club’s short term focus.
This mindset changed with the arrival of new management, including league stalwart Brian Smith, and a more professional approach to the salary-cap competition.
The Warriors are now looking for players who provide certain skills to a certain role within the team and not simply over-paying for Player X who flourished in an opponent’s system.
They’re also looking four years down the road in terms of their roster and selecting players who should be peaking over the next four seasons, not back in 2016.
Which is why Shaun Johnson was ultimately let go. There were rumours of his diva attitude (true) and questionable work ethic (possibly true) but this was a salary cap decision first and foremost.
The Warriors management needed to free up long-term cap space to sign others and Johnson’s million dollar cap-hit was a problem this season and following seasons if he re-signed.
So they made it public that the club was not interested in resigning him, probably knowing a mixture of Johnson’s ego and his highlight reel would get the Warriors out of the contract.
Was it done smoothly? Hell no, but letting your franchise player walk is never smooth in any sport.
After 25 years the Warriors are slowly learning how to operate in a salary cap league.
This year of celebration may also be one where the team falls short again of the playoffs, especially if Adam Keighran or Chanel Tevita-Harris don’t excel, but the Warriors have set their four-year plan up perfectly thanks to some actual long term planning.

Kia ora: Leeson Ah Mau (St George), Adam Keighran (Panthers, Taane Milne (Tigers), Lachlan Burr (Bulldogs),

Haere rā: Simon Mannering (retired), Shaun Johnson (Sharks), Mason Lino (Knights), James Gavet (Knights), Anthony Gelling (Widnes), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders)

Fullback
Incumbent: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Challengers: Peta Hiku, Hayze Perham

Everything turned to gold last season for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as he signed a new multi-year deal with the Warriors and went on to become the MVP of the league thanks to his 4,000+ run metres, averaging out to nearly 180 metres a game. Can he win the Dally M again? Well, end-of-year knee surgery which ruled him out of the Kiwis could slow him early on in the season.
Peta Hiku will remain the backup to RTS and is Stephen Kearney’s Mr Fix-it for the Warriors backline. Hayze Perham is the club’s brightest prospect and will look to grow his game in the lower grades this season. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was down the depth chart but now has a chance to be the starting fullback in Canberra after being released last month.

Wings
Incumbents: David Fusitua, Ken Maumalo
Challengers: Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku

David Fusitua had a breakout season in the NRL last year, scoring 23 tries to finish as the competition’s top try scorer. The Fus will look to push past 20+ tries this season, especially with Tohu Harris and Peta Hiku joining him on the right edge again.
Under pressure going into the season to hold down his spot, Ken Maumalo had a monumental 2018 season for the Warriors. He finally figured out his role in the team, acting as the fullback when Tuivasa-Sheck went up into the line and as a secondary forward on kick returns. Big Ken averaged over 150 running metres last season and could up his try total from five in 2018 if the Warriors can get a centre who passes him the damn ball.
Gerard Beale and Peta Hiku add quality depth to the position.

Centres
Incumbents: Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata
Challengers: Gerard Beale, Blake Ashyford, Taane Milne

While most of the media will focus on the halfback situation at the Warriors, most fans will be interested in whether Solomone Kata has learnt to pass or Stephen Kearney sees Gerard Beale is the better option at left centre. While Fusitua was finishing off a number of red zone (10 metres from the tryline) visits, the other edge was not capitalising as much due to Kata trying to push his way over on the last tackle. Watching at Mt Smart Stadium, it was frustrating watching Ken Maumalo position himself perfectly only to be left standing there or receive a late pass from Kata with no room to move. Kata’s poor defensive reads are another issue that could cost the Warriors in a crucial game.
Peta Hiku also makes poor defensive plays but those can be overlooked due to his chemistry with Tohu Harris and David Fusitua (plus Harris and Fusitua are strong defenders). The trio established themselves as the best attacking edge in the game, consistently overwhelming defenders and gaining metres at will. Look for that to happen again this season.
The best centre, in terms of a balanced offence/defence output, is Gerard Beale who bounced back from his freakish leg injury with strong performances in the backend of last season. He sits third on the depth chart but should Kata or Hiku make mistakes early on, Beale will be the guy to replace them.
Blake Ayshford had solid seasons in 2016 and 2017 for the Warriors but now finds himself down the depth chart and in the NSW Cup. Could have left for the Superleague last year but appears set to retire once his contract is up and settle in Auckland.
Taane Milne has arrived at Mt Smart to try and restart his career after his contract with Wests was terminated due to a second failed drug test. The 23 year-old has to keep his nose clean (haha) but there is no doubt he’s a skilled player.

