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Why the Warriors still aren't talking about what happened in Vegas
Stephen Foote • May 21st, 2025 3:30 pm
Photo: Photosport
As far as the Warriors are concerned, what happened in Vegas continues - and always shall - remain in Vegas.
On Sunday, the Warriors return to their fortress at Mt Smart for this first time in over a month, where they'll be faced with both the third-placed Canberra Raiders and a chance to redeem themselves for the darkest day of their campaign to date - their season-opening 30-8 defeat to the Green Machine in Sin City.
According to coach Andrew Webster, there's not been a single mention of the revenge factor heading into this weekend, when the hosts will have a chance to record a sixth consecutive NRL victory.
"Not yet," Webster replied, when asked if there'd been any talk of that weekend in Nevada. "But I don't think anyone's going to.
"It might come from the players, but we certainly haven't spoken about it.
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"We got beaten by a better team on the day, and they're going really well.
"They've had a great season. Same amount of wins, so we know we're going to have to bring our best."
Talismanic halfback Luke Metcalf echoed those claims from his coach, but admitted the memories are seared in the deepest recesses of their minds will inevitably rise to the surface.
"We haven't really spoken about it as a team," said Metcalf.
"I'm sure that everyone probably individually has thought about it."
Since that fateful round zero, the Raiders and Warriors have followed similar trajectories. They'll be reunited this weekend at a time when both boast identical 8-2 records, the teams separated by two competition points in second and third place respectively on the ladder.
"We obviously didn't get off to the start we wanted to in round one, but so much time has passed between them.
"We're a completely different team and they obviously have some really good form, the Raiders.
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"I'm just looking forward to getting out there on Sunday arvo - you don't get to play too many of those at Mount Smart.
"Two really good sides going at it."
This weekend will mark the first time since the April 19 win over the Broncos that the team has take to the field at their spiritual headquarters, where another sold-out crowd will be on hand to greet them.
That enthusiasm to get back out in front of the Wahs faithful after such a lengthy stint on the road - rather than any revenge factor - has been the dominant talking point at training this week, says Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
"We haven't really spoken about Vegas and the game that we played in Vegas," said the fullback.
"A lot of us are talking about how happy we are to even be home this weekend.
"It's been a big block away, bro, and we're back at home in front of our home crowd, and I think we're more excited about getting the opportunity to play in front of our fans, if I'm being honest."
