Sir Peter Leitch’s Mad Butcher Club AT MT SMART STADIUM, HOME OF THE MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS

19 February 2015 Newsletter #60

Taking a selfie with the fans. legend Ruben Wiki was in big demand in Rotorua.

Shaun Johnston was a big hit with the , Sam Tomkins, Albert Lewis Brown and . fans in Rotorua, they just love him. Vete, Ngani Laumape and Marata Two good mates catch up after the Niukore. game. Panthers Hit-out Highlights Defence

HE Vodafone Warriors had a decent hit-out in Rotorua, Tand I have to thank everyone who went along to the game, because the crowd was very good for a trial. This little man cheering Wonder what he’s I thought our defence was very good and we coped with for the Warriors. thinking? everything the Penrith Panthers had, and we also looked pret- ty good going forward at times.

It was far from perfect, but that is what trial games are all about, giving young players a chance to show what they can do, and allowing things to be tried out, and combinations to Photos courtesy of play together. www.photosport.co.nz Black Caps Going Well in-house trial against the Voda- Your Chance to See All We Have fone Junior Warriors at the Luke Well the cricket got off to a good Tipene Celebration Day. start, with the Black Caps contin- Our season preparation continues uing their good pre-World Cup this week with a trial at Papakura “We’re still finalising the absolute form, easily accounting for Sri on Saturday, and it presents a very detail on how we will run the Lanka in the tournament opener. rare opportunity. trial on Saturday but it will be a really solid hit-out,” said Mc- I have to be honest and admit I Almost every player contracted to Fadden. “We’ll certainly have a couldn’t care less about any other the club will be on show. full-strength squad and there’ll be team. There is only one side I am plenty of contact.” interested in – my team, the Black The first outing is the NYC under Caps. 20s squad, who will play a trial While the day will be vital for the among themselves from 12.30pm. Vodafone Warriors’ NRL, NSW Like the rest of the country I am The very best of the club’s upcom- Cup and NYC sides, it doubles as a really hoping they can go all the ing talent will be on show in that community carnival for the club. way and lift the Cricket World one, and then at 3pm the Voda- A full range of activities will be on Cup. fone Warriors NRL squad will play offer for kids, while there’ll also against the club’s NSW Cup team. be a chance for members and fans Scotland, as most of us thought, to get up close and personal with presented little in terms of real That might be a lot more com- their favourite players. As they did challenge, but fair play to them, petitive than you think, because after the trial in Rotorua on Satur- they dug in really well after a players from the NSW Cup side day, the players will go around the shocking start and put up a decent will be looking to impress coach ground signing autographs and fight. Andrew McFadden and state their meeting fans. claims for a place in the full NRL We did labour to get over the top squad. There’ll be a sponsor and com- of them and Radio Sport went munity activation area with Smile berserk with all the doomsayers, And what is more remarkable Dealers on location to take photos predicting all sorts of catastrophe about all that, is that you can see of members and fans. this Friday when it might all be it at Bruce Pullman Park for just a different against England in Wel- gold coin donation. Counties Manukau Rugby League lington. will be on site registering players I certainly can’t recall ever having for the 2015 season. But winning ugly is still winning seen the club’s entire roster on and it is two from two and time to show in one place at one time, so Later on Saturday I know some of really get out and support Bren- it is quite unique. the players are going to Mt Smart, don McCallum and the boys. but this time they will be paying to Coach Andrew McFadden is com- get in! They tell me they are quite Blues Feeling Blue mitted to using a strong line-up excited about going to see The Foo this Saturday. Back in contention Fighters. My Blues got off to their custom- will be and Nathan ary ordinary start, going down to Friend who were both on NRL All the Chiefs, and to be fair, plenty Stars duty last week, while captain of sides will do that. But it would Simon Mannering, Jacob Lillyman Our Australian correspondent have been nice to start with a win. and Konrad Hurrell could also be Barry Ross challenges you to name involved after missing the Rotorua as many 70’s rugby league stars as At least I got to see my good trial. you can. Find the Sydney Morning friend, former All Black Jimmy Herald quiz here: Cowan, make his debut in our New signing Jonathan Wright is colours, complete with a flash new another set to play. He had his http://bit.ly/1ABClLx hairdo. first outing for the club in the New South Wales Cup side in an Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 2 Luke’s Memory Honoured Glenora club team against a Voda- The NRL Community Carnival fone Warriors Academy side that is now in its 15th year, with more The league community did Luke got home 26-10. than 250,000 students projected to Tipene proud when huge num- receive visits from players over the bers turned out to honour him at You Can Still Help four-week campaign throughout Glenora’s Glen Eden ground last February. week. I got a wonderful email of thanks for helping promote Luke’s day, The message of this year’s event is The Luke Tipene Celebration Day from Brother national retail sales wellbeing, focussing on everything involved Glenora, the Akarana manager Sean Wilson, who tells from nutrition and healthy eat- Zone, the ARL and NZRL, and the me the day raised more than ing to the importance of regular Vodafone Warriors, uniting as the $10,000 for kids who need help exercise and its effect on mental ‘community in league’ for an event just getting football boots, and health. to remember a young man who who are struggling to pay for had his life taken on November 1 league fees, just as Luke did. last year. It really was a great day so my And Luke would have loved it, thanks too to all involved. You can with the focus of the three match- still make a donation if you want: es on playing the game. Account Name: Every vantage point around Har- Luke Tipene’s Trust “Helping old Moody Reserve was packed, Others” and over the course of the day it’s Account Number: likely 3000 people were there at 03 1509 0279555 00 some stage, among them Simon Mannering, Sean tells me that although Luke’s mum Terry could use the money Konrad Hurrell, Tuimoala Lolo- herself, especially for a headstone, The photo shows Botany MP Jami- hea, Ken Maumalo, Raymond she is a selfless soul and really Lee Ross saying thanks to The Faitala-Mariner and Sam Lisone. wants all the money to help others. Mad Butcher for their support for the Botany Summer BBQ. It was a real carnival, with en- More Community Duties for The tertainment for kids, an array of Boys This was an inaugural event that food, music and more. saw over 700 people attend the And then there was the league, The Vodafone Warriors continue Flat Bush Hall where families played in good spirit in front of their school visits after last week’s enjoyed the Mad Butcher BBQ, Luke’s mother Terry Wilson and tour of Rotorua, making their way bouncy castle, face painting, mu- her family. to schools in Auckland on Friday. sic, pony rides, Chinese dragon dancing, police and ambulance The Vodafone Warriors contribut- The NRL puts a lot of effort into displays, horse rides and a petting ed four teams in the three match- the Community Carnival, and the zoo. es. A selection from the wider Vodafone Warriors do too. NYC squad took on Glenora’s Fox The Highbrook Rotary Club Memorial squad, shooting out to In the past week about 30,000 cooked nearly 1,000 Mad Butcher a 30-4 lead before holding off the students were reached in Australia sausages over 3 hours. fast-finishing Bears to win 30-26. and New Zealand, with some par- ticularly special visits undertaken The club’s New South Wales Cup by clubs including Manly in the side – coached by drought-affected town of Moree, – faced the best of the NYC-eli- and the Eels visit to 1000 students gible players, winning 36-14, and in Alice Springs. the last match featured Luke’s Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 3 Great People Reach Out to Say What a lovely surprise to come function. Thank You home to.” Maori Television may also be You will recall the newsletter Christie McNeil-Melville attending to do a story on the day, offering a double season pass to so Howie and the Taranaki Rugby the Vodafone Warriors as a prize. Ian and Christie, what can I say? league are expecting a big crowd. I am delighted that it has gone You’re very welcome. to a really deserving winner, Ian 9.00am - Powhiri Ryberg. I could tell you why I am 9.30am - Managers Meeting so pleased, but I will let Ian tell the 10.30am - Pikiao v Western Sub- story himself, since he made my urbs day by reaching out to say thank 11.45am - Taniwharau v Whiti Te you. His email is below: Ra 1.00pm - Sponsors Luncheon - “Many thanks for the call telling Juniors Game me I had won the double season 1.45pm - 3rd v 4th Playoff pass. Finances are a little tight at 3.15pm - Final present so I was not able to renew 5.00pm - Aftermatch function my full membership this year, Battle for League’s Big Prize 6.00pm - Aftermatch dinner so winning these is fantastic. We 8.00pm - Function have spoken briefly at various My mate and former Kiwis great Warriors events over the past few Howie Tamati has been in touch Countdown years (I was on the bus with you about a big Champion of Cham- going down to Hamilton for the pions league tournament on Lock it in, our first game of Bulldogs game last year for exam- Saturday, February 28 at Ngamotu the 2015 NRL season is against ple). I have attached a photo of Domain in New Plymouth. Newcastle on Saturday, March 7 me taken at the 2013 Xmas Party (6.30pm kick-off NZT). at Mt Smart - I’m the big guy on The tournament started last year the left of so you may and was first hosted in Huntly, recognize me. Many thanks Sir with teams from Pt Chevalier Lets get behind and support the Peter and go the mighty Vodafone Taniwharau (Waikato), Pacif- Woolston Rugby League Junior Warriors! ic (Bay of Plenty) and Waitara Fundraiser and bid on the Kiwis vs Ian Ryberg (Taranaki) competing, with Pt Australia 100th test jersey donated Chevalier being the eventual win- by Gary Clarke. And just so you know, I got loads ners. of entries for the competition and Please follow the link below: I thought I would drop a note to This year see’s two teams from http://bit.ly/1LamiFN everyone who entered, sending the Upper Central Zone and two them a Vodafone Warriors head- from the Mid Central Zone, Tani- Any enquiry’s contact: band. I got an email back from wharau and Pikiao (Bayof Plenty) Fleur Barker one of our many readers, and I making the journey south along Woolston Rugby League thought of how pleased I was that with Whiti Te Ra (Manawatu) who 021 169 3066 she too took the trouble to say will be making their way north, thank you. It means a lot, because with local club Western Suburbs as you all know, the newsletter is a Tigers (Taranaki) playing host. real labour of love. It promises to be a fun-filled, ac- I emptied the letterbox when I got tion-packed day of league. home from work and found the usual junk mail and water bill. So There will also be game day en- imagine my delight to find an en- tertainment, food stalls, a junior velope from you! Thank you very curtain-raiser, kids games and lots much for the Warriors’ headband. more, followed by an aftermatch Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 4 Join Janice and I at: The Gap is Closing in Sports By Ben Francis

