1 00:00:09,133 --> 00:00:12,733 Speaker 1: You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow 2 00:00:12,813 --> 00:00:18,613 Speaker 1: this and our Wide Ranger podcast now on iHeartRadio The 3 00:00:18,653 --> 00:00:22,733 Speaker 1: Big League Podcast podcast News Talks EDB. 4 00:00:23,733 --> 00:00:27,093 Speaker 2: This week on The Big League Podcast, Warriors Chief executive 5 00:00:27,093 --> 00:00:30,613 Speaker 2: Cameron George joins to reveal the secrets behind their record 6 00:00:30,693 --> 00:00:33,613 Speaker 2: breaking run of sold out home games and to give 7 00:00:33,653 --> 00:00:36,893 Speaker 2: more details on the new Warriors pub. New Zealand Herald 8 00:00:36,933 --> 00:00:40,093 Speaker 2: writer Alex Powell comes in off the interchange to discuss 9 00:00:40,133 --> 00:00:43,493 Speaker 2: Friday's tussle with the Raiders, what changes need to be 10 00:00:43,573 --> 00:00:46,813 Speaker 2: made and Luke metcalf as bank training in the Wars 11 00:00:47,053 --> 00:00:48,333 Speaker 2: are going to Las Vegas. 12 00:00:48,373 --> 00:00:51,893 Speaker 3: How good. My name is Nathan Limb. Let's go the 13 00:00:52,133 --> 00:00:52,933 Speaker 3: b LB. 14 00:00:53,493 --> 00:00:55,813 Speaker 2: We're very lucky to be joined on The Big League 15 00:00:55,813 --> 00:00:59,293 Speaker 2: Podcast for the very first time by Warriors Chief Executive 16 00:00:59,333 --> 00:01:00,093 Speaker 2: Cameron George. 17 00:01:00,133 --> 00:01:02,173 Speaker 3: Cameron, thanks so much for your time. How are you? 18 00:01:03,573 --> 00:01:03,813 Speaker 4: Yeah? 19 00:01:03,893 --> 00:01:04,533 Speaker 5: Well, thank you. 20 00:01:05,013 --> 00:01:06,213 Speaker 4: Thanks for the advite. 21 00:01:06,333 --> 00:01:08,213 Speaker 3: Caeron the crowds this year. 22 00:01:08,413 --> 00:01:11,973 Speaker 2: In a massive talking point, you've sold out every home 23 00:01:12,053 --> 00:01:14,893 Speaker 2: game so far. Can you talk a bit about what 24 00:01:14,973 --> 00:01:17,733 Speaker 2: the how you found and how the organization I suppose 25 00:01:17,973 --> 00:01:20,573 Speaker 2: has found the reception this year after all of the 26 00:01:20,613 --> 00:01:22,133 Speaker 2: success in twenty twenty three. 27 00:01:22,453 --> 00:01:24,973 Speaker 3: To be selling tickets like you are this year, what's 28 00:01:25,013 --> 00:01:25,493 Speaker 3: it been like? 29 00:01:27,453 --> 00:01:30,893 Speaker 4: Yeah, look, it's it's awesome. You know, to be involved 30 00:01:30,893 --> 00:01:34,173 Speaker 4: in an organization where you know, you emotionally connect with 31 00:01:34,213 --> 00:01:37,933 Speaker 4: your fan base and the experience they get at Gay 32 00:01:38,013 --> 00:01:42,453 Speaker 4: Media Stadium is not to be missed. And it's just 33 00:01:42,733 --> 00:01:45,933 Speaker 4: the energy of the excitement. You know, you can feel 34 00:01:45,933 --> 00:01:48,093 Speaker 4: it when you're walking to the stadium. You can feel it, 35 00:01:48,613 --> 00:01:51,293 Speaker 4: you know, three days out when that you know, everyone's 36 00:01:51,333 --> 00:01:54,693 Speaker 4: talking about it. You know after each game tickets you 37 00:01:54,813 --> 00:01:58,173 Speaker 4: sell really quickly, and it's just so exciting for our 38 00:01:58,213 --> 00:02:00,613 Speaker 4: team both on and off the field. That works so 39 00:02:00,733 --> 00:02:03,413 Speaker 4: hard to see the support that's there. But we certainly 40 00:02:03,453 --> 00:02:06,373 Speaker 4: don't take it for granted. We've got to be innovative, 41 00:02:06,813 --> 00:02:10,893 Speaker 4: we've got to be excited by change, and we've got 42 00:02:10,933 --> 00:02:13,173 Speaker 4: to work extremely hard with our creative planning. 43 00:02:13,893 --> 00:02:16,533 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean from an organizational perspective, if you look 44 00:02:16,533 --> 00:02:19,093 Speaker 2: at your marketing, your sales teams, this must be a 45 00:02:19,133 --> 00:02:22,293 Speaker 2: huge source of motivation the street. You don't I'd imagine 46 00:02:22,453 --> 00:02:23,973 Speaker 2: you don't want to let it slip. You want to 47 00:02:24,053 --> 00:02:26,653 Speaker 2: keep this going as long as possible. Is that a 48 00:02:26,653 --> 00:02:29,053 Speaker 2: big motivating factor. And you mentioned the change there. What 49 00:02:29,573 --> 00:02:31,853 Speaker 2: change and innovation have you got in the works. 50 00:02:32,413 --> 00:02:34,933 Speaker 4: Yeah, we're always looking at what we can do better 51 00:02:35,053 --> 00:02:37,733 Speaker 4: in respect to the experience. The whole philosophy for us 52 00:02:37,933 --> 00:02:41,573 Speaker 4: is high energy, high engagement. As soon as you walk 53 00:02:41,613 --> 00:02:44,133 Speaker 4: in the stadium, you know you're going to have fun, 54 00:02:44,213 --> 00:02:45,733 Speaker 4: and you're going to have fun with your family, You're 55 00:02:45,733 --> 00:02:48,373 Speaker 4: going to have fun with your friends, and that's what 56 00:02:48,413 --> 00:02:49,973 Speaker 4: we want, and we want them to go home and 57 00:02:50,013 --> 00:02:52,173 Speaker 4: sell the message to their other friends. It couldn't come, 58 00:02:52,613 --> 00:02:54,773 Speaker 4: so the crowd just gets bigger and bigger, and then 59 00:02:54,813 --> 00:02:58,373 Speaker 4: the community that we're selling to is louder and prouder. 60 00:02:58,413 --> 00:03:01,973 Speaker 4: And you know, you can only achieve this by planning, 61 00:03:02,013 --> 00:03:07,893 Speaker 4: really smartly, planning with creation of new things, trying new things, 62 00:03:07,933 --> 00:03:10,493 Speaker 4: not to be scared, be bold. And we've got a 63 00:03:10,533 --> 00:03:14,693 Speaker 4: really good staff group of staff at the One New 64 00:03:14,773 --> 00:03:17,293 Speaker 4: Zealand Warriors that put so much time and effort into it. 65 00:03:17,333 --> 00:03:20,213 Speaker 4: And I'm so proud of them because the response to 66 00:03:20,253 --> 00:03:24,613 Speaker 4: their work they're planning and execution is outstanding. But we're 67 00:03:24,613 --> 00:03:26,733 Speaker 4: already looking at things for next year. We're looking at 68 00:03:27,013 --> 00:03:29,933 Speaker 4: new ways of making the experience better. We're looking at 69 00:03:29,933 --> 00:03:33,733 Speaker 4: new ways and making the the production better that you 70 00:03:33,813 --> 00:03:36,653 Speaker 4: see on TV and all sorts of things. So it 71 00:03:36,693 --> 00:03:37,373 Speaker 4: never stops. 