Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Warriors take Parra trial seriously
The New Zealand Warriors will give the Eels a stern test this week, naming a senior side to face Parramatta in this weekend's trial. Unlike their previous trial when they lined up against St. George with a team of rookies, all of the starting team have first grade experience, as do four of the seven bench players. There's no Stacey Jones, but internationals like Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Monty Betham, Ali Lauiti'iti and Richard Villasanti are all in the team.
Former Parra cult hero, 'Tooks' who was one of the few senior players to line-up against the Dragons has been give a rest. The big fella must have pulled up blowing hard and needing the run, as they would say in racing parlance.
Warriors: 1. Brent Webb, 2. Justin Murphy, 3. Vince Mellars, 4. Clinton Toopi, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Jerome Ropati, 7. Thomas Leuluai, 8. Jerry Seuseu, 9. Monty Betham (capt.), 10. Iafeta Palea'aesina, 11. Ali Lauiti'iti, 12. Karl Temata, 13. Wairangi Koopu. Interchange: Evarn Tuimavave, Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina, Marcus Perenara, Loius Anderson, Vinnie Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki.
The New Zealand Warriors will give the Eels a stern test this week, naming a senior side to face Parramatta in this weekend's trial. Unlike their previous trial when they lined up against St. George with a team of rookies, all of the starting team have first grade experience, as do four of the seven bench players. There's no Stacey Jones, but internationals like Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Monty Betham, Ali Lauiti'iti and Richard Villasanti are all in the team.
Former Parra cult hero, 'Tooks' who was one of the few senior players to line-up against the Dragons has been give a rest. The big fella must have pulled up blowing hard and needing the run, as they would say in racing parlance.
Warriors: 1. Brent Webb, 2. Justin Murphy, 3. Vince Mellars, 4. Clinton Toopi, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Jerome Ropati, 7. Thomas Leuluai, 8. Jerry Seuseu, 9. Monty Betham (capt.), 10. Iafeta Palea'aesina, 11. Ali Lauiti'iti, 12. Karl Temata, 13. Wairangi Koopu. Interchange: Evarn Tuimavave, Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina, Marcus Perenara, Loius Anderson, Vinnie Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki.
