Following bad finish to 2016, the Warriors are out to qualify for the finals for the first time since 2011, with a strong recruitment drive seeing them installed as one of the favourites to win the competition.
The pressure is mounting on the New Zealand club, their coach Andrew McFadden, new recruits Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and star halfback Shaun Johnson.
With an easy draw, that will see them face every team that missed the finals last year – except for the Raiders – both home and away, there will be no excuses for missing the playoffs in 2016.
Blessed with an entertaining roster riddled with Kiwi internationals, the Warriors shape as one of the NRL’s most exciting teams, and could well be the biggest improvers.
Rookie watch
The Warriors are well-known for their rookie sensations and their large nursery, however in 2016 it appears their streak of unearthing the hottest young talent – from Shaun Johnson and Ben Matulino to Solomone Kata and Tuimoala Lolohea – may have come to a temporary halt, with McFadden likely to blood only two of his six contracted rookies.
Versatile half, hooker, outside back or backrower Nathaniel Roache spent the past two seasons in the Warriors NYC side, playing 37 games and scoring 11 tries. A member of the 2014 premiership-winning side, the Mount Albert junior is almost certain to make his debut in 2016 when a position becomes available – and he plays just about all of them.
The other player in line for his debut in 2016 is menacing forward Toafofoa Sipley. The St Paul’s College product spent three seasons playing for the junior Warriors, making 43 appearances. With Ryan Hoffman and Jacob Lillyman both set for Origin call-ups, Sipley could step in as cover during the Origin period and get some experience against minnows the Knights and Titans.
Burleigh Bears recruit Henare Wells, livewire halfback Mafoa’aeta Hingano, backrower Marata Niukore and highly rated Cook Islands international Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are the other rookies in the squad.
Under pressure
If the Warriors don’t start strong off the blocks, McFadden is almost certain to lose his job and be replaced by the man that led the franchise to the 2011 NRL grand final, Ivan Cleary.
McFadden, who played 100 games in the NRL for the Raiders, Eels and Storm, must get the best out of his team immediately and cannot waste any time.
Of course, the Auckland-based franchise had a decent start to 2015, but finished 13th after Johnson was injured. So anything other than a 2016 finals finish will be seen as a failure, and almost certainly lead to McFadden’s dismissal.
Can the Warriors live up to expectations?
After 20 years of failure, McFadden won’t be the only person whose job is on the line if 2016 isn’t a big one.
Several members of the football club, from the front office to the football field, face being let go if on-field performances do not go as expected.
The recruitment of Tuivasa-Sheck and Luke from the Roosters and Rabbitohs respectively means the Warriors now possess three quarters of the world number one New Zealand Kiwis’ spine. And while the Warriors struggled following Johnson’s Round 20 injury last year, if the same situation occurs in 2016, they have the leadership and talent to steer the team.
Add quality forwards such as Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson and Origin stars Lillyman and Hoffman, and the Warriors have the star power to deliver a top-eight finish.
While there are many new players in key positions, the Warriors core have experience playing alongside each other at Test level, and should adjust quickly.
New Zealand are the most exciting team going into the 2016 season, if they can not finish in the finals there will be serious concerns over the club’s future.
Who will complete the Warriors’ spine?
The Warriors boast an impressive spine, however the five-eighth position is still vacant. There are three primary contenders for the gig.
Thomas Leuluai spent 2015 playing at hooker before injury forced him out of the side. The Kiwi Test legend is almost a certainty to slot in somewhere in the Warriors’ 17-man team, however he is most likely to come off the bench as a utility half, with the other candidates having stronger cases.
Jeff Robson joins the Warriors from Cronulla, after being pushed out by incoming players James Maloney and Chad Townsend. Heading into his 13th NRL season, Robson is a good chance to take the no.6 role, however there is an up-and-coming talent in his way.
Tuimoala Lolohea finished 2015 in the halves, replacing the injured Johnson, and despite the Warriors’ poor finish, he performed well enough to earn a New Zealand Test jumper in the halves for their tour of Great Britain at the back end of last year. Lolohea may be the right man to partner Johnson in the halves, and could even hold his position in the New Zealand Test team if he is able to help the Warriors succeed in 2016.
Must watch
Round 5 versus Roosters
Sunday, April 3, 2pm at Central Coast Stadium
Tuivasa-Sheck comes up against his old club when the Sydney Roosters host the Warriors at Central Coast Stadium.
Both sides have been installed as premiership favourites, and the match will feature two outstanding rosters and exciting match-ups across the field.
