New Zealand Warriors supporter Phil George, of Auckland,
makes his allegiance known during the NRL pre-season match
at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night. Photo
by Peter McIntosh.
Fantastic venue, passionate crowd - now it's all about
momentum for the New Zealand Warriors.
The 16-12 win over the Brisbane Broncos was a major
confidence boost for the players as they rebounded from
pre-season losses to the Gold Coast Titans and the Penrith
Panthers.
Players spoken to after the game said the win was crucial as
they prepare for their season opener against the Parramatta
Eels on March 9.
Stand-off Thomas Leuluai took a while to work into Saturday's
game, but by the end he was running some nice moves and
leading his players around the park well.
It was a much-improved performance from last week's 32-18
loss to the Penrith Panthers, he said.
''It was a good effort from the boys. We have a few things to
work on, but the effort is there so we have to be happy.''
Leuluai, who is in his first season at the club, said
pre-season games were particularly important for building
combinations and he was confident the club was on the right
track.
His career has taken him to most parts of the world, but he
had never been to Dunedin before.
''I love the people and the venue, particularly at the far
end of the stadium.''
Warriors centre Dane Nielsen, who is also in his first season
at the club, echoed the sentiments of his team-mate.
''At times it felt like there were 50,000 fans out there
rather than 15,000,'' he said.
''It was a good, grinding game and that's what you want out
of a trial.''
Warriors back-rower Todd Lowrie, who had a blinder in his
first game for the club since transferring from the Melbourne
Storm, was pleased with his performance.
''It was a good first hit-out for me and I'll be looking
forward to improving and building on it as the season pans
out,'' he said.
''We were scrappy in areas so it will be nice to put a bit of
polish on it when the season starts. That's why these games
are so important.''
Lowrie described the stadium as ''awesome'' and the response
to his team as ''outstanding''.
''Hopefully there will be more league played down here,'' he
said.
Long-serving Warrior and fan favourite Manu Vatuvei had a
jittery start, but as the game went on, he showed some great
touches and glimpses of how devastating he can be in top
gear.
He said he was proud of how his team went, and particularly
pleased with Lowrie's performance.
''He was the reason why we stayed in the game,'' Vatuvei
said.
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