NRL

2023 - 3 - 2

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Live: Warriors vs Newcastle Knights - NRL (Stuff.co.nz)

Tries to Edward Kosi and Bunty Afoa ensure the hosts go into the sheds in front after falling behind early in Wellington.

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Match preview: Warriors v Knights | Loop PNG (Loop PNG)

The Warriors are set to play their first game in Wellington since round 18, 2019 when a Blake Green field goal gave them a 19-18 win over the Sharks.

Ponga teams with new recruit Jackson Hastings in the halves and Lachlan Miller makes his club debut at fullback. Knights: No changes to the 17 in Thursday's 24-hour update with Brodie Jones, Dylan Lucas and Bailey Hodgson dropping out of the extended squad. Former Dragon Jackson Ford makes his club debut in the back row.

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

NRL live updates: New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights (New Zealand Herald)

All the action in the NRL opener between the Warriors and Knights.

Josh Curran, and Johnson went close, before Knights prop Adam Elliott was lucky to escape the sin bin, after a late shoulder charge on Walker. Walker delivered the impact Webster had promised and there was some vintage Warriors play for a few minutes, with offloads and flick passes at pace. After all the buildup, it was an anti-climactic start, with Knights back rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon crossing after Nicoll-Klokstad had spilt a bomb. The Warriors had a messy first quarter – struggling to make inroads against swift line speed – but finally got going with Ed Kosi’s 25th minute try. After conceding a try in the first minute their line was only crossed once more, while they responded with four tries of their own. The Warriors will face better teams than the Knights this season, but they now have something to build on.

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NRL Round 1 Warriors hold up Knights for Round 1 win (ESPN)

The Warriors have overcome an early shocker and a fierce Newcastle comeback to post a first-up NRL win, standing strong for a 20-12 triumph.

But the Knights defended ferociously with 12, and might have gone ahead. From that point, the scoring stopped and the brawling began. With the match in the balance, Bradman Best and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad produced try-saving tackles before Wayde Egan's 73rd-minute try sealed the points.]

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Image courtesy of "NothingButLeague"

2023 NRL Round 1: Warriors 20, Knights 12 (NothingButLeague)

Result ; New Zealand Warriors 20 ; Tries: Ed Kosi (25), Bunty Afoa (29), Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad (51), Wade Egan (74) ; Goals: Shaun Johnson (31, 75).

A highlight of the Warriors desperate defence, it was a try-saver from Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad that kept the home side ahead 14-12. Following the try, the momentum swung in favour of the Warriors. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was ruled out in the lead up to the game, with Ed Kosi taking his place on the wing for the home side.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

NRL ScoreCentre: Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos, Warriors ... (ABC News)

Penrith faces Brisbane as it begins its quest to win a third straight premiership, while the Warriors are celebrating a 20-12 victory in Wellington.

The second rower found a gap past his former teammates and ran clear in a move that eventually found its way to Kosi, who scored with a one-handed dive in the corner. It was not to be Newcastle's night, with Egan dummying from a play the ball to seal the Warriors' win. Nicoll-Klokstad dropped a high ball in the opening minute to give up possession, and the Knights made them pay. The result gives Andrew Webster a win in his Warriors coaching debut and condemns the Knights to their first round-one loss in six seasons. Cobbo — who was standing in at fullback for the injured Reece Walsh — was not alone in making errors in the Broncos' back-field with Corey Oates and Farnworth also coughing up valuable ball to the Panthers. Penrith had the upper hand in territory and possession, but Brisbane was able to strike back when Reynolds snuck down a short side and sent Farnworth in at the corner.

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Late defensive heroics see Warriors down Knights (NRL.COM)

A pair of try-saving tackles in the final 13 minutes ensured the Andrew Webster era at the Warriors got off to a winning start on Friday night, ...

We have got a lot to work on, but I'm really proud of the character of the group." Newcastle now enjoy a nine-day turnaround before facing the Wests Tigers in Round 2, by which time they hope Frizell (head knock) Dane Gagai (hamstring) and Greg Marzhew (hip) will be available for selection again. "We've won the first couple of [Round 1] games previous to this, but I reckon there's more character in this team. But there were three big chunks of resilience that we had to have tonight, and I was really proud of that." A simply incredible try-saving tackle after Kalyn Ponga had carved through the defence. "I am proud of the boys...

