Despite the acquisition of one of the Super League’s biggest names in Sam Tomkins, 2014 turned out to be yet another disappointing year for the New Zealand Warriors.
The pressure was on Matthew Elliott and his talented playing list to deliver this season, but their campaign went on the back foot the moment they lost three of their first five matches, resulting in Elliott’s resignation.
And although they would finally realise their potential under caretaker coach Andrew McFadden, who would later be appointed on a full-time basis, the Warriors would later fall just short of reaching the finals.
But what else went wrong for the Warriors in 2014, and what, if any, were the highlights?
New Zealand Warriors
Final ladder position: ninth (12 wins, 12 losses, +80 differential)
What went right?
Tomkins proved his worth, being the most consistent performer in the starting side and keeping incumbent Kiwi fullback Kevin Locke out of the side.
The Warriors’ attacking flair was also exhibited in many of their victories, including those over the Raiders (twice), Titans and Eels. In each of those matches they scored at least 40 points, showing how dangerous the side can be when at their very best.
That was what contributed to their season-ending differential of plus 80, which could have been more had they not conceded three late tries in their victory over the Raiders in Round 21.
What went wrong?
The Warriors’ slow start to the season Elliott his job, with the 37-6 loss to the previously winless Cronulla in Round 5 proving the final straw.
The club also struggled on the road, losing eight of their twelve games, including an away match held in their own country against the Bulldogs in Round 10.
They also lost six matches by 10 points or less during the season, all under the watch of Andrew McFadden, and it was those losses that would come back to haunt them as they just missed out on finals for the first time since 2011.
Best win: defeated the Parramatta Eels 48-0 at Mount Smart Stadium in Round 18
This match saw Tomkins produce his best ever performance for the club, in which he scored two tries and set up another for his captain Simon Mannering to answer his critics.
In turn, it saw the Warriors clock up their biggest marginal victory for the year, while there were also big wins over the Raiders and Titans.
Worst loss: lost to the Sydney Roosters 46-12 at Mount Smart Stadium in Round 24
With a finals berth up for grabs, the Warriors produced their worst performance for the season in their penultimate home game against dethroned premiers the Sydney Roosters.
The Warriors entered the match 10th on the ladder and needing to win to keep their finals chances alive, but they didn’t turn up to play, failed to take their chances and wilted under the pressure of the defending premiers.
The future
Since taking over as coach after Round 5, Andrew McFadden has overseen a lot of improvement at the Warriors and has been rewarded with the full-time job.
Given the form the team showed for most of the season, playing with more freedom and attacking at will in some of their high-scoring victories, the future looks bright at Mount Smart Stadium.
The club has secured another big signing for next season, luring Melbourne Storm forward Ryan Hoffman across the ditch, while their only major loss is that of Kevin Locke, who decided to jet off for the English Super League.
Their narrow failure to make the finals will be what drives them to go one better in 2015. With a squad full of talent and experience, as well as a no-nonsense coach who has proven his worth, there will be no excuses for the Warriors next season.
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