Auckland Vulcans

[MKEB...]

Peyroux in the second row? I would love to know if that was under instructions or a Willy Swann Thing.

Ozbash, would you rather see Matangi or Palavi playing playing first grade from what you have seen?

 

[ozbash]

either really, I like both. Matagi is a hard, no nonsense player and both Palavi's are exceptional forwards.

I reckon they'll stick with Matagi because he is that little bit older/more mature.

Palavi's day will come, just hope its here.

 

[ozbash]

Peyroux back to centre, Paasi to 2nd row.

 

[Iafeta]

either really, I like both. Matagi is a hard, no nonsense player and both Palavi's are exceptional forwards.

I reckon they'll stick with Matagi because he is that little bit older/more mature.

Palavi's day will come, just hope its here.

I'm a big fan of John Palavi's. Incredibly smart human being, very mature, excellent defender, and is developing physically well. Good speed, and getting stronger. I remember when he first played NYC, from recollection as a centre, and he looked extremely good. He's the type of player you want around the club in the long run.

 

[ozbash]

HT, 20-16 Vulcans

FT 38-30 Dogs

 

[ozbash]

Suaia Matagi the latest graduate of Auckland league system








Suaia Matagi has become the most recent Auckland Rugby League product to crack the NRL, following his debut for the Vodafone Warriors earlier this month.
The West Aucklander originally started out with the Te Atatu Roosters, winning Auckland’s player of the year award, before stepping up to powerhouses Mount Albert.
While at the Lions he was a part of the Fox Memorial Premiership winning side in 2012, a year in which he also starred for the Auckland Vulcans in the VB NSW Cup.
His journey displays the merits of the Auckland Rugby League development pathways, which guided him from a league rookie in 2008, right through to the NRL this year.
He becomes the latest Auckland Rugby League raised player to make it in the NRL, and this year was joined in the Warriors pre-season camp by fellow Fox Memorial graduate and current Vulcans teammate Atelea Nafetalai.
Given his somewhat inspirational life journey, it was fitting that the scene for Matagi’s National Rugby League debut was in front of over 30,000 loyal fans at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
”I was full of joy. It was the best feeling ever, a dream come true.
“To make my debut in front of that crowd was the best experience, something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
The news that he would be in the team for the May 11 clash against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs only came around 24 hours before kickoff.
“I found out on the Friday, as we were in the changing rooms we were about to go out for training and Matt Elliot made the announcement.
“Then everyone started shaking my hands and saying congratulations.”
Matagi was reliable in his 19 minutes on the field, producing four runs for 32 meters and registering 11 tackles.
“The NRL is a bit faster, you have to be accurate in everything you do. There is no place for hiding.
“Getting that experience makes you more confident and makes you want to work even harder”
-COREY ROSSER

 

[Bengal]

As an aside, I don't get to see the lower grades in action but damn - that Vulcans jersey is mighty fine. Should be the Warriors jersey and yes the Warriors should be called Auckland and not NZ.

 

[Mixmasterreece]

Why in the hell is Konrad on the wing. Defies logic.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

The West Aucklander originally started out with the Te Atatu Roosters, winning Auckland’s player of the year award, before stepping up to powerhouses Mount Albert.

"Stepping up" from Te Atatu to Mt Albert?!?!

GTFO x:x

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

“The NRL is a bit faster, you have to be accurate in everything you do. There is no place for hiding."

Get this guy in the first 17, at least he recognises this fact.

 

[ozbash]

VB NSW Cup rd #12 preview - Auckland Vulcans vs. Illawarra Cutters

By Corey Rosser

A top eight spot will be on the line this Saturday when the Auckland Vulcans host the Illawarra Cutters at Mount Smart number 2.

... Last week the Vulcans recorded an astounding victory over the Newcastle Knights, who sat significantly higher on the table.

With the fulltime siren sounding in the background, standoff Steve Waetford stripped the ball and set up a spectacular 50 meter match winner for Atelea Nafetalai.

The win will have meant more than just two points for the Auckland outfit who had been struggling for confidence following a string of disappointing losses.

The Illawarra side went the other way in some respects.

After starting the season out sitting at the foot of the table they produced some admirable results in the past month to move inside the top eight.

Last week they showed plenty of promise but were ultimately beaten by a well drilled Windsor Wolves team.

