The former Warrior takes on coaching role as he looks to steer the Warriors U19 squad though the SG Ball Cup.
The Warriors U19 kick off their SG Ball Cup campaign against the Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval in Sydney on Sunday (5 February).
It’s the second time the Warriors have fielded a team in the competition, renowned for producing future NRL stars. Their inaugural season was disrupted by COVID when they were just one point behind the table leaders. 2021 and 2022 seasons were likewise affected.
Speaking on the Warriors.kiwi website Blair acknowledged there was some special talent coming through.
‘The most important message and key for these boys is enjoy rugby league for what it is and have fun with your team mates.
‘It’s an exciting time for Warriors fans in general. Our NRL coaching staff are seeing the next generation of kids coming through and hopefully we can keep as many of them as we can through New Zealand and through our grades, so that we can see them progress in the NRL.’
This year’s team have five home games against Manly (February 12), St George Illawarra (February 26), Sydney Roosters (March 12), Canterbury Bankstown (March 26) and Western Suburbs (April 2). Three will be played at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe with one each at the Trusts Arena in Waitakere and Mount Smart Stadium.
Their away games are against South Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and Penrith.
The run-on team for Sunday is:
1 Ratu Naborisi
2 Raphael Sio
3 Patrick Moimoi
4 Siale Falamani
5 Sio Kali
6 William Piliu
7 Sefanaia Cowley-Lupo
8 Tanner Stowers-Smith
9 Etuate Fukofuka
10 Harry Durbin
11 Kayliss Fatialofa
12 Eddie Ieremia
13 Leka Halasima Tuakalu-Tavalu
Interchange:
14 Jeriko Filipi
15 Siale Siulangapo
16 Rodney Tuipulotu Vea
17 Presley Seumanu
18 Julian Drinnan