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Penrith Panthers begin NRL premiership defence with shock loss to ... (ABC News)

The Brisbane Broncos pull off an upset 13-12 win over two-time defending premiers Penrith, while the Warriors celebrate a 20-12 victory in Wellington.

The second rower found a gap past his former teammates and ran clear in a move that eventually found its way to Kosi, who scored with a one-handed dive in the corner. It was not to be Newcastle's night, with Egan dummying from a play the ball to seal the Warriors' win. Nicoll-Klokstad dropped a high ball in the opening minute to give up possession, and the Knights made them pay. The result gives Andrew Webster a win in his Warriors coaching debut and condemns the Knights to their first round-one loss in six seasons. Cobbo — who was standing in at fullback for the injured Reece Walsh — was not alone in making errors in the Broncos' back-field with Corey Oates and Farnworth also coughing up valuable ball to the Panthers. Penrith had the upper hand in territory and possession, but Brisbane was able to strike back when Reynolds snuck down a short side and sent Farnworth in at the corner.

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NRL Round 1 Warriors hold up Knights for Round 1 win (ESPN Australia)

The Warriors have overcome an early shocker and a fierce Newcastle comeback to post a first-up NRL win, standing strong for a 20-12 triumph.

But the Knights defended ferociously with 12, and might have gone ahead. From that point, the scoring stopped and the brawling began. With the match in the balance, Bradman Best and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad produced try-saving tackles before Wayde Egan's 73rd-minute try sealed the points.]

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Broncos stun Panthers to open season in style (NRL.COM)

The Brisbane Broncos have produced a stunning upset to beat the defending premiers 13-12 at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.

I don't think I had my best game, there's still a lot of improvement in myself and the team and that's the exciting thing." It was a tight game, fortunately, we were in front at the back end but there wasn't much in it so we won't get carried away. That's the best defence I've seen since I've been at the club in the last three years." The Broncos blew the game wide open when Billy Walters found five-eighth Ezra Mam, who stepped around Penrith skipper Nathan Cleary and put his boot to the ball. Penrith missed another opportunity to reduce the deficit with premiership-winning five-eighth Jarome Luai putting the ball down just short of the goal line in the 72nd minute. But the home side refused to lie down and Panthers hooker Soni Luke brought his side back within reach when he burrowed over the line from dummy half.

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NRL LIVE: 'Ice-cold' Reynolds slots field goal as 'monumental upset ... (Fox Sports)

NRL LIVE: 'Ice-cold' Reynolds slots field goal as 'monumental upset' brews in Penrith.

The timing is just not there yet.” “They’ve been a different side since Soni Luke’s come into the action. Luke was constantly scheming, he got away some slick balls and put in some pinpoint grubbers. Brisbane copped an untimely setback though when Kotoni Staggs was forced from the field for a H.I.A. The star centre only played 57 minutes but he made 19 tackles with zero misses. I don’t know how many sets the Panthers had 20 metres out (from full time). “Jarome Luai looks a little lost at the moment, a couple of times he’s opted to take on the short side and (Luke) Garner’s been a little flat-footed. “Just watching that left hand side, I know we’re going to talk about the losses of Koroisau and Kikau all season, but they’re just a little one-paced,” he said. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary conceded before the game that there was “obvious rust” in their loss to the World Club Challenge — but that rust was still there against Brisbane too. He then scored under the posts in the 76th minute to keep the Panthers in touch of a win. The Broncos made a change at hooker in the 27th minute with Cory Paix replacing Billy Walters and it gave the team an extra kick. The second one was particularly thrilling as he beat Brian To’o in a race for a ball to plant it down with one hand before it went over the dead-ball line.

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NRL fan invades pitch during New Zealand Warriors win over ... (Daily Mail)

The Warriors returned home for the start of the 2023 season on Friday night, taking on the Newcastle Knights with both sides aiming to improve on their ...

