Latest news with #DallinWateneZelezniak
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
NRL: NZ Warriors star Dallin Watene-Zelezniak sidelined by ankle injury
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was the victim of a 'hip drop' tackle from Panthers rival Scott Sorenson. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Warriors v Broncos Kickoff: 5pm Saturday, 28 June Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Live blog updates on RNZ Sport NZ Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak faces another long stint on the sidelines, after suffering an ankle injury in their loss to Penrith Panthers last Saturday . Watene-Zelezniak, 29, was the victim of a 'hip drop' tackle from Panthers second-rower Scott Sorenson just before halftime at Go Media Stadium and could not continue in the contest, with interchange utility Te Maire Martin injected into the centres and Adam Pompey moving out a spot in coverage. While the veteran lay prone on the ground, Kiwi Sorenson scored the first of his two tries down that left side of the defence, left shorthanded by Watene-Zelezniak's injury. He has avoided surgery on the ankle, but is expected to miss 4-6 weeks in recovery. Sorenson was put on report for his tackle and subsequently suspended two weeks, after entering an early guilty plea at the judiciary. "I actually thought Sorenson was an accident," Warriors coach Andrew Webster. "I think they're all accidents, but there are ones where they sit back down on their legs. "He was diving to make a tackle and slid across his ankle." Watene-Zelezniak sat out the opening nine rounds of the NRL season , after breaking his wrist moments into the first pre-season trial against Cronulla Sharks. His spot was filled by back-up fullback Taine Tuaupiki, who was { knocked out in reserve grade two weeks ago]. Webster confirmed Tuaupiki was available for selection against Brisbane Broncos this week, after progressing through concussion protocols, but specialist winger Ed Kosi is another option or Pompey may stay on the wing, with Kurt Capewell taking his spot in the midfield. "It's a big hit, Dallin's a good player," Webster said. "We lost him for so long at the start, but we found a way to win without a good player for a period of time, so we'll have to find another way and I'm sure we can do that." Watene-Zelezniak led the Warriors in tryscoring for each of the last three seasons, but has managed only two tries in his six appearances in 2025. Meanwhile, halfback Luke Metcalf seems to being carrying no ill effects from a corked thigh that saw him play the second half against Penrith heavily bandaged, while conceding goalkicking duties to Pompey. "He trained really well today, so onwards and upwards for Luke," Webster said. Front-rower Marata Niukore also left the game early with a head wound, but seems to tracking for a return against the Broncos. "He's sore, but he's OK," Webster said. 'He's got a twin - a cut there and now another one - and a broken nose." "His modelling career is over, so he'll have to focus on footy, but his symptoms are really good." Webster confirmed Niukore didn't fail a concussion check after the incident, but was held out because of his facial fracture. Centre Rocco Berry is due back from a persistent hamstring niggle and should help fortify the midfield, where reserve-grader Moala Graham-Taufa made his first appearance of the season against Penrith, scoring his first NRL try in his fourth outing. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers' watershed win comes at a cost
Penrith's best win of the NRL season has come at a cost with Scott Sorensen handed a two-game suspension for the tackle that injured Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Second-rower Sorensen was not penalised on-field for his hip-drop style shot from the first half of Penrith's 28-18 win in Auckland. The tackle left Watene-Zelezniak with a syndesmosis injury, with the Panthers scoring their second try while the winger was hobbling in backplay and unable to defend in position. Watene-Zelezniak then watched from the dressing sheds as his former side waged a huge upset without their five NSW stars. On Sunday morning, the match review committee handed four-time premiership winner Sorensen a grade-two dangerous contact charge for his tackle. It means Sorensen will sit out of next week's match against ladder leaders Canterbury and the rivalry clash with Parramatta by accepting an early guilty plea. If he unsuccessfully disputes his charge, Sorensen will miss a further match against South Sydney. But a challenge appears unlikely given the 32-year-old has already lost one judiciary hearing this season. Sorensen also received a grade-one careless high tackle charge for a shot on Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad but can accept a $1800 fine. The defeat of the fourth-placed Warriors was only Sorensen's third match back from a three-game suspension for his shoulder charge on Manly forward Nathan Brown. Sorensen bursts through! 💥 #NRLWarriorsPanthers — NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2025 The veteran's absence is a big blow for the resurgent Panthers, who are keeping pace with the top eight following a dismal start to the season. Sorensen was among their best in Saturday's boilover, scoring two tries including the go-ahead four-pointer in the second half. He also made the try-saving tackle that allowed the Panthers to seal their previous win over Wests Tigers. The Panthers' five State of Origin representatives will return to face the Bulldogs on Thursday night, with Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner both options to start in Sorensen's absence.
