Why Blake Ayshford can't defend NZ Warriors after disaster performance
06/24/2024 12:00 AM
Blake Ayshford admitted on SENZ's Scotty & Izzy that he cannot defend his former club after the One NZ Warriors' performance on Saturday saw them lose 66-6 against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Titans were leading 30-0 lead at half-time, before the Warriors would leak a further 33 points in the second half.
The Auckland-based club went into the game as favourites, while the Titans were in the wooden spoon position before the game. They have since improved two places on the NRL ladder, leapfrogging the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels who are now 16th and 17th respectively.
"It's hard for me as I'm still attached to some of the boys that I've played with. I try to defend them as much as I can. But there is nothing I can say to defend the boys and I don't think anyone would want me to." Ayshford said.
It was a performance to forget as the Warriors missed 44 tackles, allowed 12 line breaks, and managed a completion rate of just 69%.
"There's not one person who you can say had a good game. I don't think anyone can hold their head up high after that performance. After the weekend everyone will have their head down and will be trying to hide," Ayshford added.
Ayshford wasn't the only one to criticise the team, SENZ NRL commentator Sam Hewat said it was the hardest game he's ever had to call.
"When you're watching the team that you support for a very long time concede try after try after try, and the score starts to rack up against the last-place team in the NRL - it's embarrassing."
It's this embarrassment that has plagued Warriors' seasons in the past, something that Hewat noted.
"I do feel for the fans, because riding such a high after last year and this year sort of being this up and down season. This has been a real dagger in the heart for Warriors fans because it reminds everyone how hard the last ten years have been."
The Warriors will attempt to redeem themselves against the Brisbane Broncos at Go Media Stadium this Saturday. Hewat and Ayshford will have live coverage on SENZ from 4pm, kick-off is set for 5pm.
Listen to the full interview with Blake Ayshford:
