Warriors back in the winning column, NSW take game two and the first All Blacks squad ready to rip in

Another big week of sports. And though the Maroons got thrashed, I’m glad the best team in the world, the Warriors, stepped up at the weekend. So, let’s get stuck in it!

1. Heritage round: Warriors v Broncos

It was a magnificent day for footy on Saturday in Auckland: a sold-out Go Media Stadium with passionate fans, a contingent of Warriors’ old boys overlooking the game, and a big Warriors statue that the stadium hasn’t seen in 25 years giving its blessing on the boys.

The Warriors beat the Broncos 32-16, coming back from their horrific loss in the Gold Coast last week. The halves pairing of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te-Maire Martin were the key in steering the ship for the Warriors’ go forward.

The home team’s forward pairing of Addin Fonua-Blake and Mitchell Barnett set a strong platform for the side’s attack, claiming 10 metres in almost every run.

The Warriors donned their heritage jersey, reminiscent of the side's 1990s kit. And it was the club's old boys’ day - with several Warriors’ legends in attendance.

They gave the team a strong power-up to win and when the final whistle blew, the team song shook the ground as the fans belted out “We are the Warriors 100%!”.

Result: Warriors beat the Broncos 32-16 at Go Media Stadium.

Highlight Moment: Chanel Harris-Tavitas’ second try! Scoring off a short kick in goal and putting the ball down before two opposition chasers.

Pacific Champion: Chanel Harris-Tavita, outstanding performance.

Watch our sports wrap on 531PI's Pacific Mornings:

2. State of Origin II

I was close to not including this one this week, being a Maroons’ supporter, but I can’t deny a great performance of rugby league. The NSW Blues kept the series alive, beating Queensland 38-18 in front of a strong 90,000 fans.

The Blues had a big task coming off a huge loss of their own in game one, but some key inclusions to the team helped lift the Blues’ performance. All eyes were on Latrell Mitchell for his influence on the game, and his grit on both sides of the field helped his state go forward.

To be honest, it was all over in the first half when the Blues cruised to a 32-nil lead. The Maroons couldn’t string together any attack against the strong Blues forward pack, with the Queensland edges failing to find any way through.

Now game three is set for Suncorp Stadium, and the Blues have never won a decider in Brisbane, but they will take a lot of confidence after last Wednesday’s result. We shall see how we go!

Result: New South Wales Blues defeated the Queensland Maroons 38-18 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Highlight Moment: Seeing the four Pacific Penrith Panthers boys arm in arm during the Australian national anthem.

Pacific Champion: Valentine Holmes produced some good looks for the Maroons, and converted all three tries who were scored by our three Samoan stars.

3. All Blacks test week

The first test for the All Blacks since their tragic loss at last year’s Rugby World Cup final in France against the Springboks is expected to bring about fresh fireworks! It’s also the first game in the “Razor” era, with new head coach Scott Robinson at the helm.

Robinson named his first 32-man squad last week following the epic Super Rugby Pacific final. Scott Barrett was named captain, with brother Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea as vice captains.

Wallace Sititi, 21, gets the nod as part of a stacked loose forward line-up, while veteran halfback TJ Perenara returns to the All Blacks after an outstanding performance for the Hurricanes this season.

The ABs gear up to face England on Saturday at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium as part of a two-game series, concluding with a historic game against Fiji in San Diego.

4. Dan Ige call-up for UFC 303

Yesterdays’ UFC 303 fight-card was supposed to be headlined by the “Notorious” Conor McGregor, but the card was cursed with a number of fighters pulling out.

One of the many brave fighters who stood in on short notice was featherweight Dan Ige, fighting out of Laie, Hawai’i, who fought on four hours’ notice. Ige replaced Brian Ortega in his matchup against Diego Lopes. Ortega pulled out on the morning of the fight, and in came Ige.

Ige had been training for a fight scheduled in the coming weeks, and with only hours notice, he messaged UFC matchmaker Hunter Cambell that he wanted to fight. And he put on an outstanding performance against Lopes, producing three rounds of striking and grappling brilliance.

Despite losing the fight by split decision, Ige can hold his head high for taking a risk on the biggest stage! Commentator Jon Anik said his Hawai’ian friends were texting him in response to Ige stepping up, saying “that’s how us Hawai’ians do it”.

5. Paul Heyman v Solo Sikoa

Things continue to heat up in WWE with the Bloodline. Enforcer Jacob Fatu was introduced to the WWE arena, marching to the ring to join Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline.

The segment began with Paul Heyman on the microphone, preparing to introduce the Bloodline in his usual manner. But, he looked exhausted and scruffy, noticeably different from his usual slick appearance.

Heyman was interrupted by Sikoa, who took the microphone and introduced Fatu to the crowd. Once Fatu joined them in the ring, Sikoa pulled out an ulafala (Sāmoan necklace), and demanded Heyman to acknowledge Sikoa as his “Tribal Chief”.

Heyman took the ulafala and in a shocking move said, “I do not acknowledge you as my tribal chief” and the Bloodline began a brutal beating of Heyman. The beating culminated with Heyman getting put through the commentators’ desk, from a triple powerbomb.

Now, WWE fans await the return of Roman Reigns, who has been away since Wrestlemania in April. The anticipation of his return builds as we prepare for his reaction to the Bloodline’ antics in these past few months.

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on 531PI’s Pacific Grandstand show every week.

“I don’t throw and hope, I am and fire, down the barrel. Boom!”

Israel “the Last Stylebender” Adesanya.