The key man for the Vulcans this week has to be centre Ngani Laumape, who last week was a constant thorn in Newcastle’s side.

His ability to get his side out of trouble early in the tackle count with powerful running will be crucial to their success.

Playmakers Harry Siejka and Steve Waetford stood out last week for their ability to balance the passing and running game and will once again need to perform if the Vulcans hope to triumph.

The Cutters will rely heavily on young halfback Josh Drinkwater, highly regarded by the Dragons NRL outfit, his guidance and kicking game will need to be on song for the full 80 minutes.

Backrower Atelea Vea comes into the game on the back of an exceptional outing against the Wolves last week.

Expect him to trouble the Vulcans edges often, while his battle against the likes of Suaia Matagi and John Palavi should be interesting.

Neither team has proven a defensive dynamo thus far in 2013 so expect plenty of points and some entertaining football.


Auckland Vulcans vs. Illawarra Cutters
Mt Smart Stadium #2, Saturday, June 1
Kick-off: 1.00pm NZST
Referee: Shane Rehm


Auckland Vulcans:

1. Tangi Ropati
2. Bill Tupou
3. Ngani Laumape
4. Agntius Paasi
5. Atelea Nafetalai
6. Steve Waetford
7. Harry Siejka
8. Charlie Gubb
9. Alehana Mara
10. Daniel Palavi
11. John Palavi
12. Sam Lousi
13. Suaia Matagi

14. Siliva Havili
15. Herman Retzlaff
16. Nathaniel Peteru
17. Patrick Sipley
18. Murray Iti
COACH: Willie Swann


Illawarra Cutters:

1. Adam Quinlan
2. Tyron Cranston
3. Nathan Green
4. Junior Vaivai
5. Kose Lelei
6. Todd Ryan
7. Josh Drinkwater
8. Evrett Vaurasi
9. Damien Cook
10. Jarrad Hickey (c)
11. Will Matthews
12. Atelea Vea
13. Matt Handcock

14. Josh Kennedy
15. Naseri Naseri
17. Shannon Wakeman
19. Josh Toole
20. Nathan Waters
COACH: Paul McGregorSee More

 

[Rich102]

Where's JRo?

 

[ozbash]

Where's JRo?

on his way to Brisbane ?

 

[hitman82]

J-Ro didn't play any grade last week either, from memory.
Big news for me is SAM LOUSI Yeeeeuah. I hope he rips in for a couple of weeks and bullies Elijah Taylor out of the main team.

 

[Meth]

J-Ro didn't play any grade last week either, from memory.
Big news for me is SAM LOUSI Yeeeeuah. I hope he rips in for a couple of weeks and bullies Elijah Taylor out of the main team.

Not if Taylor keeps playing the way that he did on the weekend.

 

[hitman82]

Not if Taylor keeps playing the way that he did on the weekend.

Taylor wasn't as good as some people are making out. He got lucky to be at lock during the one game our props dominated, and ran a nice line for a Johnson forward pass.

He's not the permanent answer at lock, and he will prove this before long.

Mannering is probably the best option tbh.

 

[ozbash]

VB NSW Cup rd #12 report – Auckland Vulcans vs. Illawarra Cutters:

By Corey Rosser at Mount Smart Stadium #2

They couldn't be split after the first 40 minutes, but a second half blitz saw the Auckland Vulcans crush the Illawarra Cutters 3...6-10.

It was the Vulcans who were first to crack, Cutters standoff Todd Ryan steeping his way through the defence to dot down inside 10 minutes. Halves partner Josh Drinkwater added the extras to take a 6-0 lead.

Damien Cook would register the second for the away team a short time later, crabbing across the field from close range he was able to cross.

Trailing 10-0 the Vulcans were looking uninspired and the crowd at Mount Smart #2 had gone awfully silent.

That all changed on 32 minutes when winger Atelea Nafetalai crossed in the corner. After receiving a penalty the Vulcans spread wide and made the most of the overlap to reduce the deficit to six.

On the next set loose forward Suaia Matagi made a charging run from close range only to be held up by desperate Cutters defence. The joy was short lived for the visitors however, 30 seconds later he ran a superb line and crashed over near the posts to make it 10-10.