The second-rower found a gap past his former teammates and ran clear in a move that eventually found its way to Kosi, who scored with a one-handed dive in the corner. An NRL fan invaded the pitch during the Warriors' win over Newcastle Knights Nicoll-Klokstad dropped a high ball in the opening minute to give up possession, and the Knights made them pay. The Warriors returned home for the start of the 2023 season on Friday night, taking on the Newcastle Knights with both sides aiming to improve on their turgid performances in 2022. - The incident happened during the Warriors' win over Newcastle Knights NRL fan sidesteps security during the Warriors' win over Newcastle Knights - but cops BRUTAL takedown from the most unlikely source

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Bellamy hands rookie debut in late swap; Sharks dealt brutal Hynes ... (Fox Sports)

Bellamy hands rookie debut in late swap; Sharks dealt brutal Hynes blow: NRL Late Mail · Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, 7.50pm AEDT.

Jojo Fifita 6. Alex Seyfarth 19. Alex Twal 16. David Klemmer 11. Sandon Smith 21. Shaq Mitchell 18. Latrell Mitchell 2. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Ben Trbojevic 16. Corey Jensen 9. Corey Oates 3.

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NRL ScoreCentre: Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm live score ... (ABC News)

The Eels — last year's beaten grand finalists — host the Melbourne Storm in the opening match of the minor premiership. Follow our ScoreCentre.

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NRL 2023 LIVE updates: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm kick off ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Follow all the action as the season begins with last year's grand finalists taking on Craig Bellamy's perennial contenders at CommBank Stadium.

He’s rushed Mitchell Moses from the inside and as he tries to make the tackle, Moses pops a pass back on the inside to Matt Doorey, who drops the ball. Who’s the man to wrestle back a bit of superiority for the Eels? They’ll need to set the platform from here on in for Parramatta to be any chance. And he has the kick-off duties as well. Loiero looks awkward as he stumbles a little off balance from one tackle to the other, and he’s ruled to have taken Doorey high. The Storm are full of running and really trying to angle behind the ruck to expose some tired defenders in Parramatta’s middle. He came out of the line and forced an error from Isaac Lumelume on a kick return, but unfortunately for Melbourne the ball ricocheted forward off Josh King back to Asofa-Solomona. More bad news for Craig Bellamy on the injury front with State of Origin winger Xavier Coates, struggling for several minutes, succumbing to a problem in which he seems to be favouring his left shoulder. The momentum has clearly shifted in the opening 10 minutes of this second half. Parramatta will get a full set of six just 30 metres out from the Storm’s line. and they only need one play to punish the hosts. And it’s still 12-all as we close in on the final 10 minutes.

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Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm: NRL 2023 season opener – live (The Guardian)

Minute-by-minute report: The new campaign kicks off at CommBank Stadium as the Eels host the Storm. Join Jonathan Howcroft for updates.

The move to the left, with a number of runarounds, is eye-catching and slick but the Storm’s rush defence is alert. It means Melbourne have a scrum 30m out and off the back they peel off to the right and have numbers – but Sivo steps out of the line, almost intercepts, but knocks-on. 17 mins: Paulo’s offloads have been a feature of the half so far and his grunt work takes the home side in sight of the posts. From here Hodgson again is alert to the space, feeds Brown on his left, the long cutout pass finds Sivo and Parra score the first try of the season! Meanwhile Munster has left the field with a dislocated finger – and Brad Fittler suggests it’s a compound injury with the bone piercing the skin. The Eels have numbers through, snuff out the danger, and we’re back to the arm-wrestle in midfield. 46 mins: Not a particularly inspired attacking set from Parra, despite the field position, and after running out of options to the right Gutherson kicks infield, Grant collects, Brown comes over the top and Melbourne can clear with a penalty. 51 mins: Munster with the dummy, dart and offload to turn a mundane set into a dynamic one. Not so Melbourne who spread the ball wide to the right, but there’s a turnover on the ground! Again, tackle four sees a deeper line and the ball through hands to the right through Hughes. Parramatta have a kicking opportunity 30m out but Moses is rushed, the kick is poor and Melbourne gather the bouncing bomb in broken play. It’s all Munster, drifting across to the left, feigning the pass to Asofa-Solomona, showing and going to the extend the ball left his hands!