Standoff
Incumbent: Blake Green
Challengers: Peta Hiku, Karl Lawton

Blake Green turned out to be a revelation last season after the journeyman joined the club from Manly. His leadership, on-field coaching and ability to make sure the team followed the game plan allowed Shaun Johnson more time to do his shake-and-bake style of footy. Now with Shaunie buggering off to Cronulla a lot more will rest on the 32 year-old’s shoulders to lead the team around the paddock. There is also a chance that “Kakariki” could be playing at halfback in 2019.
Peta Hiku will act as the emergency standoff in the team as will Karl Lawton who played regularly at standoff for the NSW Cup side. In some good news, Stephen Kearney has already confirmed that Tohu Harris won’t be used in the halves at all.

Halfback
Incumbent: TBA
Challengers: Chanel Tevita-Harris, Adam Keighran, Hayze Perham

In January Stephen Kearney announced the race to replace Shaun Johnson would be competed by three current roster players - Chanel Tevita-Harris, Adam Keighran and Hayze Perham.
If looking for X-factor similar to Shaun Johnson, the player to choose is Chanel Tevita-Harris. His backfoot kick to set up a try for the Junior Kiwis against the Junior Roos last November went viral, showcasing his ad lib skills. But Tevita-Harris is still a very raw prospect who didn’t exactly set the NSW Cup on fire last year when he played 20 games, and you think the Warriors head honchos would rather he gets another season of NSW Cup under his belt before promoting him to the big show. He will need to improve his goal-kicking which was only a mediocre 65% last season.
The original dark horse in this group before Shaun Johnson left was new signing Adam Keighran, who is now emerging as the best possible replacement. The former Panthers prospect made the 2018 NSW Cup Team of the Year (as a centre) and finished top point scorer with 202 points (81 field goals). Penrith fans have posted online that Keighran has a strong left boot, is deceptively quick and an accurate goal kicker who found himself down the depth chart simply due to the halfback talent currently at Penrith. His story somewhat resembles that of another unknown who arrived at the Warriors in 2010 by the name of James Maloney.
Hayze Perham has also been given the opportunity to win the halfback role although Kearney admits the club’s most touted prospect is a major outsider due to the club viewing him more as a fullback than a halfback.

Lock
Incumbent: Adam Blair
Challengers: Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali’i, Leivaha Pulu, Lachlan Burr, Ligi Sao

The lock position has evolved under Stephen Kearney, moving from the traditional Michael Luck/Simon Mannering 80-minute role to an extra front-rower in the “middle” (Warriors refer to their forwards as “middle” or “edge” players).
While several players took on this role last season, Adam Blair had the most starts wearing the number 13 jersey. The role suited him as he focused more on tackling and shutting down the middle of the park, which was a challenge for the team against bigger forward packs.
Jazz Tevaga is definitely not a frontrower but the hooker/lock is an effective man in the middle with his tenacious defending (90.4% tackle efficiency) and ability to play the full 80-minutes. His dummyhalf running (average of 85 metres a game in 2018) also provides assistance to the hooker throughout the game.
Isaiah Papali’i is expected to spend some time at lock because Stephen Kearney said so in an interview with TVNZ last December, comparing the 20 year-old to former club legend Simon Mannering. "I think he has that type of appetite for work, and what he can provide the team, both with the footy and in defence,” Kearney said.
Lachlan Burr, Leivaha Pulu and Ligi Sao provide size and depth with Sao probably spending his season in the NSW Cup.

Secondrow
Incumbents: Tohu Harris, Isaiah Papali’i
Challengers: Leivaha Pulu, Lachlan Burr

Tohu Harris was among a group of new signings last season who shook off the Warriors curse that afflicted many who starred at other clubs only to struggle at Mt Smart. Of course Tohu Harris is a bonafide star who I found out this Christmas that I’m related to. So that makes him even better. Expect him to reign terror on the edge alongside Peta Hiku and David Fusitua.
Isaiah Papali’i was a surprise starter in round one of last season but against the Bunnies in Perth he looked a savvy veteran (actually he looked like Leivaha Pulu who is a veteran). The 20 year-old seems comfortable in his role, particularly on defence where he does little wrong, and although the plan is to move him to lock expect Papali’i to get most of his starts alongside Harris.
At 6’4 and 110kgs, Leivaha Pulu is of similar build to Harris and has the ability to bust through defenders to set up his centre and wing. A foot injury against St George limited his games in his first season with the Warriors after leaving the Gold Coast Titans, but he should be at the very least a bench option for the club.
Lachlan Burr arrives in Auckland looking to restart his career. The 26 year-old was once touted as a budding superstar for the Bulldogs but has since become a journeyman playing for clubs in Superleague and NSW Cup. After a strong 2018 NSW Cup season where he made the Team of the Year, Burr hopes to earn a position in the Warriors as a multi-positional forward (frontrow/secondrow/lock).

