TWL 2024 TRIAL 2: KINGZ CONTAINER CREW WARRIORS PLAYER RATINGS

The Warriors always looked a cut above the Dolphins in a 34-22 trial victory at Mt Smart Stadium, with a host of big-name stars looking the goods in their initial hit-out of 2024. Shaun Johnson had some great moments, AFB and Mitch Barnett were dominant up front, Kurt Capewell shone in a new jersey and Marata Niukore thrived in a new role.

But the Kingz Container Crew Warriors Player Ratings stud was again the returning club legend, who muddied up the Round 1 selection waters just a little with a outstanding performance in half a game in his old spot.

1 TAINE TUAUPIKI: Played like his confidence had been buoyed by getting rubberstamped by the coach as injured CNK’s replacement for the first few rounds, consistently pushing up in support and jinking around for openings in the Dolphins’ defence. Sound at the back and ran for 114 metres in the first half. Getting replaced by as custodian RTS suggested there’s still a chance he may not be the No.1 in Round 1. 7

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELENIAK: Made another submission to be crowned the NRL’s intercept king with a 50-metre special off Kodi Nikorima but cancelled it out soon afterwards with a play-the-ball blunder that led to the Dolphins’ first try. A wayward offload and a high tackle along with a handful of strong carries on a mixed afternoon. 5.5

3 ROCCO BERRY: Did the little things that earned him a permanent spot in 2023 and ran a superb line off SJ to reach out for the first try of the second half. Nine runs for 72 metres and 17 tackles before going off as a precaution with a twinge as he scored his try. 7

4 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: Less of the eye-catching runs and hits from centre that got the Christchurch crowd frequently on their feet, but a truckload of enthusiasm and urgency underlined how valuable he will prove on the left edge. And gee, wasn’t seeing him at fullback like running into an old flame? Looked right at home cleaning up in the in-goal, terrorising the Dolphins through the middle, laying on a late try for Leiataua, and finishing with a game-high 196 metres and eight tackle-breaks…have to say I’d lean towards putting him at the back until Charnze is back (maybe even beyond). 8

5 MARCELO MONTOYA: Barged his way over for the first try with Jamayne Isaako all over him, chalked up 80 metres on nine runs and generally defended well against a quality opponent. 6.5

6 LUKE METCALF: Lovely piece of work down a narrow blindside to put Montoya over for the first try and a few other classy plays and one-percenters in the first half that suggested he is hellbent on nailing down this jersey for Round 1. Returned midway through the second half for SJ on the right and deftly put Niukore over. Likely did enough to get the start for Friday week’s showdown with the Sharks. 7

7 SHAUN JOHNSON: Nothing too earth-shattering – though his pass to put Berry over was an absolute beauty and he had a few other standout moments before getting an early mark – but looked very comfortable and great to see him get the reps in, kick well, defend strongly and direct traffic. 7

8 ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE: A classic reminder of what the Warriors will miss in 2025 and beyond and what they have to make the most of in 2024, chewing off nine runs for 89 metres in the first 20 minutes. Solid second stint and looks in tip-top shape to start the campaign. 7.5

9 WAYDE EGAN: Dangerous out of dummy-half from the outset and a delectable piece of deception to help set up Barnett’s first-half try. A class act as per usual. 7

10 MITCH BARNETT: Finished off a punchy opening 20 minutes with a powerful try and was given a spell a few minutes later with his statline at 10 runs for 88 metres and 18 tackles. Returned in the second half with another solid contribution. 7.5

11 JACKSON FORD: Bounced back from a pair of early handling errors on attack to finish with 116 metres on 11 runs and 20 tackles. 6

12 KURT CAPEWELL: What an astute signing the veteran promises to be. Competes on every play but does it smartly, tough and capable of producing touches of real class. Only four runs for 40 metres but a team-high 35 tackles. 7.5

13 TOHU HARRIS: Early HIA spell but was cleared and ultimately tallied 33 tackles without a miss and 14 runs for 108 metres in a customary display of no-fuss industriousness from the skipper. 7.5

14 FREDDY LUSSICK: Another handy trial display after replacing Egan, impressing with his support play. Did a sound job at dummy-half – if not quite with the guile of the starting No.9 – and in defence. Looms as a real chance for the Round 1 bench with some other mooted utility options not getting a run at hooker. 6.5

15 MARATA NIUKORE: Some clues as to how he will be used in 2024 – and a shift to the middle for Niukore looks like it could be the missing piece in the Warriors’ pack puzzle. Barnstorming break as well as an excellent try steaming off Metcalf’s hip. Finished with a brief stint back on the edge. Six runs for 88 metres and 17 tackles (no misses). 7.5

16 JAZZ TEVAGA: Surely put his spot in the 17 for Round 1 in serious jeopardy with two errors before halftime following his injection off the bench, though he made a strong start to the second half before going off. Returned to finish the game and gave away a cheap penalty. On the plus side, big defensive load with 30 tackles. A gritty, momentum-changing player at his best but there’s too much competition for spots to persevere when’s he’s not. 5

17 BUNTY AFOA: A huge standout in Christchurch but did little in limited minutes this time around. 4

18 DYLAN WALKER: Played big minutes and got through a lot of work, racking up 14 tackles for 112 metres and 19 tackles. Remains a vital cog in this team. 7.5

20 TOM ALE: Needed an eye-catching game to stay in the mix for Round 1 but made just four runs and didn’t get a great deal of game-time. 4.5

21 ALI LEIATAUA: Played a good chunk of the second half at right centre and showed a couple of flashes of what he’s capable of – most notably using brute strength to get over for a last-minute try. 6

22 ADAM POMPEY: Came on at his usual left centre spot at halftime and looked pretty good opposite Herbie Farnworth, doing enough on both sides of the ball to confirm he’s up to the task if RTS is utilised at fullback – but not enough to unseat Berry. 6

23 TE MAIRE MARTIN: A few quality touches but no highlight-reel moments that he would have liked given five-eighth rival Metcalf was dishing up try assists. 5.5

26 MOALA GRAHAM-TAUFA: Chucked on late and had one strong run. Has the look of a first-grade quality winger. 5

28 SETU TU: Another to get a few minutes at the end, Tu had one long, searching run from a Dolphins mistake. 5

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