Well, the boys have a big game coming up this Saturday night at 5pm when we take on the Raiders at home. Ricky’s mob have won their frst two games by beating the West Tigers by 30 points to 12 in round one, and just getting the win over the sharks 12/10 last weekend.

They will be out to redeem themselves in front of their home fans on Saturday and our beloved Warriors will be very disappointed with their own result over the weekend, even though we had the majority of possession we just couldn’t get over the white line. I think we completed about 40 sets, so we are at consistent and better in control than we have been.

Life goes on at Smart Stadium the offce is open the shop is open and has someSTOP great bargains available.THE PRESS!! If you fnd yourself at the stadium you might see and who are running the pathway and development programs at the Vodafone Warriors. There are currently around 60 boys involved and they train at every Monday and Thursday evenings.

The young men are aged between 15 and 18 and will be hoping to be involved in the junior representative program against the best Australian age group teams in 2022.In addition to the local coaches, trainers, and physios being involved, the squad is also getting coaching help from former Warrior who is teaching the players the fner art of the defence and wrestling techniques . HOLD ALL PRINTERS So there’s still activity at the club, I’ve been out a few times and I can tell you the guys are doing a good job with these young fellas especially when you consider the experience Tony Iro, Stacey Jones, and Adam Blair have all had in - they are all in very good care.

How nice was it to read about the wonderful actions of Addin Fonua- Blake and Ben Murdoch Masila helping out a lady in distress during the recent torrential downpours in .

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, enjoy the BIG read, and remember to support our mighty Vodafone Warriors this Saturday night as they take it to the !

Go the Vodafone Warriors! Sir Peter Charles Leitch KNZM QSM We wrote the newsletter ready to go on Friday before the match v’s Canberra, but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control it wasn’t able to be sent out.

Well - that turned out to be a stroke of luck! Who could wait 2 more weeks to write about the fantastic never say die effort from our mighty Vodafone Warriors as they produced the greatest come from behind win in the clubs history!

If you didn’t see it - I urge you to try and watch a replay or recording. It wasn’t a pretty frst half with our defence still trying to sort out the new combinations which allowed the Raiders score almost at will.

I have to be honest I never gave us much show winning with the injuries and suspension we had, and with the Raiders coming off two wins and at home in front of their fantastic crowd. Not only was the game one of the most exciting games I’ve watched in along time with the score up and down, but at one stage the Raiders were ahead 31 to 10.

I don’t know what Brownie (Head Coach Nathan Brown) said to the boys at half-time or whatever me old mate Laurie Hale (Manager) put in to their water, but gee the lads came out fring in the 2nd half.

There was a controversial call from referee in relation to a forward pass - but in his defence, he was right there in line with the pass and saw it differently to the television commentators - either way, it goes somewhat of the way to making up for the odd occasion over the years we had calls go against us.

This game had everything, action, excitement, controversy and never say die. When the Warriors scored at the 77 minute mark to put them ahead 32-31 and slotted the goal with 79 minutes on the clock. The Raiders went for a short kick and managed to regather the ball, with slick hands and 10 seconds left dived for the corner fag only to have the ball knocked from his hands by Captain Fantastic Roger Tuivasa- Sheck. One of the best try saving efforts you will ever see.

I’m sure our loyal fans that fronted up at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday night would’ve had a ball celebrating in the corporate lounge and I can tell you my phone went crazy text messages phone calls emails and social media and that hasn’t happened in a long time

To be honest on Saturday night I was that excited I couldn’t get to sleep till the wee hours so it’s fair to say I am one very happy Butcher this week. Bring on the roosters this Saturday 5:30 pm NZ time. The roosters will be fred up after losing to South over the weekend 26/16 But our guys will be pumped up after that magnifcent win and ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

Match report and photo’s Pages 20 & 21

Go the MIGHTY Vodafone Warriors! Sir Peter Charles Leitch KNZM QSM WARRIORS START 2021 WITH A WIN by a Fan in the Stand

The NRL is back for 2021 and our Warriors started the season with a good old fashioned grind against the . Played in what has been described as sweltering conditions both sides appeared to labour under the heat and humidity. I liked what I saw from our forward pack - they played a power game up front taking on the Titans marquee men in David Fifta and Tino Faasuamaleaui.