Frontrow
Incumbents: Bunty Afoa, Agnatius Paasi
Challengers: Adam Blair, Leeson Ah Mau, Chris Satae, Lachlan Burr, Leivaha Pulu, Ligi Sao, Sam Lisone

The frontrow was the big question mark heading into the 2018 season and secondrower Bunty Afoa and Gold Coast castoff Agnatius Passi proved to be the answer. Although both undersized for frontrowers, Afoa and Passi simply ran hard, direct lines when hitting the ball up - something the club hadn’t seen in a long time. Although Tuivasa-Sheck was the MVP, Afoa and Passi were the unsung heroes of 2018. Now the question is can they repeat it.
Adam Blair will again play the enforcer role against the big forward packs of South Sydney and Sydney City but he will be helped by former Dragons forward Leeson Ah Mau. Ah Mau, a former junior Warrior, gives the team some added size to the pack which was missing last season.
Chris Satae earned a few games last season after impressing in the NSW Cup and also won himself a new two-year deal. It’s hard to see him jumping into the four prop rotation of Afoa, Passi, Blair and Ah Mau but he provides decent injury cover.
Lachlan Burr, Leivaha Pulu and Ligi Sao also provide depth to the frontrow while former starter Sam Lisone is probably a mid-season release.

Hooker
Incumbent: Issac Luke
Challengers: Jazz Tevaga, Nathaniel Roache, Karl Lawton

Let’s be honest: Issac Luke was terrible, TERRIBLE, in his first two years at Mt Smart. But he saved his reputation and career with a stellar 2018 season as he helped lead the Warriors around the park. He also smashed James Maloney in the ribcage in the playoffs which was nice too. After earning only a one year-deal with the club, an offer from Newcastle was pulled due to a discovered injury, he’s playing for his career again. News is out there that Parramatta may make an multi-year offer to acquire him before the start of the season, but the Warriors should only agree to it if they find a replacement hooker like Melbourne Storm rake Brandon Smith or Kodi Nikorima from the Brisbane Broncos.
Jazz Tevaga will probably back up Luke in games this season even though Tevaga has made it clear he doesn’t see himself as a hooker. Never do I because Jazz can’t pass the ball very well. Actually he’s pretty bad at passing from dummyhalf. Just tackle people Jazz.
The original plan was for Nathaniel Roache to replace Issac Luke as starting hooker in 2018 and be named the regular starter for the 2019 season. But injuries have delayed Roache’s career including a season-ending injury last pre-season. He is skilled and was fast, the last time we saw him play in 2017, but the Warriors need to be certain that Roache can stay healthy and that is highly questionable right now.
Karl Lawton is another Gold Coast castoff who has grown his game after arriving at the Warriors in round one of last year. A traditional halfback/standoff, Lawton moved into the hooker position after Roache was lost for the season and made an immediate impact by scoring a double in his debut against the Wests Tigers. With the utility player becoming a necessity in today’s NRL expect Lawton to be a fixture coming off the bench at hooker or as backline injury cover.
Another utility player is Sam Cook who will spend his season in the NSW Cup as the team’s starting hooker/halfback.

Sneakdefreak’s starting 17 for round one against the Canterbury Bulldogs:
1.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Gerard Beale 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Adam Keighran 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Issac Luke 10. Adam Blair 11. Tohu Harris 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Jazz Tevaga
Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Leivaha Pulu

So after a drive back to Auckland, some beers and some KFC I still don't know if I'm happy, sad, angry, lost, confused, Nepia, apathetic after that loss.

The drive down to Hamilton - city of the past, present and ok, why not, future

Hitting the Auckland motorway at 2pm I felt I had avoided the wrath of Tongans making their way to Waikato Stadium and, judging from the hundreds of Tongan flags discarded all over the Southern motorway, I would have assumed correctly.

At the next Tongan supporters committee someone needs to point out that taping a flag to the outside of your car is great but not so great at 100kmph.

Traffic jams only happened once I got close to Hampton Downs. Apparently everyone wants to drive their gokarts and Kawasaki superbikes there on the weekend. Either way they blocked the one lane that leads to Hamilton.

I get into the Tron and think I’m smarter than the average Tongan by parking in one of the backstreets behind the main road. Oh Sneak, you cunning devil you I thought to myself as I slipped into Dyer Street only to find the street filled with Tongan supporters’ cars.

About 20 minutes later I park in the CBD area and realise that there are no parking wardens (probably conscripted in to help the police) and follow the loud noise of “DONGA” to the stadium entrance. No google maps needed.

