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RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
The ultimate Warriors cult-hero line-up
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. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Auckland FC v Melbourne Victory: 'We know what we have to do to stop them'
Auckland FC Manager Steve Corica Photo: PHOTOSPORT Auckland FC coach Steve Corica said they are taking the challenge of reaching the A-League grand final head on. The club is back in Auckland after beating Melbourne Victory 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final series in Melbourne. Corica, a champion as a player and a coach, is happy with where his side is at. "They looked really good so I'm sure going home will feel even more comfortable for them, Corica told RNZ. "We're excited about it, we're using the pressure to build more excitement and to walk towards it and enjoy every moment we're having." Auckland will also get to play at their fortress of Mount Smart. They won eight, drew four and lost one at the ground during the regular season. The ground capacity has been increased for the semi-final and a potential Grand Final. On Saturday Auckland kept Victory scoreless for the third time this season and it is the 13th time the side had recorded a clean sheet this season. "We know them really well now, we've played them several times during the year. "We know exactly what we have to do to stop them again." Auckland FC head back into training on Tuesday with Corica saying it will be a normal week of training for them. And not a lot is likely to change on the field in the second leg on Saturday night. "It'll be a similar game plan for us, to be positive, go into the game wanting to win and hopefully we come out on top." Victory coach Arthur Diles admits his side needs to take more chances in the return leg. Melbourne City lead Western United 3-0 after the first leg of the other semi-final. If Auckland win their semi-final the Grand Final will be played at Mount Smart. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