A lot of noise was made when both signed with the Titans and big things are expected of them this season from the Titans club and their fans.

But the Warriors have also done well in signing Ben Murdoch-Masila from the UK where he was fearsome with his hard running and stout defence. Despite having limited game time during this frst hit out, he showed touches of promise bending the opposition back with his trademark charges.

Addin Fonua-Blake another astute signing, also showed why he is much vaunted and now much missed by the Manly Sea Eagles. Only 25 years old he should be the cornerstone of the Warriors pack for some time to come.

Euan Aitken often goes unnoticed and under the radar for his efforts. But this game showed even with limited touches he still managed to rack up 132 metres and 16 tackles with no misses. A late ankle injury may have him sidelined for a few weeks though.

Throw in to this mix and we have the makings of experience and class, Sironen scored the frst try of the season with a hit and spin close to the line and was not to be denied.

Given the conditions at hand, the Warriors looked to play a power game up the middle with limited opportunities for the likes of David Fusitua and to shine and do what they do best especially on the kick returns.

A barge over try was followed up by a try to Kodi Nikorima who collected a smart offoad from who came on and ran hard and straight each time he got the ball, reminding me of old mates Iafeta Paleaaesina and Hitro Okesene.

Chanel Harris-Tevita was great on defence whacking , but his 5th tackle kicking options need work alongside his game management. Its only game one and I’m sure he will get better as the season rolls on. All in all.. a good day at the offce and pass mark for the frst outing: STARTING 2021 WITH A WIN…

Photographs courtesy of the Vodafone Warriors RUGBY LEAGUE 2021 MAGAZINE

The latest issue of the NRL / Warriors magazine is now available to read online by clicking the following link www.oliverlee.co.nz/rugbyleague2021

The latest issue of the NRL / Warriors magazine is now available to read online by clicking the following link www.oliverlee.co.nz/rugbyleague2021 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? with… CARL HALL

What does the Otara Scorpions, , , , Canterbury, , XIII, , Doncaster, Bulls, , York Knights, Moseley, State Francis (), Fiji Bati (Pacifc Cup), and Samoa all have in common?

Carl Hall has played for them all.

Somewhat of a Rugby League gypsy, Carl Hall a Kiwi kid who loved to run like the wind and has seen it all.

A colourful and larger than life character, Carl was born with Rugby League in his veins. His father Len Hall played for Ellerslie and Auckland during the 1970’s before moving to Australia. During his formative years Carl played for the Mount Albert Lions where it was obvious he was always destined for higher honours.

A regular selection in age grade Auckland teams was followed by selection in the national sides both Junior Kiwis and New Zealand Residents. A stint in Christchurch saw him represent Canterbury Bulls in 1987 - coached by - the team that famously beat Auckland.

A short stint with Newcastle Knights followed before heading to England on a Junior Kiwis Tour, it was here that his old mate convinced him to sign with Doncaster. Fast forward several years and several clubs including successful stints with frst division clubs Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Northern, Carl eventually found his way back to Doncaster where the club was in fnancial turmoil.

Rumour has it he bought the club from its owners for one quid and a handshake, but he won’t admit anything other than to tell you, “the RFL said it's down to you, sort it out or Doncaster are gone.”

Suddenly the boy from Mt Albert had now become the frst Kiwi to own a semi professional English Rugby League Club. It was said (perhaps unfairly) that Doncaster was an ugly little place with beautiful people. It was where Hall got his frst chance in English Rugby League so it holds a special place in his heart, and no matter what it took, he was going to see it right.

Alongside his friends in the UK Shane Millar and Craig Harrison and the local townspeople and businesses the club rose once again like a phoenix from . With smart advice back then from people he calls friends: Tony Kemp, , the late Brian McLennan, and family back home in Auckland, the club was rescued. No longer the owner, but still the Chief Executive, he has given the people of Doncaster something to be proud of and built up a reputation for getting the job done. Recently he was voted by his peers within the RFL to the position of Vice President for a 2 year term. The upcoming organisers have given hosting rights to the Doncaster Club and named them as ‘hosts’ to the Samoan team.

