Tigers VS Warriors...............

The game that I wanted to be the grand final is now being played this week in the semi finals of the NRL. The NRL finals series kicked off last week with the qualifying rounds with the West Tigers beating the Dragons in a spectacular encounter winning the match 21-12. The Warriors came up against the high flying Broncos. Sadly the Warriors were pummeled by the Broncos with the score ending up being 10-40. It was not an impressive start to the finals series, in fact that could have been the end of their campaign if other results were different!

In this collision of these two teams we find one team who are on a high after recording yet another win which made it nine consecutive vicotrys. While the other team are looking to get back on track after a heavy lost. Both teams have teams have players capable of winning the game just like that. With the Tigers being known for their offensive style of play spreading the ball from one end to another. While the Warriors have forwards who are capable of offloading the ball to create breaks and trys for their outside backs. And their outside backs are more then capable of creating havoc with the ball, trust me!

I want both teams to do well in this game but my heart is with the Tigers, but honestly I woudn't mind which team wins this game because I like both of these teams very much. Look for Benji to bring out the bag of tricks in this game as he will do everything and anything he can to get his team that one step closer to that premiership title. Also look out for the like of Shaun Johnson, James Maloney, Feleti Mateo and the big man himself Manu Vatuvei. All are very dangerous with the ball in hand.

This is sure to be a battle for the ages. COME ON TIGERS!

Hot Tip: Krisnan Inu is back in the line up for the Warriors this week with Joel Moon Out being injured.)

Do The Tigers Have What It Takes?

I haven’t done a post about my favourite team (The West Tigers) in quite a while, but in that while they have stormed their way into top 8 contention with four spectacular victories in a row against all high flying teams the Cowboys,the Sea Eagles, the Dragons and the Roosters. Throughout that period they have had few bumps with some minor injuries with key players missing out on the big games but thankfully they have shown that they have enough depth and faith in themselves to win those big games.

This week they have Penrith and I believe that if they win this game it will lead them to a hopeful top four spot since they will be playing teams at the bottom of the table including the Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans. The Tigers have been putting in the extra effort in the few weeks. They have to be careful that they do not get anyone else injured for the up coming games because they are absolutely crucial to their outcome of this year.

Obviously the key players in Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah have to be performing at their best to keep themselves in contention as well as there young guns in Robert Lui and Tim Moltzen. Honestly I think the best place that they can finish at the moment is in 5th place. Because with the top four teams way ahead in points probably there only hope is to hop in front of the Dragons who are in 5th place.

Everyone knows what the Tigers can do, they are the most damaging attacking team in the NRL for goodness sake! They can score from anywhere on the field, they create something from nothing. They are the West Tigers.............

My Team Of A Dream! NRL!!!!!!

My dream team is based on the form of NRL players throughout the year. So if I was a selector for a new team that was going to compete in the NRL I would call them, “The Auckland Wolves”. Here is my squad.

Fullbacks:
Josh Dugan (Raiders)
Anthony Minnichello (Roosters)
Jaryd Hayne (Eels)

Wingers:
Akuila Uate (Knights)
Manu Vatuvei (Warriors)
Lote Tuquri (Tigers)
Brett Morris (Dragons)

Centers:
Micheal Jennings (Panthers)
William Hopoate (Sea Eagles)
Chris Lawrence (Tigers)
Steve Matai (Sea Eagles)

Halves:
Benji Marshall (Tigers)
Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Dally Cheri- Evans (Sea Eagles)
Jamie Soward (Dragons)

Hookers:
Cameron Smith (Storm)
Robbie Farah (Tigers)

Props:
Paul Gallen (Sharks)
Matthew Scott (Cowboys)
Fui Fui Moi Moi (Eels)
Andrew Fifita (Tigers)


2nd Rowers:
Anthony Wautmogh (Sea Eagles)
Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs),Feleti Mateo (Warriors),Lewis Brown (Warriors)
Loose Foward:Cory Parker (Broncos),Luke Lewis (Panthers),


Based On my Selection I have chosen 2 teams.