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Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm - NRL: Live score and updates (Daily Mail)

The NRL season gets underway at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta tonight with the Eels playing the Storm. Follow Daily Mail Australia's live blog of all the ...

We will have to grind and grind and be prepared to play to the 80th minute.’ As per usual makes a heartfelt plea to the referee, but no dice. They're the sort of characteristics that the Storm and Craig Bellamy likes and he moulds them in to first grade,' Johns said on the Ch9 broadcast. [Melbourne](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/melbourne/index.html) Storm great Smith was on punditry duty for Channel 9 ahead of his side's curtain raiser against the Parramatta Eels, and was tasked with the gee-up before the game begun - which is widely loved when performed by Phil Gould. 'Classic players that go to the Melbourne Storm and find a home. More penalty drama - this time the Storm are on the end of it. 'Last year was a coming of age for Mitchell Moses. A lot of people thinking this wouldn't be a round one match. This is four weeks into the competition,' he enthused. It's been a great first half.' ‘For the Storm to be even, they made around 70-odd more tackles, they had injuries to Cameron Munster, he was off the field. For them to be in this game, with this far out, it's been some effort.

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Image courtesy of "Wide World of Sports"

LIVE: Gruesome Munster injury scare hits Storm (Wide World of Sports)

Welcome to Wide World of Sports' LIVE coverage of round one of the NRL between the Parramatta Eels and Melb...

"The big strength is his balance, but his right-hand fend ... Will he be able to fend?" He's been pointing to the trainer and pointing to his left clavicle. He's grabbing around his throat. The Melbourne playmaker is back on the field after having his finger put back in at half-time. Xavier Coates departs the field grabbing at his left collarbone and is replaced on the left wing by Tyran Wishart.

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Image courtesy of "Melbourne Storm"

Late Mail: Round 1 v Eels (Melbourne Storm)

Craig Bellamy has selected his final 17 to take on the Eels in tonight's 2023 NRL season-opening clash at Commbank Stadium.

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What the NRL can learn from rugby union - Rugby World (Rugby World)

So often in rugby union we talk of systems coming into the elite game from rugby league. There is no ignoring the prevalence of league-reared defence coaches.

Sometimes, listening to die hard fanbases of either code, there is a wariness of the other sport and it’s merits. Meanwhile the second is more of an adaption on league’s conventions, though not something totally new to the game. Then there is the skill of The first has been Test rugby for a few years now, with Mack Hansen’s try against France in the 2022 Six Nations the pinnacle. There is no ignoring the prevalence of league-reared defence coaches. Even in terms of talent coming across, in recent years we have seen Roger Tuivasa-Sheck leave the NRL for a shot at a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks.

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Melbourne superstar's shock return after brutal 'compound fracture ... (Fox Sports)

Melbourne superstar Cameron Munster left the field after suffering a 'compound dislocation' but returned in a shock move. Munster hit Eels fullback Clint ...

Jack Bird (knee) — Round 2 Hame Sele (calf) — Round 2 Haze Dunster (knee) — Round 1 Heilum Luki (knee) — Round 4 Tariq Sims (calf) — Round 2 Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) — indefinite Morgan Harper (knee) — Round 1 Chris Patolo (knee) — Round 2 Karl Lawton (knee) — Round 4 We can tell you that part of the fitness test was a lot of passing,” Pitt added. Josh Papalii (calf) — Round 2 “We never question him do we, plenty of tape on the finger there.

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NRL fans blast Cameron Smith after Parramatta Eels v Melbourne ... (Daily Mail)

Melbourne Storm great Smith was on punditry duty for Channel 9 ahead of his side's curtain raiser against the Parramatta Eels, and was tasked with the ...

'Cam Smith trying to pull off the Phil Gould speech... [Melbourne](/news/melbourne/index.html) Storm great Smith was on punditry duty for Channel 9 ahead of his side's curtain raiser against the Parramatta Eels, and was tasked with the gee-up before the game begun - which is widely loved when performed by Phil Gould. 'It’s all up to the teams now,' he says before pausing awkwardly and pointing to camera.

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Munster taken from field during NRL season opener (Zero Tackle)

Cameron Munster's season-opener for the Melbourne Storm came to an early and horrid end, being taken from the field with a finger injury during the first ...