No longer a gypsy - Carl frmly has his roots in Doncaster, he now has Directorship positions on several trusts and foundations working with young athletes, boxers, cricketers and footballers. Not a bad effort for a young kid from Mt Albert. BREAKING NEWS…

Images from in , current home to the Vodafone Warriors. With much of NSW under a “once in 100 year” rainfall event much of the State is underwater as you can see from the before and after shots. The Warriors are away this weekend against the Canberra Raiders GIO Stadium.

KARL LAWTON

WARRIOR # 229

APPEARENCES: 32

DEBUT: ROUND 9 2018 GC TITANS

TRIES: 6

Lawton Granted Request for Release The Vodafone Warriors have announced has requested and been granted a release from the fnal year of his contract to join another NRL club.

The 25-year-old Lawton is side-lined for most of the 2021 season after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left leg during a training session with the club’s Australia-based squad in Kiama in December.

“We’ve reluctantly agreed to Karl’s request given he has an opportunity to join another club for the next two seasons,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.“We’re really grateful for what he has done for our club on and off the feld over the last three years.

We wish him all the best in his recovery from this injury and look forward to seeing him resume his career.” WHERE ARE THEY NOW with… Iafeta Paleaaesina

Talofa and Hello,

It’s Iafeta (Feka) Paleaaesina here. Hope everyone is keeping well and safe. A big thank you Sir Peter Leitch for the opportunity to share a little bit of what I’ve been up to.

I’m still in England going on 16 years now since I made the move from Beautiful New Zealand.

I’m married to my wife Michelle and we have two beautiful children. Our boy Caleb is 12 and loving his rugby league, he plays for Cottingham Tigers and he is in his frst year of High-school. The Paleaaesina family. Photo courtesy of Feka

Our daughter Savannah is 9 and she has me tied around her little fnger as I’m sure all the Dad’s out there can relate. Rugby League has been good to me and given me opportunities where I have made some Brothers for Life with team mates I’ve played with. It has let me see the other side of the world as well as living my dream job as a professional rugby league player for 17 years. Since retiring at the end of the 2017 season I have been working for Hull FC as the player welfare & education and team manager.

The legend was the General Manager with Hull FC at the time and I shadowed a lot of the great work he was doing when I was still a player and learnt a lot from Motu.

It helped make my transition from player to staff a lot smoother in the role I’m currently doing today and grateful to Motu Tony and Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson.

I can honestly say I don’t miss playing the game but I just enjoy watching the NRL, Super League matches and the best part is I get to watch my son play the game that has given me everything and help shape the man I am today.

I will always cheer on OUR Mighty NZ Warriors and they are looking a Real force this 2021 season!!!

Much Love & God Bless Iafeta (Feka) Paleaaesina

Iafeta Paleaaesina Warrior # 93 Debuted Round 15 2001 Played 83 games Scored 8 tries

2006-2010 145 appearances for in the UK Competition. 2011-2012 45 appearances for Salford Reds 2013 15 appearances for grizzlies 2014-2017 30 appearances Doncaster ROUND 2 v’s NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Report courtesy of Christopher Reive NZ Herald

Defence in itself might not win games, but it goes a long way in deciding how the story unfolds.

The Newcastle Knights beat the 20-16 on Friday night, despite spending much of the game defending their own line and being forced to make over 100 tackles more than the Warriors.

It was a tight encounter throughout the contest, but the Warriors were left ruing one that got away when Newcastle centre Bradman Best cut through the Warriors' Wade Egan denied by the bunker what looked certain to be a try right-side defence like a knife through butter and put his winger away for the deciding try. The Warriors had the better of the possession and territory, but were unable to convert those into a victory. The night didn't start well for the Warriors, as left centre sent the opening kick-off out on the full, but the Knights couldn't capitalise on the feld position gifted to them.

It was soon a similar story for the Warriors, who went right onto the attack with three consecutive sets inside the Knights' half, but after earning two set restarts through goal-line dropouts, their third attempt at opening the scoring died when winger David Fusitu'a was carried over the sideline.

