1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,027 Speaker 1: from Newstalk Z'B. 3 00:00:13,067 --> 00:00:17,027 Speaker 2: Massive, massive game for the Warriors. Tonight they meet the 4 00:00:17,027 --> 00:00:20,267 Speaker 2: Bulldogs from nine point thirty in Sydney. They go and 5 00:00:20,347 --> 00:00:23,627 Speaker 2: off the back of consecutive home defeats to the Titans 6 00:00:24,027 --> 00:00:27,107 Speaker 2: and last weekend to the Dolphins, and with as we've 7 00:00:27,147 --> 00:00:30,507 Speaker 2: just heard, the Panthers winning their ninth straight match last night, 8 00:00:30,787 --> 00:00:33,827 Speaker 2: the Warriors need to win to retain their spot in 9 00:00:33,907 --> 00:00:36,587 Speaker 2: the top four. In fact, if the Sharks would have 10 00:00:36,627 --> 00:00:39,307 Speaker 2: beat the Dragons in the five o'clock game today, they 11 00:00:39,427 --> 00:00:43,227 Speaker 2: too would jump ahead of the Warriors, so it's possible 12 00:00:43,747 --> 00:00:47,027 Speaker 2: the Warriors could end the weekend in sixth if they 13 00:00:47,107 --> 00:00:50,827 Speaker 2: don't win. Conversely, of course, and let's think positively, victory 14 00:00:51,187 --> 00:00:54,427 Speaker 2: would restore confidence and keep them in the top four, 15 00:00:54,787 --> 00:00:58,707 Speaker 2: where they have been ever since Round six. That's how 16 00:00:58,707 --> 00:01:01,787 Speaker 2: big this game is. Former Warriors captain and our Skysport 17 00:01:01,787 --> 00:01:05,267 Speaker 2: commentator Monty Betham is with us on Weekend Sport. Monty 18 00:01:05,387 --> 00:01:08,427 Speaker 2: four losses in the last plus six, including those back 19 00:01:08,467 --> 00:01:11,067 Speaker 2: to back defeats at home, where do you think Andrew 20 00:01:11,067 --> 00:01:14,867 Speaker 2: Webster and his coaching staff would have been placing their 21 00:01:14,907 --> 00:01:17,867 Speaker 2: major focus ahead of this weekend's game against the Bulldogs. 22 00:01:18,427 --> 00:01:20,987 Speaker 3: Well, I think I know that I'm being in the 23 00:01:21,227 --> 00:01:24,347 Speaker 3: change room after their last, last almost recent loss, was 24 00:01:24,387 --> 00:01:26,427 Speaker 3: the fact that they're happy, they're getting together, they're going 25 00:01:26,467 --> 00:01:28,667 Speaker 3: to be in camp. They went over on Wednesday morning 26 00:01:28,707 --> 00:01:31,547 Speaker 3: this week, so the top thirty we're there. They've spent 27 00:01:31,627 --> 00:01:34,307 Speaker 3: some time together to connect, to think about what's important, 28 00:01:34,347 --> 00:01:36,587 Speaker 3: then to really get up for this game. And there's 29 00:01:36,587 --> 00:01:39,507 Speaker 3: no lack of mo motivation for tonight. That's what you're playing, 30 00:01:39,827 --> 00:01:41,987 Speaker 3: a top fourteen playing at of course do them and 31 00:01:42,467 --> 00:01:44,947 Speaker 3: that goes both ways for the Bulldogs as well, realizing 32 00:01:44,987 --> 00:01:48,507 Speaker 3: that they were below their best last week outat the Tigers. 33 00:01:48,667 --> 00:01:51,147 Speaker 3: They're at home and that they want to be there. 34 00:01:51,227 --> 00:01:53,547 Speaker 3: The business time of the season is going to be 35 00:01:53,547 --> 00:01:56,027 Speaker 3: at the very ground. So that's a great game tonight. 