Third Time Lucky For The Vodafone Warriors?

Auckland, New Zealand, June 12, 2001 – Having posted the side’s first “two in a row” win against the Northern Eagles, the Vodafone Warriors are keen to make it three in a row against Wests Tigers this Saturday night.

While Wests were victorious last time the clubs met, Vodafone Warriors coach Daniel Anderson says his side are not going to be easy prey at Ericsson. “We are a completely different team from the one that took on Wests in round three – we’re more confident and work better as a unit. Our guys are getting to know instinctively how different people play and position themselves.

“The Northern Eagles game showed this team has got the strength to come back from behind. There were some great individual performances during that game, but the thing that pleased me most was the control exhibited in the second half,” Anderson says.

“We know we are going to be made to work for absolutely every point against Wests. They are a physical side with a very solid pack – guys like Senter, Walker, Lowrie and O’Neill have a combined experience of over 600 games. But a number of our players have international experience now and we’re hoping to capitalise on the boost that has given them.

“This week at training there will be a lot of re-focussing on the task at hand. We can’t afford to play badly or get tired on Saturday - this is a critical game for us and the team is relishing the challenge of maintaining our position on the table.

The Vodafone Warriors line up against the Wests Tigers will be as follows:

1. Ivan Cleary
2. Henry Faafili
3. Wairangi Koopu
4. Clinton Toopi
5. Francis Meli
6. Motu Tony
7. Stacey Jones (c)
8. Jerry SeuSeu
9. Jason Death
10. Ali Lauitiiti
11. Awen Guttenbeil
12. Monty Betham
13. Kevin Campion (c)
14. Nathan Wood
15. Richard Villasanti
16. Jonothan Smith
17. David Myles

On Saturday June 16, Ericsson Stadium gates will open at 5.15pm - the Bartercard Cup curtain raiser (Manurewa vs. Hibiscus Coast) will start at 5.30pm. The main game, Vodafone Warriors vs. Wests Tigers, kicks off at 7.30pm.

ENDS.

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