Offload Preview - Warriors -V- Broncos, Round 2, 2007

The Matchup:
The New Zealand Warriors versus the Brisbane Broncos.
Sunday 25^th March, 4pm (NZT), Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.

History:
These two teams have a rivalry that goes right back to season one, round one. The Warriors have managed to beat the Broncos only seven times from twenty-one encounters. All seven victories have come during the last twelve matches, since the Warriors initial defeat of Brisbane in 2001.

Last Five Encounters:
2004, Round 22: Warriors 14-21 Broncos
2005, Round 2: Brisbane 12-24 Warriors
2005, Round 16: Warriors 30-18 Broncos
2006, Round 13: Warriors 18-23 Broncos
2006, Round 26: Brisbane 36-12 Warriors

Last Week:
In round one, the Warriors were decisive in putting the Parramatta Eels to the sword, running out 34-18 victors. Their first half effort was particularly impressive, and the went to the break with a 24-0 lead.

The Broncos did well to come back from a 16-6 half time deficit to draw level, before letting the Cowboys escape their grasp in the dying minutes. The final score was 23-16.

In The Engine Room:
In Steve Price and Ruben Wiki, the Warriors have a significant advantage when it comes to gaining metres. Against the Eels in round one, they gained 304 metres between them, Price in particular carrying on his impressive 2006 form.

For the Broncos, on the other hand, Dane Carlaw and Petero Civoniceva managed a respectable 216 metres, but Carlaw only contributed to 64 of those. He will need to provide more if the Brisbane backs are to reap many rewards.

Out The Back:
The Warriors found two of their new signings, Wade McKinnon and Michael Crockett, to be of particular use, as the pair started and completed attacking plays respectively. The Australians scored three of the Warriors’ six tries against the Eels.

Brisbane’s halves pairing of Shane Perry and Karmichael Hunt will be looking to make an impression in the absence of key playmaker Darren Lockyer. Hunt will especially savour the opportunity to perform well on New Zealand soil.

Injury Ward:
For the Warriors, Jerome Ropati has recovered from a hamstring injury, but has failed to make the first grade side, while Wairangi Koopu (shoulder), Louis Anderson (ankle), Patrick Ah Van (shoulder), and Aiden Kirk (knee) were unavailable for selection. Captain Steve Price fractured a finger the day before the match against Parramatta, but is still expected to lead the side against Brisbane.

The Broncos lost playmaker Darren Lockyer (ankle) and second rower Corey Parker (wrist) in round one, while David Stagg has yet to recover from a shoulder reconstruction.

Taking The Punt:
With Evarn Tuimavave joining the Warriors bench, it looks like coach Ivan Cleary is looking to turn this into a battle up front. If he gets his way, and Dane Carlaw performs similarly to the way he did last week, look to the Warriors backs to make easy metres around the tiring Brisbane forwards. Warriors captain Price will be looking forward to another opportunity to make his brother-in-law Brent Tate leave the field without two competition points. A wounded Bronco is particularly dangerous, but the Warriors should have enough firepower to put this stallion out of its misery. Warriors by 10.

Offload - Issue 1, 2007

Warriors Look Impressive While New Coaches Have Mixed First Round

The 2007 season of the NRL is well and truly about fresh starts. With the Gold Coast Titans entering the fray for the first time, numerous players have scattered far and wide to find new teams, new homes, and new contracts. But another group of people have been spinning the turnstiles into overdrive in the off season: coaches. Of the sixteen teams contesting the Premiership, only half have retained their head coaches from the previous season. The other eight, comprising of the Eels, Knights, Sharks, Roosters, Titans, Rabbitohs, Raiders, and Panthers, have a fresh face at the helm, and after one round they have brought about mixed results.

Only the Knights, (25-24 over the Bulldogs), the Sharks, (18-0 over the Panthers), and the Rabbitohs, (18-6 over the Roosters), were victorious in their first non-trial game under the helm of new coaches, but it is far too early to predict how these teams might fare throughout a full 25-round competition.

However, it could be said that the added stability that other teams have could count in their favour. Warriors captain Steve Price cited this steadiness as a contributing factor to the club’s opening 34-18 victory over the Eels.

With greater depth in the squad and a more believable desire to put together genuinely solid performances, the Warriors are already looking like potential top eight material. And with an even starting position in 2007, they are already six points ahead of where they were this time last year.

The game day experience has also improved, with local band The Black Seeds entertaining the crowd shortly after the Auckland Lions ran out 27-8 victors over the Paramatta Eels Premier League team. A three hundred member kapa haka group performed to a respectfully silent crowd who soaked in the impressive display, and fireworks were set off above the Eastern Stand shortly before the two teams took to the field.