72 00:03:37,693 --> 00:03:40,013 Speaker 2: One thing that I think you guys do extremely well 73 00:03:40,293 --> 00:03:43,373 Speaker 2: as pregame when the stadium goes dark. You have a 74 00:03:43,413 --> 00:03:45,093 Speaker 2: bit of a light show and you have that blue 75 00:03:45,173 --> 00:03:47,853 Speaker 2: light emanating from the inside the dressing room, and the 76 00:03:47,853 --> 00:03:50,173 Speaker 2: players are running out and the crowd just sort of 77 00:03:50,213 --> 00:03:52,933 Speaker 2: the anticipation. You can feel it when you're there at 78 00:03:52,933 --> 00:03:56,053 Speaker 2: the game, at the games. What's behind that? Where did 79 00:03:56,093 --> 00:03:59,333 Speaker 2: you draw inspiration from? I guess for that sort of entry. 80 00:04:01,133 --> 00:04:03,533 Speaker 4: Yeah. The guys again, I just they look around, they 81 00:04:03,533 --> 00:04:06,213 Speaker 4: look what works well in other sports in particular, and 82 00:04:06,653 --> 00:04:09,693 Speaker 4: not just in New Zealand anywhere the world. If forever 83 00:04:09,973 --> 00:04:14,853 Speaker 4: forever doing research on game day initiatives, and we've only 84 00:04:14,893 --> 00:04:17,853 Speaker 4: come up with that idea, married it up with other 85 00:04:17,933 --> 00:04:20,453 Speaker 4: ideas that they had, and that's where they landed. And 86 00:04:20,933 --> 00:04:25,013 Speaker 4: as you say, the anticipation when the lights go out, 87 00:04:25,133 --> 00:04:26,853 Speaker 4: it's just sort of like the lights go out, but 88 00:04:26,933 --> 00:04:29,093 Speaker 4: the light switch goes on in terms of the excitement 89 00:04:29,493 --> 00:04:32,653 Speaker 4: and the anticipation, and you know, it's something that I 90 00:04:32,653 --> 00:04:34,413 Speaker 4: think everyone enjoys. They all want to be in their 91 00:04:34,413 --> 00:04:39,053 Speaker 4: seats when that happens, and it's exciting for the players, 92 00:04:39,093 --> 00:04:41,733 Speaker 4: looks amazing on TV. The amount of feedback we get 93 00:04:41,773 --> 00:04:46,293 Speaker 4: from Australia that are watching it through the TV is crazy. 94 00:04:46,413 --> 00:04:49,133 Speaker 4: So I'm really happy with what the guys are doing. 95 00:04:49,333 --> 00:04:52,093 Speaker 2: We talk about feedback that you get from Australia. Do 96 00:04:52,453 --> 00:04:56,053 Speaker 2: you get other clubs asking you about how you've achieved 97 00:04:56,093 --> 00:04:58,653 Speaker 2: this level of success in terms of your engagement with 98 00:04:58,773 --> 00:05:01,093 Speaker 2: the fans because you've got other clubs like Cronella who 99 00:05:01,133 --> 00:05:03,973 Speaker 2: are doing extremely well on the field but can't sell 100 00:05:04,053 --> 00:05:06,493 Speaker 2: as many tickets. Do you get other clubs inquiring and 101 00:05:06,533 --> 00:05:09,573 Speaker 2: asking questions general discussions? 102 00:05:09,613 --> 00:05:11,613 Speaker 4: You know is at a meeting in Australia long ago 103 00:05:11,693 --> 00:05:14,813 Speaker 4: and we will talk about how each clubs are trending 104 00:05:14,853 --> 00:05:17,053 Speaker 4: and you know, what they're doing well and want to 105 00:05:17,133 --> 00:05:20,693 Speaker 4: challenge what are they challenged by? And and you know 106 00:05:21,053 --> 00:05:23,333 Speaker 4: the whole field thing is. You know, for me, it 107 00:05:23,333 --> 00:05:25,933 Speaker 4: comes down to staff, It comes down to planning and 108 00:05:25,973 --> 00:05:29,973 Speaker 4: then the execution of it. You've got to be bold 109 00:05:30,013 --> 00:05:34,813 Speaker 4: and I just encourage our staff just to do things 110 00:05:34,853 --> 00:05:37,773 Speaker 4: that we haven't seen before. And if they work, it's amazing. 111 00:05:37,773 --> 00:05:39,773 Speaker 4: If they don't work well, we move on to the 112 00:05:39,813 --> 00:05:42,293 Speaker 4: next thing, and and you know, a lot of a 113 00:05:42,293 --> 00:05:44,413 Speaker 4: lot of other clubs, you know, we talk about that, 114 00:05:44,573 --> 00:05:47,493 Speaker 4: and it's about finding the right people with the creative 115 00:05:47,533 --> 00:05:50,253 Speaker 4: mindset and being bold enough to do stuff. 116 00:05:50,973 --> 00:05:54,213 Speaker 2: Has an NRL team ever sold out every home game 117 00:05:54,253 --> 00:05:56,773 Speaker 2: in a season before, No. 118 00:05:56,893 --> 00:05:59,893 Speaker 4: I don't think so. It's it's very hard to do 119 00:06:00,093 --> 00:06:03,373 Speaker 4: for various reasons. And I don't think I've stayed a 120 00:06:03,413 --> 00:06:06,053 Speaker 4: club or heard of a club that's done that. So 121 00:06:06,253 --> 00:06:09,333 Speaker 4: we're going to achieve it. It'll be an absolute major milestone 122 00:06:09,333 --> 00:06:11,853 Speaker 4: for our club and for the game, which is amazing, 123 00:06:11,973 --> 00:06:14,853 Speaker 4: and we really hope that our fans can just fill 124 00:06:14,893 --> 00:06:17,573 Speaker 4: up the stadium for the last three home games beyond 125 00:06:17,573 --> 00:06:20,533 Speaker 4: where we're at now, and with that we can create 126 00:06:20,573 --> 00:06:23,413 Speaker 4: some cool history. But we need to still perform on 127 00:06:23,453 --> 00:06:26,333 Speaker 4: the field for that to happen. We're not for one 128 00:06:26,373 --> 00:06:28,653 Speaker 4: minute thinking that it's just going to happen. We need 129 00:06:28,693 --> 00:06:30,773 Speaker 4: to be better as a footy team and as a 130 00:06:30,773 --> 00:06:33,733 Speaker 4: club across the board and keep getting better and better 131 00:06:33,773 --> 00:06:36,373 Speaker 4: and exciting our fans to come along and not miss out. 132 00:06:36,613 --> 00:06:38,613 Speaker 2: I want to get into the nuts and bolts of 133 00:06:38,653 --> 00:06:43,213 Speaker 2: what selling tickets actually means from a business perspective because 134 00:06:43,213 --> 00:06:45,653 Speaker 2: we hear about other teams like the Wellington Phoenix for example, 135 00:06:45,853 --> 00:06:49,293 Speaker 2: they sold out their semi final in Wellington and their 136 00:06:49,293 --> 00:06:51,213 Speaker 2: GM came out afterwards and said, actually, we're still going 137 00:06:51,253 --> 00:06:53,053 Speaker 2: to make a loss on this. So if you guys 138 00:06:53,093 --> 00:06:56,813 Speaker 2: sell out Mount Smart with a what twenty four approximately 139 00:06:56,853 --> 00:07:00,333 Speaker 2: capacity stadium, what does that actually mean for you guys 140 00:07:00,373 --> 00:07:03,173 Speaker 2: in terms of revenue and what it does for your business? 141 00:07:04,173 --> 00:07:06,453 Speaker 4: Well, it depends on the business model you're working to, 142 00:07:06,533 --> 00:07:11,293 Speaker 4: it depends on your stadium costs and that partnership. The 143 00:07:11,373 --> 00:07:14,053 Speaker 4: one thing that I feel we've done really well is 144 00:07:14,173 --> 00:07:17,973 Speaker 4: played played the market really really strongly in terms of 145 00:07:18,013 --> 00:07:22,693 Speaker 4: our pricing. We haven't gone out there and overpriced ourselves. 