RELAND did not see it as an upset, but for the third cricket World Cup they have upset a big name team, IPakistan in 2007, England in 2011 and now the West Indies. I predict there may be another one in this cup.

We are seeing smaller teams all over the world putting up bigger fights, causing upsets, and play-offs not decided until the last game.

The gap between the elite and the minnows is closing for many reasons.

What we saw from Auckland City was a prime example, a semi-professional football cub beating some of the world’s best - Moghreb Tetouan, ES Setif, Cruz Azul - all the best from their respective confederations, was remarkable to witness.

It’s due to the quality of players, many of whom have played lots of football overseas, and who are now men- toring the youngsters in the squad.

Coaching staff get the leeway to assemble squads with players they want, which is what Phoenix head coach Ernie Merrick and Warriors coach Andrew McFadden have done, and what you see from the likes of Chip Kelly from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Greg Popovich from the San Antonio Spurs.

Coaches are building squads with players they believe will not only help them win, but bring different styles to the team.

Basketball fans are seeing a new way to win - playing as a team. The San Antonio Spurs are a team with no superstar, instead they play team basketball and it’s proven to be a winning formula every season since 1997- 98, delivering five championships.

Things are different on the international stage but because athletes are developing more at club level, when it comes to the international stage, things are getting more competitive.

As sport continues to grow and change, if we have learnt anything, leagues will only get more competitive.

New Zealand Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker is back in the ring March 5th at the Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau. He faces American challenger Jason “The Technician” Pettaway, a bullish, aggressive fighter who is renowned for his skilful counter-punch and slick ring movement.