Team 1:
1.Anthony Minnichello
2.Akuila Uate
3.Micheal Jennings
4.Steve Matai
5.Manu Vatuvei
6.Benji Marshall
7.Jamie Soward
8.Paul Gallen
9.Cameron Smith
10.Fui Fui Moi Moi
11.Frank Pritchard
12.Feleti Mateo
13.Corey Parker

Team 2:
1.Josh Dugan
2.Jaryd Hayne
3.William Hopoate
4.Chris Lawrence
5.Lote Tuquri
6.Darren Lockyer
7.Jonathan Thurston
8.Matthew Scott
9.Robbie Farah
10.Fui Fui Moi Moi
11.Anthony Wautmogh
12.Lewis Brown
13.Luke Lewis

State Of Origin Blues Summary

Yet another thrilling game that will go down in Origin history. The New South Wales go down yet again to a dominant Queensland side. The score ended up being 12-16 but the NSW have a lot of positives that they can take out of the game last night. There many brave players in the Blues team including the new comers in Josh Dugan, Akuila Uate, Mark Gasnier and Jamie Soward.

At the start of the game Queensland were dominating the Blues by making easy meters. Being allowed to make meters the Queenslanders scored an early and easy try through a clever kick for Jonathan Thurston to score a early try. For the rest of the half the Blues looked like they could scored with good surges down the left side, Panthers centre Micheal Jennings created a lot of havoc down the Queensland right side.

Newcomer Akuila “The Thriller” Uate had a magnificent game, though making one mistake he made good breaks and meters for his side. He played with a lot of spark and could of made the difference? Another star for the Blues that now one really noticed was hardworking second rower Greg Bird, behind the scenes he worked really hard, put on some good hits, some good runs and got through the line to set up a comeback try.

The halves from NSW I think were a bit quite both needed to get into the game a little more. Jamie Soward should of used more of kicks to keep Queensland in there own half so that they could get better ball possession. I think that if Soward had run the ball a few times that would have also made a difference to the outcome. Another thing what would surely have made New South was when after they had scored that marvellous try (Micheal Jennings) it was only the fourth tackle and they wanted to hold onto the ball and make more meters up the field but instead hooker Micheal Ennis kicked the ball right to Darius Boyd giving him good field position with nobody chasing thus giving Queensland a chance to get back into the game.

Let’s face it New South could of won what was one magnificent game. So if they could do that imagine that they will do at Sydney!!!! COME ON BLUES

State Of Origin: Live Build Up 9:46 PM

Oh yeah babe it's almost 10:00 and you know what that means!!! STATE OF ORIGIN BEGINS!!! This year the teams look as evenly matched as they will ever be with star young gun Josh Dugan going up against the deadly Billy Slater. Also in the halves in form Dragon Jamie Soward is going up against experienced and the ledgendary Darren Lockyer. These battles are mouth watering and will surely make this game a terrific match!!!

This year people including me have been more interested in the New South Wales build up. NSW have chosen As many people say ''The game is won through the forwards" they are probably right, both forward packs have work horses and meter eaters. But I think that if the Blues want to win game 1 of the series they will need to have good impact off the bench. If you look at the Queensland side they have named quite a tough team. So if they want to wear out Queensland they need to have a lot of fire power coming off the bench. They will also need big games from the speedy looking backline. New comers in Akuila "The Thriller" Uate has been fantastic this season for his NRL club as is looking to put his name down as one of the form backs in Origin on the wing. Another advantage for NSW is that there are many St George Dragons in this NSW backline. Mark Gasnier will be very big in the New Souths hope for a victory. His experience in Origin should be a big boost for the rookies in the side. Jamie Sowards kicking game will also be a big factor in this NSW side, for the Dragons his kicks are absolutely spectacular, deep and in space, just what the coach wants!!! Queensland will surely be watching Soward go himself they all know that he is very quick off the mark.