Have to say the cops were a bit stressed out around the stadium and kept trying to start fights with the supporters which I thought was meant to be the other way round. Geez, these guys aren’t Samoans….

Waikato Stadium

Apart from the Glass House down south, I’ve always wanted to visit Waikato Stadium.

I’m a big fan of proper footy stadiums and I like the Maori aspects they put in it. If ChCh can't get a Glass House a version of Waikato Stadium with 35,000 capacity wouldn't be a bad option.

However, I can’t really see the stadium itself as it is drenched in red & white Tongan flags. Everywhere. And every two seconds the sound of “DONGA” is screamed out.

I make my way around the stadium to the main grandstand where I have a ticket in the top section on the halfway line.

Having driven from Auckland I'm feeling a tad peckish and choose to financially assist in the revival of the struggling provincial economy by purchasing some stadium food.

But I am surprised that all of the food outlets inside the stadium (at least in the main grandstand) take cash only. No eftpos.

Now, I understand that the Waikato is something of a backwater, and that banjos can be heard in the distance, but seriously? No eftpos? I thought this was the city of the future? Does eftpos not exist in this future or is the future an apocalyptic society?

Anyways.... I walk up to the top echelon of the grandstand and, truthfully, I’m expecting to see old rich Pakeha farmer-type Tories sitting up here, wearing cardigans with patches on the elbows, arms crossed, looking surly at the fact their beloved raa-raa stadium has been invaded by Polynesians in red and it now resembles a Labour Party rally.

Instead I walk out and am immediately swamped by frantically waved red and white flags and screams of “DONGA! DONGA! DONGA!”.

I lose my orientation for a couple of seconds as I’m engulfed in cheap Chinese flag fabric and it’s at this point a man starts to lose his mind.

This is what it must feel like to drown. I’m expecting my body will never be found by search and rescue when I manage to locate my seat, sitting down as Tongans are screaming “DONGA! DONGA! DONGA!” around me (yes, it turns out a Tongan ‘T’ does sound like a ‘D’).

I look to my right (I had an aisle seat) and there is a family of well dressed Tongans beside me.

They politely say hello and other pleasantries and I quickly click on that I’m sitting next to members of the Tongan royal family!

Now, I don’t know for a fact that they are actual members of the Tongan royal family but imagine the English royal family with Tongan accents. That was them.

Anyway, the game.

The Game (first act)

So the game, the whole and sole reason for visiting the Tron.

First of all, independent studies show that Tongans are big. Very big. And the whole Tongan squad were massive. The Kiwis weren’t small by any standards, they’re big too, but the Tongans as a collective, and I include the fans, were behemoths.

So the haka boogie gets us underway and the first half goes the way we all thought it would.

The Tongans are using their size to try and smash holes in the Kiwis defensive middle line and the Kiwis are using their spine (Leuluai, Johnson, Nikorima, Tuivasa-Sheck and Levi) to clinically cut through the Tongan defensive edges where they were sluggish.

The Tongan spine (Havili, Lolohea, Hingano, Hopoate and Katoa) were hopelessly outmatched this entire game.

The Tongan royal family next to me correctly pointed out that the Tongan attack for most of the game was predictable. If they did one thing that worked in one play, they would attempt to do it several times more even though it didn’t work ever again. They also noticed that the Kiwis knew the Tongans were weak defensively out wide.

Now I mentioned the Tongans were big and guys like Jason Taumalolo and Ben Murdoch-Masila are, but Kiwis forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona was the biggest of them all. When he came on the Tongan’s vaunted middle defensive group, including Taumalolo, really struggled to contain him.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Russell Packer also pushed the ball down field with hard straight-up runs. It is great to see Russell turn his life around and showcase the potential we all saw when he was a young pup at the Warriors.

Kiwis go into the halftime break up 16-2 and the crowd is still having a blast and expecting a comfortable Kiwis win.

Halftime show

The halftime show was a bit disjointed - as you would expect at a league tournament.
On one side of the field you had cute little Tongan kids attempting to do some Tongan dance. It was pretty shambolic with one little girl deciding she didn’t want to take part anymore and went looking for her mummy, one older boy attempting to steal the show by doing some Michael Jackson dance moves and the rest either remembering the routine or just standing there and shaking their hips wanting it to be all over.

On the other side of the field there was a Maori kapa haka group (from Tainui I guess) masquerading as Maori samurais. Armed with taiaha and facepainted to look like the Polynesian version of KISS they marched between sidelines which, cool on its own, looked odd as they were facing off against 8 year-olds from South Auckland.

Anyway, out come the players and onto the second half.

The Game (second act)

Kick off, we’re underway and both teams appear slow to start the second half.

The Kiwis were the worst of the two and paid for it when David Fusitua jumped above Watene-Zelezniak to claim the bomb and land on the tryline.