Tickets are on sale now, from just $39 at www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 6 Christchurch Starved of top Class Footy By South Island Correspondent John Coffey QSM

HE majority of league fans in Christchurch have they beat Gt Britain 18-14. In fairness to the NZRL, Tnever heard of Steve Noyce. But when he parted however, the 2011 Anzac Test was scheduled for the company with the Cronulla Sharks last October it city, only for the second earthquake to force a trans- was a black day for the South Island. fer to the Gold Coast.

Noyce was responsible for more NRL matches being So it was all the more disappointing to read in The played in Christchurch than any other official on Star recently that the Penrith Panthers have been either side of the Tasman. He was chief executive of frustrated in their attempts to negotiate with the city three Sydney clubs that all visited within a 10-year council to bring matches, coaching clinics and school period while he was in charge. visits to Christchurch for the next five years.

When Noyce was the boss at the Wests Tigers they The Star reported discussions began as long ago as played “home” fixtures against the Vodafone War- late 2013. Exasperated Penrith chief executive Justin riors at Jade Stadium for three consecutive seasons Parsons said he had never known such procrastina- from 2004, with Benji Marshall as the star attraction. tion. Penrith has a similar agreement with the NSW Noyce kept bringing Marshall and his mates even country town of Bathurst. after they had won the 2005 grand final and were ma- jor attractions on home territory. City council events development manager Rich- ard Attwood told The Star the council was working In 2010 he was the head honcho of the Roosters, so it through a process. He suggested an answer might was probably no great surprise that they also played a be another month away. It surely took less time than home game against the Warriors at Jade. that to take a damaged Rugby League Park away from our game, build the current 18,000 seater AMI And what a game that was. More than 20,000 turned Stadium and give it to rugby. out in atrocious wet, cold and windy conditions to see the Warriors win 20-18 thanks to a try-scoring Penrith’s home game against the Warriors in 2015 is treble by fullback Kevin Locke. You might recall not until round 23, in late August, and venues and Locke’s sickening collision with a goalpost in scoring kick-off times have yet to be finalised. But by the the spectacular match-winning try. time an answer emerges from the council the Pan- thers might have had to look elsewhere. Noyce did not seem to mind that the fans were cheering for the Warriors on all of those occasions, Only last week Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel nor that the 2006 victory over his Tigers was the first screamed “Christchurch is back” into a microphone by the Warriors in an NRL match on New Zealand during the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony. soil outside Auckland. Maybe she should ask her staff why Christchurch is not yet “back” on the NRL calendar. The 2010 and 2011 earthquakes wrecked that stadi- um but Noyce was not deterred. He still brought the Sharks to the city as part of their preparation for the 2014 NRL Nines, and it was a fair bet he was plan- ning on staging an NRL fixture in Christchurch as early as this season. And by the way, a big shout out to my At the time Noyce was quoted as saying: “We heard mates at Factory Frames who do all my the Warriors don’t do too much in the South Island framing and a terrific job every time. so there is an opportunity for us to help them (the If they’re good enough for the Butcher, league community) out a bit.” they’re good enough for you! Check them out at www.factoryframes.co.nz Christchurch has been starved of top-class league. 22 Apollo Drive 72 Lunn Ave We last saw the Kiwis in the 2006 Tri Nations when Mairangi Bay 0800 488 488 Mt Wellington Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 7 Win 1 of 3 Double Passes to the Parker vs Pettaway Fight

To be into win 1 of 3 double passes to the Parker vs Pettaway fight just send a stamped, addressed envelope or postcard to me in the mail with your name, address and phone number on the back to the address below.

Win Boxing Tickets P.O Box 54295 The Marina 2144, Manukau, Auckland

Drawn on Sunday 1st March

Even I have purchased a Warrior Proud Membership and here is my Invoice to prove it:

A better deal than a free Mad Butcher sausage!

Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 8 Breakers vs Wildcats By John Deaker

EDRIC JACKSON’S stunning three-quarter Having the Breakers assured of being back in the fi- Ccourt buzzer-beater to claim victory over Perth nals series in the coming month is a relief for all New in double-overtime at the weekend will have put Zealand basketball as much as it is for the team itself. ANBL players and fans on notice that with Jackson They might technically be a franchise but in many back the Breakers are back as genuine title contend- ways they fly the flag for New Zealand basketball ers this year. There’s no doubt that Jackson was sorely on both sides of the Tasman. The amount of media missed last year as the Breakers finished the season coverage the sport receives is incomparable to what it well down the table in 7th position. received before they entered the league back in 2003. The great work that Breakers players and manage- Jackson’s return to the team after a stint overseas had ment do in schools and clubs to promote basketball already been very noticeable this season, but Sun- has also been very significant. day night’s winning shot by him emphasised how important his X-factor will be as the Breakers head Sunday night’s win over their Perth was particu- into the finals series. People often talk about basket- larly special as it’s the first time the Breakers have ball coming down to the final shot but the victory had a 4-0 win record over them in a season. The at the weekend was as exciting finish to a match as two arch-rivals have been the winner of the last five you could hope for. Breakers’ Assistant Coach Paul ANBL Championships between them. There is hotter Henare called it “The best game I’ve ever been a part competition than ever for the title this year though of” , which is a big call for someone who has been with Cairns and Adelaide both appearing to have around basketball as long as him. good shots at breaking up Perth and New Zealand’s dominance. As a team the Breakers have always prided them- selves on being a side that’s not reliant on one indi- Ironically, their amazing victory at the weekend vidual. But as the ANBL league has got stronger it’s probably wont make any difference where the Break- become even more important to at least nearly match ers finish for the regular season. They’d need to beat some of the star-quality that other top teams possess. table-toppers Cairns by more than 25 points in this Before leaving the club to pursue his NBA dream, week’s final match of the regular season for it to have Jackson was the MVP for the ANBL in 2013 (as the extra significance. What the win has done though well as the finals series that year) where his play was is it’s got people talking about basketball again and crucial to them securing the historical three-peat of reminded us how important the next month is for ANBL victories for the club. the Breakers AND all of New Zealand basketball.

2015 Vodafone Warriors Anarchy Jersey

Available exclusively from the official online store at Mt Smart Stadium - our alternative training jersey is made in our core colours of black, red and grey.

Original design inspired by combat sports clothing and incorporating stylistic tattoo graphics.

This garment is a replica of what our team will be wear- ing for training and at our trial game at Bruce Pulman Park on 21st February. Made from a strong mesh fabric that is specially designed to wick away sweat during Available at: tough games. Features the CCC on the right chest and www.warriorsstore.co.nz the 20 Years Vodafone Warriors logo on the left chest.

Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 9 Photos from My Week

Lyla Carter’s 90th Birthday Granddaughters Birthday

It was my granddaughters birthday on Monday so we took her out for lunch. My daughter Julie, the birthday girl Kristen (24), my wife Janice, and our other daughter Angela and I all had a lovely luncheon.

Lyla’s son, Guy preforming at his Mum’s birthday.

Amy and James’ Wedding

This young lady Lyla Carter had a birth- day on Sunday and would you BELIEVE she turned 90!

One very proud Grandad our The happy Bride and The happy couple with mate Dexter. Groom Amy and James James’ Mum and Dad on on their wedding day on their big day. Waiheke. They both look fantastic.

Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 10 There is Still a Chance to Win 1 0f 2 Signed Kiwis Jerseys*

To be in to win 1 of 2 Signed Kiwis Jersys* just send a stamped, addressed envelope or postcard to me in the mail with your name, address and phone number on the back to the address below.

Win Kiwis Jersy P.O Box 54295 The Marina 2144, Manukau, Auckland

*One jersey is signed on the front and the other is signed on the back.

Drawn on Wednesday 4th March Last week we printed the wrong email. If you wish to subscribe Whoops... or unsubscribe please email Stephen Maier at [email protected]

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The Newsletter Team

Here is the team that help me make the newsletter each week. Between us we make the newsletter happen - and like everything it’s a team effort.

Sir Peter Leitch David Kemeys Hayden Woodhead John Deaker John Coffey Barry Ross Ben Francis Editor Editor at Large Graphic Designer Correspondent Southern Australian Northern Correspondent Correspondent Correspondent