Round 8 versus Storm
Monday, April 25, 7pm at AAMI Park
The Warriors and Storm face off once again in their traditional Anzac Day clash, after a one-year hiatus, with members of both sides chasing selection in the Anzac Test.
Tuivasa-Sheck and Billy Slater, Johnson and Cooper Cronk, Manu Vatuvei and William Chambers, Issac Luke and Cameron Smith, Simon Mannering and Tohu Harris, Ben Matulino and Jesse Bromwich, Bodene Thompson and Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. These on-field match-ups are tantalising and make for an entertaining game.
Predicted best XVII
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Jonathan Wright, 3. Solomone Kata, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jacob Lillyman, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Simon Mannering, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Bodene Thompson
Interchange: 14. Thomas Leuluai, 15. Ben Henry, 16. Ligi Sao, 17. Albert Vete
2016 signings
Blake Ayshford (Cronulla Sharks), Ali Lauitiiti (Wakefield Wildcats), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Melbourne Storm), Jeff Robson (Cronulla Sharks), Ligi Sao (Manly Sea Eagles), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters), Henare Wells (Burleigh Bears)
2016 draw (AEST)
Round 1: Wests Tigers versus Warriors (Saturday, March 5, 5:30pm at Campbelltown Stadium)
Round 2: Broncos versus Warriors (Friday, March 11, 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium)
Round 3: Warriors versus Storm (Sunday, March 20, 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 4: Warriors versus Knights (Monday, March 28, 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 5: Roosters versus Warriors (Sunday, April 3, 2pm at Central Coast Stadium)
Round 6: Warriors versus Sea Eagles (Saturday, April 9, 5:30pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 7: Bulldogs versus Warriors (Saturday, April 16, 5:30pm at Westpac Stadium)
Round 8: Storm versus Warriors (Monday, April 25, 7pm at AAMI Park)
Round 9: Warriors versus Dragons (Sunday, May 1, 12pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 10: Panthers versus Warriors (Saturday, May 14, 3pm at AMI Stadium)
Round 11: Warriors versus Raiders (Saturday, May 21, 5:30pm at Yarrow Stadium)
Round 12: Bye
Round 13: Warriors versus Broncos (Saturday, June 4, 3pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 14: Knights versus Warriors (Saturday, June 11, 3pm at Hunter Stadium)
Round 15: Warriors versus Roosters (Sunday, June 19, 4pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 16: Sharks versus Warriors (Saturday, June 25, 5:30pm at Shark Park)
Round 17: Warriors versus Titans (Saturday, July 2, 3pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 18: Bye
Round 19: Sea Eagles versus Warriors (Saturday, July 16, 5:30pm at nib Stadium)
Round 20: Raiders versus Warriors (Saturday, July 23, 3pm at GIO Stadium)
Round 21: Warriors versus Panthers (July 28-August 1 at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 22: Titans versus Warriors (August 4-August 8 at Cbus Super Stadium)
Round 23: Warriors versus Rabbitohs (August 11-August 15 at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 24: Cowboys versus Warriors (August 18-August 22 at 1300Smiles Stadium)
Round 25: Warriors versus Wests Tigers (August 25-August 29 at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 26: Warriors versus Eels (September 1-September 4 at Mt Smart Stadium)
Prediction
The Warriors will finish the regular season third, and come within one win of qualifying for the grand final.
watcher
Guest
Signed to a 2nd tier contract, he was returning home and made enquiries with the Warriors, his main role is as a mentor and depth cover. I don't think anyone sees him ahead of the current Warriors forwards. He fell into the Warriors lap, a bit like Gavet. Hurrell has been fronted by Warriors Management and told to shape up or the door was open. From a distance his Management have been poor and let him get away with too much. It is no revelation that he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and has stuffed things up for himself. However, he is young enough to turn it round and has hit all targets, particularly over Christmass/New Year. His strength is his speed which accentuates his power, his lack of fitness added to his poor defensive showings. He has shown he can tackle. He just needs to be conditioned and play within the defensive structures. If he doesn't then guys like Ayshford will get the gig. It is difficult to discard such talent without giving it reasonable opportunity. That is a two way street though. Kiwis, like Aussies can accept losses as long as they see their team is having a dig. The worry is that sometimes the Warriors capitulate. That is unacceptable. I know there are ardent Warriors fans saying, you have the players and the front office, time to live up to expectations or they will walk. With this lineup there is no way this team should get thrashed by anyone. In no way are they unbeatable but they are the equal of any team. It is the consistent week after week attitude required. That is what they have always lacked. They have potential, but really potential is defined as not haven't actually done anything yet. Sums up the Warriors, and I am a fan.
