Once A Warrior with Monty Betham

Monty sits down with the Warriors most successful coach - Daniel Anderson. How did he put together one of the most exciting and successful teams of the early 2000's? He relives some of the Warriors most memorable games and breaks down his favourite players. Coach Anderson also gives his thoughts on new appointment Stacey Jones..

Thomas Leuluai takes Monty through the phases of his life and career during his 2 separate stints at the Warriors. First as a teenager then  returning as a seasoned professional. 

"The Huntly Hurricane" Lance Hohaia calls in from the United States. How did he get the nickname? Lance is the only player to represent the Warriors in both of their Grand Final appearances. He names his best 13 from those 2 Grand Final sides. Lance describes reaching a crossroads in his Warriors career and what it took to become a super-utility.

Monty sits down with former teammate Motu Tony. They relive some of the biggest games in the clubs history. Motu reveals an unlikely prankster and how he almost departed the club earlier...

All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan left rugby when the Warriors brought professional rugby league to NZ. But it wasn't a simple switch. He questioned his ability to shine in the new sport but league taught him things 10 years in the All Blacks never could. He tells Monty his story.

Monty and Nathan Friend break down one the Warriors most iconic plays. They go through the carousel of coaches during Friendy's time at the club. What it takes to survive in the middle of the park and all the characters both on and off the field.

Monty catches up with fashion guru and former Warrior Lewis Brown. They discuss his rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of a Grand Final in 2011.           Lewis recalls some of his favourite pranks and a memorable lesson from Ivan Cleary.

Monty finally benches the Forwards to bring on one of the Warriors finest ever backs. The entertainer himself - Clinton Toopi. They cover the glamour period of the early 2000's. Including cups of tea, haircuts and butter fingers.

Monty chats with a true Warrior, former fan favourite, Micheal Luck. They discuss his new role as Football Manager of the Cowboys and take an indepth look at the current state of the Warriors club. Lucky talks about his favourite teammates, coach Ivan Cleary and all the battle scars he picked up on the front lines.  

Monty and Big Joe delve into the glitz and glamour of the Warriors inaugural 1995 season and the lessons learnt. 

Monty has tracked down Simon Mannering, living in Nelson. Captain Mannering reveals what it took to play a record setting 301 games for the Warriors. From the high of the 2011 Grand Final to the lows that followed he gives a break down of what went wrong and what the Warriors must overcome to claim that elusive first title.

Monty catches up with Warriors cult hero Mark Tookey. Does he still drive a Mini? They talk movies, drinking, fighting and what made the Warriors such a special team in the early 2000s.

Monty sits down with long time friend and former teammate Awen Guttenbeil. They reflect on a tough first half to Awen's Warriors career. Then relive the glory days of the early 2000's. So what went wrong in 2004?

Sky Sport's Monty Betham kicks off the season with a true legend of rugby league, the one and only Ruben Wiki. Hear how close Ruben was to being a NZ Warrior way back in 1995. They cover all the ups and downs of Ruben's final season of 2008. Plus a look at the current Warriors side and life after rugby league for the great Ruben Wiki.

Once A Warrior, Always A Warrior. A taste of things to come from Monty, with guests like Ruben Wiki, Awen Guttenbeil, Mark Tookey and Simon Mannering coming to you in the first four episodes.