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors prop Jackson Ford shelves kicking game in breakout season
Jackson Ford scores one of his two tries against Newcastle Knights. Photo: Warriors v Panthers Kickoff: 5pm Sunday 21 June Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport NZ Warriors supersub Jackson Ford has promised to put his fledgling kicking game away, as he turns his attention back to the core skills of his new role for the NRL high-flyers. During a campaign that has seen a myriad of changes throughout the Warriors pack, Ford's unerring contribution off the bench has proved a godsend, but every now and then, he's capable of something that shocks even coaches and teammates. Three weeks ago, with his team trailling 12-4 against South Sydney Rabbitohs and time running out in the first half, he dribbled a delicate kick to the tryline that eluded scrambling defenders and his own impeded chase, but sat up for Warriors centre Rocco Berry to score. That audacious act had eyes rolling in the clubhouse. "Don't kick it, Jacko, don't kick it… oh, great kick, Jacko," coach Andrew Webster re-enacted afterwards. "He's carrying on a bit," winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak chuckled. "I thought he was going to kick it to me, but he backed himself and we got a result from it, so good on him." Lock Erin Clark revealed: "He went out with the kickers and catchers [at training] today - it's gone to his head." Ford seems to have heard the whispers and is happy to leave the kicking to those more polished around him. "I think that's one and done for me," he admitted. "Might have worked out all right, but I think I'll put that in the back pocket." Truth be told, the Warriors don't need any extra-curricular exploits from Ford - they've received great value from him already, as he embraces not only a change of position from edge to middle, but also a delayed entry into the contest on the interchange. "We've got so much flexibility with Jacko," Webster said. "He's started plenty of times at back row before, so he knows that role. "He can come off the bench and do a really good job. He plays big minutes and has a big motor, so there's so much flexibility in that." Webster has used that ability as a 'bait and switch' this season, sometimes naming Ford to start in the front row, but dropping him back to bench before kickoff. He was initially handed Mitch Barnett's No 10 jersey against Cronulla Sharks for their last outing, after the co-captain suffered a season-ending injury against Souths, but sure enough, that selection didn't stick. "Some of it has just been through circumstance," Webster admitted. "[Hooker] Sam Healey coming in to start last week and Kurt Capewell moving into the centres just complicates things, then you've got to move things late. "There's a method to the madness, but we know Jacko can do both and he's been outstanding all year." Many players can't adjust egos to a bench role, considering it some kind of demotion, but Ford seems to cherish the job, knowing he will still get starters' minutes with his high workrate. When star front-rowers Barnett (State of Origin) and James Fisher-Harris (suspension) were out against Canberra Raiders last month, Ford had the distinction of leading his team in both running metres (209) and tackles (43) - a feat matched by only three players this season. Rocco Berry scores a try from Jackson Ford's kick against the Rabbitohs. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport His achievement came in just 55 minutes, while the others - Terrell May twice for Wests Tigers, Patrick Carrigan for Brisbane Broncos and Keaon Koloamatangi for South Sydney - needed more. Ford had no idea. "I don't look much into stats, I just put best foot forward for the team and hopefully stats will come off that," he said. "I don't mind if it's starting or coming off the bench, I'm just trying to do the best for the team. "If it's coming off the bench, I just try to bring energy, coming on, and taking that first carry or first tackle. Whatever role it is, I'm happy to take it. "It's always good to come on, after the starters have laid that platform for you and there are a few tired bodies in the middle there. Hopefully, you can take advantage of a bit of fatigue in their legs." If there's one thing he's tried to improve in his game, it's self-belief. "Mentally, if I make an error, I've had a hard time brushing it," he said. "I've just been trying to work on that." In that context, a daring grubber kick here or there is a welcome sign of self-expression - especially if it pays dividends - but are there any other tricks left up his sleeve? "Maybe the long ball to the winger," Ford grinned. "I'll tell Dallin to be ready." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NRL live updates: Understrength Warriors overrun Sharks with second-half try fest
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak celebrates a try against Cronulla. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport The Warriors are looking to continue their good form in 2025. Kick-off is at 7:30pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Sharks : 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Mawene Hiroti 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai Reserves: 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru Warriors : 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Samuel Healey 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Taine Tuaupiki
RNZ News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NRL: NZ Warriors v Cronulla Sharks - everything you need to know