The Verdict
Guest
If I recall correctly, the Cowboys tried desperately hard to get him in case Tamou walked.
The Verdict
Guest
I would hope for the Warriors sake than Vatuvei and Hurrell are not on the same edge. I know that is a lot of size to deal with for the opposition, but it makes them slower and vulnerable in defence.
Greg
Guest
Konrad is finished as a center. He actually played ok when coming off the bench as a second rower. I have a strange feeling Blake Ayshford will step up this year.
dayer
Guest
Konrad Hurrell is a great power runner but he is utterly hopeless in defense, hope he improves if not send him to nsw cup or trade him to storm where belemy will improve his defensive play.
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
They've signed Ali Lauititi ! It must be a decade since he went over the Super League. How old would he be ? 35 ?
Michael
Guest
I don't know guys, I'm looking at Cronulla for 2017.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Another in depth quality review. I've been a knocker of the Warriors "fail to live up to expectations " BUT you cannot dismiss that spine. Another key signing is Justin Morgan. If Hurrell, Kata and co follow their new teammates lead to hard work and competitive edge, plus they stamp out the head pats on dropped ball, they will be in mixer come seasons end. Ruben Wiki should be a useful ally for defence positioning to both. Only thing I strongly disagree with is the selection of Jono Wright. Play Robson and shift Lolohea in centres or wing. They have many options. Matulino and Leuluai linked well when Thomas played in the halves a few times. This is the year they should aim up. Time will tell.
ferret
Guest
As most people have noted the defence of the centres has been a major problem for the Warriors for past couple of seasons. They've thrown away games from strong positions due to poor defence in the centres and/or Hurrell and Kata not playing a little more conservatively when a mile in front. Saw a few games last year where these two were giving up possession with miracle passes late in the game and getting run down by more "professional" teams. With another season under their belts it's time for Hurrell and Kata to start playing like NRL players and not NYC kids. If they do the Warriors will do very well this year.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It didn't take long to get to "next year is our year" this season...!!!
maximillian
Guest
Justin Morgan. He's a former Warriors player & has done some coaching in France & in the Super League. He was the defensive coach at Melbourne the past 2 seasons & that's an area the Warriors will need to improve if they are to live up to expectations.
maximillian
Guest
Yea it would be a massive achievement to go from 14th to premiers in 1 season but I think that's unlikely. The Warriors haven't played in the finals since 2011 so Id settle for a playoff spot & the second week of the finals for 2016. The spine is arguably the strongest in Warriors history but it may still take a while to get the necessary combinations going. 2017 could be the year!
Rodney Olsen
Guest
They'll do their usual thing, they will either be scarily good, or something will happen and it'll look something similar to a train wreck. I hope they have a good season and if things do go their way, they definitely have the team on paper to go all the way, just a matter of making that happen and hoping everything else outside your control falls into place.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
They have a new assistant who Bellamy pegged as his heir apparent (and was furious when he left). He will do a good job if McFadden is canned.
Samtwocan
Guest
I m with you Baz , they've had potentially good sides in the past that underachieved . The fact that there's already talk of the coach being gaffed if they get outta the blocks poorly pretty much sums it up. If ya gunna put a bet on em to win the comp just make sure it ain't the rent money.
maximillian
Guest
Id actually stick with Wright on the wing. Theres too many "rocks & diamonds" types in the outside backs with Kata, Hurrell & Vatuvei. Wright isn't the most dynamic player but he doesn't have the glaring errors in his game that the rest do. His relative consistency is a good foil for the x-factor around him.
cedric
Guest
They have to have Hurrell committed to defence, if that doesn't happen they will have to drop him. I suppose Lolohea is the long term solution to 5/8. I'm hoping top 4, but really think 2017 is the year to look for! Also glad to hear Doyle is the man. Front office is important.
watcher
Guest
I agree Wright won't be on the Wing, without even mentioning rookies you have Vatuvei, Fusitua, Lolohea, Allwood, Maumalo, Kata. Also at Centre Hurrell, Kata, Ayshford, Lolohea, Allwood, Fusitua and Wright. Henry will be interesting, hopefully if he fires this year it means if he and Lolohea are in the 17 all positions except Prop are covered. That will make a difference for the Bench. With all the competition Gubb is at a disadvantage as he is suspended for the first rounds. .
The eye
Guest
Charlie Gubb is ready to cause some damage..
Stu
Guest
I agree with Fusitua on the wing but would also replace Henry in the 17 with Lisone. Leuluai is able to cover most positions.