This is the class of the decade, LET"S GO THE BLUES!!!!!!!!!!

Late mail: Dean Young starting, Ennis Moves to the bench. (Come On the Tigers!!!)

The Kiwis: Can They Upset the Aussies Again???

The annual Anzac test is almost ready to get under way with the World Champions and the Four Nations champions, “The Kiwis” taking on a hungry Australian side. The Kiwis selection of players are more picked for defensive. I would also choose a defensive side with the Aussies choosing a very offensive team.

The Kiwis have chosen the likes of Simon Mannering, Sam Rapira and Ben Matulino all from the Warriors!!! The forwards for the Kiwis will be a big factor if the Kiwis want to win! Our forwards are one of the little ways that we can beat these very good Australians. We have chosen a variety of forwards, Sam Rapira, he is a very reliable forward who makes outstanding metres from his spectacular charges down the field. Fui Fui Moi Moi, he will also be another big factor in this Kiwi side. Stephan Kearny will surely use him properly as he can create big turning points for his side.
The Kiwis have also chosen a very fearsome back row. Jeremy Smith, Bronson Harrison and Adam Blair. All very well known players in the League world. But the one of the biggest factors would have to be have the current best player in the world playing in your team, Benji Marshall. He will be absolutely crucial to what will happen on the night. It’s a case of if he turns up on the night. I’m sure that he can lead our Kiwis to yet another victory. Let’s all support the boys as they bravely take on Australia in the Gold Coast. There playing this week on Friday. COME ON KIWIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Tigers Have A Buy this week!)

My Favourite NRL Guy...........HAS RETIRED!!!!!!!

At first I thought it was a joke, my dad saying that my favourite superstar TANIELA TUIAKI was looking like he was going to retire, but then I just got really worried so then I checked the NRL offical website, the top head line: Tuiaki Forced to retire......”NNNOOO!!!!” I yelled in my head I was so sad and frustrated at the same time, feeling so sorry for the best winger in the world.

Him and the Tigers were a five match winning streak until they came up against the red hot Eels, that was the game of the year but tragically they lost the barnstorming winger (Tuiaki) because of an awkward tackle, he broke his ankle and never played again.

Him announcing that he is retiring is very sad to me, and very sad to all the Tigers supporters, but the Tigers are still one of the best teams in the competition, they look sure to make some real damage this year. GOOO TIGERS!!!!!!(First Game VS Bulldogs!!!)

Tigers Back On Track While Crushing Warriors

West Tigers starting a thrilling week of NRL won against the Warriors 50-6 WHAT A SCORE!!! In the beginning it was a bit nervous watching the Warriors play, They had won two games against the messy Cowboys, And against the in form Rabbitohs. The thought of the Warriors winning against the Rabbitohs and the Tigers just coming back from one victory really occurred to me that this would be a game to remember!

Even though in did not turn out the way I thought it would it was still a game to remember with the Tigers razzling the dazzle winning by quite a good margin.

New coming centre Geoff Daniela had a spectacular game scoring three entertaining tries while having a blister of a game.

Hope that the Tigers will make it three in a row against the Bulldogs GO THE TIGERS!!!!!

Tigers:That Time Of THE Year

My favourite NRL Team the West Tigers have had four disappointing weeks of losing.They have not played as well as they can losing to the Rabbits a big 10-50 score. They are putting to much pressure on them selves by making pitifully mistakes by dropping the ball while trying to develop trys. They are now coming in ninth in the competition behind the Warriors. They need to do something before it is to late for them. There play makers in Benji and Farah need to step up by showing them the way to a few victories.

Magic Coach Tim Sheens will surely be setting up a tough training this week for the Tigers. The boys need to think of the positives of there season and turn it around while they still can. I believe that they can do anything if they play to there best in the next part of this season.

There next game is against the Newcastle Knights on Friday night. I hope they will get there confidence back from this game. GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!!!