36 00:01:56,067 --> 00:01:56,707 Speaker 3: I'm looking forward to. 37 00:01:56,787 --> 00:02:00,827 Speaker 2: Pony yees same Monty. Absolutely, injury should never be used 38 00:02:00,867 --> 00:02:03,347 Speaker 2: as an excuse. But how big a part have they 39 00:02:03,387 --> 00:02:05,347 Speaker 2: played in the last couple of months for the Warriors. 40 00:02:05,707 --> 00:02:07,867 Speaker 3: Well we hear about man up mentality or next man 41 00:02:07,947 --> 00:02:11,507 Speaker 3: up mentality, but last week there was next boy up mentality. 42 00:02:11,547 --> 00:02:13,787 Speaker 3: You know you had three guys here on the bench 43 00:02:14,027 --> 00:02:16,707 Speaker 3: and four guys overall and the team. They were part 44 00:02:16,707 --> 00:02:19,467 Speaker 3: of the under nineteen issue bull Side in twenty twenty three, 45 00:02:19,547 --> 00:02:22,827 Speaker 3: and then just two years later they're playing viral roles 46 00:02:22,947 --> 00:02:25,467 Speaker 3: against the Dolphins game Media Stadium. I think the first 47 00:02:25,507 --> 00:02:28,947 Speaker 3: two interchanges were tennis Dalis Smith coming on and then 48 00:02:28,987 --> 00:02:33,827 Speaker 3: also debut on Toyava. You know, so that Ramir Toyava. 49 00:02:34,547 --> 00:02:38,147 Speaker 3: So that just shows you that how light they are. 50 00:02:38,227 --> 00:02:40,267 Speaker 3: But in terms of saying that these young guys are 51 00:02:40,307 --> 00:02:42,147 Speaker 3: guys of the future and if they had have got 52 00:02:42,147 --> 00:02:44,147 Speaker 3: it right, which they are really close to getting it right, 53 00:02:44,747 --> 00:02:46,707 Speaker 3: it's a lot of trust that has shown and then 54 00:02:46,787 --> 00:02:51,627 Speaker 3: also complemented and well received from the young win Absolutely right. 55 00:02:51,627 --> 00:02:53,267 Speaker 2: Well, there's been a bit of shuffling as a result 56 00:02:53,347 --> 00:02:56,627 Speaker 2: of unavailability. Did you like the look of Chance nukal 57 00:02:56,667 --> 00:02:58,267 Speaker 2: klukstar in the centers? 58 00:02:59,027 --> 00:03:01,667 Speaker 3: Yeah, well, look there's other parts of his game. What 59 00:03:01,707 --> 00:03:03,507 Speaker 3: I did like was having both he and Tane on 60 00:03:03,507 --> 00:03:05,947 Speaker 3: the field at the same time, and what Tein's been 61 00:03:05,987 --> 00:03:09,267 Speaker 3: able to do at the back with those young fresh 62 00:03:09,307 --> 00:03:13,107 Speaker 3: feet very fast. We know that defense of the Utawan 63 00:03:13,227 --> 00:03:15,147 Speaker 3: has always been the man at full back. Accounts the 64 00:03:15,187 --> 00:03:17,747 Speaker 3: splits well, and he's come up with some big trisad 65 00:03:17,907 --> 00:03:20,387 Speaker 3: and we've seeing that also from Tame to It. I 66 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:22,147 Speaker 3: just feel that much more confident when you've got some 67 00:03:22,507 --> 00:03:25,707 Speaker 3: guys in the centers with great communications schools, because it 68 00:03:25,707 --> 00:03:28,307 Speaker 3: helps the guys a little bit wider. And Roger was 69 00:03:28,307 --> 00:03:30,267 Speaker 3: in fine form last week, and I have no doubt 70 00:03:30,307 --> 00:03:32,467 Speaker 3: there is some of his fine form