Two More Confirmed For Warriors Line Up

Three More Invited to Trial For The NRL Squad

Auckland, New Zealand, 23 November, 2000 – The Warriors today announced the signing of two more players for the 2001 team, while three others have been invited to trial for the Premier side.

Member of this year’s Warrior’s squad, Frances Meli, has confirmed he will re-sign for the 2001 season. A winger with plenty of pace, Meli joins Jason Timu in boosting the team’s roster to 19. Timu, former Newcastle Knights player and veteran of English League, is to take up a position on the team’s front row.

Richard Utai, an 18 year-old center/winger from the Manurewa club is one of the three players invited to trial for the Warriors 2001 squad. Known to the NZRL as a pedigree player, he was a member of the New Zealand U-18s this year. Utai impressed selectors with his pace, strength and defensive abilities and is believed to hold enormous potential.

22 year-old Hibiscus Coast player Anthony Seuseu may join older brother and Warrior’s incumbent, Jerry, in the team’s front row. Seuseu, recognised for his evasive skills and strength, is prominent on Auckland’s senior-level club scene and is a former member of the New Zealand Residents side.

Completing the trio is half-back Channerith Ly, 20, also of Manurewa. Ly has played on national junior sides for some time, and was a member of the national U-18 Academy. Cambodian-born, Ly is small by League standards but his strength, toughness and intelligent play is highly regarded by Warriors coach, Daniel Anderson.

Already in training with the Warrior’s squad, Utai, Seuseu and Ly have signed short term ‘option’ contracts as a result of stand out performances at the Warrior’s Open Trial two weeks ago. Provided the outcome of an intensive pre-Christmas period of training and re-trials satisfies management, the players will be offered one-year contracts for 2001 with a view to extension into 2002 and beyond.

Anderson says the squad is taking shape fast. “These guys have got the youth, strength and skills to go a long way. We intend to make the Warriors a formidable side in years to come, and they have the sort of talent we need to make that a reality.”

“The team is really beginning to look great. We still have the odd gap to address, but we’re confident those places will be filled soon. Now we will start focusing on instilling the determination and discipline required to produce a winning side.”

General Manager, Mick Watson, says negotiations are progressing rapidly and team morale is at an unprecedented high. “All our guys are proud to be Warriors – they know they are with a team going places. And it’s a great opportunity for these young players to experience that sort of buzz, especially when they’ve got seasoned campaigners like Stacey Jones, Awen Guttenbeil and Richie Blackmore to guide them.”

ENDS.

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