Balin Couples, Blake Green and Simon Mannering of the Warriors. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
Balin Couples, Blake Green and Simon Mannering of the Warriors. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
Green's new best mate
Warriors signing Blake Green and Simon Mannering have quickly developed a close partnership on and off the field since the former Manly playmaker arrived in Auckland.
"He's a champion, mate," Green said of the 31-year-old back-rower.
"He reminds me of a fella I played with in England in Sean O'Loughlin. They're very similar, one club players, they get their job done and are great people to have around.
"They're ultra-consistent every day at training and in games with their performances as well.
A group of Warriors players and coach Stephen Kearney attended a fan day at a junior rugby league club in Fremantle on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by an Aboriginal elder and shown how to play didgeridoo.
Front-rower James Gavet delivered a thank you speech on the team's behalf and was one of the few brave enough to step up and try to play the instrument, while Issac Luke wasn't so keen.
"A few of the boys put their big lips in it so I had to keep mine out," said Luke.
"I see a lot of similarities between the Maori and Aboriginal cultures so it was awesome to be a part of and I'm sure the boys got a real kick out of it."
Roache on the mend
Back-up Warriors hooker Nathaniel Roache is recovering after undergoing back surgery on Tuesday and coach Stephen Kearney says he'll return better than ever.
The 21-year-old is out for the season due to a lumbar disc injury he suffered while working his way back from the ruptured Achilles he sustained last August.
"Nathaniel has wonderful character, he's a great kid, and a very positive individual," said Kearney.
"If I'm honest if a number of other fellas were in his position I don't know if they would have been able to do what he's done, in terms of bouncing back.
"My expectation is he's going to come back even better because he's just got that attitude about him and that's why we love him."
Former Warriors young gun Ata Hingano may have joined the Raiders on a reduced two-year deal but he has a release clause in his favour if things don't go to plan.
The 20-year-old will start the season in reserve grade and will look to force his way into the Ricky Stuart coached side either in the halves or at hooker, but he can choose to exit at the end of the season if opportunities don't come his way.
The Tongan international passed up an offer to join the Storm last season but plenty of other clubs are sure to come knocking if he did look to leave Canberra.
Tongan halfback Ata Hingano looks to step Samoan captain Frank Pritchard during the 2017 Rugby League Rugby World Cup. Photo / Photosport
Clark takes a break
Former Raiders and Warriors rookie Erin Clark has made the shock decision to take a break from the NRL this season.
The 20-year-old stunned Canberra officials when he requested a release to deal with some personal matters after returning home to Auckland at the end of last year.
It's understood Clark was not enjoying his football in the NRL but will turn out for his junior club Manurewa in the Sharman Cup this season and look to break back into the big time again next year.
"The door is always open for Erin," said Raider recruitment manager Peter Mulholland. "He's a good kid and I wish him the best and I know Ricky does as well."
Gubb at home in Canberra
Still on the Green Machine, yet another former Warrior, front-rower and fan favourite, Charlie Gubb, is held in the highest esteem by the Raiders football staff.
"Charlie is a champion," said Mulholland. "He's just one of the best blokes I've been associated with. He's a wonderful person and he's great to have around the place.