146 00:07:23,453 --> 00:07:27,413 Speaker 4: We do offers on the back of winning footy games 147 00:07:27,453 --> 00:07:31,333 Speaker 4: in Australia or at home or whatever it be, and 148 00:07:30,453 --> 00:07:33,973 Speaker 4: the take up rate for those is just through the roof. 149 00:07:34,013 --> 00:07:35,573 Speaker 4: As soon as we win a game, there is just 150 00:07:35,653 --> 00:07:41,093 Speaker 4: a massive surge in twenty four hour sal window and 151 00:07:41,173 --> 00:07:43,573 Speaker 4: that has been a really good thing to see that 152 00:07:43,613 --> 00:07:46,293 Speaker 4: we've met the market. The market are waiting for us, 153 00:07:46,293 --> 00:07:48,733 Speaker 4: and when we hit the market with that sale, it 154 00:07:48,893 --> 00:07:52,173 Speaker 4: just goes berserk. But I think people can run the 155 00:07:52,253 --> 00:07:56,653 Speaker 4: risk of overpricing themselves and under delivering the experience. And 156 00:07:57,573 --> 00:08:02,333 Speaker 4: my personal philosophy and the theory I put around to 157 00:08:02,333 --> 00:08:05,373 Speaker 4: the staff is I'd rather have a full stadium and 158 00:08:05,453 --> 00:08:09,733 Speaker 4: break even than have a half full stadium and make 159 00:08:09,733 --> 00:08:12,013 Speaker 4: it a little bit of money. The important thing to 160 00:08:12,053 --> 00:08:14,413 Speaker 4: me is I want to engage. I want our club 161 00:08:14,453 --> 00:08:20,213 Speaker 4: to engage with a large fan base, kids and families, adults, 162 00:08:21,053 --> 00:08:23,533 Speaker 4: whoever they are, at whatever age they are, we want 163 00:08:23,573 --> 00:08:25,573 Speaker 4: to make it easy for them to get to the 164 00:08:25,613 --> 00:08:29,293 Speaker 4: stadium and have the best time. Now, with that, you 165 00:08:29,333 --> 00:08:32,453 Speaker 4: start selling more food and beverage. With that experience that 166 00:08:32,493 --> 00:08:35,573 Speaker 4: they get, they start to consider buying a membership. With 167 00:08:35,733 --> 00:08:40,293 Speaker 4: that engagement and excitement they get at the stadium by 168 00:08:40,333 --> 00:08:42,733 Speaker 4: everything we're doing, they go and buy a Warriors cap 169 00:08:42,773 --> 00:08:45,933 Speaker 4: or a Warrior's jumper. So it flows onto other parts 170 00:08:45,933 --> 00:08:50,333 Speaker 4: of your business. So the important part is meet the 171 00:08:50,373 --> 00:08:53,253 Speaker 4: market in terms of pricing, get them into your stadium, 172 00:08:53,333 --> 00:08:56,973 Speaker 4: give them the greatest experience, which is so important, and 173 00:08:57,013 --> 00:09:01,093 Speaker 4: then let their emotions engage with the club further. They 174 00:09:01,213 --> 00:09:04,853 Speaker 4: might go and buy more tickets, they might buy a membership, 175 00:09:04,893 --> 00:09:07,733 Speaker 4: and they buy a merchandise and that all helps our 176 00:09:07,733 --> 00:09:10,453 Speaker 4: bottom line. But the most important thing is to me, 177 00:09:10,533 --> 00:09:11,853 Speaker 4: they have a hell of a good time and they 178 00:09:11,933 --> 00:09:14,173 Speaker 4: come there and we have a full house, because that 179 00:09:14,333 --> 00:09:15,493 Speaker 4: just excites everyone. 180 00:09:16,373 --> 00:09:18,973 Speaker 2: I see online on social media all the time, people 181 00:09:19,053 --> 00:09:21,133 Speaker 2: putting up posts saying, I need two tickets to the 182 00:09:21,133 --> 00:09:23,733 Speaker 2: Broncos game. I need two tickets to this. Does anyone 183 00:09:23,773 --> 00:09:26,333 Speaker 2: have a spare ticket? Your tickets are selling. It's like 184 00:09:26,453 --> 00:09:29,653 Speaker 2: drugs cameon. It's like everyone's going through these back channels 185 00:09:29,653 --> 00:09:31,933 Speaker 2: to try and get to them. Is there any way 186 00:09:32,093 --> 00:09:36,373 Speaker 2: that you look into bringing in like extra stands or anything. 187 00:09:36,413 --> 00:09:38,573 Speaker 2: Are you totally maxed out in what you can provide 188 00:09:38,573 --> 00:09:40,853 Speaker 2: with tickets and people just have to get the season pass? 189 00:09:41,413 --> 00:09:44,893 Speaker 4: That's correct. No, I'm not interested, you know, to put 190 00:09:44,973 --> 00:09:48,333 Speaker 4: in extra seating because the desail in which we had 191 00:09:48,333 --> 00:09:50,133 Speaker 4: down behind the goalpost, if you have a look at 192 00:09:50,133 --> 00:09:52,493 Speaker 4: that on game day night, there are hundreds, if not 193 00:09:52,573 --> 00:09:55,613 Speaker 4: thousands of people there meeting before the game, during the game, 194 00:09:56,013 --> 00:09:58,013 Speaker 4: and after the game for a drink and fun with 195 00:09:58,053 --> 00:10:01,173 Speaker 4: their friends and allows us to activate really well with 196 00:10:01,213 --> 00:10:04,133 Speaker 4: our sponsors, which is a very important part of experience. 197 00:10:04,493 --> 00:10:06,053 Speaker 4: And if we were to take that away to put 198 00:10:06,053 --> 00:10:09,653 Speaker 4: an extra five thousand seats there. Believe you know, it's 199 00:10:09,693 --> 00:10:12,053 Speaker 4: going to create the experience I want to have for 200 00:10:12,173 --> 00:10:16,013 Speaker 4: our fan base. So no extra seeding, twenty six and 201 00:10:16,013 --> 00:10:18,413 Speaker 4: a half thousand seats, buy a membership. We'll get in 202 00:10:18,493 --> 00:10:20,693 Speaker 4: early and buy your tickets, you know, for the rest 203 00:10:20,733 --> 00:10:23,573 Speaker 4: of the season or during the season. That's that's what 204 00:10:23,613 --> 00:10:25,693 Speaker 4: we have, and everyone's sitting in their seats. We'll have 205 00:10:25,693 --> 00:10:26,493 Speaker 4: a hell of a time. 206 00:10:26,773 --> 00:10:29,853 Speaker 2: A couple of topical things just to finish, Cameron, how 207 00:10:29,933 --> 00:10:31,933 Speaker 2: keen are you for Las Vegas? How big would that 208 00:10:31,973 --> 00:10:32,573 Speaker 2: be for the club? 209 00:10:33,493 --> 00:10:37,253 Speaker 4: Yeah? Very keen. I feel like the club we want 210 00:10:37,253 --> 00:10:39,853 Speaker 4: to experience that. The club deserves to experience that a 211 00:10:39,973 --> 00:10:42,853 Speaker 4: brand and be outstanding with it. I think it grows 212 00:10:42,853 --> 00:10:46,493 Speaker 4: our footy club from a commercial stance. Our owner has 213 00:10:46,493 --> 00:10:50,053 Speaker 4: a lot of business in America, so you know it's 214 00:10:50,093 --> 00:10:53,813 Speaker 4: good for him in All tex So there's a lot 215 00:10:53,813 --> 00:10:55,813 Speaker 4: of pluses. Yet you've got to go there and play 216 00:10:55,813 --> 00:10:57,613 Speaker 4: a game of footy and winning game of footy. That's 217 00:10:57,653 --> 00:11:00,653 Speaker 4: the key. But I think the whole experience is, you know, 218 00:11:00,653 --> 00:11:03,373 Speaker 4: it would be worthwhile for our foota club and our brand. 