Instead, it was the Knights who got things ticking over on the scoreboard through hooker , who caught the Warriors' defensive line napping and dashed over from close range after 20 minutes. While they were impressive early, the Warriors' defensive line was lethargic at the midway point of the frst half, and the team lacked intensity, which seemed to be an ominous sign.

Bench forwards Ben Murdoch-Masila, Bunty Afoa and Leeson Ah Mau made sure that wasn't the case, instantly lifting the energy of the team when they were introduced. Murdoch-Masila was rewarded for his effort with a try in the 30th minute. After a penalty put the Knights ahead once more on the stroke of halftime and Hunt scored his frst of two tries soon after the restart, the Warriors again had to play from behind.

However, when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck eventually found a way to plug himself in the attacking line, it paid off instantly with the captain assisting on two tries down the left edge to give the Warriors the lead. It looked as though they would be able to hang on for the win with just fve minutes to go, before Best brushed off his counterpart and set up the fnal try. HARRIS-TAVITA OUT WITH FOOT INJURY by Richard Becht & Photosport nz

Vodafone Warriors halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita is expected to be side-lined for an extended period with a foot injury. The 22-year-old will have scans tomorrow to establish the full extent of the injury to his left foot picked up in the club’s tight 16-20 loss to Newcastle in Gosford on Friday night.

Harris-Tavita joins new centre on the casualty list; Aitken is out for 8-10 weeks after having surgery following a high ankle sprain in his left leg while making his club debut in the Vodafone Warriors’ season-opening 19-6 win over Gold Coast. THE VIEW FROM AUSTRALIA by Barry Ross - Correspondent

While the Warriors may not be the favourite team of many Aussies, they are certainly the second favourite side of most, if not all Australian league fans. Even supporters of other codes know the huge sacrifces made by all connected with the Warriors over the past year or more. If they did not agree to be based in Australia, the NRL competition might not have been able to proceed in 2020 and again this year.

While there are no on-feld favours given or expected, all of the players and administrators from the other clubs realise they are indebted to the New Zealanders.

Fox TV commentator, Steve Roach (20 Tests) was emphatic that the game owes the Kiwi club big time. “ They have been wonderful, “ said Roach, “ and everyone connected with our game should never forget how much they have given. It would be terribly hard to be away from your family for so long and I don’t know if I would have been able to handle it, I am amazed at their commitment.”

It was pleasing to see the Warriors begin this season so well. They were easily the better side against the Titans and were deserved winners. The mistake rate was low in very hot and humid conditions and all players did more than was asked of them.

Even though the penalty count was only 6-5 in their favour, it was good that this aspect of the game went the Warriors way. There were times last year when I thought some referees were too harsh and inconsistent in the whistle blowing in Warriors matches. With three tries to each side, the boys were unlucky to lose the second game but again they showed they are the real deal. This time the penalty count went against them although this had no impact on the result.

Broncos development player, Reece Walsh will join the Warriors on a three year deal from next season. He is still only 19 and has represented Australian Schools and the under 18 State of Origin team.

At Suncorp Stadium on 5 June 2019, he scored one of Queensland under 18s six tries in their 34-12 win over the NSW under 18s. A brilliant attacking fullback, he grew up at Tweed Heads on the NSW- Queensland border and attended Keebra Park State High School at Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Walsh should be an ideal replacement for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Credit must be give to Cameron George and his team for snaring the young Bronco. Like everyone else, I am sorry to see Roger go to the dark side, but let’s not be too harsh on him.

He has been a wonderful servant to the game and to the Warriors. With only a handful of games to go before he reaches the 100 frst grade game mark for the Warriors, the Otahuhu junior is the only Warrior to win the Dally M medal as player of the year, which he did in 2018.

His running metres each game is tremendous, while both his on-feld and off-conduct is frst class.