running for three 71 00:03:32,547 --> 00:03:35,907 Speaker 3: hundred and thirty five meters was down to the fact 72 00:03:35,947 --> 00:03:39,387 Speaker 3: that Mere Town's inside him egging him on. He is 73 00:03:39,427 --> 00:03:42,627 Speaker 3: the barometer in terms of high high performance and getting 74 00:03:42,667 --> 00:03:45,547 Speaker 3: people up at and motiv motivating people to go well. 75 00:03:45,587 --> 00:03:48,267 Speaker 3: So I did like the look of that last week 76 00:03:48,307 --> 00:03:48,667 Speaker 3: for sure. 77 00:03:49,027 --> 00:03:51,667 Speaker 2: How have you assessed Tenor Boyd's first four games in 78 00:03:51,707 --> 00:03:52,427 Speaker 2: the seven Jumper? 79 00:03:53,307 --> 00:03:55,747 Speaker 3: Yeah, look, I think his first game at game Meetings 80 00:03:55,867 --> 00:03:59,147 Speaker 3: that's my stadium was the best, of course, But you know, 81 00:03:59,467 --> 00:04:02,027 Speaker 3: I do think he's been carrying a little bit of 82 00:04:02,547 --> 00:04:04,867 Speaker 3: some niggles of late as well, and I think that's 83 00:04:04,867 --> 00:04:07,067 Speaker 3: made a little bit harder. But for in terms of 84 00:04:07,107 --> 00:04:10,467 Speaker 3: being still very very young and very experienced and a 85 00:04:10,507 --> 00:04:12,867 Speaker 3: guy that's really enjoying the environment at the club. You know, 86 00:04:12,907 --> 00:04:15,187 Speaker 3: even before he plaid a game. He decided to take 87 00:04:15,267 --> 00:04:17,467 Speaker 3: up his option for another year. Has been enjoying being 88 00:04:17,467 --> 00:04:22,307 Speaker 3: in the club and around the learnings of Andrew Webster 89 00:04:22,507 --> 00:04:26,507 Speaker 3: and other coaches have for me and just the boys. 90 00:04:26,747 --> 00:04:29,267 Speaker 3: They have connected their very type the titus I've seen 91 00:04:29,307 --> 00:04:32,467 Speaker 3: for some time and luck he's played a big part 92 00:04:32,587 --> 00:04:35,027 Speaker 3: and we saw last week that was very much the 93 00:04:35,067 --> 00:04:37,387 Speaker 3: spine of the new South Wales Cup that were playing 94 00:04:37,387 --> 00:04:41,107 Speaker 3: together and they've been instrumental and the success of that side. 95 00:04:41,107 --> 00:04:43,707 Speaker 3: Who's been right up there. I think if they paid 96 00:04:43,747 --> 00:04:47,387 Speaker 3: this weekend they might secure the minor premiership for the 97 00:04:47,387 --> 00:04:50,547 Speaker 3: new Southwest Cup competition. Is that he's able to come 98 00:04:50,627 --> 00:04:52,707 Speaker 3: up and play just as well. Within the side. 99 00:04:53,267 --> 00:04:55,667 Speaker 2: There were concerns for a while monthly over the right 100 00:04:55,787 --> 00:04:59,107 Speaker 2: edge defense of the Warriors. Have you say improvement there, Yeah. 101 00:04:58,947 --> 00:05:01,747 Speaker 3: I think bring him Adam Pompeo was a huge improvement. 102 00:05:01,787 --> 00:05:04,667 Speaker 3: But no doubt doubt Danam waking as it list next, 103 00:05:04,747 --> 00:05:07,227 Speaker 3: been wanting to improve the feel bitter himself and sometimes 104 00:05:07,307 --> 00:05:10,267 Speaker 3: that comes with confidence as well. Also from the inside 105 00:05:10,867 --> 00:05:13,307 Speaker 3: you let to do a job in terms of pushing 106 00:05:13,467 --> 00:05:17,307 Speaker 3: and stooging to get across the for pressure inside players. 