219 00:11:03,733 --> 00:11:06,973 Speaker 2: And the Warriors pub, the wa barh Are we close 220 00:11:07,013 --> 00:11:08,693 Speaker 2: to a name. Do we have a time line on 221 00:11:08,733 --> 00:11:09,333 Speaker 2: opening day? 222 00:11:10,613 --> 00:11:13,853 Speaker 4: Oh well mate, we just started getting stuck into the work, 223 00:11:13,973 --> 00:11:18,533 Speaker 4: so look we're closer and closer watch his space. But 224 00:11:18,733 --> 00:11:21,213 Speaker 4: look at the end of the day, hopefully we're open 225 00:11:21,973 --> 00:11:24,293 Speaker 4: in sort of mid September. It's going to be a 226 00:11:24,293 --> 00:11:27,853 Speaker 4: great place. It's going to be awesome for any sports 227 00:11:27,893 --> 00:11:31,453 Speaker 4: lover and I can't wait to get in there that 228 00:11:31,573 --> 00:11:32,493 Speaker 4: business and get. 229 00:11:32,293 --> 00:11:35,773 Speaker 2: It going fantastic. Worries Chief executive Cameron George, thank you 230 00:11:35,813 --> 00:11:36,733 Speaker 2: so much for your time. 231 00:11:36,653 --> 00:11:37,693 Speaker 4: No problem, Thank you. 232 00:11:38,093 --> 00:11:45,533 Speaker 6: This is the Big League Podcast. This is yeah, the 233 00:11:45,613 --> 00:11:49,333 Speaker 6: Big League Podcast on the Worries band Wagons. It's day one. 234 00:11:49,693 --> 00:11:52,173 Speaker 2: It is my pleasure to welcome onto the Big League 235 00:11:52,213 --> 00:11:54,453 Speaker 2: Podcast for the very first time. New Zealand Herald writer 236 00:11:54,573 --> 00:11:58,373 Speaker 2: Alex Powell. A very insightful chat there with Cameron George. 237 00:11:58,373 --> 00:12:01,013 Speaker 2: Can I just say he's one of the best chief 238 00:12:01,013 --> 00:12:03,373 Speaker 2: executives for giving you the time of day if he 239 00:12:03,413 --> 00:12:05,653 Speaker 2: picks up your call. I don't think he's ever replied 240 00:12:05,653 --> 00:12:08,253 Speaker 2: to one of my texts, but he is good Cam 241 00:12:08,413 --> 00:12:11,173 Speaker 2: and George. In terms of that, I guess transparency and 242 00:12:11,173 --> 00:12:12,133 Speaker 2: the ease of access. 243 00:12:12,493 --> 00:12:14,333 Speaker 7: Yeah, he's very good. When the team's going well, isn't it. 244 00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:16,413 Speaker 7: No thanks for having me, am I the tain to it, 245 00:12:16,453 --> 00:12:19,973 Speaker 7: picky to Michael Burgers, Charles nikkel clock Stad, but no 246 00:12:20,053 --> 00:12:21,933 Speaker 7: great to hear from Cam on the Big League Podcast. 247 00:12:22,093 --> 00:12:25,773 Speaker 2: Okay, so let's look forward to Friday's game. Here's the situation. 248 00:12:25,893 --> 00:12:29,653 Speaker 2: The Warriors sit twelfth on the ladder. They're on nineteen points. 249 00:12:29,693 --> 00:12:32,893 Speaker 2: They're three points outside the eight. Here are the run 250 00:12:32,933 --> 00:12:35,373 Speaker 2: of games in for the rest of the regular season. 251 00:12:35,373 --> 00:12:38,093 Speaker 2: They pay the Raiders on Friday, then they've got the Tigers, 252 00:12:38,413 --> 00:12:43,173 Speaker 2: the Eels, the Dolphins, the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks, and 253 00:12:43,213 --> 00:12:46,133 Speaker 2: then the buy to finish the regular season. Now, Alex 254 00:12:46,333 --> 00:12:49,973 Speaker 2: Nick Beuley said last week on the podcast that if 255 00:12:50,013 --> 00:12:53,573 Speaker 2: they lose any of the next three, right, so Raiders, Tigers, Eels, 256 00:12:53,653 --> 00:12:56,293 Speaker 2: the so called easier games before you get into the Dolphins, 257 00:12:56,373 --> 00:12:59,293 Speaker 2: Manly Bulldogs, they won't make the aid if they lose 258 00:12:59,333 --> 00:13:01,013 Speaker 2: any of the next three. I'm not going to go 259 00:13:01,053 --> 00:13:04,453 Speaker 2: that far because I believe the Warriors are capable of 260 00:13:04,453 --> 00:13:07,813 Speaker 2: causing some upsets at the back end. But where do 261 00:13:07,853 --> 00:13:10,613 Speaker 2: you stand in terms of the next three weeks. How 262 00:13:10,653 --> 00:13:12,533 Speaker 2: crucial do they still make the eight if they lose 263 00:13:12,573 --> 00:13:12,973 Speaker 2: any of them. 264 00:13:13,013 --> 00:13:15,013 Speaker 7: I think with any competition like this, you have to 265 00:13:15,013 --> 00:13:17,493 Speaker 7: beat the teams around you. I'm not going to go 266 00:13:17,613 --> 00:13:19,413 Speaker 7: as far as Nick and say they won't make the 267 00:13:19,453 --> 00:13:21,053 Speaker 7: eight if they don't beat them, but if you're not 268 00:13:21,093 --> 00:13:24,253 Speaker 7: picking up points against the teams around and below you, 269 00:13:24,253 --> 00:13:26,333 Speaker 7: you're going to have a bloody hard time taking on 270 00:13:26,413 --> 00:13:27,133 Speaker 7: the teams above you. 271 00:13:27,493 --> 00:13:29,573 Speaker 2: Well, that's the frustrating thing. Because they dropped two games 272 00:13:29,573 --> 00:13:31,333 Speaker 2: to the Titans. Pick up those two games. The Warriors 273 00:13:31,373 --> 00:13:33,373 Speaker 2: are there in the eight, but they just fell on 274 00:13:33,413 --> 00:13:35,853 Speaker 2: their faces. Then again, they upset the Dolphins, we know 275 00:13:35,933 --> 00:13:38,453 Speaker 2: one expected. They upset the Panthers were no one expected. 276 00:13:38,693 --> 00:13:40,693 Speaker 2: So that's why I'm not ruling it out if the 277 00:13:40,733 --> 00:13:43,893 Speaker 2: Warriors were to drop any of these three games, but 278 00:13:44,813 --> 00:13:48,173 Speaker 2: they just got to get it done. Canberra Raiders on Friday. 279 00:13:48,173 --> 00:13:50,133 Speaker 2: If we take a look at them, they are eleventh 280 00:13:50,173 --> 00:13:52,453 Speaker 2: on the ladder, so one above the Warriors, with seven 281 00:13:52,533 --> 00:13:57,013 Speaker 2: wins nine losses, and they have been in miserable form. 282 00:13:57,453 --> 00:14:00,333 Speaker 2: They've lost their last four in a row. But not 283 00:14:00,373 --> 00:14:02,653 Speaker 2: only that, they've lost their last four in a row 284 00:14:03,453 --> 00:14:07,333 Speaker 2: at home. They started the season so well, Alex and 285 00:14:07,733 --> 00:14:10,813 Speaker 2: it's just sort of come off. I've I've loved listening 286 00:14:10,853 --> 00:14:12,733 Speaker 2: to Ricky Stewart over the last four weeks. One of 287 00:14:12,733 --> 00:14:15,253 Speaker 2: the best personalities in the NRL in my opinion, because 288 00:14:15,293 --> 00:14:17,213 Speaker 2: he's so straight up. And I would hate to be 289 00:14:17,653 --> 00:14:19,373 Speaker 2: a Canberra a journalist and having to talk to him 290 00:14:19,413 --> 00:14:20,813 Speaker 2: all the time because I think you'd cop a fair 291 00:14:20,853 --> 00:14:21,453 Speaker 2: amount of heat. 292 00:14:21,493 --> 00:14:23,853 Speaker 7: But I'd hate to be a referee having to deal 293 00:14:23,853 --> 00:14:24,573 Speaker 7: with them all the time. 294 00:14:24,693 --> 00:14:26,253 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, well exactly. 