Not a great start but the Kiwis were talking to one another and you expected they would kick up a gear as the game progressed and it looked that way as the Kiwis spine led by Levi and Johnson continued to hit gaps and leave the Tongans scrambling.

The final 20 minutes approach and the Tongan royal family (again) point out that the Tongans are beginning to run out of gas. Their line is becoming fragmented, a sign of fatigue in league, and no one is leading the team around the park.
Case in point - the Tongans are within five metres of the tryline and Lolohea is running into dummyhalf only to be shoved out of the way by Konrad Hurrell who tries to go for the line and falls short on the final tackle. They had players open to Lolohea’s left.

HOWEVER, one thing the Tongan royal family didn’t notice was that the Kiwis appeared, APPEARED, to stop trying to attack down field. I have no clue if this was a coach’s call but they weren’t trying to score on most plays, just playing the territory game.

In the 60th minute it bites them on the arse when David Fusitua scores a second try and the lead is down to four points.

But again, the crowd still had the vibe that the Tongans would give up the ghost in the home straight and then Tui Lolohea scores a, well, fluke try off an interception and Tonga is front.

But again, the crowd is like “hey, this is fun but we know the Kiwis will hit the afterburners and win this in the end” but then Tonga score again off some poor defensive work by the Kiwis.

Now the Kiwis panic and get their arse into gear and respond with a Tuivasa-Sheck try (who was on fire in this game).

Four minutes to go and behind but you still think the Kiwis will win it until a Shaun Johnson pass to Brad Takairangi goes wayward, Tonga regather and end it with Fusitua scoring his hat-trick.

Game over and I, like most of the Kiwis supporters, quickly leave so to beat the Tongan traffic that will crashing its way up the Waikato Expressway to Auckland.

So now what?

So for Tonga, it’s a great win and if you want to lose it is to the Tongans who are very respectful unlike those blardy lippy Samoans. Will it make the international game more appealing? I hope so but I doubt it. The game is ultimately controlled by the NRL and the NRL wants to focus on Queensland and NSW instead of the bigger picture. This is a one-off moment in all likelihood.

For NZ, I think most fans are somewhat happy this has happened. For the past 18 months (maybe even longer) something has been rotten on and off the field at the NZRL. This could very well be their Ragnarok where everything is blown up, old powerheads are killed off, Taika Waititi is brought in to direct something better, and a more efficient organisation can run the game at all levels including the representative level.

Kidwell is gone as coach - we all know that - and unless this is the Kiwis doing a rugby league version of France at the 2011 RWC they will lose to Australia in the semi-finals. Heck, they might lose to Fiji in the quarterfinals against the great and mercurial 49er Jarrod Hayne.

But the roster they have is actually pretty good - even after the suspensions and defections. They just need new leadership at the top and an actual coach.

Was at the game and noticed a lot of people wearing brand new Warriors jerseys....

So much potential: Shame to see Isaiah Papali'i go down with a knee injury in the first 10 minutes of the game. Looks like he'll be out long-term. Leivaha Pulu came on though, played the rest of the game and was very effective with his offloading.

Breaking barriers: It's great to see the refs are using the simple eye test to determine what is or isn't obstruction. Last year there was about 25 steps in determining if a player was blocking a defender or not. This change is going to hurt a number of teams (including the Titans who had two tries called back because of obstruction) who were using the shady obstruction rules to score their points.

The real MVP: Tohu Harris was a nightmare for the Titans today. After getting a hospital pass from Shaun Johnson in the first five minutes of the game, Harris went on to terrorise the Titans edge defence. Harris > Hiku > Fusitua was too much for the Gold Coast 2, 3 and 6 that their 12 was having to come across to help out. That in turn opened lanes down the middle for guys like Lisone and Afoa. Harris also made the most tackles in the game. When Mannering returns it will probably free up Harris even more.

What about the other guys?: Gold Coast didn't have the great, mercurial (according to NRL 360) Ash Taylor. It wouldn't have mattered since although the Titans had the more possession, their edge guys, apart from maybe Konrad Hurrell, were struggling to get anything going. Even new signing Bryce Cartwright, renowned for his attacking ability, was making forward pass after forward pass.

Biggest mistake of the night: The guy shouting "Waaaarrrriiiorrrsss" from his car as he drove away from Mt Smart only to go right up the arse of another car.

Year 23. Another new chapter. Another minor clean out of the playing roster. Another new coach (although to change it up we’re also keeping the old coach). Another year of pundits predicting another rollercoaster season ending in yet more disappointment, and they’ll most likely be right. The most important thing for this team, this club, is to start the season with wins. That will be nigh-on impossible as the Warriors never win in the early rounds but nevertheless - just win baby.
That winning begins next Sunday when the Warriors face the broke Newcastle Knights, who are probably travelling to NZ in a large container aboard a flag-of-convenience ship just to save money.

