Warriors players on outer may be released
The Warriors, who play the Storm tonight, have never had a squad with as much depth as the current one, but it might not be too long before players ask to be moved on.
One of the benefits of having such a strong squad is there’s plenty of cover for injuries, but the other side of it is that there’s only so long that quality players are willing to play reserve-grade footy before they get itchy feet.
It could be only a matter of time before Warriors coach Andrew Webster and the club’s recruitment and retention manager, Andrew McFadden, get calls from disgruntled agents, demanding that their player get a release to join another club.
Webster understands what could be coming and won’t rule out letting a player go if that’s the best solution.
“I’ll deal with every situation individually. If that’s the best thing, then that’s the best thing,” he said.
“But I want every player to stay at this club. I want to be clear on that and I want that reported.
“We’ve signed people, we’ve re-signed people in the past. We love all of our players. But if anyone’s got any issues, they can come and talk to me.
“I can’t play everyone and this is the life in the NRL. It’s the same in any professional sport wherever you go and I’ll deal with it case by case.”
Webster named settled sides for the round-one loss to the Sharks and this weekend’s visit to Melbourne.
That has meant Te Maire Martin, Jazz Tevaga, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Ed Kosi and Adam Pompey aren’t getting minutes in the NRL and Tom Ale and Taine Tuaupiki will be struggling for game time once Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Marata Niukore return from their injuries, probably in round four.
There are also young, promising players like Ali Leiataua, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jacob Laban, Kalani Going and Zyon Maiu’u knocking at the door and wanting game time in the NRL soon.
Webster said it was crucial he had regular dialogue with everyone in the squad, so all players knew where they stood.
“I don’t think you can be an NRL coach and not be be good at communicating,” he said. “That’s my job and I’ve got to give them good feedback constantly.
“Feedback on what they’ve got to improve on, what they’ve done great. But I’ve got to touch base with everyone who’s in the team and outside the team. It’s my job to give feedback to every player.”
It’s no surprise that Harris-Tavita has begun the season playing in the NSW Cup, as he went on a sabbatical last year and is unlikely to be demanding ‘play me, or release me’ any time soon.
Even though there is a logjam of players
“I don’t think you can be an NRL coach and not be good at communicating.” Warriors coach Andrew Webster, left
for the halves, he has utility value, as he’s able to slot in as an outside back or at hooker.
“If we needed him to play another position he could do a really good job,” Webster said. “I told him to come in and concentrate on being a really good halfback, get back to playing NRL level and if an opportunity comes where we need him to play somewhere else then so be it.
“Chanel has literally only played 40 minutes against the Tigers in a trial and he played 60 minutes in the last 14 months, probably longer.
“I’m not putting any pressure on him, but I’m really happy with what I’m seeing.”
At a glance
What: NRL, Storm v Warriors
Where, when: AAMI Park, Melbourne; tonight, 9.35pm
Coverage: Live Sky Sport 4, live updates on Stuff from 9.20pm.
Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin WateneZelezniak, Rocco Berry, Roger TuivasaSheck, Marcelo Montoya, Luke Metcalf, Shaun Johnson; Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Tohu Harris. Interchange: Freddy Lussick, Tom Ale, Bunty Afoa, Dylan Walker; Adam Pompey, Jazz Tevaga, Te Maire Martin, Ali Leiataua, Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Will Warbrick, Reimis Smith, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Jonah Pezet, Jahrome Hughes, Tui Kamikamica, Harry Grant, Josh King, Joe Chan, Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero. Interchange: Tyran Wishart, Christian Welch, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald; Shawn Blore, Kane Bradley, Marion Seve, Sualauvi Faalogo, Tepai Moeroa.
Referee: Chris Butler.