295 00:14:27,373 --> 00:14:29,893 Speaker 2: But in terms of the Raiders, I guess what are 296 00:14:29,933 --> 00:14:32,013 Speaker 2: the things that you're looking at in terms of the 297 00:14:32,013 --> 00:14:34,973 Speaker 2: Warriors need to get right this week and where are 298 00:14:35,013 --> 00:14:37,613 Speaker 2: the potential areas of weakness in terms of the Raiders. 299 00:14:37,813 --> 00:14:40,813 Speaker 7: So I think the Raiders forward pack is easily their 300 00:14:40,853 --> 00:14:43,293 Speaker 7: strongest for me. You know, you look at the two 301 00:14:43,333 --> 00:14:46,613 Speaker 7: big guns and Josh Papa and Joey Tarpenhay. If the 302 00:14:46,613 --> 00:14:48,413 Speaker 7: Warriors can take those two out of the game, I 303 00:14:48,413 --> 00:14:50,173 Speaker 7: think they'll go a long way towards winning it, as 304 00:14:50,173 --> 00:14:52,413 Speaker 7: we've seen them do. Let's not forget Andrew Webster is 305 00:14:52,493 --> 00:14:54,813 Speaker 7: unbeaten against the Raiders. He's three from three. 306 00:14:54,933 --> 00:14:58,173 Speaker 2: He is, and of course the golden point win last 307 00:14:58,253 --> 00:15:01,573 Speaker 2: year at home and then Jared Crocus three hundredth, which 308 00:15:01,973 --> 00:15:04,653 Speaker 2: all of the hype was around the Raiders for that game, 309 00:15:04,693 --> 00:15:07,133 Speaker 2: and to be honest, I think that took the steam, 310 00:15:07,373 --> 00:15:09,413 Speaker 2: it took the windo out of the same but the 311 00:15:09,453 --> 00:15:11,493 Speaker 2: Warriors just went there and completely upset them. 312 00:15:11,533 --> 00:15:13,533 Speaker 7: That was one of my favorite games last year because 313 00:15:13,573 --> 00:15:15,493 Speaker 7: there was just so much against the Warriors. Remember how 314 00:15:15,493 --> 00:15:17,773 Speaker 7: the Raiders started that game. They rarely came out of 315 00:15:17,813 --> 00:15:20,173 Speaker 7: the blocks, and the Warriors just soaked up all the 316 00:15:20,213 --> 00:15:22,133 Speaker 7: pressure and then hit them when they needed to. That 317 00:15:22,173 --> 00:15:24,973 Speaker 7: was Ali Laya TAA's debut, remember, And that was one 318 00:15:25,013 --> 00:15:27,413 Speaker 7: of my standout quotes from Webster last year when he 319 00:15:27,453 --> 00:15:30,693 Speaker 7: got asked, was it about coming here and ruining Crocus 320 00:15:30,693 --> 00:15:33,373 Speaker 7: three hundredth game? And Andrew Webster's response was, it wasn't 321 00:15:33,373 --> 00:15:35,773 Speaker 7: about Jared Crocus three hundred it was about Ali layer 322 00:15:35,813 --> 00:15:38,093 Speaker 7: Tawa's first and I think at that point anyone who 323 00:15:38,173 --> 00:15:40,213 Speaker 7: wasn't on the Andrew Webster train was on it. 324 00:15:40,253 --> 00:15:42,013 Speaker 3: Then, Yeah, exactly. 325 00:15:42,053 --> 00:15:45,093 Speaker 2: And I suppose in terms of the Warriors team, if 326 00:15:45,133 --> 00:15:48,413 Speaker 2: we're looking at it, so many injuries from that last game. 327 00:15:48,453 --> 00:15:52,413 Speaker 2: Obviously the back three chancey Ko Kooksa, Marcelo Montoya, Dulin 328 00:15:52,933 --> 00:15:57,053 Speaker 2: Tini is Alesniak going out in that Golden Point loss 329 00:15:57,053 --> 00:15:59,733 Speaker 2: to the Bulldogs, which was such a good game, but 330 00:15:59,813 --> 00:16:03,933 Speaker 2: the ultimately the harsh reality is it goes down as 331 00:16:04,013 --> 00:16:07,893 Speaker 2: another loss and the Warriors they've got Kurt Capewell and 332 00:16:07,933 --> 00:16:11,853 Speaker 2: Mitch playing in Origin Wednesday night. How good it's going 333 00:16:11,933 --> 00:16:13,613 Speaker 2: to be so good to see those two going head 334 00:16:13,653 --> 00:16:16,653 Speaker 2: to head as well. Fingers crossed that neither of them 335 00:16:16,653 --> 00:16:19,933 Speaker 2: get injured, because that would be really really bad. First 336 00:16:19,973 --> 00:16:22,373 Speaker 2: of all, do we expect them to back up? Because 337 00:16:22,413 --> 00:16:26,053 Speaker 2: he talked about the forward pack, Capewell and Barnett are 338 00:16:26,133 --> 00:16:27,973 Speaker 2: so crucial to it, and you can see the difference 339 00:16:27,973 --> 00:16:30,373 Speaker 2: when they're there compared to when they're absent and what 340 00:16:30,413 --> 00:16:32,653 Speaker 2: that means for the Warriors, especially going forward through the middle. 341 00:16:32,773 --> 00:16:34,093 Speaker 7: Look, I think we saw a couple of weeks go 342 00:16:34,173 --> 00:16:37,053 Speaker 7: against the Broncos. Webster made the call to bring in 343 00:16:37,213 --> 00:16:40,733 Speaker 7: or bring back Barnett and Cape. Well, the Broncos didn't. 344 00:16:40,773 --> 00:16:43,133 Speaker 7: They left Reese, Walsh, paint Ass and Pack Gagan on 345 00:16:43,133 --> 00:16:45,333 Speaker 7: the sidelines and it really cost them. You I go 346 00:16:45,493 --> 00:16:48,293 Speaker 7: whether you'd argue that the Broncos season might be done now? 347 00:16:48,693 --> 00:16:49,053 Speaker 7: All right? 348 00:16:49,093 --> 00:16:51,413 Speaker 3: So six in a row is a six losses six. 349 00:16:51,333 --> 00:16:53,813 Speaker 7: In a row, you know, and they you know, team 350 00:16:53,893 --> 00:16:56,013 Speaker 7: who were on top the large parts of the last year's 351 00:16:56,013 --> 00:16:58,493 Speaker 7: Grand Final, which shows how tight this competition is. But 352 00:16:58,533 --> 00:17:01,973 Speaker 7: they they cannot miss this chance. They have to play 353 00:17:02,013 --> 00:17:03,973 Speaker 7: Mitch Barnett, who for me has been the Warrior's best 354 00:17:03,973 --> 00:17:07,413 Speaker 7: player this year, and Kurt Capewell, who has admittedly struggled 355 00:17:07,453 --> 00:17:10,133 Speaker 7: with fitness and he's been there you can see what 356 00:17:10,213 --> 00:17:10,813 Speaker 7: he brings. 