Set of six: Ben Henry makes time for fans

Warriors player Ben Henry. Photo / Dean Purcell

Luckless Warriors forward Ben Henry may have suffered a season-ending knee injury for the second time in less than two years but that didn't stop him from making the effort to greet supporters after the loss to the Broncos. Henry was one of the first players from the sheds and limped straight to a waiting group of fans, taking time to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Bennett all warm and fuzzy

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett acknowledged that the Warriors' 20th anniversary caused him to reflect on his first visit to Mt Smart for the inaugural match in 1995. "I got a warm, fuzzy feeling about it but no one else at the club was worried about it," said the master coach. Veteran Corey Parker chimed in, saying the occasion meant little to the Broncos players, joking: "Some of the guys weren't alive then."

Ngamu soaks up the memories

Several former Warriors from the original 1995 side were hosted by the club last weekend and five-eighth Gene Ngamu, living in Sydney, said they thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. "It's been a blur and it's taken its toll," Ngamu joked. "They've really put it on for us and it's been a great weekend to come back for."

Winterstein tries after brother's tragedy

Cowboys coach Paul Green made special mention of Antonio Winterstein's two-try effort in his first game back after the tragic passing of his younger brother Francis last month. Winterstein paid tribute to his brother after crossing the chalk and Green spoke for the entire league community after the match when he commented: "I was really happy for him. He's had a tough couple of weeks for obvious reasons and it was great to have him back."

Geyer praises courageous comeback

Former Panther Mark Geyer took to Twitter to praise Winterstein's courage in making a playing return, having endured a similar struggle throughout his own career. The Penrith club were ripped apart in 1992 by the death in a car crash of Ben Alexander, younger brother of Greg and Geyer's wife Meagan. Grief-stricken, Geyer didn't play again that year and never really returned to his best form as he struggled to cope with the loss of his little mate.

Origin April Fool's gag

A regional Queensland radio station contacted me yesterday, wanting my thoughts about rumours this year's first State of Origin match was to be held in Auckland. I emailed them this year's Origin schedule, which was confirmed over a year ago, with games being held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It seems the station had been taken in by a well-worked April Fool's gag and I really regret not pulling their leg a little further and explaining the series was a sell-out in New Zealand.