All of these things are contributing to the atmosphere of seeing a game live at Mt Smart Stadium – an atmosphere that has waned over recent years.

With better performances on the field, and better entertainment off it, the Warriors are working hard to win back fans. A sizeable crowd for their round two match against reigning Premiers the Broncos would be just desserts for a solid pre-season from the players and staff alike.

Filling The Gap

In the wake of the heartbreaking Kiwis’ 2006 Tri-Nations loss to Australia, three veterans of New Zealand rugby league announced their international retirements. Nigel Vagana, Stacey Jones, and captain Ruben Wiki ended their international careers with a combined total of 139 tests between them. Wiki’s personal haul of 55 caps is a world record, and Vagana holds the New Zealand record for most international tries with a total of 19.

But it is Jones, affectionately known as The Little General, who will be missed the most. Many fans and media are concerned with the veritable abyss of talent and experience left by Jones’ departure, but this is not the first time New Zealand rugby league has experienced a sudden loss of a seasoned player in the halves.

The last time was in 1995 when New Zealand had just completed a somewhat unconvincing victory over Papua New Guinea with a 22-6 score line that flattered the Kiwis. This second and final group match at what is known as the Centenary Cup – the World Cup that was held exactly one hundred years after rugby league itself was born – allowed the team to progress through to the semi-finals against tournament favourites Australia.

The team was being guided around by legendary halfback Gary Freeman, who at the time held the record for the most international caps by a New Zealander, with an impressive 46 matches under his belt. He also held the world record for the most consecutive test appearances with a tally of 37, and the most caps as Kiwis captain, with 19.

Despite this, however, New Zealand had struggled in their two group matches. Their weak showing against Papua New Guinea had followed a 25-24 victory over Tonga that had only been decided by a Matthew Ridge drop goal in the dying moments. Even so, it came as a shock to many when coach Frank Endacott dumped Freeman from the side and promoted NRL rookie Stacey Jones to commandeer the side against the reigning world champions.

The teenager performed admirably, pulling New Zealand back from 20-6 down to equalise with only two minutes remaining in the match. Missed opportunities were costly, however, and Australia went on to win 30-20 after twenty minutes of extra time. Even so, an international star had been born.

And now, as Jones hangs up his black and white boots for not the first but probably the last time, let us examine his potential heirs…

Nathan Fien – Despite the controversy of ‘Grannygate’, Fien is likely to be back in the black and white once he qualifies through residency. However, he has played for both club and country in the hooking role, so becoming the Kiwis halfback is highly unlikely.

Lance Hohaia – Unable to cement a starting position for the Warriors, and being shifted between hooker and centre when he does eventually take the field, Hohaia remains a dark horse to take Jones’ place.

Thomas Leuluai – Despite a solid international debut in 2003, Leuluai has escaped the gaze of the selectors since his sixth appearance in the black and white. His skills continue to improve, but his Northern hemisphere location counts against him.

Benji Marshall – Somewhat injury prone and earmarked for the five-eighth position, moving Marshall to halfback would only create other gaps elsewhere.

Robbie Paul – At thirty years of age and rapidly approaching the end of his career, Paul is unlikely to still be playing by the time of the 2008 World Cup, where an established international will be needed.

Marcus Perenara – A somewhat forgotten player, Perenara performed brilliantly in the 2006 Premier League final, proving the difference as Parramatta defeated Newtown 20-19 in extra time. However, a regular first grade position will be needed before he is ready for international football.

Ben Roberts – A Bulldogs rookie with only six first grade matches under his belt, Roberts may prove to be in contention after a solid NRL season in 2007. A noted goal kicker, Roberts may also be able to kill two Kiwi birds with the one stone.

Jeremy Smith – Another rookie and Gary Freeman’s pick for the vacant halfback position, Smith’s move to the Rabbitohs may prove to be a masterstroke as he plays alongside experienced Kiwis in Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell.

Motu Tony – A versatile player who can play anywhere in the backline, Tony’s apparent inability to shake off the ‘utility’ tag and being based in England may count against him.