357 00:17:11,573 --> 00:17:15,093 Speaker 2: Yeah, I suppose the thing is kok Well starting for Queensland, 358 00:17:15,213 --> 00:17:18,173 Speaker 2: whereas Barney is coming off the interchange, and if there's 359 00:17:18,253 --> 00:17:20,613 Speaker 2: any sort of point that we can look at with 360 00:17:20,973 --> 00:17:23,133 Speaker 2: in terms of actually they may back up. At least 361 00:17:23,173 --> 00:17:25,333 Speaker 2: Barnett's coming off the interchange, He's not likely to play 362 00:17:25,373 --> 00:17:27,853 Speaker 2: as many minutes and he only has to fly. He's 363 00:17:27,853 --> 00:17:30,013 Speaker 2: flying from Brisbane to Canberra. I don't know what that 364 00:17:30,053 --> 00:17:33,493 Speaker 2: flight is length is but hopefully that means that maybe 365 00:17:33,493 --> 00:17:35,213 Speaker 2: he could be there on Friday. If it was a 366 00:17:35,253 --> 00:17:37,493 Speaker 2: Saturday game, I'd have a lot more confidence, but since 367 00:17:37,493 --> 00:17:39,453 Speaker 2: it's on Friday, there is that element of doubt playing 368 00:17:39,453 --> 00:17:42,693 Speaker 2: two league games in space of forty eight hours. In 369 00:17:42,773 --> 00:17:46,133 Speaker 2: terms of the injuries, though, Webster said, I think after 370 00:17:46,333 --> 00:17:50,573 Speaker 2: the Bulldog's game that Montoya and Nicole Cook start are 371 00:17:50,653 --> 00:17:54,173 Speaker 2: unlikely to be there, Dala Montenez, Lesniak had Hia, so 372 00:17:54,253 --> 00:17:56,213 Speaker 2: he should be all good to be there. I know 373 00:17:56,253 --> 00:17:58,733 Speaker 2: Wade Egan was carrying an injury during that game. I 374 00:17:58,773 --> 00:18:02,093 Speaker 2: suppose who expecting to be out? And how do they 375 00:18:02,093 --> 00:18:03,933 Speaker 2: fill those gaps? Assumed course he comes on? 376 00:18:04,973 --> 00:18:07,013 Speaker 7: Do they take this chance to move Roger tu Vasis 377 00:18:07,053 --> 00:18:09,893 Speaker 7: check to the wing? Is this the time where you 378 00:18:10,013 --> 00:18:13,173 Speaker 7: keep that left edge largely the same? You keep Pompy 379 00:18:13,213 --> 00:18:15,093 Speaker 7: there and then you move to Vasa check to the wing, 380 00:18:15,173 --> 00:18:17,373 Speaker 7: and then you can bring in a guy like ali 381 00:18:17,413 --> 00:18:20,053 Speaker 7: Leaa Tawa. You know, I'm basically the president of the 382 00:18:20,053 --> 00:18:22,173 Speaker 7: Ali La Tower fan club at the moment. So if 383 00:18:22,213 --> 00:18:24,173 Speaker 7: he gets another run, he's got a good record in camera. 384 00:18:24,213 --> 00:18:26,413 Speaker 7: He's never lost there or there you goes admittedly with 385 00:18:26,453 --> 00:18:28,453 Speaker 7: only one game played, but these are things I have 386 00:18:28,453 --> 00:18:30,853 Speaker 7: to do as far as fallback. We know it's going 387 00:18:30,933 --> 00:18:32,293 Speaker 7: to be taged to a picky, isn't it. You know 388 00:18:32,413 --> 00:18:35,133 Speaker 7: he's never let this team down when he's coming, you know, 389 00:18:35,293 --> 00:18:38,333 Speaker 7: And I don't imagine they'll miss the chance to do 390 00:18:38,373 --> 00:18:38,733 Speaker 7: it again. 391 00:18:39,053 --> 00:18:41,493 Speaker 3: How good would it be to see Lequa hala Sima 392 00:18:41,573 --> 00:18:42,173 Speaker 3: back out there. 393 00:18:42,613 --> 00:18:43,773 Speaker 7: I think he will be back out there. 394 00:18:43,813 --> 00:18:44,413 Speaker 3: You think he will. 395 00:18:44,453 --> 00:18:46,493 Speaker 7: I think he will. I don't think you'll start. I think, 396 00:18:46,493 --> 00:18:48,293 Speaker 7: but he'll be on the interchange. 397 00:18:48,653 --> 00:18:52,653 Speaker 2: So you've got Dylan Walker starting at lock Ford Tahu House, 398 00:18:52,773 --> 00:18:56,373 Speaker 2: presumably still out with the wrist injury. We'll get updates 399 00:18:56,413 --> 00:18:59,133 Speaker 2: on that this week, obviously, but Lecqua Halasima on the interchange. 400 00:18:59,493 --> 00:19:01,213 Speaker 7: That's what I would do. I feel like that makes 401 00:19:01,253 --> 00:19:03,133 Speaker 7: the most sense. And then you looking at the jazz 402 00:19:03,133 --> 00:19:06,013 Speaker 7: tabanger Freddi last week, maybe Madatania Corde filling up the 403 00:19:06,053 --> 00:19:06,853 Speaker 7: other three spots. 404 00:19:07,133 --> 00:19:11,653 Speaker 2: Speaking of players coming back, Luke Metcalfe post on social 405 00:19:11,693 --> 00:19:15,173 Speaker 2: media along with the Warriors, he's back training, He's back 406 00:19:15,213 --> 00:19:17,173 Speaker 2: on the field. I jumped the gun initially. I thought, 407 00:19:17,173 --> 00:19:18,693 Speaker 2: oh my god, he's going to be back playing for 408 00:19:18,733 --> 00:19:21,653 Speaker 2: the Raiders. Uh not for the for the Raiders game, 409 00:19:22,213 --> 00:19:25,093 Speaker 2: Luke Metcalfe. Let's say, let's say he's still a few 410 00:19:25,133 --> 00:19:27,533 Speaker 2: weeks away. Right, he's been out since since Round four 411 00:19:27,573 --> 00:19:31,133 Speaker 2: head surgery on a tibia injury. Let's say he comes 412 00:19:31,173 --> 00:19:34,733 Speaker 2: back the same week Shawn Johnson does Who's your haves combination? 413 00:19:35,093 --> 00:19:37,893 Speaker 7: It's so interesting, isn't it, Because I think that's basically 414 00:19:37,933 --> 00:19:39,493 Speaker 7: what it's going to come down to, who gives the 415 00:19:39,493 --> 00:19:41,933 Speaker 7: best combination. If you're looking at if Tomighty Martin's you're seven, 416 00:19:42,293 --> 00:19:45,253 Speaker 7: Chanelle's the six that compliments the most. Likewise, if Sean 417 00:19:45,333 --> 00:19:48,093 Speaker 7: Johnson's your seven, Luke Metcalf's the one that compliments on 418 00:19:48,133 --> 00:19:50,813 Speaker 7: them the most. I don't think they'll give Luke Metcalf. 419 00:19:51,253 --> 00:19:52,773 Speaker 7: I don't think they'll throw them in there straight away. 420 00:19:52,773 --> 00:19:54,093 Speaker 7: They'll have to give him a couple of New South 421 00:19:54,133 --> 00:19:57,133 Speaker 7: fALS Cups games just to get back into where he is, 422 00:19:57,413 --> 00:20:00,853 Speaker 7: you know, as an NRL Quality five eight. But when 423 00:20:00,853 --> 00:20:03,533 Speaker 7: they've got all four to choose from, I genuinely have 424 00:20:03,653 --> 00:20:05,693 Speaker 7: no idea how they're going to go. I don't know 425 00:20:05,813 --> 00:20:07,933 Speaker 7: if we're even going to be as it's Mighty Martin 426 00:20:07,973 --> 00:20:09,813 Speaker 7: at six and Sean Johnson seven, because I think there 427 00:20:09,893 --> 00:20:12,293 Speaker 7: still are a lot of flaws in that combination. I agree, 428 00:20:12,373 --> 00:20:14,413 Speaker 7: just because they've not worked on it together, I don't 429 00:20:14,453 --> 00:20:16,773 Speaker 7: I'm not saying that's not a combination that will ever work, 430 00:20:16,813 --> 00:20:19,213 Speaker 7: because it clearly can work. You know, to Mighty Martin 431 00:20:19,413 --> 00:20:22,453 Speaker 7: partner Jonathan Thurston, you know it's not as though he 432 00:20:22,493 --> 00:20:24,053 Speaker 7: has to be the half back all the time. He's 433 00:20:24,213 --> 00:20:25,373 Speaker 7: a very smart footballer. 