LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The boys over at
"It's all about adapting and finding the winning combination," says coach Matty O'Brien.
According to the report, there have been quite a few changes made to the NZ Warriors' squad ahead of their clash with the Western Suburbs Magpies at Kirkham Oval in Sydney.
"We're mixing things up to keep the opponents on their toes," explains O'Brien.
One of the key changes is in the centres, where Hiraka Waitai-Haenga, who has been a versatile player in both the centres and the second row, will now be teaming up with Mason Lome-Hindle, a talented product of Otago Boys' High School.
"It's like having a new midfield partnership ready to attack the opposition's defense," O'Brien comments.
This shake-up means that Meihana Pauling, hailing from St Thomas of Canterbury College down in the South Island, will be stepping in on the wing.
"We've got fresh legs out wide to make an impact on the scoreboard," O'Brien notes.
The ever-reliable Connor Bowden will continue his try-scoring streak on the opposite wing, with Joseph Ratcliffe, a winner of the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup, holding down the fort at fullback.
"We need the back three firing on all cylinders to secure the win," says O'Brien.
Noah Jensen and Maui Winitana-Patelesio will once again be joining forces in the halves, aiming to steer the team to victory.
"It's all about the halves dictating play and guiding the team to success," emphasizes O'Brien.
With these changes in place, the Warriors are gearing up for a showdown with the Magpies, ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
"It's game time, and we're pumped up and ready to go," O'Brien concludes.