After beginning his NRL career with the Roosters on 27 July 2012, the Warriors game with Newcastle on Friday night was his 180th NRL game. The All Blacks will gain a great player and person. NSWRL has given the green light for Group 9 to revive the Maher Cup early 100 years after the frst game was played on April 10 this year, when the two original teams, Tumut and Gundagai, meet at Tumut. From 1921 to 1971 the Maher Cup was a major part of NSW Rugby League, It provided drama, disputes, protests, scandals, violence and political intrigue, for the supporters, players and administrators of the teams involved. n The frst Maher Cup game was played on 17 August 1921 at Tumut, when Gundagai beat Tumut 11-4. Fifty years later at Young on 5 June 1971, the last Maher Cup match was played with Tumut beating Young, 43-4.

The centre of the Maher Cup area is probably Cootamundra, with Wagga the most southern club and West Wyalong the most northern. Over the years, more than 3,300 players appeared in Maher Cup games, with 40 Australia players ( 27 imported mainly from Sydney and 13 locals) and one Kiwi Test star, (29 Tests), with Harden-Murrumburrah in 1963.

The Maher Cup challenge games were played on a Saturday with the two teams then backing up the next day to play their competition fxtures. Cootamundra were the most successful of Maher Cup teams with 138 wins from their 224 games.

Without doubt the best of all Maher Cup players over the 50 year span was Eric Weissel, who played 8 Tests for Australia and was a member of the 1929 Kangaroo tour to England. Despite many good fnancial offers from Sydney and English clubs during his career, he remained playing bush football. Born near Cootamundra, he was named as one of Australia’s greatest ever 100 players in 2008.

Altogether, Eric played 66 Maher Cup games for 54 wins and a success rate of 82 percent. There are eight teams in the 2021 Group 9 competition and these are the Tumut , the Temora Dragons, the Young Cherrypickers, the Albury Thunder, the Gundagai Tigers, plus three teams from Wagga - the Kangaroos, the Brothers and the South City Bulls. WHERE ARE THEY NOW with…

Kia Ora Butch, awesome to hear from you, here’s a little bit of what I’ve been up to since retiring.

Making my NRL debut for the NZ Warriors in 2006 against the West Tigers, I went on to play 173 games for the club.

Moving to England with my family, I then went on to play 43 games for the Huddersfeld Giants in Super League.

We then moved to to pay for Olympique where I played 14 games, and of course I played for the Kiwis - 13 Tests in all.

I also represented New Zealand Maori Rugby League. Warrior #131, Sam Rapira - 173 games I retired from at the end of the 2017 season due to injury. We came home to New Zealand in 2018. In 2019, we moved to a place called Manaia which is 15 minutes from the Coromandel township. At present I’m studying to be a teacher, and loving life back in New Zealand. WARRIORS SQUAD DEPTH

COMES IN TO PLAY by Richard Becht

Week-to-week survival in the NRL isn’t just about having elite players in key positions but equally about depth across the squad. Now, after just two rounds of the 2021 NRL season, the Vodafone Warriors need to look to their back-up players as the competition’s attrition rate bites early. They lost a frontline player in the since-departed Karl Lawton to a long-term injury in the offseason, leaving them with only one established frst grade hooker in Wayde Egan as they headed into the campaign.

That predicament looked even more precarious when Egan picked up an elbow injury in the club’s only trial against the Titans in February. He recovered to line up in the season opener against Gold Coast only to be forced off the feld after a head knock; he didn’t return but came through all the protocols to face the Knights and underlined his value with an 80-minute display which included a team-high 55 tackles with just one miss. The Vodafone Warriors will doubtless need him for more 80-minute stints until they’re able to shore up their reserves. While Egan escaped time off in the frst two rounds of the season, the Vodafone Warriors have been hit hard in the backline in successive weeks. First new centre Euan Aitken was ruled out for up to 10 weeks after a high ankle sprain in his club debut against Gold Coast; he’s now a week into his recovery after surgery. And all too soon the Vodafone Warriors were landed with another signifcant setback when 22-year- old halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita fnished his 28th career appearance with a stress fracture in a metatarsal in his left foot. It’s a tricky injury needing surgery which will keep him out for up to 12 weeks. To add to the casualties, regular starting prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been suspended for three games after taking an early guilty plea on a crusher tackle charge he landed from the loss to Newcastle. So, from starting the season with what appeared to be a healthy squad – Lawton’s injury excepted – frst-year Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown suddenly fnds his resources somewhat depleted going into a demanding run of away fxtures against Canberra this Saturday and the on Easter Sunday (April 4). Which brings the squad’s depth into play earlier than would have been preferred. The capable Adam Pompey answered the call as Aitken’s replacement for the Newcastle contest, slipping straight back into the impressive form he showed in 2020. As well as scoring a try that put his side right back in the battle he made 125 metres from 15 runs, three tackle breaks and 14 tackles. , and Rocco Berry are other options while Bayley Sironen has also covered the centres in the past. WARRIORS SQUAD DEPTH