Get everything you need, from team lists, fixtures, statistics and a profile on every single player in the competition in our [2023 NRL Season Guide](https://www.zerotackle.com/product/2023-nrl-season-guide/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=bottom). [Zero Tackle Season Guide](https://www.zerotackle.com/product/2023-nrl-season-guide/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=bottom) is back! [Canterbury Bulldogs](/rugby-league/teams/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs/), [Gold Coast Titans](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/gold-coast-titans/), [Wests Tigers](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/wests-tigers/) and [South Sydney Rabbitohs](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/south-sydney-rabbitohs/) over the next fortnight. [Jayden Nikorima](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/jayden-nikorima/) could be considered, or [Nick Meaney](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/nick-meaney/) could move from fullback to the halves, with [Tyran Wishart](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/tyran-wishart/) a possible option to play the number one in an inexperienced backline. [Cameron Munster](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/cameron-munster/)'s season-opener for the [Melbourne Storm](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/melbourne-storm/) came to an early and horrid end, being taken from the field with a finger injury during the first half. [Cooper Johns](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/cooper-johns/) to leave the club during the off-season, and it could be young gun [Jonah Pezet](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/jonah-pezet/) who will be in line to make his [NRL](/) debut next week for [Craig Bellamy](https://www.zerotackle.com/coaches/craig-bellamy/)'s side in Munster's absence in a halves combination alongside [Jahrome Hughes](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/jahrome-hughes/).

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NRL Rd 1 Storm earn epic win over Eels in season opener (ESPN)

Melbourne have kept their impeccable round-one record alive with an epic 16-12 golden-point win over Parramatta to start the NRL season.

Playing his first game in a year, Hodgson spotted Munster sprinting out of the line in defence and found Junior Paulo to barge his way over to set up the 12-6 lead. With scores level at 6-6, it looked as if Josh Hodgson would be the hero for the Eels in the first game for his new club and off the back of an ACL injury at the start of 2022. Decimated by injuries and with Cameron Munster playing on after a compound dislocation of his finger, Harry Grant darted over from dummy-half to win the game for the Storm in the 84th minute.

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Grant's golden point heroics get Storm home in thriller (NRL.COM)

The Melbourne Storm dug deep to down Parramatta 16-12 in golden point at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night and stretch Craig Bellamy's remarkable round one ...

In the only meeting between the teams last year it was the Storm outclassing the Bulldogs 44-0 in round four. There was a bit of confusion there on how bad Cameron's finger was but he got back on there and showed a lot of ticker." Lock Nathan Brown is expected back from a hamstring injury for the clash. We just needed to ice a couple of moments in the game. Cameron Munster is famous for his flashy plays but on Thursday night it was his toughness that came to the fore as he defied the pain of a compound finger dislocation to return for the second half and inspire his team-mates. I felt like we did enough and put ourselves in a position to win it but we just didn't execute well enough.

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NRL: Melbourne Storm snatch golden point victory over Parramatta ... (Newshub)

Hooker Harry Grant came up with a vital try to keep his side's 20-year unbeaten streak in round one.

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Melbourne Storm claim epic to win NRL season opener over ... (Stuff.co.nz)

Cameron Munster played with two pain-killing injections after a compound dislocation of his finger to help Melbourne beat Parramatta.

Playing his first game in a year, Hodgson spotted Munster sprinting out of the line in defence and found Junior Paulo to barge his way over to set up the 12-6 lead. "It's not like a heap of errors, but there were some big moments at the end that we just didn't get right. It doesn't matter if win 18-12 or 13-12 with a field goal." If we keep showing the fight they did tonight, I am sure we'll be okay." He will likely require surgery, while Xavier Coates is also set for a stint on the sideline with a collarbone problem. *

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Image courtesy of "NRL.COM"

Fighting not folding: Gutsy win signals new dawn at Storm (NRL.COM)

Storm coach Craig Bellamy believes the courageous golden point win over the Eels on Thursday night represents a turning point for his team after they fell ...

he showed a lot of ticker to go back out there. Adding more merit to the win was the fact it came in enemy territory and in the face of an injury toll that included Munster, Coates and Tonumaipea, who left the field for a HIA after a head clash late in the game. "We've got a lot of new guys and especially now with the injuries we've got we'll have to find some more, but if we keep showing the fight we showed tonight, we'll be OK."

