The ultimate Warriors cult-hero line-up

RNZ News

19 hours ago

Ali Lauitiiti still looms as the Warriors biggest cult hero.
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
While the Warriors may not have a cabinet chock-full of trophies, the club has never been short of men who create memories.
Rising star Leka Halasima appears to be the latest of these Warriors enigmas.
'Leka' has already cemented himself as a fan favourite following his
miraculous match winner in Newcastle
.
With the rise of Halasima, Jonty Dine selects his side of Warriors cult heroes, the players the streets won't forget.
Fullback - Wade McKinnon
Boasting a highlights reel to rival the best, McKinnon's electric kick returns, deceptive speed, and of course that mesmerising solo
try against Penrith
in 2007 endeared the Aussie to the Mount Smart faithful.
Wing - Henry Fa'afili
A knack for the spectacular, Fa'afili was beloved not just for his try-scoring feats, but also the iconic
celebrations that followed
.
Centre - Konrad Hurrell
A human wrecking ball, Hurrell was chaos personified. Regarded as a slight defensive liability, but with ball in hand, Hurrell was
a sight to behold
. Was just as adept at finding the tryline, as he was the camera to blow a kiss.
Centre - Solomone Kata
The Tongan tank was a nightmare for defences
with speed
, a low centre of gravity and the power of a front-rower, forming a brutal pairing with bash brother Hurrell.
Wade McKinnon, Konrad Hurrell, Henry Fa'afili and Solomone Kata.
Photo:
Photosport
Wing - Lee Oudenryn
The
fastest man in rugby league
was a cult figure before he even joined the early Warriors side. With his blonde hair and searing speed, Oudenryn was happily adopted on this side of the Tasman.
Five-eighth - Michael Witt
A golden boot, Witt's radar accuracy off the tee saw him reach a streak of 28 successful goal on the trot, but he is most remembered for sealing the famous
try in the semi-final
upset over Melbourne, when he eventually put the ball down.
Halfback - Lance Hohaia
A utility weapon, 'The Huntly Hurricane' could play almost anywhere on the park, however that could at times see him struggle to lock down a regular starting spot. His diminutive frame
belied his bravery
.
Prop - Mark Tookey
'Tooks' was the people's prop. A genuine big bopper who showed no regard for the men he ran at, and less about being a pin-up for the game. His
kick return against
the Cowboys in 2002 was as good as you'll see.
Hooker - Jason Death
The grit. The glue. The mongrel in the middle. Death never shied away from the dirty work. Also a quality distributor, Death was among the most reliable
Warriors at the turn of the
century.
Lee Oudenryn, Michael Witt, Lance Hohaia and Jason Death.
Photo:
Photosport
Prop - Iafeta Paleaaesina
'Feka' was synonymous with destruction. His fearless
'rhino style' runs,
pumping the legs and exploding head first through contact, while terrifying for opposition was thrilling for the faithful.
Second Row - Eliesa Katoa
Katoa burst onto a heavily disrupted NRL scene courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, but despite only playing one of his 42 games in Auckland, still managed to leave an
indelible impression
on the club with his combination of power and offload artistry.
Second Row - Ali Lauitiiti
The first name on this list, the embodiment of a Warriors cult figure, an absolute magician. Lauitiiti, dubbed "the Michael Jordan
of rugby league
," had freakish athleticism, was an offload king, and an integral reason for the club's first grand final appearance.
Lock Forward - Richard Villasanti
'Villa the Gorilla" played his football with a reckless abandon that Warriors fans adored, epitomised by his vicious head to head shot on Brad Fitler
in the 2002 grand final
.
Mark Tookey, Eliesa Katoa, Iafeta Paleaaesina and Richard Villasanti.
Photo:
Photosport
Interchange
Suaia Matagi
Brutal
off the back fence
.
Charlie Gubb
Pure
passion
.
Nathan Friend
Selected for the
somersault pass alone
.
Sione Faumuina
A maverick
with a deep bag of tricks
.
Charlie Gubb, Nathan Friend, Sione Faumuina and Suaia Matagi.
Photo:
Photosport
Warriors cult hero lineup
1. Wade McKinnon
2. Henry Faifili
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Solomone Kata
5. Lee Oudenryn
6. Michael Witt
7. Motu Tony
8. Mark Tookey
9. Jason Death
10. Iafeta Paleaaesina
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Ali Lauititi
13. Richard Villasanti
Interchange
14. Nathan Friend
15. Suaia Matagi
16. Charlie Gubb
17. Sione Faumuina
Honourable mentions-
PJ Marsh, Motu Tony, Jerry Seuseu, Mason Lino.
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