After a half in which Illawarra were the standout side Auckland would have been relieved to be right in the game heading into the second forty.

Some stern words from coach Willie Swann at the break appeared to have worked magic for the home team.

With the taste of the try line fresh on his mind big Matagi was over for his second on 50 minutes. Once again he ran a strong straight line which left the defence with no chance.

Minutes later Ngani Laumape, who was the standout player in the Vulcans last minute victory over the Newcastle Knights last week, barged over from close range. Another missed conversion from Harry Siejka meant that the lead was only eight points however.

From this point on the Vulcans looked very much in control.

Having identified defensive weak spots in Illawarra’s middle the big Auckland pack was causing havoc.

Further tries to Aaron Nootai and front rower Daniel Palavi set them up with an unassailable lead of 30-10.

With two minutes remaining and the Cutters looking tired and bruised, hooker Alehana Mara darted and went over to give his side another four pointer, which Siejka gladly converted.

After looking set to be every bit the nail-biting match that was predicted mid-week, the Vulcans had well and truly disposed of their opponents who sat just one position below them in ninth.

Auckland have their third home game in a row next week, hosting the Manly Sea Eagles in another live televised match as part of a Mount Smart Stadium triple header.

Illawarra visit Hunter Stadium to take on the Newcastle Knights.


Auckland Vulcans 36 (Matagi 2, Nafetalai, Laumape, Nootai, D Palavi, Mara tries; Siejka 4/7 conversions.)

Illawarra Cutters 10 (Ryan, Cook tries; Drinkwater 1/2 conversions.)

 

[ozbash]

VB NSW Cup rd #13 preview - Auckland Vulcans vs. Manly Sea Eagles

By Corey Rosser

Auckland host their third home match in a row, looking to continue their rich vein of form against cellar dwelling Manly.

... The Vulcans thrashed the Illawarra Cutters 36-10 last week, while Manly went down 26-10 to Wyong.

History shows that if Auckland can hold their opponents to below 16 points they will most likely win.

Although often slow starting in matches, the Vulcans are capable of scoring back to back points in matches once they get some
confidence, a point which will no doubt have Manly worried.

The Vulcans best player last week, Suaia Matagi, has been called up as 18th man for the Vodafone Warriors so may miss this clash.
While his absence would be a big blow, they gain from the return of back rowers Murray Iti and Sam Lousi from injury.

Not many teams could say their centre is a key player, but for the last couple of weeks that has been the case for the Vulcans.

Ngani Laumape, a player with first grade experience who is still eligible to play for the under 20’s, has simply been on fire.

He breaks multiple tackles almost every time he hits the ball up and is the key to gaining early tackle count yardage.

The game will see one of Laumape’s former 20’s teammates in Ligi Sao return home.

The prop could be a key figure for Manly as he tries to show the Warriors just what they let go.

Esi Tonga is another important player for the visitors, his defence will need to be first class or it could be a long day down his side of the field.

Although only five points separate them on the table the Vulcans are a much better rounded team and should win this clash.

But Manly have some gutsy players and will give themselves some hope of leaving Mount Smart Stadium with two points.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2 in New Zealand and Fox Sports 1 in Australia.

Auckland Vulcans:
1. Tangi Ropati
2. Bill Tupou
3. Ngani Laumape
4. Carlos Tuimavave
5. Atelea Nafetalai
6. Steve Waetford
7. Harry Siejka
8. Charlie Gubb
9. Alehana Mara
10. Daniel Palavi
11. John Palavi
12. Sam Lousi
13. Murray Iti
14. Pita Godinet
15. Herman Retzlaff
16. Agnatius Paasi
17. Nathaniel Peteru
18. Patrick Sipley
COACH: Willie Swann


Manly Sea Eagles:
1. Dane Chisholm
2. Ben Farrar
3. Jacob Gagan
4. Esi Tonga
5. Jackson Williams
6. Kasey Greer
7. Zac Nicholls
8. James Cunningham
9. Liam Higgins
10. Ligi Sao
11. Nathan Cooper
12. Ben Musolino
13. Dylan Strickland
15. Dylan Hill
16. Harry Rorke
17. Michael Chapman
18. Troy Savage
COACH: Luke Williamson

 

[Rich102]

Is JRo injured?

 

[Skinner]

Is JRo injured?

With hope in your heart ???