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One is the NRL's leading try scorer, the other is averaging more than 150 metres per game and Blake Green has dubbed them the unsung heroes of the Vodafone Warriors' unbeaten start to the season.

The Vodafone Warriors have always been renowned for having big wingers who could have been mistaken for front rowers but, in 2018, their duo on the flanks stand head and shoulders above some of the NRL's big men.

With his third double of the season in last week's win over the Cowboys, David Fusitu'a is the NRL's leading try-scorer with seven and has incredible balance for someone who stands at 189cm and weighs in at 102kg.

However, even he is forced to look up at his wing partner in metre-eater Ken Maumalo.

Maumalo is 191cm and tips the scales at 108kg, which makes him taller and heavier than starting Warriors' prop Bunty Afoa.

It's the pair's combination of speed and power that has allowed them to each average more than 100m over the first five rounds with Maumalo averaging a massive 162.6m.

And while the team's defence, ability to play second-phase football and the stellar form of their halves have been in the spotlight throughout their historic run, star recruit Blake Green says the work of the outside men coming out of trouble has been a key ingredient in their success.

"They have been outstanding for us. In that first half last week, in particular, they were just so physically dominant and it makes mine and Shaun's role a lot easier playing on the front foot as opposed to going backwards," he said.

"That's their job, and it allows the rest of the machine to keep working when Ken and David, in particular, start our sets like that. They're doing a fantastic job."

Doing your job on a rugby league field can look very different to each player, depending on factors such as playing conditions, opposition and the game plan

Maumalo says he has a pretty simple philosophy which doesn't change.

"Just charge, simple as that really," he said.

"In terms of what goes through my head when I get it at the back I'm trying to get the boys on the front foot and that's where I earn my bucks.

"It builds energy so that when the forwards get back ready to go myself, David (Fusitu'a), Solomone (Kata) and Peta (Hiku) have already got us on the front foot. Ruck speed wins matches and that's what I try and generate every time I carry the footy."

Playing in front of a sell-out crowd at Mt Smart Stadium last week put "even more energy" into some of the team's bruising charges, he said.

"It was awesome to see the place that full, I know it really gives the boys that extra boost to go out there and do our jobs, so hopefully the support can continue this week against a tough Broncos side."

 

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