107 00:05:17,307 --> 00:05:19,427 Speaker 3: So they've got less time to play, and also by 108 00:05:19,467 --> 00:05:22,307 Speaker 3: getting across and means each or a four men defender 109 00:05:22,667 --> 00:05:24,547 Speaker 3: who's here in the second row, he can be a 110 00:05:24,587 --> 00:05:27,027 Speaker 3: little bit wider, which just gives gives a bit more 111 00:05:27,067 --> 00:05:29,067 Speaker 3: time and space for the center and the winger to 112 00:05:29,067 --> 00:05:32,267 Speaker 3: help out. So yes Dale has been making a few 113 00:05:32,867 --> 00:05:34,787 Speaker 3: areas of latter in terms of his decisions that went 114 00:05:34,867 --> 00:05:37,227 Speaker 3: to come in, but also that comes under pressure with 115 00:05:37,267 --> 00:05:39,707 Speaker 3: the guys on the inside, but so much better looking 116 00:05:39,747 --> 00:05:41,907 Speaker 3: point in the weekend. And I think Adam Pompey, who 117 00:05:42,227 --> 00:05:45,947 Speaker 3: you know, for if we're honest, each year, you know 118 00:05:46,267 --> 00:05:48,187 Speaker 3: last year and the previous year, people go, well, I 119 00:05:48,187 --> 00:05:49,787 Speaker 3: think he's going to be struggling to hold on to 120 00:05:49,907 --> 00:05:52,747 Speaker 3: that that center jumper. But every year he just turns out. 121 00:05:52,827 --> 00:05:55,867 Speaker 3: He provide and he's the one constant in terms of 122 00:05:55,907 --> 00:05:58,067 Speaker 3: that that center that each week is out there and 123 00:05:58,467 --> 00:06:00,067 Speaker 3: doing his singing very. 124 00:05:59,947 --> 00:06:02,747 Speaker 2: Well wellout wanting to pump a young blokes ties up 125 00:06:02,787 --> 00:06:06,867 Speaker 2: too much, what might leck a hell of Seima's see. 126 00:06:08,227 --> 00:06:11,627 Speaker 3: Well, he's the last player to score ten tries and 127 00:06:11,707 --> 00:06:15,307 Speaker 3: afford the Warriors, as affords for the Warriors was ails 128 00:06:15,467 --> 00:06:18,307 Speaker 3: back in two thousand and two. So Leker's on ten 129 00:06:18,427 --> 00:06:21,347 Speaker 3: right now. The season is not over. You think he'd 130 00:06:21,387 --> 00:06:24,867 Speaker 3: be a specialty to score another couple of tries. Look, 131 00:06:25,027 --> 00:06:29,027 Speaker 3: the ceiling for this kid could be outstanding. I knew 132 00:06:29,027 --> 00:06:30,747 Speaker 3: this from a few years back, and I think so 133 00:06:30,947 --> 00:06:33,387 Speaker 3: to the club. But it all depended on how well 134 00:06:33,427 --> 00:06:36,067 Speaker 3: he applies himself to the working effect, which is a 135 00:06:36,107 --> 00:06:40,067 Speaker 3: solid one, and how he deals with the fame of 136 00:06:40,107 --> 00:06:43,227 Speaker 3: what he's been able to do each week, where he 137 00:06:43,307 --> 00:06:46,787 Speaker 3: talks about defense and addresses defense because he realizes that 138 00:06:46,867 --> 00:06:48,827 Speaker 3: this kid can do it all. He's not just a 139 00:06:48,907 --> 00:06:51,187 Speaker 3: one trick pony. A lot of guys over the years 140 00:06:51,587 --> 00:06:53,987 Speaker 3: are wonderful attackers, but they get lost in the defenses 141 00:06:53,987 --> 00:06:56,347 Speaker 3: of the more they become