Kiwis:Almost There Boys

The Kiwi Jersey brought an unexpected attitude to the game. They played a lot better than expected and could of drawn but lost to the Australians 8-12. The young pack of Kiwis played with loads of momentum and had the Aussies on there feet for quite a while. Debutant Zeb Taia had a good game for a start. He made a few yards and gave them a few offloads.

The Kiwis were well in the game throughout the opening half but the score went to the Australians 6-0. But through the beginning of the second half the Australians ran in a try for Dragon Winger Brett Morris which gave him two tries for the night. With ten minutes on the clock the Kiwis had to do something. So a Kiwis move and a perfect execution from Lance Hohaia gave Dragons right side Winger Jason Nightingale a try in the corner. Rabbitohs superstar hooker Issac Luke missed the kick from out wide and the score remained 12-4.

With five minutes left the Kiwis sent Junior Sau over the line with his incredible strength. Once again Issac Luke missed the conversion and the game seemed like it was over with the score 8 to 12. In the end the Kiwis played a really good game losing by 4 points this was only because of conversions.

Let's hope the Kiwis will take the confidence from that game and crush them in the Four Nations Thanks to http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/image.cfm?1 for the picture. GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!(Next game against the Rabbitohs!!)

Storm Result: We Show NO Mercy

The Storm came into the match with a furious strike showing that the incident had no part of their emotions in the thrashing against the Warriors. The ending score was 40-6! The Warriors played the role of sitting duck's. The Storm sent the Warriors under the pump through out the whole game.

Some of the Storm players were a bit dirty, starting scraps, causing arguments and people getting on report. The Storm fired with thunder forgetting what had happened. Warriors fill in Captain Micheal Luck was deeply considering trouble maker Brett White as a nasty little man. White was quite disturbing to the Warriors Captain gave him a piece of his mind chucking in a few blows before team mates stopped him. The Warriors only try went to the Tongan Powerhouse Ukuma Ta'ai. Ukuma took a bit of anger off his shoulders chucking the ball at Billy Slater's head which caused a bit of grief between the to teams. It was a fantastic display of footy by the Storm , they have to keep playing like that if they want to get through this season.....GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!!!

COME ON TIGERS!!!

The West Tigers came back with two wins to barge there way into the top eight. With an absolute cliff hanger of a match when they won against the Manly Sea Eagles who were coming seventh, It was one good score 19-18 to the West Tigers and another win to the Sydney Roosters 17-10 it was a scrappy win but it was enough to send them into the top eight!! (The top seven to be exact!) 

Through out the past four matches Taniela Tuiaki has been in devastating form for the Tigers he has scored EIGHTEEN that's right EIGHTEEN tries through out the whole season. That is how many tries Paul Whatuira scored for the Tigers in 2005. But the record for the Tigers try scoring is Pat Richards with 20 tries in 2005. Lot's of Tigers got heaps of tries in 2005 that's because they were the champions in 2005!!!

There next match is against the Cronulla Sharks I hope they win this next game because if the Cowboys lose there next game against the Canterbury Bulldogs the West Tigers will go into 6th place. It's going to be one cliff hanger of the match but I want the Bulldogs to win this!! Let's hope the Tigers win for a start aye?!?!?!

GO THE TIGERS 

The West Tigers Storming There Way Back!!

Man what an exciting come back from the Tigers!! After losing ten of there games the Tigers hopes of making the top eight were sinking fast! The Tigers had to win more of there games to get a chance of making it to the finals. So the Tigers have won 3 matches in a row which is a big improvement. And there latest win was against the Canbera Raiders winnig 25-4! The Tigers were really good at defence on that game,moving up and making good tackels. Tim Moltzen had a great game scoring two tries in a row.

Threw out the whole season of the NRL Taniela Tuiaki has been one of the top try scorers of the season. So far he has scored 16 tries and is coming second in the top try scoring list.

Benji Marshall (The Magic Man) has produced some good set plays and some produced some awesome tries!!

Right now the Tigers are coming tenth,and one more win will send them into the top eight!! GO THE TIGERS!!