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Judiciary and Match Review (NRL.COM)

The NRL Judiciary Framework assists everyone with a greater understanding of the operating process and general principles which are key to integrity and ...

We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on. There are currently eight different type of offences that can be charged under the NRL Judiciary Code. The NRL Judiciary Framework assists everyone with a greater understanding of the operating process and general principles which are key to integrity and safety of all participants in our competitions.

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'It would be a great sight': Cowboys' $9m man given green light to ... (Fox Sports)

'It would be a great sight': Cowboys' $9m man given green light to launch boxing career.

“I still marvel at the way he can move, change direction, and the speed he has off the mark when he is flat-footed. “He’s been the best middle forward in the game for nearly a decade — if he’s not the best, he’s in the top three year after year,” Payten told the Herald. “It’s something he has wanted to do for a while and the boxing training keeps another focus around his fitness as well in the off-season. “It could be here in Townsville which is great if we can have another major event in the city and Jase could headline the card in front of his local community,” he said. “We’ve seen how explosive Jason is on the footy field, so if he can transfer those skills to the ring, it would be a great sight for fans.” “Jason has come to us a few times now expressing his desire to fight, and this year shapes as the perfect opportunity to test himself in the ring.

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Warriors aiming to be mentally tougher in NRL this season under ... (Stuff.co.nz)

Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake says they can't afford to continue to fold when things get tough in games this season.

“Webby (Andrew Webster) has come in and he’s addressed that with the squad. By his own admission, Fonua-Blake didn’t have as good a 2022 season as he wanted. “We want to go better than how we did last year, but a lot of that is not having to deal with the opposition we face, but the personnel we take the field with. “It’s a rollercoaster in a game and things are going to get tough, you’ve just got to ride it out and fight your way out of it,” the prop said. Coverage: Live Sky Sport 4, live updates on Stuff from 7.45pm NRL Warriors v Knights Where: Sky Stadium, Wellington.

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Recruitment drive boosts bold new era as spluttering spine gets ... (Fox Sports)

The Warriors will be hoping a shrewd recruitment drive, a new coach and a return to their home base can inspire them to return to finals footy in 2023.

However, with 30 tries in 74 NRL games and three tries in 10 Tests, the 27-year-old can get back to his best with a full season in the Warriors’ No.1 jersey. Nicoll-Klokstad went from a hero of the Raiders’ grand final side in 2019 to losing his place to Xavier Savage due to injury and poor form in 2022. Nicoll-Klokstad will be looking to build on his World Cup display for New Zealand and hit the ground running in 2023. The former Raider returns to the club he debuted for in 2017 after a frustrating final two seasons in Canberra. Johnson struggled in his return to the club after his stint at the Sharks and people were calling for him to retire after he looked disinterested at times in 2022. Unfortunately his path to first grade is blocked by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya at this stage, but the 24-year-old has got his chance due to injury in Round 1 and he needs to make the most of it. Unless injury strikes it is hard to see Lussick getting the chance to break into the team in 2023. The Warriors have lacked consistent finishers since they let Ken Maumalo go and Kosi is a potential star of the future if he can get an extended run in first grade. After 227 NRL games and 32 Tests Johnson deserves to go out on his own terms, but there is little room for sentiment as the Warriors aim to return to relevancy so the heat will be on the ageing playmaker to deliver. The knock on the club has been that they don’t have enough hard nosed forwards willing to do the tough stuff and Barnett will certainly help in that department, which is why he has been selected at prop to start the season. Johnson will be 33 this year and while his best years are behind him he can still play a big role for the team and help develop the next wave of playmakers. The young gun flyer scored eight tries in 11 matches last season showing he has what it takes to be a reliable finisher in the NRL.

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Warriors assessment card: What to look for in the NRL season ... (New Zealand Herald)

After a positive – and prolonged – pre-season, the Warriors face their first litmus test tonight against the Newcastle Knights. Michael Burgess outlines the ...