a liability. I don't think 142 00:06:56,347 --> 00:06:58,067 Speaker 3: that's going to be the case of Liquor. He wants 143 00:06:58,147 --> 00:07:00,667 Speaker 3: to learn. He goes after the fires and he pushes 144 00:07:00,707 --> 00:07:03,747 Speaker 3: really hard. Although I did ten line down last week 145 00:07:03,787 --> 00:07:06,227 Speaker 3: with about of severe cramp, and he'll realize that he 146 00:07:06,427 --> 00:07:09,707 Speaker 3: can't be doing that and there's your shot and this 147 00:07:09,907 --> 00:07:12,907 Speaker 3: year you're going to be gone. You can't just do that. 148 00:07:13,067 --> 00:07:15,027 Speaker 3: But in saying that, like this is a wonderful kid 149 00:07:15,067 --> 00:07:18,627 Speaker 3: who's all of a sudden shot to such start and 150 00:07:18,827 --> 00:07:22,467 Speaker 3: amongst the young supporters and fans of the Warriors, but 151 00:07:22,547 --> 00:07:24,627 Speaker 3: he's been levelheaded by it, which is great to see. 152 00:07:24,787 --> 00:07:28,227 Speaker 2: All Right, Bulldogs away tonight, then Dragon's home, Titans away, 153 00:07:28,347 --> 00:07:32,347 Speaker 2: Eels home, see Eagles away. You reckon three wins from 154 00:07:32,347 --> 00:07:34,347 Speaker 2: those five would be enough for the top four? 155 00:07:35,267 --> 00:07:39,187 Speaker 3: Well this other thing, I think three from five probably 156 00:07:39,187 --> 00:07:42,027 Speaker 3: will be enough, but to be honest, it may take 157 00:07:42,067 --> 00:07:46,307 Speaker 3: the fourth, but it depends on tonight in terms of 158 00:07:46,547 --> 00:07:49,627 Speaker 3: how the guys go against the Bulldogs, what they're able 159 00:07:49,667 --> 00:07:52,787 Speaker 3: to do with that weekend camp, with that mini camp, 160 00:07:52,827 --> 00:07:56,187 Speaker 3: and then you know, obviously what you're able to do 161 00:07:56,347 --> 00:07:58,427 Speaker 3: on top of that going forward will help you because 162 00:07:58,667 --> 00:08:00,627 Speaker 3: the conference, you take the wind like that when you're 163 00:08:00,627 --> 00:08:02,667 Speaker 3: backs against the wall, you've had two losses, you yet 164 00:08:02,707 --> 00:08:04,667 Speaker 3: to have three losses in a row this year, and 165 00:08:04,707 --> 00:08:06,587 Speaker 3: you go on top tip over a top four or 166 00:08:07,667 --> 00:08:10,227 Speaker 3: a favorite for winning the competition. That will do wonders 167 00:08:10,267 --> 00:08:12,507 Speaker 3: for the site. But you know it's going to be 168 00:08:12,507 --> 00:08:15,507 Speaker 3: a hard game. Last time Dave had, of course, Stadium 169 00:08:15,547 --> 00:08:18,827 Speaker 3: was a thirteen twelve one point when to the Dogs, 170 00:08:18,827 --> 00:08:20,427 Speaker 3: and I think we'll be close again tonight. 171 00:08:20,707 --> 00:08:22,907 Speaker 2: All right, well, look forward to see how it plays out. 172 00:08:22,947 --> 00:08:26,547 Speaker 2: Always appreciate your analysis, Monty, Thanks for joining us, mate. 173 00:08:26,427 --> 00:08:27,027 Speaker 3: Thanks Bunny. 174 00:08:27,667 --> 00:08:30,827 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live 175 00:08:30,947 --> 00:08:34,267 Speaker 1: to News Talk st B weekends from midday, or follow 176 00:08:34,267 --> 00:08:35,907 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio