Rugby league: Seuseu epitomises new Warriors

By PETER JESSUP

Jerry Seuseu reckons he is fitter this year, he knows he is smarter, and is taking the commitment he has always had up a step as the Warriors press for a first playoff spot.

It was that extra fitness and the higher skill level that helped him to that big bust through the Bulldogs' line six minutes into the second half of the Warriors' big win, the one that led to Mark Tookey scoring beside the posts.

Seuseu had nothing more than peripheral vision of a black jersey, heard a call, tossed the ball, and Tookey scooped it up.

The try was a measure of how the side has matured under coach Daniel Anderson, Seuseu said as the Warriors prepared to cross the Tasman for their first away game in three weeks, a crucial match against the Panthers at Penrith.

"Daniel's big on working out our limitations and getting us to work to our strengths," Seuseu said, adding that video reviews of individual movements were a big part of it.

Seuseu praises those around him in the Warriors' pack, the coaching staff, even the office staff, for creating the environment that has the side happy, healthy and performing.

Which under-rates his own contribution to things.

At the start of the season an Australian radio jock ran a joke competition asking contestants to name four Warriors. Seuseu would not have been among them then. He would be now.

The 27-year-old prop has been Mr Consistent since his injection into the pack after round three. He has played every game since, barring a one-week suspension on a tackle charge.

Tomorrow's match will be his 68th for the Warriors since his debut in 1997.

This year, he has learned more about the defensive pattern, about where he is supposed to be on the field and the shortcuts to get there after a tackle.

So have those around him.

Anderson has given them lease to run wider than the straight up and down that is a prop's trade.

"He's big on getting the ball in your hands, having a go, sharing the workload," Seuseu said.

For his part, it is getting on Stacey Jones' hip, and then on the hip of the one who gets the ball from Jones.

Seuseu is a devout Christian and quiet Samoan who graduated from grade football at Howick to the Counties Manukau Heroes in the old Lion Red Cup, where he was elevated to the Warriors' reserve grade by Frank Endacott.

He had been a follower on the field until this season when, after the departure of barging Joe Vagana and Terry "the Rock" Hermansson, he knew he had to step up, take more responsibility.

And that has made him harder as a result, he said.

"We've matured this season. At the start we were questioning ourselves about how we would go. Now we're on a high. We've set a platform to go on from."

They have the talent to go on with it, he judges, mentioning his propping mate, Ali Lauiti'iti, and Jones.

He's no dummy - he is only one paper off a bachelor of arts in education at Auckland University.

Tomorrow, he faces Craig Greenhill and Jody Gall, both veterans of more than a century of games. They hold no fear, no mystique. He knows the Warriors can win if they do every little thing right.

For Seuseu, Auckland is a blessed place right now. He, wife and lawyer Kim and their two kids are very happy with things.

The family - six sisters and younger brother and Warrior-in-waiting Anthony - are close.

Seuseu has gained a Kiwi jersey, played France and Australia, and delivered form to suggest he will keep it. He would love to stay a Warrior beyond his contract for next season.

Props mature as they get to their late 20s and Seuseu would love to be part of the resurrection.

Whatever happens this season - and what's the bet it comes down to the Warriors having to beat Melbourne away - what has gone on bodes well for next.

New Zealand Warriors: Ivan Cleary, Henry Fa'afili, Wairangi Koopu, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Motu Tony, Stacey Jones (co-capt), Jerry Seuseu, Monty Betham, Ali Lauiti'iti, Awen Guttenbeil, Logan Swann, Kevin Campion (co-capt). Interchange, Justin Murphy, Mark Tookey, Richard Villasanti, Nat Wood; 18th man David Myles.

Penrith Panthers: Shane Elford, Luke Rooney, Ryan Girdler, David Woods, Chris Hicks, Steve Carter (capt), Ben Reynolds, Craig Greenhill, Craig Gower, Jody Gall, Tony Puletua, Matt Adamson, Scott Sattler. Interchange, Frank Puletua, Robbie Beckett, John Cross, Sid Domic.