Kia ora: Kieran Foran (Eels)
Ka kite ano: Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs), Shaun Lane (Manly), Jonathan Wright (Manly), Jeff Robson (Eels), Ali Lauititi (retired), Ben Henry (retired)

Fullback
Incumbent: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Challengers: David Fusitua, Tui Lolohea

Despite a knee injury keeping Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out for most of the 2016 season, Roger the Dodger will return not only as the starter but as captain too. The new role means he gets to argue with the refs and do all the media/promotional work while vice-captain Simon Mannering leads the team.
David Fusitua will be the back-up fullback after his break-out season last year in the absence of RTS. Tui Lolohea had moments of brilliance at fullback last season as well, but also moments of awfulness. Will need to work on his courage under the high-ball and when facing pressure from rushing defenders.

Wing
Incumbents: Tui Lolohea, Manu Vatuvei
Challengers: David Fusitua, Ken Maumalo

Both wing positions are up for grabs in 2017. Manu Vatuvei has been a club favourite for more than a decade now, but last year was a struggle and Stephen Kearney wasn’t afraid to tell regulars in the Kiwis squad that they were out of the loop. Tui Lolohea is a utility by name but appears to be best suited on the wing, especially when paired with Blake Ayshford. A place in this side will be needed for David Fusitua and wing is his next best position if he can’t play fullback. Ken Maumalo is the only other serious option for Kearney but it is well known that Big Ken wants guaranteed playing time. I predict a mid-season move for him if there are zero injuries.

Centre
Incumbents: Solomone Kata, Blake Ayshford
Challengers: Tui Lolohea, David Fusitua, Ken Maumalo, Matt Allwood, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Solomone Kata went from a much-maligned player in 2015 to a superstar in 2016. Kata worked hard on his defensive game and was explosive on attack, so expect his progression to continue. Blake Ayshford may not be the flashiest name on this list but he provides a veteran presence and, more importantly, had excellent chemistry with Tui Lolohea who is expected to be on the wing again. David Fusitua is projected by most NRL pundits to be starting at centre for round one - but only if there isn’t a wing spot available. Ken Maumalo, depsite having serious defensive flaws, will contend for the centre position too while Matt Allwood will spend most of his season in the NSW Cup. Utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad did make the 2016 NSW Cup Team of the Year as a centre and could be in with a chance if others struggle.

Stand-off
Incumbent: vacant
Challengers: Kieran Foran, Ata Hingano, Tui Lolohea

It was the risky move of the off-season but could be a steal of a deal for the Warriors. With Thomas Leuluai returning to SuperLeague to conclude his career, the Warriors signed the at-the-time-unregistered Kieran Foran. Foran had a worse 2016 than the United States of America with a bombed relationship, gambling issues, dodgy friendships and mental illness that resulted in an attempted suicide. Even if Foran struggles on the field - he is allowed to return to the NRL in round three - this one-year contract will still be a success if the Warriors can get Foran’s off-the-field issues sorted out. That will be a struggle early on, as it seems the Sydney media have been given orders to gun for Foran. Highly touted prospect Ata Hingano will start the first two games of the season, if the pre-season is anything to go by, while Tui Lolohea’s dream of starting in the halves appears to have ended.

Halfback
Incumbent: Shaun Johnson
Challengers: Kieran Foran, Nathaniel Roache, Ata Hingano, Tui Lolohea, Mason Lino

Can Shaun Johnson progress as a halfback or is this it? Is this as good as he can be? If that is the case it might be time to try SJ in the second-receiver role and move Kieran Foran into halfback though I doubt we’ll see that happen. Nathaniel Roache, Ata Hingano, Tui Lolohea and Mason Lino all provide depth.

Lock
Incumbent: Simon Mannering
Challengers: Bodene Thompson, Albert Vete, Toafofoa Sipley, Charlie Gubb, Ligi Sao, Jazz Tevaga

Simon Mannering was superb at lock last season, finishing second in tackles with 1042 (Jake Friend was first with 1279). But Stephen Kearney has traditionally played Mannering in the secondrow for the Kiwis, where he can shut down either the left or right edge, while opting for a wrecking ball at the back of the pack. Albert Vete, Toafofoa Sipley, Charlie Gubb or Ligi Sao fit that description and it should be expected that Kearney will try this at some point in the season. If Mannering plays in the secondrow, Bodene Thompson could move to the 13 jersey allowing him to work more closely with SJ since the two make a productive attacking tandem. Jazz Tevaga is an old school hooker/lock player who will provide cover for the lock position off the bench.

