Auckland, New Zealand, May 8, 2001 – Refreshed after the week-long State of Origin break from NRL club competition, the
Vodafone Warriors are anticipating a hard game against the Melbourne Storm this Saturday. The first home game for the
Vodafone Warriors in several weeks, the match-up will see the team take on the Storm’s large contingent of former
Warriors and representative Kiwi colleagues.
The game will have added significance as the Storm and the Vodafone Warriors will also vie for the Michael Moore Cup
(formerly the Trans-Tasman Cup). Established in 1998, but recently renamed in the memory of the Melbourne team manager
who died at Prince’s Wharf in downtown Auckland last year, the Cup has always been closely contested. Presently held by
the Storm, both clubs have won the Cup three times and each are certain to want a fourth win.
“The Storm had a rough start to the season but their recent performances have proven they’re a side with dangerous
potential. They have posted huge scores against the Eagles and Panthers, while they lost to the Broncos by just two
points and to the Roosters by one. That’s an impressive record and if we make mistakes on Saturday we’ll be made to pay
for it,” says Vodafone Warriors Coach Daniel Anderson.
“I know our guys are looking forward to the opportunity to play against some of their mates. There is no question it’ll
be a tough game – it would be foolish to expect anything else, but we’re confident of matching the Storm. We’d also like
to think we’ll be the ones taking home the Michael Moore Cup on Saturday.”
General manager Mick Watson hopes fans will make the effort to be at Ericsson for the game. “To date, we haven’t had too
many home games and as a club we are looking forward to the weekend. It means we get to enjoy the crowds’ support and we
are able to avoid the concerns that arise from travelling. We want the fans to make a big noise on Saturday. That sort
of vocal support really lifts the team, and it adds so much to the atmosphere of the stadium,” says Watson.
The Vodafone Warriors’ line up for Friday’s game is as follows:
1. Motu Tony
2. Henry Faafili
3. Clinton Toopi
4. David Myles
5. Francis Meli
6. Ivan Cleary
7. Stacey Jones (c)
8. Jerry Seu Seu
9. Jason Death
10. Justin Morgan
11. Logan Swann
12. Ali Lauitiiti
13. Kevin Campion (c)
14. Nathan Wood
15. Jason Temu
16. Monty Betham
17. Awen Guttenbeil
18. Shontayne Hape
Ericsson Stadium gates open at 5.15pm on Saturday, May 12. The Bartercard Cup curtain raiser of Eastern Tornadoes vs.
Otahuhu kicks off at 5.30pm. The Vodafone Warriors will take on the Melbourne Storm in Round 12 of the NRL competition,
7.30pm.
ENDS.