NRL
SET OF SIX
1Faumuina bio pulls no punches
League fans all around the world are eagerly anticipating the upcoming release of former Warriors and Kiwis test forward Sione Faumuina’s autobiography The Second Phase.
If an early excerpt is anything to go by, Faumuina’s story will be a must-read as he delves into all the dramas and controversies he endured during a turbulent nine-year career that also included stints at Canberra, Hull, North Queensland and Castleford.
The official release date is October 28, with pre-orders available online.
2Former players nervy over stories Warriors veteran Thomas Leuluai says certain former players will be worried about what details Faumuina’s book may reveal from some memorable nights out on the town.
“There will be a few guys that will be a bit nervous about this book, I can tell you that,” laughed Leuluai.
“I can’t wait to see what he talks about because some of the stories that I remember from when I was coming through . . . it’s going to be a pretty good read.”
3McFadden denies interest in Gillett Warriors coach Andrew McFadden denies Broncos back-rower Matt Gillett is on their radar and says the club are being used as a bargaining tool by Australian-based NRL players.
“Hopefully people are starting to recognise that’s what people do,” said McFadden.
“They use us as a bit of a pawn. We can’t really do much about it but there’s no truth to that rumour, either.” 4Sea Eagles through to Fox decider Papakura have booked a place in the Fox Memorial grand final after beating Pt Chevalier 26-14 last weekend. After claiming the minor premiership and beating the Pirates in their two previous meetings, the Sea Eagles clinched a four-tries-to-three win. The result gives Papakura a week off, while Pt Chevalier will face traditional foes the Mt Albert Lions in Saturday’s major semifinal starting at 2.30pm on Mt Smart No 2.
5Butcher to be roasted The Mad Butcher is normally the one throwing sausage sizzles, but next month, the Warriors’ biggest supporter will put himself up to be roasted.
The Great Charity Roast of Sir Peter Leitch will be held at SkyCity Convention Centre on September 6, with a highprofile cast including Sir Graham Henry, Sir John Kirwan, and Warriors managing director Jim Doyle set to tear shreds off ‘Butch’ while celebrating his colourful life.
Tickets are still available, with all proceeds going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
6Headbangers keen on GNR Simon Mannering’s love of AC/DC’s music is well known and both he and Warriors captain Ryan Hoffman are both eagerly anticipating the visit of US rock band Guns N’ Roses to Auckland next February.
“He didn’t know they were coming and I pointed that out to him and that it will be a good pre-season break for us,” Hoffman said.
“We’d probably be the only two that are interested. We both like music that’s different to 90 percent of the team. That’s a nice way of saying it.”