Player Blog - Round 1 - Paul Rauhihi
Up Front
Well, what a good start to the season with a win over the highly rated Wigan side, although the curse of first round injuries has hit us hard with Moz and Bridgey sustaining unlucky injuries. It was good to be able to play out the game and pull together in a pretty tough time under some high pressure from a good Wigan side and come away with the win.
Up Front
Well, what a good start to the season with a win over the highly rated Wigan side, although the curse of first round injuries has hit us hard with Moz and Bridgey sustaining unlucky injuries. It was good to be able to play out the game and pull together in a pretty tough time under some high pressure from a good Wigan side and come away with the win.
What a great show of dedication and commitment from the Warrington faithful who ventured out to support their team in what was in my opinion some terribly cold harsh weather. I'm sure it would've been easier to sit in front of the TV at home in some comfort and warmth, but for those who made the trip and cheered us on; we the players really appreciate the efforts made and could hear our fans out cheer the "pie eaters" at every opportunity.
Every year, each team feels confident heading into their first match, but I have to say after the work done by all the players in the off and pre season there was a noticeable difference to last year. Whether it's the different training regime or the new guys adding a fresh feel to the team, there are times when you know that things will click together. For me it was never more noticeable than when we ran out onto the field to take our positions for the kick off. In a way I think I'm lucky in that I get to stand right at the back behind everyone and see how they carry themselves. Standing in the goal area as the snow was falling I looked at all the guys and had that feeling that we all were thinking the same thing, that air of confidence and belief in each other was there.
One aspect of the game which I think played a big part in our winning the game, and for that matter will play a part in games to come, is the strength of our bench players who come on and lift the team when needed. The strength of our bench on the weekend is proven by the fact that any one of those players could well be starting next week and pushing others to the bench.
There's no doubt the loss of Moz and Bridgey is huge, but as was seen last week I think the players brought in to replace them will be able to lift and take on the added responsibility to fill the gap left by those injured.
On a completely different subject, my partner Maeva and I were lucky enough to be able to attend the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Trust Charity Dinner at the Park Royal on Saturday night with thanks to our Deputy Chairman Steven Broomhead. We both had a great time along with everyone else who attended, a Beatles Tribute band was in attendance and we also had a little fun on some Casino tables to help raise money for the trust, it really was a great night. What a shame it is that something as terrible as that event in 1993 happened, but to see and learn of the hard work being done by the Trust to try and help the youth of today and tomorrow overcome the differences and conflicts in the world was truly uplifting.
See ya
Rah