It will be a slow burn – as Webster’s initial focus is on defence, as it should be – but the Warriors need to have more options in their playbook in 2023. Clearer patterns, better communication and a more unified approach with and without the ball are imperative in the early part of this season. Changing the flow of a match through interchange players is a vital aspect of the NRL. The Warriors aren’t going to instantly transform into a freewheeling offensive team, but more variation on attack is imperative. Instead of having to do the jobs of two or three of his teammates, the captain needs to be able to focus on his core role, while everyone else pitches in with theirs. There would be periods of impressive defence, before the levee broke and they conceded tries in bunches.

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Image courtesy of "SEN"

WATCH | The One New Zealand Warriors' epic 2023 season launch ... (SEN)

The One New Zealand Warriors have completed final preparations for their opening NRL match of 2023 with the added firepower of their 2023 season launch ...

Catch the LIVE coverage of the Warriors v Knights match on the SENZ app. The One New Zealand Warriors kick off their 2023 campaign on Friday night against the Newcastle Knights at 6pm at Sky Stadium, Wellington. The One New Zealand Warriors have completed final preparations for their opening NRL match of 2023 with the added firepower of their 2023 season launch video, courtesy of Kiwi musician Luke Whaanga.

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NRL: How much does new NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster ... (Newshub)

Newshub sport's Andrew Gourdie sat down with the new coach before Friday's season-opener.

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HOOPS: Wallabies' blockbuster $800k plot to poach Sea Eagles ... (Fox Sports)

HOOPS: Wallabies' blockbuster $800k plot to poach Sea Eagles speed machine.

[Angry Arthur slams Eels over blunder](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-maika-sivo-grubber-on-tackle-one-brad-arthur-mitchell-moses-clint-gutherson-eels-vs-storm-round-1/news-story/b75556a8582c957030635a6aa0cbf5dc) [Koula, 20, bagged six tries in 20 games in his debut season in the NRL last year including a double against the Melbourne Storm at 4 Pines Park.](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/storm/time-for-the-club-to-have-a-new-coach-bellamys-frank-admission-may-truly-mean-end-is-near/news-story/fa21f2e0a64e5e1bc85866d35dae30a9) [Recruitment drive boosts bold new era amid spine overhaul](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-warriors-preview-shaun-johnson-charnze-nicollklokstad-te-maire-martin-andrew-webster/news-story/c20752e7172a30756b5e3c2b11930c1d) [Sign up now!!](https://www.foxsports.com.au/newsletter-sign-up?utm_source=NRLArticle&utm_medium=TextLink&utm_campaign=signup) [ Broncos great backs star to stop another choke and end six-year drought](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-brisbane-broncos-finals-chances-gorden-tallis-reece-walsh-coach-kevin-walters-adam-reynolds-ezra-mam-billy-walters-greg-alexander-prediction/news-story/76d2670d5be72f04e719b671da7b144d) [Inside Ciraldo’s Dogs revival and amid huge prediction](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-cameron-ciraldo-canterbury-bulldogs-coaching-staff-josh-addocarr-josh-reynolds-matt-burton/news-story/3072f142e851f16525adc51a3d66a05c) [Start your free trial now >](https://servedby.flashtalking.com/click/7/147292;5439998;50126;211;0/?ft_width=1&ft_height=1&gdpr=&gdpr_consent=&us_privacy=&url=https://kayosports.com.au?marketing=nrl&extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkleague-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-nrl-kyo&channel=fsa&campaign=launch&voucher=) [VIEW ALL SCORES](//foxsports.com.au/score-centre/nrl/nrl-premiership)

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Strengthening the NRL Judiciary: Simplifying the System's Operating ... (NNN)

To this end, the ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) has proposed enhancements for the Judiciary and Match Review Committee with the intention of making ...

[](https://nnn.ng/#:~:text=doing blogger outreach) [](https://nnn.ng/hausa/#=rariyahausacom) [](https://nnn.ng/i/#=bitly shortner) [Foreign](https://nnn.ng/foreign/)

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Kevvie's awkward selection headache as 'X-factor' star backed to ... (Fox Sports)

Kevvie's awkward selection headache as 'X-factor' star backed to stop another Broncos choke.

