For several years now a three-way bet between good mates has seen one of us pay up, time and time again. The usual bet: who will finish higher on the NRL ladder between Manly, Penrith and New Zealand.
Unfortunately for our Kiwi cousin, we’ve been digging into his bank account for years – Australian dollars too!
In 2016, is my Kiwi friend about to collect for the first time in years?
Here are the positives and negatives for the Warriors leading into the 2016 season.
The positives
The spine
Arguably the best in the game, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jeff Robson, Shaun Johnson and Issac Luke will dominate in attack. Combine the flair and pace that the 1,7 and 9 offer, with the control and cool head of Robson, they are primed for a huge year.
Favourable draw
The Warriors play two away games at home this season: the Panthers are taking a home game to Christchurch, while the Bulldogs are taking a home game to Wellington.
Having two weeks off travelling over the ditch, along with playing in front of home crowds, will assist the Warriors. With the exception of one trip to Perth, the lighter travel schedule should see them fire in the latter stages of the season, where they have really lacked in the past.
Expansive play
It’s early days and we’re still unsure exactly how the new interchange rule will affect the game, however it should free the game up, rewarding offloads and ‘off the cuff’ play. This will suit the Warriors with the likes of Luke, Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck set to destroy teams.
Negatives
Defensive stats
The Warriors defence needs the most work if they are to challenge in 2016. They conceded the third most points last season, so as good as their attack can be, they need to stem the flow. In contrast, they missed the fourth fewest tackles in 2015, so that is something to build from.
Interchange
Although the offloading and ad-lib play should suit them in attack, limiting the Warriors to only eight interchanges could spell their downfall. They are a big pack, and with the defensive frailties already mentioned, an increase in time on the field could be a huge disadvantage for their big men.
If they can keep fit, maintain possession and keep teams moving backwards, they should be able to negate the problem.
While most are talking up the Cowboys’ prospects of going back-to-back, the Broncos going one better, or the Roosters getting up again, don’t be surprised if the Warriors are up there when all is said and done in 2016.
My tip: a top-six finish (and for the record, my mate to pay up again).
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