Source: Radio New Zealand
Alofiano Khan-Pereira brings a whole new level of speed to the Warriors roster. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Andrew Webster knows there’s one thing even he can’t coach and he’s added to his stocks of this precious commodity for the upcoming NRL season.
Pure, unadulterated speed.
Last season, before his untimely knee injury, halfback Luke Metcalf reportedly held bragging rights over his NZ Warriors teammates in this regard, but as he rehabs towards a competitive return maybe seven rounds into the schedule, he may have lost his crown.
The arrival of fleetfooted winger Alofiano Khan-Pereira from Gold Coast has added a whole new dimension of velocity to the roster.
“He is very fast,” the Warriors mentor marvels.
Faster than Metcalf?
“Definitely,” Webster insists. “That will upset Luke.
“Fast guys, it’s effortless for them. It’s really easy and they’re gliding, then they just put their foot down and run away from everyone.”
Khan-Pereira, 24, is in that class.
In 2023, his NRL rookie campaign, he became the first Gold Coast player to score 20 tries in a season. The following year, he crossed 24 times to lead the competition in four-pointers.
Along the way, he equalled the club single-game record, when he piled on four against the Warriors in a 66-6 rout.
Last season, Khan-Pereira seemed to fall off coach Des Hasler’s selection radar, playing just 10 games, and became a player desperately seeking a fresh start.
The Warriors may have let their share of homegrown talent slip through their fingers over the years, but they have also proved a fertile environment for outcasts needing to resurrect careers.
Alofiano Khan-Pereira celebrates one of four tries for Gold Coast Titans against the Warriors in 2024. DAVE HUNT/Photosport
Khan-Pereira has followed the trail of breadcrumbs left by former Titans teammates Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd. Back at his junior club, Clark emerged from last season as the Dally M Lock of the Year, while Boyd was NSW Cup Player of the Year, leading the Warriors reserves to an interstate championship.
“I didn’t have one of the best years, I really wanted to turn that around and try somewhere new,” Khan-Pereira says. “I was fortunate to end up talking to Webby.
“It was a great chat and not too much about rugby – he just really wanted to know me as a person first. I really respect that and he got me excited about where the club was headed.”
Last season, the Warriors were stretched for depth along their backline, with a revolving door at centre and back-up fullback Taine Tuaupiki also the next best option on the wing.
Both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak missed games through injury, and by the end of the year, DWZ copped much of the blame for a leaky right-edge defence destabilised by the constant changes further infield.
Webster insists his new recruit has the ability to snatch a starting spot off his two veterans.
“Lofi’s obviously very fast and the boys are loving how he plays,” he says. “He’s been exceptional and gives us plenty of competition in that area.
“It allows us a little bit of X factor – he can make a break and turn a half chance into a full chance.
“It’s up to him and it’s up to the other two not to let him in the door.”
After falling out of favour with Hasler, Khan-Pereira knows his attacking prowess won’t be enough to earn a regular role under Webster.
“I’ve really been nailing my focus down to getting a really good defence and good combinations with the boys I’ve been working with,” he says.
“Nothing’s ever given, you’ve got to earn it and that was one of the chats I had with Webby. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and I can only put my best foot forward.
Alofiano Khan-Pereira will challenge incumbent Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for a spot on the Warriors wing. Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
“You’ve got Dall and Roge there, two experienced wingers and two great wingers in my eyes. I’ll definitely be trying to push my way up there.
“I really want to become a consistent first-grader and get out of my comfort zone. My defensive movements and my decision-making are something I want to work on.”
Khan-Pereira – who is Samoan/Māori on his father’s side and Indigenous/Pakistani on his mother’s – adds to an already eclectic cultural mix at the Warriors.
He’s arrived at Mt Smart with a big reputation, but insists he hasn’t gone looking for early scalps on the training field.
Khan-Pereira has taken some time to scope out his new running mates, and with Metcalf still finding his way back to full fitness, he’s identified Watene-Zelezniak and teen sensation Leka Halasima has worthy rivals.
“I’m more like someone who sits back and scans the area for a bit,” Khan-Pereira grins. “It is great to have that skill, that speed, but you’ve got boys like Dall and Roge, when you try to run around them, their experience comes into play as well.
“I think they’ve caught on a bit and they’ve taken an extra step to the outside – it does get harder and harder for me to get around them.”
Webster warns of another newcomer that may yet challenge for speed honours – former Newcastle Knights half Jye Linnane.
“I reckon Jye is close,” he reveals. “I think he’s faster than Luke.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