COMES IN TO PLAY (Cont) by Richard Becht

With Harris-Tavita out for so long, Brown has another left-footed half available in offseason signing Sean O’Sullivan, who boasts nine NRL appearances for the Roosters and over the last three seasons. Paul Turner is another contender, making a big impression in his NRL debut last season. In the pack, too, there are various possibilities with Taunoa-Brown out. One is new recruit while Josh Curran, , Jackson Frei and are also considerations depending on how Brown wants to shape his pack and bench. Another is Pride Petterson-Robati, recently signed on after being on a train and trial deal. Unlike last year’s closed shop circumstances, the advantage this season is that those players not on NRL duty have a playing outlet with feeder club Redcliffe in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup. When the competition opened last weekend, Evans, Frei, Curran, Ale and Petterson-Robati all had invaluable game time helping the Dolphins to a 30-28 win over the . Similarly, NRL squad players Turner, Berry, Montoya and Perham lined up in the backline along with development players Viliami Vailea and Edward Kosi. WHERE ARE THEY NOW

with GORDON GIBBONS by Sir Peter Leitch

Every now and then in life, we meet someone who can only be described as one of life’s “good bastards.”

And that is the only way I know how to describe this bloke - a true gentleman, great family man and Rugby League just runs through his veins.

He always has a smile on his face and always stops to talk to everyone.

So, it was great to catch-up with my old mate Gordon Gibbons the other day, as most of you will not be aware, he is no longer at NZRL.

Due to this terrible Covid epidemic that the world and New Zealand is going through, for commercial reasons, Gordy was very reluctantly let go by the League, as have so many other people around the country who have suffered a similar fate.

With having so many contacts after many years in various corporate roles, it wasn't long before he was picked up by Red Badge Security who offered him a three months contract as operations coordinator for the America's Cup security team.

That role, of course, is now fnished after Emirates Team New Zealand retained the Cup.

So in true Gordy Gibbons style, he went ‘outside the box’ and studied up to become a celebrant to offciate at weddings and funerals. He has now completed the process and has been certifed so if any of you leaguies are looking at tying the knot, get hold of Gordy as I know he will do a ripper of a job.

He can be contacted on 021 912927, tell him the Butcher sent you. RUGBY LEAGUE CARES… Christian Pese Give-a-little Fundraiser

Fundraiser launched for Christian Pese

Earlier this month 18-year-old Christian Pese suffered a stroke while playing for the South Island against Auckland Blue in the NZRL National 20s, and right now continues to fght for his life in hospital in Christchurch.

Most of Christian's immediate family are from Auckland, while his older brother Caleb is currently working to get home from Australia to be by his side.

A Give-a-little fundraising page has been set up to help support the Pese family through this tough time. Please show that the Rugby League Community cares:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE WHERE ARE THEY NOW with… JUSTIN MURPHY

G’day everyone Justin Murphy, Warrior # 92. Just sharing a little about myself and what I’ve been doing…

I spent 4 years at the NZ Warriors from 2001 to 2004 then moved to France at the end of 2004 where spent 5 years and fnished my playing professional playing career with . I also meet my wife got married and had our 1st born Ayanna in France.

At the end of 2009 we decided to move back to Australia to be closer to my family work opportunities with the Family business a Pub just outside of Toowoomba with the best steaks in Australia. While in Toowoomba our family expanded with the arrival of daughters Indie in 2011 and Isla in 2013.

After spending 10 years in Australia, I returned to France in 2019 joining Toulon Marlins as coach which was a great experience in an area where Rugby Union and Soccer are the major .

Rugby League is fairly unknown and we introduced it to schools and were progressing well until Covid-19. During this time It was complicated for the club and myself and I had an opportunity to return to and the Catalans Dragons.

I am grateful to return to this club with many great memories for me. I was apart of the club as they were preparing for entry into Super League and in the historic 1st team with Stacy Jones also playing in Final at Wembley.

My role at Catalans is varied from coaching the Reserve team, assisting the Super League team and also development in schools and clubs. Development is a role I enjoy aiding in creating pathways for young French players to progress and achieve in many different areas.

In France we have a lot of work to do to catch up to the big countries like New Zealand, England and Australia but if we can convert the passion into performance over the next few years we may well see a French renaissance!

Moving back to France was defnitely a big decision as we were well established in Australia but to see to see how well the girls have adapted to speaking fuent French and enjoying the lifestyle is very pleasing and we are defnitely happy with our decision to live in France. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT.. WARRIORS STAR’S ACT OF CHIVALRY

Warriors props Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila helped an elderly woman change a car tyre in pouring rain on Tuesday morning.

The hulking NRL stars were spotted roadside at Tuggerah, on the NSW Central Coast, replacing the fat tyre in a lovely act of chivalry.

They were on their way to training and walked in soaking wet.

Warriors consultant Phil Gould confrmed the incident when contacted on Twitter by an eyewitness.

Both Fonua-Blake and Murdoch-Masila, weighing in at a combined 241kg, are new recruits for the Warriors this season.

After helping the woman, her husband called in to the Warriors camp to thank them and ensure they not be fned by the team management for being late.

The New Zealand team, based on the Central Coast due to travel restrictions, have started their season 1-1. WHERE ARE THEY NOW with… TEA ROPATI

Having retired from professional rugby league in 1999 with the Warriors, Tea who also played with the Newcastle Knights and St Helens in the UK lives in Auckland, the place he calls home. He also represented both New Zealand and Samoa during his playing days. Today he supports vulnerable disadvantaged communities, primarily working with youth. Tea is tenacious, resilient, and patient, and he has grown a positive mindset in the face of challenging adversities. the Ropati family as ‘a modern-day family displaying more than just sporting ability but a family demonstrating resilience and a desire to overcome and beat the odds no matter what’. He has excelled in and has a degree in Psychology from Massey University, with a keen interest in cognitive behavioural therapy. He has worked in Community Development for nearly twenty years with a dedication to helping vulnerable people transform their lives.

Tea Ropati - with his son George, and his father-in-law He is a father of four sons and a Roger Bailey, a former Kiwi and Rugby League legend in daughter where family plays an his own right having played 30 tests for New Zealand - celebrating George’s debut for Mt Albert Lions in integral role in his life. Auckland. He and his 7 siblings were raised by a Samoan father and NZ mother in the South Auckland suburb of Otahuhu. The Former Prime Minister David Lange described Tea believes everyone can build resilience and brings this to his clients through his practice and as the Executive Director of social services provider The Koru Trust. He also believes that the Mad Butcher meat over the years has given him Super powers that allowed him to achieve the things he has so far in life. Thanks Sir Peter!! ROUND 3

v’s CANBERRA RAIDERS by Holly Hazelwood NRL.com Last-ditch heroics by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck helped earn the Warriors a slim 34-31 win over an injury- ravaged Raiders at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

The home side fought bravely – down to just 14 men for 65 minutes of the game, and they still found some energy to try to steal the victory when Jordan Rapana was stretching out for the corner with only seconds left on the clock.

Tuivasa-Sheck's reach was that little bit longer, knocking the ball from the winger's grasp.

Three minutes earlier and Warriors centre Adam Pompey had put the Warriors in front with their ffth second-half try to claw back the Raiders' 25-6 Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s face sums up the emotions halftime lead.Canberra played much of the game with felt after the big win against the Raiders. only one healthy interchange player after Joe Tapine (ankle), Ryan James (HIA) and Sebastian Kris (HIA) were ruled out of the game.

Up by 19 at the break the Raiders looked a strong chance of pulling off a miracle. However, a controversial last-pass call before Ben Murdoch- Masila scored in the 59th minute and Tuivasa- Sheck's last second heroics saved the game for the Warriors.

