Spur for a better performance
and back on what we know works and the way we’ve been playing the weeks previous to the Panthers game.”
After a poor finish to their last outing, coach Stephen Kearney is looking for a strong start from his side, after the Dragons jumped out to a 20-8 halftime lead in the round four loss in Sydney. The Warriors fought back in the second-half at UOW Jubilee Oval but were unable to reel in the Red V.
“We missed the start of that game but in every other game we’ve been in a real contest,” said Kearney.
“They’re a good footy team and playing good football at the moment so we understand the challenge that we’ve got ahead of us.
“If you’re a touch off in attitude you’re going to find yourself in trouble so that’s been the big lesson from last weekend’s performance.
“It’s making sure that we move forward and we do go down to Hamilton with the right attitude.”
Cleary proud dad
Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary was watching from the sidelines as the Warriors folded in the second-half tow lose to the Panthers at Penrith last Saturday. Cleary previously coached both teams but his loyalty was with the Panthers with his son Nathan wearing the No 6 jersey and nailing six from six off the boot in his side’s dramatic win. “It was great to see him very relieved and happy after the game.”
Nikorima staying
Kodi Nikorima has done enough to keep the Broncos No 7 jersey for tonight’s clash with Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium. The 23-year-old has been impressive in guiding the Broncos attack throughout their fivegame winning-run, with coach Wayne Bennett sticking with the Kiwis international despite the availability of Ben Hunt who has overcome a hamstring injury.
Ross dumped
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has dumped fan favourite Nathan Ross to reserve grade after he made a public push to win a contract upgrade. The in-form winger found himself offside with Brown after telling the Newcastle Herald that he wants to be paid what he’s worth and threatening to leave the Knights at the end of next season if his contract is not upgraded.
Serial offenders
Plenty of players are serial offenders when it comes to conceding penalties but the man with the most against his name this season has a huge lead on his rivals. Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Canterbury back-rower Josh Jackson have both been pinged on 11 occasions (they battle each other on Sunday afternoon), while Parramatta hardman Beau Scott and Gold Coast co-captain Ryan James each have 12 against their names. But it’s a former Warrior leading the pack by a long stretch. Mischievous Cronulla Sharks playmaker James Maloney has given away a whopping 21 penalties before the season reaches the halfway point.
Farah’s pay day
South Sydney hooker Robbie Farah was amused to receive a pay slip from his former club Wests Tigers just an hour before playing his old team last Friday. Farah is still being paid by the Tigers after parting ways with the joint venture outfit last year, but he was surprised at the timing of an email confirming his latest instalment.
Waqa back?
Fijian flyer Sisa Waqa could be back at Melbourne Storm by the end of the season after a short-lived stint with French rugby club, FC Grenoble. The 31-year-old recently returned to Melbourne to reunite with family after breaking his jaw before Christmas and met with Storm coach Craig Bellamy and football director Frank Ponissi following their Anzac Day win over the Warriors. Should he resurrect his NRL career, Waqa would also come into contention to represent Fiji Bati at the World Cup in October.