434 00:20:25,773 --> 00:20:29,253 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, yeah, I do agree. It's not because like 435 00:20:29,253 --> 00:20:31,293 Speaker 2: if Johnson hadn't got injured, And I did a piece 436 00:20:31,293 --> 00:20:32,733 Speaker 2: in the Herod about this the other week and I 437 00:20:32,773 --> 00:20:35,413 Speaker 2: copped a lot of flak for it. But if Johnson, 438 00:20:35,613 --> 00:20:38,933 Speaker 2: if Johnson hadn't got injured, and they had those extra 439 00:20:38,973 --> 00:20:41,053 Speaker 2: weeks to just have those two together, those two are 440 00:20:41,053 --> 00:20:44,933 Speaker 2: the most experienced halves. I believe that in high precious situations, 441 00:20:45,013 --> 00:20:46,733 Speaker 2: those the two I want on the field, Like in 442 00:20:46,773 --> 00:20:50,173 Speaker 2: the Bulldogs game, who I was thinking, God, if only 443 00:20:50,173 --> 00:20:52,693 Speaker 2: we had Sewan Johnson here to take that field the 444 00:20:52,733 --> 00:20:55,213 Speaker 2: field goal, but instead obviously it was Schanell doing it. 445 00:20:55,653 --> 00:20:57,893 Speaker 2: But you're right, that combination just hasn't clicked, and I 446 00:20:57,893 --> 00:21:01,533 Speaker 2: think they've just run out of time to allow it 447 00:21:01,573 --> 00:21:03,933 Speaker 2: to have a bit more development, and they need to 448 00:21:03,973 --> 00:21:06,373 Speaker 2: go with what's working. Having said that to Mighty Martin 449 00:21:06,373 --> 00:21:08,733 Speaker 2: and Sell has to bed obviously struggled in that game. 450 00:21:08,733 --> 00:21:11,293 Speaker 2: But we're going to see them again together, presumably on 451 00:21:11,373 --> 00:21:13,413 Speaker 2: Friday against the Raiders. 452 00:21:13,533 --> 00:21:16,453 Speaker 7: We saw watchingel Harris Devita and Tomighty Martin did against 453 00:21:16,453 --> 00:21:19,053 Speaker 7: the Broncos. You know, there's no issues with that combination. 454 00:21:19,213 --> 00:21:21,133 Speaker 7: They just had a bad night against the Bulldogs. I 455 00:21:21,173 --> 00:21:23,493 Speaker 7: don't if that's what is named to face the Raiders, 456 00:21:23,533 --> 00:21:24,813 Speaker 7: I'm absolutely fine with that. 457 00:21:25,373 --> 00:21:30,373 Speaker 2: Now, speaking of the Raiders Las Vegas, Alex Powell, how good. 458 00:21:31,453 --> 00:21:35,933 Speaker 2: The Warriors will open the NRL season next year on 459 00:21:36,213 --> 00:21:40,053 Speaker 2: March second, New Zealand time in. It'll be a Sunday 460 00:21:40,093 --> 00:21:43,053 Speaker 2: afternoon game, which will be weird to open the NRL 461 00:21:43,133 --> 00:21:46,093 Speaker 2: before the Sharks play the Panthers. Now, Michael Berg just 462 00:21:46,093 --> 00:21:48,533 Speaker 2: broke the story the other week and it was confirmed 463 00:21:48,613 --> 00:21:50,413 Speaker 2: last week by the NRL. 464 00:21:51,453 --> 00:21:53,213 Speaker 3: I have to admit when I. 465 00:21:53,173 --> 00:21:56,253 Speaker 2: Found out the Warriors would be playing the Raiders, my 466 00:21:56,373 --> 00:21:59,493 Speaker 2: action was, oh, do you agree? 467 00:21:59,533 --> 00:22:02,013 Speaker 7: I mean, the narrative was there, wasn't it. You know, 468 00:22:02,133 --> 00:22:03,933 Speaker 7: James Fisher Harris will be playing his first game for 469 00:22:03,973 --> 00:22:06,133 Speaker 7: the Warriors, will be against his old side. Oh no, 470 00:22:06,213 --> 00:22:07,373 Speaker 7: he's just going to find the Raiders. 471 00:22:07,413 --> 00:22:07,533 Speaker 3: Now. 472 00:22:07,613 --> 00:22:10,933 Speaker 2: Yeah, Well, the other storyliners Edanfanuel Blake, it's going to 473 00:22:10,933 --> 00:22:12,653 Speaker 2: be going to the Sharks. I hadn't even thought after 474 00:22:12,693 --> 00:22:14,533 Speaker 2: all of that drama, so the Warriors could have played 475 00:22:14,533 --> 00:22:16,493 Speaker 2: the Sharks. It could have been Edenfanuel Blake against this 476 00:22:16,493 --> 00:22:19,653 Speaker 2: old Club. We had two options there, but instead it 477 00:22:19,733 --> 00:22:22,493 Speaker 2: is the Raiders. And I don't want to talk too 478 00:22:22,573 --> 00:22:24,933 Speaker 2: much crap because if the Warriors lose, so the Raiders 479 00:22:24,973 --> 00:22:28,773 Speaker 2: on Friday, I'll hear it back. But I think it's 480 00:22:28,813 --> 00:22:31,693 Speaker 2: really good for the Warriors to be going through this occasion. 481 00:22:31,733 --> 00:22:33,013 Speaker 2: I think they're going to make a lot of money 482 00:22:33,013 --> 00:22:36,533 Speaker 2: out of it actually, So it is interesting in terms 483 00:22:36,533 --> 00:22:38,773 Speaker 2: of how they're I guess marketing this to Australians and 484 00:22:38,813 --> 00:22:41,133 Speaker 2: New Zealanders because it's under the guise of sort of 485 00:22:42,213 --> 00:22:44,093 Speaker 2: we're going over there to grow the game in the 486 00:22:44,173 --> 00:22:47,093 Speaker 2: United States, But I get the feeling they're really going 487 00:22:47,093 --> 00:22:48,533 Speaker 2: over there to make a whole lot of money out 488 00:22:48,573 --> 00:22:50,613 Speaker 2: of New Zealanders and Australia's. 489 00:22:51,213 --> 00:22:52,893 Speaker 7: Can be it can be both. 490 00:22:53,253 --> 00:22:55,333 Speaker 3: I'd just be interested to see how many Americans are 491 00:22:55,373 --> 00:22:56,173 Speaker 3: filling up the seats. 492 00:22:56,453 --> 00:22:58,093 Speaker 7: I don't imagine many. There's a reason why it's in 493 00:22:58,133 --> 00:23:00,453 Speaker 7: Las Vegas, which does not have a very large sort 494 00:23:00,453 --> 00:23:02,493 Speaker 7: of local population. It's a lot of out of town 495 00:23:02,613 --> 00:23:05,933 Speaker 7: is Look are you on the bosses at the moment 496 00:23:05,973 --> 00:23:08,053 Speaker 7: saying hey, look, someone's going to go over to a 497 00:23:08,093 --> 00:23:11,213 Speaker 7: vague same It will be unfair to send. 498 00:23:12,133 --> 00:23:13,333 Speaker 3: No I want to go. I want to go. You 499 00:23:13,373 --> 00:23:14,373 Speaker 3: can't go one. 500 00:23:14,253 --> 00:23:16,933 Speaker 7: From the held, one from zedv all right, yeah, you 501 00:23:16,933 --> 00:23:19,293 Speaker 7: know Winston all Worth of your listening. Look, it would 502 00:23:19,333 --> 00:23:22,093 Speaker 7: be irresponsible to send Michael Burgess. He's got a young family. 503 00:23:22,373 --> 00:23:24,533 Speaker 7: You can't do that. Send me and Nate. 504 00:23:24,773 --> 00:23:28,293 Speaker 3: Yeah. Nick Buley's got a young family as well. It's 505 00:23:28,293 --> 00:23:30,133 Speaker 3: got to be Alexon and I go. 506 00:23:33,413 --> 00:23:37,733 Speaker 5: The Big League Podcast on the Warriors bad Wagon since 507 00:23:37,813 --> 00:23:43,893 Speaker 5: day one, The Big League Podcast for the biggest league fans. 508 00:23:44,893 --> 00:23:48,373 Speaker 2: Okay, Alex, just skip into quick fire predictions ahead of 509 00:23:48,413 --> 00:23:50,893 Speaker 2: this round. Obviously, the Raiders and the Warriors both coming 510 00:23:50,933 --> 00:23:53,813 Speaker 2: off the bye and they are game one Friday night 511 00:23:53,973 --> 00:23:54,653 Speaker 2: in Canberra. 