Addin Fonua-Blake capped his 100th NRL game with a surging run through the Raiders' middle giving the visitors an early 6-0 lead.

Tapine was helped from the ground after just 10 minutes suffering ankle ligament damage. Canberra’s bench depth was tested dramatically with Kris and Adam Pompey - scores in the corner to give the Warriors the James' departures. lead Against the run of play the Raiders managed to cross the line with showing his strength close to the line to breath some life back into the Raiders campaign. The Warriors enjoyed the perfect start to the second half with Kodi Nikorima fnishing off a fractured play, with a stirring individual run to make it 25-10.

An early shift left to the left for Canberra saw them in open space, with a kick ahead by allowing Elliott Whitehead to win the race to the ball for the Raiders ffth try. A try under the posts to Bayley Sironen narrowed the Raiders lead further before Ben Murdoch-Masila scored reducing it again (31-22). Tuivasa-Sheck scored himself as the visitors got to within three (31-28) with 11 minutes left.

A Warriors fan leaves the ground quietly celebrating the Pompey capitalised on the tiring Raiders defence to greatest comeback in Warriors history. snatch the lead with 90 seconds left ROUND 3 v’s CANBERRA RAIDERS photos courtesy of Vodafone Warriors FROM THE FANS v’s CANBERRA RAIDERS

My name is Lloyd Whitelaw, I’ve been a massive mighty Warriors Supporter since before (93 - 94) their acceptance into the NSW/NRL in 1995.

I’ve seen some good wins and bad defeats.

But today’s game vs the Raiders I personally thought we were gone at half time. The Raiders were putting in a full effort even with a limited bench down to 1 player (but I still had a little bit of faith).

Boy’s came out for the second half and fought out ONE OF THE BEST MASSIVE comebacks in all my years of supporting the Boys.

Massive Congrats to Brownie, Staff and ALL THE PLAYERS!!

CHECK OUT THE CHAT ˝

Don’t forget to follow Sir Peter on Instagram and check out the chats he has with former and current stars of the game as well as fans of the game.

You can see his latest with and Norm Stevens an unsung hero of our great game. NEW AUCKLAND U20 CUP NAMED AFTER AUCKLAND LEGEND

The will further strengthen its pathway for young players in 2021 with the formation of a new U20 competition called the Cup.

Carrying the name of 28-Test Kiwi and Auckland legend Filipaina, the competition will kick off on May 9 and run under a representative format, meaning participating teams will all be run by the ARL and players will remain registered to their own existing club. It follows on from the launch of the NZRL National 20s Competition this year which saw Auckland enter two sides.

An open trial will be held on Sunday, March 28 at Cornwall Park and interested players are asked to register by clicking here. ARL chief executive Greg Whaiapu said the competition will allow players to play in their own age group and remain with their own club, while he pointed to recent evidence of the demand for a competition like the Olsen Filipaina Cup.

"Earlier this year we saw just under 150 players turn up to trial for two Auckland U20 teams, which in itself shows the interest levels," Whaiapu said. "It's important we offer those players, and others who didn't trial but are out there, a meaningful competition which allows them to enjoy their rugby league and develop around other players their own age.

"Teams won't be selected on a regionalised basis, so players from across Auckland will have a chance to play with each other and there will be an even spread of talent across the competition.”

Filipaina said it was a huge honour to have the competition carry his name and offered up some simple advice that he hoped participating players would take onboard.

“Never give up on your dreams, the sky is the limit,” he said. “It’s an honour for my family and I to have this named after me and for me it brings back all the great memories I have of playing league in Auckland.” THANKS BUTCH from some of team at Hokitika Rugby League

Left to Right: John Fleming U11s player, Mila Heney U5s player, Hunter Heney U9s player and myself.

Hi there Butch

Thank you so much for your generosity and sending us some goodies for our annual children's day advent.

We have lots of interest with the kids and also signed up some new kids to play in this year's upcoming season, so that in itself is awesome. We really appreciate everything you do for our little club.

I will keep you posted with how our club is going. All the best to you and your loved ones.

Yours sincerely Sarah Heney