Secondrow
Incumbents: Ryan Hoffman, Bodene Thompson
Challengers: Simon Mannering, Ligi Sao, Bunty Afoa, Toafofoa Sipley, Jazz Tevaga

Ryan Hoffman has been stripped of the captaincy and, with Tohu Harris coming to Mt Smart in 2018, is playing for his career. If healthy, expect the Hoff to be one of the Warriors’ best players this season. In his two years at the club, Bodene Thompson has followed the same trend - strong start to the season both offensively and defensively, only to fade once July rolls around. If Bodene wants to make the Kiwis World Cup squad, he’ll need to maintain his performance for the whole season. Simon Mannering will be wearing a jersey with either 11, 12 or 13 on the back while Ligi Sao will be hoping to get any number on his back. Bunty Afoa is the only other genuine secondrower on the roster and should see a couple of games this season while Toafofoa Sipley, who had a promising debut against St George last year, is yet another prop who could see time in the backrow due to the long queue in the frontrow. Hooker Jazz Tevaga started his young career in the secondrow and could earn some gametime there as well.

Frontrow
Incumbents: Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman
Challengers: Charlie Gubb, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, James Gavet, Toafofoa Sipley, Isaiah Papalii

When it comes to the frontrow the Warriors have the quantity but do they actually have the quality? Over recent seasons there has been serious questions about the defensive attitude of the whole team with the edge defence taking a lot of flack. The edge defence improved last year, largely to the improvements of players like Solomone Kata and David Fusitua, but the problem still existed in the middle. The Warriors big men struggled to make simple tackles and could not get any go-forward with the ball. Rugby league is a simple sport where dominating the middle of the field will give your team huge momentum over the 80 minutes - YUUUGGGEE. Despite having elite props in Ben Matulino and Jacob Lillyman, the rest of the bunch have been mediocre at best. Charlie Gubb offers energy but lacks talent, Sam Lisone offers aggression but lacks smarts, Albert Vete offers smarts but lacks aggression, James Gavet is still - at the age of 27 - a diamond in the rough, while Toafofoa Sipley and Isaiah Papalii are both greener than Kermit the Frog. If Kearney gets the best out of the big boppers, and figures out a good rotation, the Warriors will be in the playoffs. If not, the Warriors will miss the big dance yet again.

Hooker
Incumbent: Isaac Luke
Challengers: Nathaniel Roache, Jazz Tevaga, Erin Clark

Speaking of the struggles up front, Isaac Luke didn’t help the cause by being a little fat Maori last year. He appears to be in shape this preseason and an energetic Luke is vital to the Warriors controlling momentum in a game. Nathaniel Roache grew more confident with every game last season (he played seven) but Jazz Tevaga will be Luke’s backup due to his tenacious defending and strong dummyhalf running (although Jazz’s passing skills need to be upgraded quickly). Erin Clark will star for the NSW Cup team in 2017.

Sneakdefreak’s best 17:

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck © 2. Tui Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Simon Mannering 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Bodene Thompson
Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. Albert Vete 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18th man: James Gavet

Everybody back on the bandwagon!

Loving Nicholls opening the batting (and Munro being dropped). Posted that suggestion a fortnight ago and it's good to be proven right. God I'm awesome. Smash that like button. I think I have heat stroke.

About time we started to distance ourselves from China - happy with that even if NZME, who have close "business" ties to China, aren't. The previous government got way too close to the Chinese Communist Party via their party donation/seats in parliament scheme which is why our allies viewed us as a weak link.

My old professor Robert Patman gives the best insight into the way China is trying to operate in the world: https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/382375/huawei-ad-hits-back-at-nz-govt-s-5g-decision

On a side note, if the CPC need someone to do their propaganda in NZ I can help. First tip: the fullback is never lifted in the line out

Warriors do well in the first half, shit the bed in the second. Seven-losses in a row but only one more painful game to go.

Some thoughts:

• They're shit.

Warriors win away.... in Perth?

Holy sweetbaby bajesus, the Warriors won in Perth!

The big take-away: Unlike last year, the Warriors looked like they were actually trying. This might be because, unlike the past several years, the Warriors looked match fit. Not fit-fit as in "how many abs do I have?" but match fit as in "I can play the full 80 if need be".
I'll be honest - without Mannering I expected the Warriors defensive middle to crumble. Yet it got stronger as the game went on. A lot of this was due to Isaac Luke playing his best game in a Warriors jersey so far, he was a pest with and without the ball. James Gavet also provided some much needed mongrel in the middle.

