World Footy News

CAN THE WARRIORS PULL OFF A QUADRELLA?

After winning their very first piece of silverware ever, in taking out the Manila Cup in June, the Malaysian Warriors have again defeated Singapore Wombats to win the Changi Cup and also the Finnegans Cup and are bringing to Pattaya, what veteran Warriors believe is their strongest contingent yet to the Asian Championships this year.

A touring party consisting of 27 players and coaching and support staff of six headed by club veteran Phil Lee will be flying in the night before in order to able to leave the hotel at around 6am ready for an 8am first game start.

Championship debutantes are midfielders Stuart Job, Clint Watson, Shane Lawson and defenders Jason Mosel, Matt O’Brien and Kogulavaanan. Kogulavaanan is the sole Malaysian but a proud product of the Warrior’s grassroots recruiting programs a couple of years back.

Former St. Kilda ruckman, Michael Rix, is also making his Championship debut and will be an exciting addition to watch. He was instrumental in helping the Warriors win the Manila Cup and will provide valuable coaching support to Phil Lee.

Veterans, Jason Flanagan, a nippy forward will again prove to be a focal point not only for his forward prowess (six goals at Manila Cup), but many years experience in big tournaments and Andy Lee, younger brother of Phil, will be ensuring his experience props up what is shaping as the meanest defence in Southeast Asia. Ben Simpson, only a youngster, but already a Championship veteran will back up his Manila Cup hard work in the midfield. Half back Jason Winter will also be playing his umpteenth Asian Championships.

Ruckmen Marcus Coombes and Michael Rix will be big men to watch in the engine room, whilst running halfbacks James Wardrop and Jason Mosel will be relied upon to provide counter-attacks from defense. Finally, Stuart Job, currently the in-form centreman will also be the point man in the Warriors running game and Jason Flanagan is sure not to disappoint in playing his best form up front in giving the Warriors a chance to win.

The Warriors expect their toughest opposition will come from the Jakarta Bintangs, who have an exciting forward line, and five time championship winners, Singapore Wombats. The Bintangs gave the Warriors a hiding in Jakarta in 2011 and so the Warriors are looking for a bit of payback.

All in the Warriors camp have been training hard for many months and are quietly confident of success in 2012.