Lillyman predicts Warriors will click
A new coach and a new vibe, that’s Jacob Lillyman’s view of how the Warriors are going into today’s trial against the Titans in Palmerston North.
Stephen Kearney has been brought in to make a difference at the Warriors this season and if his time with the Kiwis is anything to go by, he won’t be accepting anything less than 100 per cent effort and commitment at every game or practice session.
Just how much of a difference he’s making will become evident when the Warriors host the Knights in round one and attempt to win the first game of a new season for the first time since 2009.
However, there will be a clue to where the club are heading at Central Energy Trust Arena when for the first time this year the Warriors put out their best possible team.
Jacob Lillyman, Issac Luke and Simon Mannering are all having maiden hit-outs and Lillyman, who’s been with the club for eight years, says he’s noticed a real change this preseason.
‘‘We’re a different team in a lot of ways,’’ Lillyman said.
‘‘I’m really excited about this team and what we’re capable of this year.
‘‘I’m confident that we’ll get off to a great start and there is a different feel around the place.
‘‘I don’t want to be making any bold predictions because I don’t want egg on my face, but it does feel like a different team and I know everyone’s keen to get out there and get stuck in.’’
Lillyman puts some of this change down to Kearney and his coaching methods, but also says the players have stepped up and looked to take on more responsibility.
‘‘It is [Kearney] to a certain extent,’’ he said.
‘‘But also a lot of the boys have taken ownership of what’s happened in the past, especially last year.
‘‘They want to make amends and that’s really showing at training and in the preparation, so there’s a good feeling around the place.’’
The news all Warriors fans wanted to hear was announced last week, with the NRL confirming they’ll register Kieran Foran’s contract with the club and allow him to play from round three, if he passes a psychological assessment.
‘‘I was relieved that he’s got a date in mind,’’ Lillyman said.
‘‘He can concentrate on getting his shoulder right, the rehab stuff under control and know that by round three he’ll be on the park.
‘‘He’ll make a very big difference,’’ Lillyman added.
‘‘He’s been a great player for a lot of years and we’re very fortunate to have someone of his cal- ibre come into the team. You look at that spine and it’s the same one as the Kiwis’. They’re going to be the conductor of the orchestra and he ticks all the boxes.
‘‘He’s tough and he’ll show the way, he doesn’t mind putting his body on the line and it’s great that he’s part of the team.’’
Lillyman is one of a number of senior players coming off contract at the end of the season and at the age of 32 only has a couple more years where he can expect a big contract.
Ryan Hoffman, who is 33, has already been told that his services won’t be required next season, but Lillyman says he hasn’t begun any negotiations with the
I’m confident that we’ll get off to a great start and there is a different feel around the place.’ JACOB LILLYMAN