Players to note: The new guys all did their bit. Tohu Harris was Tohu Harris. Leivaha Pulu provided some experience off the bench. Peta Hiku was reliable and worked well with Fusitua (two awesome tries).
Blake Green was the obvious stand out and seems to be what Jeff Robson was suppose to be in 2016 - the straight man in Shaun Johnson's act.
Adam Blair made some dumb penalties and while Kata got sent off, it was Blair who put them in that position. There is a difference between playing dirty and playing smart. Luke and Gavet played smart today while Blair played dirty.

The real MVP: The MVP today was Isaiah Papali'i. It was about 20 minutes into the game that I remembered Papali'i was wearing the number 11 jersey and not Pulu. He's only 19 years-old yet was playing like a 10-year wily veteran.

What about the other guys?: As for the Bunnies, they looked buggered after 50 minutes. Alex Johnston was shit at fullback and probably played his last game there while the key playmakers were rusty.

WTF was that?: The breathing exercises the Warriors did after each try was very new-age and hippy. You know the Matty Johns show will be taking the mickey out of it on Monday. But hey, if it works soon all the teams will be doing it. I might even start doing it at work.

Took time out from work to watch the 49ers go 4-0 at my local pub.

Our running game is pretty much up there with the best as the Breida/Coleman combo provides them with speed and strength in both the running and passing game.

Browns QB Baker Mayfield must have rooted 49ers DE Nick Bosa's mother or something because Nick was hunting him all game. Mayfield finished with 100 yards passing, two INTs and a few fumbles thanks to the 49ers defence.

Only Patriots and 49ers are undefeated. Superbowl right there.

Grand Final will be Souths V Sydney City. It's rigged.

I've always felt it's better to have one owner than two (or 32 if you count all the Auckland rugby league clubs separately). Dunno anything about the Autex family except they have some history with Pt Chev Pirates.

@KiwiMurph said in NFL 2019:

Eli Manning's career looks like it is over. He has benched for rookie Daniel Jones.

If Danny boy shows he's ready to take over, expect Eli to be on his way to Jacksonville or NY Jets via trade.

UPSET!!!! Raiders go into Melbourne and pip the Storm 12-10 to get the bye next week.

Manly without Turbo Tommy are pumping Cronulla 18-4 at halftime. SJ has been terrible.

The Wahine Warriors get off to a good start in their WNRL competition by beating the Roosters 16-12 which is awesome because one of my colleagues plays for the Warriors.

@Cyclops said in NFL 2019:

@mariner4life said in NFL 2019:

@Sneakdefreak you've changed. I miss the annual "niners will make the Championship game at least"

Stoked it's back! Even though Denver look to be treadmilling this year.

Fucking Brady and the fucking Patriots will probably win, because they are the Melbourne Storm, BUT, it appears they may not have a cakewalk of a division this year, because, just maybe, whisper it, the Jets won't stink.

I would like the Chiefs to be as ridiculously offensive-sided as last year and win it that way.

Jets are a chance of a wild card if Sam Darnold takes another step. The problem is that ourccorners are woeful and we're almost as bad at edge. No pressure on the passer and poor coverage is a recipe for disaster. But just quietly this offence might be good enough to out score the opposition.

Le'Veon Bell should dominate opposition defensive scheming giving Darnold a chance to beat teams in the air. Bell and Montgomery are two of the best pass catching backs in the league. Anderson is a top 5 deep threat and has shown development as a route runner. Herndon is a match up nightmare and could just end up being the best playmaker on offense, and Enunwa and Crowder are both among the top tier of WR 2s in the league. If Gase is as good an offensive mind as his reputation says them this offence will be a nightmare to cover.

This didn't age well..... Sam Darnold is out indefinitely with mononucleosis aka the kissing disease.

Once Upon A Time in Hollywood: A long watch but this film really grew on me after I left the cinema and is easily the front runner for next year's Oscars. Leo and Brad are great together but Margot Robbie's performance as Sharon Tate has the Best Supporting Actress award in the bag. The theatre scene where she watches her own movie was fantastic. The pitbull is the real MVP by the way. 4/5

IT Chapter 2: Stays true to the book but not as scary as the first chapter because it focuses more on the characters as adults. NZ actor Jay Ryan plays the grown up version of the fat kid and does a decent performance. The scene in the Chinese restaurant is the best scene. Also, Stephen King appears in the film which I liked since I'm a fan of his writing. 3.5/5

Can't tell if Lamar Jackson is good as a QB or the Miami Dolphins are just that bad. One thing obvious is the Ravens are going to run the ball a lot which makes teams stack in the box and therefore open up the passing lanes for Jackson.

Seeing a lot of blow out scores, probably since none of the first teams played in preseason.

Browns are on the right path but this talk about them being contenders was crazy. Pittsburgh or Baltimore is winning that division.

Looks that way. Either way it's a total dick move by Brown.