Joseph Tapine, a powerhouse in the Kiwis team, is gearing up for an explosive clash against Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships opener, and he's not holding back!
In a recent interview with Sport Nation's Sam Ackerman, Tapine shared his insights on the upcoming battle, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets intense: the Kiwis are preparing for a brutal start to the game, with Tapine predicting a 'blood bath' in the opening minutes.
'It's a tough one,' Tapine admitted, acknowledging the challenge of forming team chemistry quickly after the NRL season. But his focus is clear: building combinations and ensuring every training session has purpose. And it seems their hard work is paying off, with the team firing on all cylinders.
The middle of the field will be a battleground as Payne Haas, Junior Paulo, and Josh Papali'i go head-to-head with Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota. Ackerman humorously suggests the stadium might need earthquake-proofing for this clash of the titans!
'The first 15 to 20 minutes is going to be a blood bath,' Tapine confidently stated, revealing the team's eagerness to dominate from the start. But the real test of friendship will be when Tapine faces his Raiders teammate, Josh Papali'i, on the field. Will their off-field camaraderie survive the on-field rivalry?
'We'll go at it during the game and enjoy a cold one after,' Tapine assured, highlighting the unique dynamic of playing against a close friend. But make no mistake, the game will be fierce, as both players aim to bring glory to their nations.
Tapine, known for his fiery spirit, is no stranger to controversy. He recalls being booed by NZ Warriors fans when his Raiders won in Auckland, but he's determined to win them over. And this is the part most people miss: the Pacific Championships are a stepping stone to the Rugby League World Cup, where Tapine aims to restore pride in the Kiwis jersey.
'We need to put that jersey where it belongs and earn some respect,' he declared, leaving no doubt about his ambition. With the tournament featuring some of the NRL's most dominant players, Tapine is ready to prove his worth.
Don't miss the highly anticipated clash between the Kiwis and Toa Samoa on Sunday, October 19th, at 6:05 pm at Go Media Stadium. Will Tapine's prediction of an early blood bath come true? Tune in to find out and share your thoughts on this exciting matchup!