512 00:23:54,973 --> 00:23:58,693 Speaker 3: Raiders Warriors. Who are you going with them? Why? Warriors? 513 00:23:58,893 --> 00:24:01,973 Speaker 7: I think they have shown they can bounce back a 514 00:24:01,973 --> 00:24:03,893 Speaker 7: lot quicker than the Raiders can. I mean, you look 515 00:24:03,893 --> 00:24:05,653 Speaker 7: at the Raiders recent record. They are in a bit 516 00:24:05,653 --> 00:24:08,293 Speaker 7: of a spiral. So fingers crossed for all without. 517 00:24:08,693 --> 00:24:11,013 Speaker 2: I'm going to agree with you there and go for 518 00:24:11,253 --> 00:24:13,413 Speaker 2: the Warriors coming off the bike. Come on, let's see 519 00:24:13,453 --> 00:24:17,013 Speaker 2: Lequahllasima out there. Let's see Roger on the wing. Rabbit 520 00:24:17,013 --> 00:24:18,293 Speaker 2: Os Tigers. 521 00:24:17,973 --> 00:24:21,093 Speaker 7: Rabbit Os like I think forms with them. They looked 522 00:24:21,213 --> 00:24:23,453 Speaker 7: crapped that season, but now they are, you know, an 523 00:24:23,453 --> 00:24:24,573 Speaker 7: outside chance making the eight. 524 00:24:24,773 --> 00:24:27,293 Speaker 2: And yeah, obviously the trel Mitchell's sort of gone down. 525 00:24:27,373 --> 00:24:29,813 Speaker 2: I'm not sure what the situation is with that at 526 00:24:29,813 --> 00:24:32,693 Speaker 2: the moment. But now you're right, the Rabbitos have just 527 00:24:32,693 --> 00:24:36,053 Speaker 2: been on an absolute tear. They five in a row, 528 00:24:36,653 --> 00:24:39,053 Speaker 2: so they've they've really turned this season around here and 529 00:24:39,093 --> 00:24:43,173 Speaker 2: making a late charge for the playoffs. Knights versus the Broncos. 530 00:24:43,533 --> 00:24:46,813 Speaker 7: Knights same as before. I don't I don't see. 531 00:24:46,613 --> 00:24:47,893 Speaker 3: What's happened to the Broncos. 532 00:24:47,933 --> 00:24:49,813 Speaker 7: I mean, you take Adam six in a row, you 533 00:24:49,813 --> 00:24:51,373 Speaker 7: take Adam Reynolds out of that team, and they are 534 00:24:51,413 --> 00:24:53,173 Speaker 7: a lot worse. They shouldn't be as bad as they are, 535 00:24:53,213 --> 00:24:55,453 Speaker 7: and then they're going to have obviously their origin contingent 536 00:24:55,893 --> 00:24:57,213 Speaker 7: backing up or not backing up. 537 00:24:57,773 --> 00:24:59,693 Speaker 2: I'm going to agree with you there and go for 538 00:25:00,093 --> 00:25:03,653 Speaker 2: the Knights, who didn't have a good performance on the weekend, 539 00:25:03,933 --> 00:25:09,093 Speaker 2: got absolutely penced by Manly. Next game is stam Roosters. 540 00:25:09,133 --> 00:25:10,093 Speaker 2: This is a big one. 541 00:25:10,693 --> 00:25:13,413 Speaker 7: Yeah, I'd like to think the Storm would get it 542 00:25:13,453 --> 00:25:16,973 Speaker 7: done in Melbourne and Melbourne even with players out, even 543 00:25:16,973 --> 00:25:18,933 Speaker 7: with players out. I mean, that's just the Melbourne Storm, 544 00:25:18,973 --> 00:25:20,933 Speaker 7: isn't it. You know, they just find ways to win. 545 00:25:22,213 --> 00:25:25,413 Speaker 3: I have to disagree with you on this one, Alex. Roosters. 546 00:25:25,493 --> 00:25:27,813 Speaker 2: I mean, we're getting to the business end and I 547 00:25:27,893 --> 00:25:30,493 Speaker 2: just feel like they are the form team of the 548 00:25:30,653 --> 00:25:33,373 Speaker 2: I mean, Melbourn's been outstanding, They've probably been the best 549 00:25:33,373 --> 00:25:34,933 Speaker 2: team this year. But I just feel like the Roosters 550 00:25:34,933 --> 00:25:37,093 Speaker 2: are going to hit their peak at the right time 551 00:25:37,133 --> 00:25:40,053 Speaker 2: and this could be a really real statement game for them. 552 00:25:40,093 --> 00:25:45,813 Speaker 7: Panthers Dolphins, Panthers classes, permanent formers, temporary. Look at the 553 00:25:45,813 --> 00:25:47,853 Speaker 7: way the Panthers have played with Nathan Cleary out, you 554 00:25:47,853 --> 00:25:50,693 Speaker 7: wouldn't really know that they aren't the top side. 555 00:25:51,493 --> 00:25:54,933 Speaker 3: I agree with you there. Seagulls versus the Titans. 556 00:25:55,373 --> 00:25:58,373 Speaker 7: I don't know, maybe the Titans. I think I've only 557 00:25:58,373 --> 00:25:59,093 Speaker 7: backed the home team. 558 00:25:59,573 --> 00:26:02,933 Speaker 2: Titans are getting a twenty four to sixteen job done 559 00:26:03,093 --> 00:26:05,933 Speaker 2: over the Eels, who are well, they have been playing 560 00:26:06,173 --> 00:26:09,133 Speaker 2: like mud. Meanwhile, manly, as I mentioned before, forty four 561 00:26:09,133 --> 00:26:12,413 Speaker 2: to six over the night nights, who did you go with? 562 00:26:12,773 --> 00:26:13,133 Speaker 7: Titan? 563 00:26:14,333 --> 00:26:16,653 Speaker 2: Mainly at home? They'll have plenty of momentum coming off 564 00:26:16,653 --> 00:26:19,013 Speaker 2: that nights. When I go with the Seagulls and finally 565 00:26:19,213 --> 00:26:20,613 Speaker 2: Cowboys versus the Bulldogs. 566 00:26:21,413 --> 00:26:24,933 Speaker 7: Bulldogs, I'd say it's really been a very quiet success 567 00:26:24,933 --> 00:26:26,493 Speaker 7: for the Bulldogs this year. But you look at how 568 00:26:26,533 --> 00:26:29,453 Speaker 7: they're going, you make a very strong case Cameron Surround 569 00:26:29,493 --> 00:26:31,773 Speaker 7: the will be coach of the year. They're probably, I 570 00:26:31,853 --> 00:26:34,373 Speaker 7: mean they're almost confirmed for a top four, sorry, a 571 00:26:34,413 --> 00:26:37,213 Speaker 7: top eight finish. I'd be very surprised if they didn't 572 00:26:37,213 --> 00:26:37,573 Speaker 7: get up. 573 00:26:37,773 --> 00:26:40,893 Speaker 2: Yeah, the Cowboys sitting eighth place, just on the precipice 574 00:26:41,013 --> 00:26:45,133 Speaker 2: of the playoffs. But I am going to back the 575 00:26:45,173 --> 00:26:48,293 Speaker 2: Bulldogs here to get the job done to finish out 576 00:26:48,333 --> 00:26:50,693 Speaker 2: the following round of in our Alex Powell, thank you 577 00:26:50,773 --> 00:26:52,613 Speaker 2: so much for your time, your wisdom and insight on 578 00:26:52,653 --> 00:26:56,333 Speaker 2: the Big League Podcast today. Please follow and rate the podcast. 579 00:26:56,373 --> 00:26:59,453 Speaker 2: We will be back next Monday. My name is Nathan Limb. 580 00:26:59,533 --> 00:27:00,173 Speaker 2: Have a great week. 581 00:27:05,253 --> 00:27:07,853 Speaker 1: For more from news Talks, there'd be listen live on 582 00:27:07,973 --> 00:27:10,973 Speaker 1: air or online and keep our shows with you wherever 583 00:27:11,013 --> 00:27:13,573 Speaker 1: you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio.