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New Zealand Warriors fans are hoping for a strong 2016 after a disappointing few seasons. Following an incredible run to the grand final in 2011, they have struggled to find consistent performances since.
Coaches have come and gone and the pressure is already starting to mount on Andrew McFadden with rumours persisting that he only has a few weeks to turn around the team’s fortunes.
Club boss Jim Doyle has on numerous occasions spoken out in support of McFadden, however at the end of the day it all comes down to results. A lot can change in a few weeks in the NRL.
Following an impressive recruitment drive which has brought in stars Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, a finals berth is considered the absolute minimum requirement this season.
Unfortunately, if their Round 1 performance is anything to go by, not much has changed. Their trial form was also very poor.
The Warriors have an incredible amount of talent throughout the squad and have always had the ability to score points in bunches. The issue is that they can also leak points, generally off the back of unforced errors.
There are some glaring defensive issues as well, highlighted by the 28 first-half points conceded against the Wests Tigers in Round 1, a team considered by most to be wooden spoon contenders.
The Warriors mounted a spirited second-half comeback on the back of some momentum. There is never any doubt that they can come back from any deficit especially with Shaun Johnson running the show.
The problem is that when the momentum is against them, as was the case in the first half, they are unable to contain the opposition well enough. The top teams can defend their own line in consecutive sets of six and then mount a counter-attack.
Perhaps the criticism is harsh considering the new faces in key positions. Only time will tell if this new-look Warriors side has what it takes to play finals football.
They face a huge test this week when they travel to Brisbane to take on the competition favourites. The question is whether they will build on their strong Round 1 second half, or whether they will once again start poorly and be forced to start chasing points.
If it is the latter they will certainly struggle to overcome an impressive Broncos defensive line. Regardless of the result, it is important that they start well, keep errors to a minimum and work hard defensively.
In Round 3 they return home to face another tough test against the Melbourne Storm. A 0-3 start to the season is a possibility and McFadden will certainly be hoping his side pull off an upset to ease the pressure.
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