Sources:
http://groups.msn.com/PNGKumuls/
www.nzherald.co.nz
www.playtheball.com
www.rleague.com
www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=8270
www.wikipedia.org
www2.hunterlink.net.au/~maajjs/res/wcup1995.htm

***Published in Issue One of Super League Magazine, 2007***

Ineligible Guy

Ineligible Guy [Don McLean feat. D. Taylor]

The Nathan Fien debacle has been the talk of the Kiwis’ Tri-Nations campaign of 2006. Much has been discussed from both sides, including Selwyn Bennett’s famed “a grandmother and a great-grandmother are the same thing” defence – something akin to that of the Wookiee defence, no doubt. When I sat down with Don McLean the other day, he really felt we needed to write a song about it. Unfortunately, he had lost his guitar tuner, so we had to take his only hit song and rearrange the lyrics…

– D. Taylor, backstage, November 2006

To the theme of ‘American Pie’ by Don McLean.

VERSE:

Not so long ago

Nathan Fien put up his hand

To represent the black and white

A relative from Wanganui

Earned the call up from coach Bluey

And management said that was alright

But the rules said something other

The woman wasn’t his grandmother

The NZRL, they knew this

But they failed to construe this

The media, they raised the question

The Kiwis hid their indiscretion

Avoiding a full confession

T'was the day the Kiwis lied

CHORUS:

And I was thinkin’

Why why, the rules Bennett defied?

First he wrote them, then he broke them

Then he openly lied

He risked our title, putting it on the line

Vainly trying to save his own hide

Vainly trying to save his own hide

VERSE:

The Kiwis made a big mistake

While looking for a makeshift rake

And the Queensland-born lad they chose to take

They took the player by his word

And their defence was just absurd

Leaving Kiwi fans in their wake

Now Nathan Fien, he wasn’t valid

His selection made many pallid

The Aussies made a query

And were told “Oh, quite contrary!”

Selwyn Bennett played the fool

Misinterpreting his own rule

The NZRL lost the duel

Our integrity died

CHORUS:

Fat lady singin’

Bye bye, Fien, ineligible guy

Tried to fake it, didn't make it

And it just didn't fly

So we lost our points, and a lot of our pride

While all regrets Bennett denied

All regrets Bennett denied

VERSE:

The RLIF, they went to task

Because they were not afraid to ask

Why management was hiding behind a mask

We were found guilty by the board

And Bennett duly fell on his sword

In last year’s glory we could no longer bask

So they erased the points from our win

And punished us for our foolish sin

They sent Nathan Fien away

The Aussie hooker couldn’t stay

So we were left to fight alone

As Fien and Bennett were disowned

To defend our earned Tri-Nations throne

And roar a strong war cry

CHORUS:

The Kiwis screamin’

“My, my, it’s time to arise

Time for standing, now we’re banding

To the Aussies’ demise

Let’s make them bear the brunt of our mighty ire

Making amends for those up high

Making amends for those up high”

VERSE:

Well Nathan Fien, yeah, he'll be back

Wearing his chosen white and black

And adding starch to our attack

But for now we’ve got to fight this war

And fight like we’ve never fought before

To get international league back on track

They’ll do the talking on the field

Until the victory has been sealed

They’ll fight on with ambition

And beat their foes into submission

And the players I view as the best

Wiki, Jones, and all the rest

Will make the Kangaroos regret

The day the Kiwis lied

CHORUS:

And we were thinkin’

Why why, the rules Bennett defied?

First he wrote them, then he broke them

Then he openly lied

He risked our title, putting it on the line

Vainly trying to save his own hide

Vainly trying to save his own hide

Fat lady singin’

Bye bye, Fien, ineligible guy

Tried to fake it, didn't make it

And it just didn't fly

So we lost our points, and a lot of our pride

While all regrets Bennett denied

All regrets Bennett denied

The Kiwis screamin’

“My, my, it’s time to arise

Time for standing, now we’re banding

To the Aussies’ demise

Let’s make them bear the brunt of our mighty ire

Making amends for those up high

Making amends for those up high”

Copyright 2006 Kickoff Records. Available at all bad music stores, and one or two good ones may have been foolish enough to put it on their shelves, too.

What Are The Odds?

Soaking wet and cold from the wind and rain that so frequently accompany an Auckland winter, I watch as the two teams leave the field for the halftime break. I applaud my team before returning to the seat that I have been fortunate enough to call my own for the last eight years. Halftime entertainment has never really appealed to me, but occasionally a few balls are kicked into the stands, and I've never been one to turn down the opportunity to get something for free.

On this particular occasion, one of the balls actually starts heading directly for me. I can hardly believe my luck - in all the years of supporting my team, I have never had such a realistic chance at winning a prize. Everything around me morphs into slow motion and the noise of my fellow fans grow dull as I rise up out of my seat, the ball approaching, gently gliding and spiralling towards my outstretched hands. And then, just as it arcs back down towards my waiting arms, it is plucked out of the air by my vertically inferior wife who has been sitting in the seat to the very left of my own.