Has he got the ability to play in the halves. He has come out and said he can play No.6. [Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. “Reece Walsh in the trials he is the X-factor,” Tallis said on The Late Show with Matty Johns. “Reece Walsh was playing at a different speed to everyone else in the trials and they’ve got a superstar in (Selwyn) Cobbo so the ingredients are there for a very good side if they can get their heads right. “I like (Payne) Haas, Carrigan, (Tom) Flegler and (Kurt) Capewell on the edge,” Alexander said. “Now they’ve got that little bit of X factor at the back and I think Reece Walsh could be the difference and I think the Broncos are going to be knocking on the top four. Penrith legend Greg Alexander echoed the sentiment and pointed to the Broncos pack which on paper is one of the best in the competition. “I think their best game troubles the best teams in the competition, with Reece Walsh coming back and his combination with Adam Reynolds,” Tallis said on Fox League. “It’s not about reading the papers, it’s about working hard and believing in their own ability.” [Surprising Latrell reveal in battle of the No.1s](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-every-fullback-ranked-james-tedesco-roosters-latrell-mitchell-rabbitohs-tom-trbojevic-sea-eagles/news-story/a1418691c2b0b3735248733fcdd2d11f) “They’ve always been like a Ferrari, the Broncos, they needed a steering wheel and they got it in Adam Reynolds who has a great kicking game and game management.

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Cameron Munster hopes to play on despite horror injury in NRL ... (The Guardian)

Cameron Munster could be fit to take on Canterbury in round two despite needing to have surgery to clean up a compound dislocation of his finger.

A couple of times I got in a tackle and it was a bit wincy,” he said. “I’ll have to see how much pain I am in [Friday]. “I looked down and there was a bit of bone sticking out. At times I didn’t inject myself as much as I would need to. I probably didn’t run the ball as much as I would like to. I have never seen a bone come out before,” Munster said.

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NRL 2023: Live updates - NZ Warriors v Newcastle Knights at ... (Newshub)

Join us for all of the action at 8pm, or tune in to watch live and free-to-air on Three.

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Wallabies Target Manly's Tolutau Koula for Eddie Jones Revolution (NNN)

Rugby Australia is reportedly offering Manly Sea Eagles centre Tolutau Koula an 800,000 USD annual salary to join the Wallabies at the conclusion of his ...

[](https://nnn.ng/#:~:text=ninjaoutreach pricing) [](https://nnn.ng/hausa/#=sahara hausa) [](https://nnn.ng/i/#=shortner google) [Foreign](https://nnn.ng/foreign/)

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NRL LIVE: Ponga's classy 'answer' to critics as Warriors enforcers ... (Fox Sports)

The Warriors and Knights have traded blows in the first half, as the score sits 10-6 to the hosts. Kalyn Ponga orchestrated the first try for Lachlan ...

Superstar Kalyn Ponga found the backrower with a smart short ball, and the 28-year-old was able to weave past defenders. The Knights have drawn first blood only two minutes into their clash with the Warriors courtesy of Lachlan Fitzgibbon. In his first NRL game for the Warriors upon return, the former Raider crossed for a four-pointer, handing his the upper hand. The Warriors have scored their first of the night after some impressive ball handling from prop Tohu Harris. The Warriors and Knights have traded blows as the score sits 14-12 to the hosts as Phoenix Crossland has been sent to the bin. Kalyn Ponga was able to tip the ball on to Bradman Best who drew his man in comfortably.

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NRL ScoreCentre: Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers ... (ABC News)

The first Friday night double-header of the year sees the Warriors play Newcastle in Wellington, before Penrith faces Brisbane at home to kick off its title ...

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LIVE: Knights gun rocked by 'nasty' collision (Wide World of Sports)

Welcome to Wide World of Sports' LIVE blog of Friday night's NRL action, featuring the Panthers, Broncos, W...

Meanwhile, Melbourne flyer Xavier Coates is set to miss one to two games after spraining an SC joint in the Parramatta clash. In news unrelated to the seesawing Warriors-Knights affair, Storm superstar Cameron Munster is expected to miss Melbourne's next two to three games after underdoing surgery today.

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