Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Warriors vow to wipe Vegas slate clean and 'make it right' in home opener against Sea Eagles
Sport Nation • March 11th, 2025 3:20 pm
Photo: Photosport
Coach Andrew Webster is maintaining a healthy dose of perspective heading into their home opener against Manly, refusing to let the disappointment of Las Vegas set the tone for the season to come.
The Warriors capitulation in Sin City against the Canberra Raiders dealt an undeniable blow to the fanbase's morale, conjuring painful memories for the battle-scarred faithful of failed seasons of the past.
Amid the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium, there were precious few bright spots for the Warriors, who barely threatened on offence and were arguably worse on defence.
With the benefit of over a week of hindsight and a long flight home to ponder over the details, Webster says the post-match review began with the opening quarter against the Raiders.
"The first kick-off, we were rushing down the line trying to be aggressive and we were bouncing off tackles," Webster explained.
"We weren't coordinated, we weren't doing things together. We had good intent, but it was like we had our heads cut off.
"We were trying to chase them everywhere around the field and they were offloading the ball and everything just got too fast. I think that's where you start.
"Off the back of that, we just didn't attack the way we wanted to either."
Webster insists the team's review has been open and brutally honest, taking the "emotion out of" an immensely frustrating experience made that much more painful given the festivities surrounding the match and their mammoth travelling band of supporters.
Is Vegas working to expose more Americans to rugby league? | League Nation
But with the benefit of an extended lay-off, Webster says he's pleased with how his troops have responded.
"It's probably a blessing too because it hurts for longer, but I think we'd all rather just get back out there and make it right.
"The way they've trained has been unbelievable. But the real actions have to be on Friday night. That's where it matters and we'll find out our reaction then.
"But I am confident and happy the way we've gone. I am really stoked."
The Warriors now face the daunting proposition of attempting to get into the win column against one of the early Premiership favourites in the Sea Eagles, who demolished the North Queensland Cowboys 42-12 in a statement start to their season on Saturday.
Webster hopes the combination of his team's improved performance and the white-hot intensity of what will likely be a sold-out Go Media Stadium come kickoff.
"They were unreal. They were so good. They got off to a flyer," Webster said of the Sea Eagles.
"They attacked well, they defended well. Their atmosphere there looked pretty cool.
"Hopefully coming here we can create an atmosphere to make it hard for them, which I know our fans will."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of the One NZ Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles at Go Media Stadium, kick-off 8pm Friday - download the Sport Nation app on the App Store and Google Play today.