MAN WHAT HAPPENED TIGERS!?!?!

OK since the Tigers LOST 14 nil I'm going to support a different team now!! NOT - I'm still going to support the Tigers!! For me the player of the day for the West Tigers would have to be Daine Laurie because of his big breaks in the tackle and his Barn Storming tackle on Manu Vatuvei. That was a thrilling game by the Warriors. I was wrong about the Tigers being better than the Warriors, they are both kind of equal to be honest.

And what a FANTASTIC first game for the up and coming Super Star ''The Rookie Kevin Locke". It was awesome to see him get TWO tries on his very first game he played. It was kind of like this Kiwi Boy last year who played for the Gold Coast Titans and his name was Jordan Rapana. He was stunning and scored two of the most spectacular tries of last year. Kevin Locke got his last try in the 74 minute. It was a very good one don't you think??

Well let's hope that the Tigers will win their next game against the PENRITH PANTHERS. Man, won't that be a match up!! GO THE TIGERS!!!!

Benji Marshall & the Tigers Preparing For The Clash!!

Today I went to Ellerslie Rugby League club to see my favourite team the TIGERS train for their big clash against the Warriors tomorrow. It was so cool to be up close to an actual professional Rugby League team!!! It was also cool not only to see them figure out their moves. Also some damaging players! Like BENJI MARSHALL, TANIELA TUIAKI, JOHN MORRIS, and lot's of other upcoming Superstars. Guess what? I got my photo taken with these 3 SUPERSTARS!

Me & Taniela 'the train' Tuiaki!

As a young follower of the Tigers I think that their best foward is a man named CHRIS HEIGHINGTON, and the best back would be BENJI MARSHALL. I also think that the biggest person in their team would be Daine Laurie he is a massive guy with braids platted in his hair. I think that the main match up between the Tigers and Warriors would have to be between the two Tongan torpedoes 'the Beast' Manu Vatuvei and Taniela 'the train' Tuiaki. They are both devastating ball runners or you could say they are both wrecking balls!!!

Benji Marshall, my cousin Kane and me!

Thanks to Podgorani for asking me a question in one of my other posts on the Tigers. Well I think that the Tigers are going to win by 12 or more points because they are more skillful than the Warriors. They have a better plattform also when on attack and lots more other things that make their team good! Let's hope that the Tigers will win against the Warriors!! Go the TIGERS ROOOOOOAAAAAARRRRR!!!!
Me & John Morris! Kane, Daine Laurie & me!



Up & coming Tiger Peni Tagive & me!

Sonny Fai

Twenty year old Sonny Fai the upcoming Warrior is yet to be found. On January the 4th at Bethel’s beach in 2009 Sonny Fai and his family went swimming after hours when his brother was trapped in a fierce rip when Sonny Fai came to save him…as Sonny Fai reached and helped his his brother, his brother got away but sadly … Fai didn’t - just seconds later Sonny was missing in the fearsome waves. Minutes later rescue helicopter’s came searching for the Warrior as the family looked for a sign…… a sound. A rescue boat came but it refused to start the engine.

So through the past few days’ friends family and other’s from the community have gone to help and support the family through this hard time of losing such a good friend and a good member of the Fai family. I never got to meet him but I had some chances though I was too shy, I wish I hadn’t wasted these chances.

I will be trying to be like Sonny Fai - try to be an upcoming league star because he was talented, not a show off and he’s a Christian. Speaking about Christian, I have seen photos of him in action - a cross on the inside of his wrist.

Whether Sonny Fai is found dead or alive, God is still with him.

To the Fai family, I know you must be really sad but I hope you see in all the people who are talking about Sonny on the internet, TV, radio and those coming out to see you, that God loves you and Sonny very very much.

To the Warriors you have helped out the Fai family so well. That means a lot to the Fai family and Warriors family of which I am part of.

I’ve been praying and will keep praying.

"Warriors for life"

Tanielu
10 years old
Mt Wellington Warriors Rugby League Club
Vodafone One Tribe Member