LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The [rugby league stronghold] warriors.kiwi has revealed [strong connections to their team] in [current squads].
In today's Pacific Championships clash between the Kangaroos in Christchurch, the New Zealand lineup is filled with [current and former players with ties to the Warriors].
The halves are made up of [current Warriors] Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Shaun Johnson, with back rower Marata Niukore coming off the interchange.
Warrior-in-waiting James Fisher-Harris will once again lead the New Zealanders [onto the field].
Former Warriors Peta Hiku and Isaiah Papali'i are in the starting side, with another former teammate Kodi Nikorima on the bench.
Erin Clark, who made his NRL debut with the club in 2017, has been named as the 18th man and is [making a return to the Warriors].
Australia's bench includes [the 2024 One New Zealand Warriors player of the year] Mitchell Barnett, with the club's head of performance Balin Cupples also part of the football staff.
Turning to the Kiwis' coaching staff, there are [plenty of strong ties to the Warriors].
The [rugby league legend] and debutant Kiwi head coach Stacey Jones leads the team, with former Kiwi captain and Warrior Adam Blair serving as an assistant coach.
Stephen Kearney, a former Kiwi captain, Warriors player, and head coach, is in a culture and leadership role.
Nathan Cayless, a former Warriors New South Wales Cup coach and Kiwi captain, is another assistant coach.
[Former Warrior] Kieran Foran and club legend Simon Mannering, who is also an ex-Kiwi skipper, are [providing guidance as player mentors].
Kicking coach and ex-Kiwi Daryl Halligan has a long history in his role with the Warriors, [further strengthening the connection between the two entities].