I am, of course, happy for her, although I can't hide the fact that I was so close and yet so far. And to make matters worse, this feat is repeated at the very next game! This time, however, it isn't my wife who catches the ball, but my father - the same man who only two years earlier suffered a double heart attack!

Instinctively, my gaze lifts to the skies, as if to question the very heavens about such bad luck. They smile back in a hollow manner, the clouds themselves almost shifting to form the words “tough luck, kid”.

But of course, the rugby league gods don't even exist...right?

Whether or not they do, superstition plays a major part in the thirteen man sport. Sometimes it takes the form of a lucky item, and often as a specific method of preparation. Sporting ‘gods’, ‘hoodoos’, and ‘bogey teams’ are quickly introduced as part of the ever present psychological battle that wages both on and off the field within the mind of every player in every team.

For example, Warriors rookie Grant Rovelli is always careful to ensure he has his favourite towel, adorned with the image of a tiger, with him in the changing rooms before every match. Comparatively, Penrith halfback Craig Gower has a five minute nap before directing his impressive forward pack and striking fear into the opposition.

Lesley Vainikolo takes a very different approach: "I have quite a strict pre-match ritual which I do before every game," says the Bradford Bulls winger. "I read three passages from the Bible. I then place it on my jersey before saying a prayer. I then kiss the Bible and put on my jersey. I've been doing that for the past three years."

Whether the towel, brief rest, or pieces of scripture actually affect a player's ability is debatable. But one thing is clear - they all make the buildup that much more important to the individual involved.

According to New York-based sports psychologist Richard Lustberg, such unorthodox methods of preparation are a coping mechanism designed by athletes in their eagerness to succeed.

“Athletes begin to believe, and want to believe, that their particular routine is enhancing their performance,” says Lustberg. “In reality, it’s probably just practice and confidence that’s making them perform better.”

Lesley Vainikolo shares the same view: “My faith is very important to me and it gives me confidence when I'm out on the pitch.”

And so, it would seem, rugby league coaches would do well to embrace such practices, such as when former Warriors coach Daniel Anderson who, while not a religious man himself, went to church with several of his Polynesian players in an open endorsement of their beliefs. So Craig Gower’s naps should be encouraged, along with fellow Panther Rhys Wesser’s habit of yelling before a match, because anything that builds a player’s confidence – and therefore increases the quality of football on the field – makes for a more exciting contest and a greater advertisement for the game.

My head lowers to a normal level, and I watch as the two teams return to the field. The rugby league ‘gods’ may not exist, but their influence is very real indeed.

If only they could help me catch a ball!

Sources:
“Bradford’s Volcano Talks Rugby League”, Lesley Vainikolo, http://www.bbc.co.uk/, 6 September 2005
“Some Lucky Charms Are Magically Delicious”, Jason Carney, http://www.psychologyofsports.com/
“Onward Christian Soldiers”, http://www.smh.com.au/, Jessica Halloran. 30 April 2005

***Published in Issue One of Super League Magazine, 2007***

Under Pressure

Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you
No man ask for

John Deacon’s all too familiar bass line emanates from the stereo speakers, accompanied by the snapping of fingers and the addition of piano chords. The same riff that was once used by Vanilla Ice spreads effortlessly throughout the room as I contemplate the reality that any mathematical chances of my rugby league team making the finals series are no longer a reality.
“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets

As the National Rugby League season draws to an end for the Warriors – and, truth be told, it was already over for a few less fortunate clubs – the final positions that each team will ultimately find itself in slowly becomes apparent. The twenty-six round game of musical chairs is finally nearing its end, and no song would make a more appropriate theme than that of the 1981 hit Under Pressure, performed by Queen and David Bowie – particularly with the upcoming finals series looming out of the approaching shadows of time.
"Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it's because you've started to think of failure." – Tommy Lasorda

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming “Let me out!”

For some teams, the pressure valve has already been released. With either no way to make the finals or no way to miss them, these teams are free to experiment if they wish to, and can play without the burden of do-or-die matches that could either make or break their season. This reality can transform even the weakest teams into formidable opponents.
“And there’s nothing more dangerous / than a man with nothing to lose / nothing to live for / and nothing to prove.” – ‘I Can See Now’, Dead Can Dance

Chippin' around - kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours

But for the teams that remain in the pressure cooker, the opportunity to soar even higher, and to ultimately claim the NRL Trophy – as well as the otherwise unattainable glory that a Premiership brings – remains intact. How they cope with the stress of finals football will be crucial. Will they hold firm? Or will they, like so many before them, fall away, to be left with nothing but their own regrets and memories?
“A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure." – Henry Kissinger

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming “Let me out!”

Having been backed into a corner, and with their backs against the Premiership wall, some teams will fight even harder than ever before. Indeed, for certain clubs, the added importance of each match will only cause their performance to improve; for new heights of playing prowess to be reached. It is these groups of players who will eventually rise above the rest.
"No matter how tough, no matter what kind of outside pressure, no matter how many bad breaks along the way, I must keep my sights on the final goal, to win, win, win -- and with more love and passion than the world has ever witnessed in any performance." – Billie Jean King

Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?

The season is nearly over. The chance to claim the NRL Trophy is within the grasp of so many, and yet all but one will fail. As a neutral fan, I am fortunate – or, perhaps, unfortunate, depending on which way one views the situation – to be free of the emotional roller coaster ahead. For my team, the curtain has closed. For others, the woman with the large waistband is warming up her vocal chords. But for the final eight teams, they are just a short distance from glory. Failure is no longer an option. They have but one chance.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!” – ‘Henry V’, Act 3, Scene I, William Shakespeare

This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure

“Courage is grace under pressure.” – Ernest Hemingway

Sources:
www.en.thinkexist.com
www.letssingit.com
www.shakespeare-literature.com
www.yahoo.com

Defining The Royal Flush Of Rugby League

I shift awkwardly, knowing that what is to come may be less than pleasant. I observe my opposition intently, my eyes frantically sending quick glances in all directions as I attempt to read their minds; to predict their next move and contemplate a way in which to counteract that in order to somehow remain dominant. The collar of my shirt seems to tighten around my neck as my nerves begin to take hold, and I refuse to make eye contact with my opponents, fearful that they will recognise my discomfort and take advantage of it. Instead, I do my best to appear confident at best, and stoic at the very worst, despite the fact that I can feel a single bead of sweat forming at the top of my forehead. I silently look across the green battleground at the other players and the crowd that collectively holds its breath in quiet anticipation. The man in charge starts the game, and I look at everything around me. There is no stadium, and there are no touch judges or goal posts.

Why? Because I’m playing poker.

I watch with anticipation as my cards are dealt, and I upturn the corners to have a look at what I have been dealt: a pair of aces, or ‘pocket bullets’ as they are referred to within the game. My emotionless exterior falters for just a moment as I consider the situation. For the time being at least, nobody else can have better cards in their possession. But that can change once the rest of the cards are dealt.

In Texas Hold ‘Em, a variant of the traditional five card version of poker that is rapidly growing in popularity, the rules are clear. Every player knows the best possible hand: a ten, jack, queen, king and ace of the same suit, popularly known as a royal flush.

In rugby league, however, such clarity is not nearly as apparent. Different players consider different things their potential rugby league ‘royal flush’: international duty; representing either Queensland or New South Wales in the State of Origin series; or even finding and holding a regular position while playing for their club. While these are impressive achievements, perhaps they are nothing more than pocket bullets: an easy answer to a potentially complex question. I believe there is another royal flush that, if applied correctly, can bring about an intimidating performance, regardless of the level of competition, or the importance of a match.

A♥ Commitment – A player’s performance can begin and end right here. How dedicated are they to the cause? A committed player will always give their all, even in situations that seem hopeless. For at least eighty minutes a week, these players are willing to put their bodies on the line for every inch of territory on the field.
"A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of coloured ribbon." – Napoleon Bonaparte

K♥ Trust – Psychologists all around the world say that strong relationships are built on trust. In rugby league, it means each defender can mark their opposite, knowing the player beside him will do the same. Too often, a lack of trust results in a player coming in to help defend against an opponent, while leaving another attacker unmarked.
"Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Q♥ Communication – Naturally married to trust, Queen communication is essential for effective teamwork. Each player must know their role and that of everyone around them in order for the machine to remain well oiled at all times.
"Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success." – Paul Meyer

J♥ Talent – Raw ability is an impressive attribute. Every rugby league player has it to some degree, but there are a precious few whose talent far exceeds that of the rest. These players are rare, but instantly recognisable.
"Natural ability without education has more often attained to glory and virtue than education without natural ability." – Cicero

10♥ Consistency – To play well once is good for the short term, but to perform strongly time and time again requires consistency, an all too elusive quality in top level sport these days.
"Part of courage is simple consistency." – Peggy Noonan

A team which exhibited all of these qualities would be a formidable team indeed. They would be my royal flush.

***Published in Issue Three of Super League Magazine, 2007***