Warriors half Luke Metcalf was one that got away from Cronulla. Photo: LIAM SWIGGS Warriors v Sharks Kickoff 7.30pm Saturday, 7 June Sharks Stadium Sydney Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Cronulla Sharks lead the all-time head-to-head rivalry against NZ Warriors 29-21, and that advantage balloons out to 17-8 at home and 14-7 at Sharks Stadium. The teams have faced each other home and away over the past six seasons, with the Sharks holding a 7-5 edge over that period. The Warriors actually won the last meeting between the two at the Shire 30-28, with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scoring three tries - including the winner in the final minute - in Shaun Johnson's farewell appearance at the end of last season. They trailed 22-4 at halftime, but piled on four consecutive tries in the second half to make up the deficit. The Warriors' biggest win over the Sharks came in 2023, when Watene-Zelezniak had a try double in a 44-12 victory at Go Media Stadium. Their biggest defeat came in 2020, when Johnson scored a try and kicked 7/8 from the tee for Cronulla in their 46-10 win. After seeing their five-game winning streak ended by Canberra Raiders, the Warriors bounced back with another nervous victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs last week. Leading 30-12 after 54 minutes, they took their foot off the throat and conceded back-to-back tries, as Souths drew within six points. Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored the second of his pair to put his team clear again, but a try to Latrell Mitchell ensured the final few minutes were tense - as always. They are now 9-3 to start the season, sitting third on the NRL table, with the Sharks (7-5) four points behind in fifth. Cronulla are coming off a bye in Round 13 and were strangely outplayed 42-16 by an Origin-depleted Sydney Roosters outfit the previous week. The Sharks were at full strength, while the Roosters had five players on state duty. Before that they rode a three-game winning streak, and their record this season includes success against playoff contenders Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles. The Warriors (82 percent) and Sharks (81) sit one and two in the competition for set completion, while Sharks half Nico Hynes has provided the most linebreak assists (16). Wayde Egan now leads the NRL in tackles and dummy half runs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Warriors hooker Wayde Egan leads the league in dummy half runs (73) and most tackles (538), with Sharks opposite Blayke Brailey his closest rival in both categories. Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Kurt Capewell, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Jackson Ford, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jacob Laban, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 23 Taine Tuaupiki, 20 Sam Healey After having a fully fit squad to choose from last week - the first time since 2023 - coach Andrew Webster has had to juggle his line-up again , with co-captain Mitch Barnett ruled out for the season with a ruptured ACL in his right knee and centre Rocco Berry hampered by a hamstring twinge. Webster has addressed Berry's absence by shifting versatile second-rower Kurt Capewell into the midfield, but also has specialist centre Ali Leiataua on an extended bench. Teenage sensation Leka Halasima and tireless front-rower Jackson Ford have been moved into the starting pack. Sharks: 1 Will Kennedy, 2 Sione Katoa, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 KL Iro, 5 Mawene Hiroti, 6 Braydon Trindall, 7 Nico Hynes, 8 Addin Fonua-Blake, 9 Blayke Brailey, 10 Oregon Kaufusi, 11 Briton Nikora, 12 Teig Wilton, 13 Cam McInnes Interchange: 14 Daniel Atkinson, 15 Jesse Colquhoun, 16 Siosifa Talakai, 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele Reserves: 18 Billy Burns, 21 Jayden Berrell Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named former Warriors front-rower Addin Fonua Blake to face his old team for the first time, since his early release to return across the Tasman. Kiwis winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is suspended, so Hamilton-born Sione Katoa makes his comeback from shoulder reconstruction, while NZ-born players Mawene Hiroti, Oregon Kaufusi, Briton Nikora and Braden Hamlin-Uele are also named. In return, Cronulla get to watch their 'one that got away' - Dally M-leading Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf . On a side note, the game will be officiated by Peter Gough, the referee who allowed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's knockon against the Dolphins three weeks ago. Brace yourself for a clash of the titans between Addin Fonua-Blake and the man who replaced him at the Warriors - now sole captain James Fisher-Harris. Fonua-Blake is having another Dally M-type season, as he leads the competition in post-contact metres (976) by more than 100 metres. Former Warrior Addin Fonua-Blake is having another great season for the Sharks. Photo: Photosport Statistically, Fisher-Harris' campaign has been set back by a month on the sidelines injured, but he will be challenged to match his rival in the long-term absence of tag-team partner Barnett. Centre Kayal Iro is descended from rugby league royalty, son of Kiwis great Kevin 'The Beast' Iro and nephew of Warriors stalwart Tony Iro. Born in England, while his dad played out the final years of his career at St Helens, Kayal is another who slipped through the Warriors net, playing a season with their U20s, and has gone on to form a formidable Sharks centre pairing with Jesse Ramien. Iro has scored a try in each of his last eight games. "Mitch would have helped stop that, but it didn't matter who's in front of Addin, he's a good player, so everyone's got to bring their best this week and it's a great challenge for the whole squad." Warriors coach Andrew Webster on Barnett's absence against Fonua-Blake "These are the challenges you look forward to going up against each week. They've got an alpha in every team and you've got to match their energy every week." Former Warriors front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake, now with the Sharks Sorry Warriors fans, this feels like an ambush waiting to happen.
