A confident Warriors outfit has declared season 2018 as their year to finally deliver on expectations – because there are none.
Following a pre-season of minimal hope and hot takes for his side’s chances, coach Stephen Kearney claims, “Everyone’s expecting our season to be a write-off and we reckon we can deliver.”
The NRL’s perennial underachievers have tortured rugby league over the years, building belief with bald-faced fibs and internationals before routinely crashing into star-studded catastrophe.
But despite playing to their strengths again by bolstering their side ‘on paper’ – picking up promising gains in Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Adam Blair and Blake Green – many remain unconvinced, as it’s still the Warriors.
However, Kearney has seized the doubt as an opportunity to finally deliver something – just anything, as long as it’s something – challenging his players to embrace the rare chance to fall in a heap without it being a torturous surprise.
AAP Image/Dave Hunt
After decades of flaming out under intense expectation, the coach believes his side is already relishing the potential of “freely sucking” at football without the pressure of fans decrying another wasted season.
“There’s a real buzz around the group since everyone stopped believing in us,” Kearney boasted.
“We’d really appreciate if nobody ever relies on us again, to be honest.”
But the former international is under no illusions as to the task ahead, admitting letting down fans that are already let down could be his greatest challenge since forgetting he worked at Parramatta.
He acknowledges his squad will have to “work harder than ever to be a greater disappointment”, and that tweaks to their flawlessly unreliable game plan will be required, starting with the eradication of their incongruously excellent ball security.
But he is adamant the team is ready to capitalise on their window, citing that a team accomplished in internal and external pressure can surely do the same with apathy.
One player echoed Kearney’s sentiments:
“There’s a special feeling around the group, mainly inertia. Even though it’s only Round 1, it reminds me of the same vibe we have at finals time.”
In response to the club’s re-evaluated standards, the Warriors’ board has extended Kearney to 2025.
watcher
Guest
As a Kiwi and a Warriors 'Fan' what do I think about the negative comments about Them. No problem, their performances mean they deserve everything they get. Their insipid, gutless and frankly unprofessional play is an insult to NZ sport and frankly the NRL. It seems though they have realised they can't produce this crap and expect unqualified support. Very little has been said from the Warriors so far, which is a good thing. Conditioning has been a problem but seems to have been addressed under Alex Corvo. Some player shapes have changed and although the trials were not super they did look fit and lasted the whole games. Team recruting has been on point with Green, Harris, Hiku, Paasi and Pulu all looking good. Tough ask to take on Souths in Perth, however, last I checked they will be playing on a footy field and they are more used to travelling than Souths.
John
Guest
They are the opposition you wished your team faced every week. That includes themselves.
Kilgore Trout
Roar Rookie
Go Warriors ! I am not exactly sure why , but the worse they go the more I love 'em .
Nat
Roar Guru
Never fear Dane, just hide behind a tryline - they'll never find you!
MAX
Guest
Tena Koe, Dane. Whai Manawanui. NZ is the land of the long League team rebuild. A premiership is pencilled in for sometime in the 2020's. That is about half the time it took the Sharks to be the last team standing. Negotiations are under way to sign up Gallen and Lewis. When next playing in Australia you can expect a visit from our front row who share your brilliant sense of humour.
Duncan Smith
Guest
White written as comedy, it contains a high level of truth.
KenW
Guest
Harsh Dane, very harsh. I still giggled.... especially at the line about the feeling being the same as finals time.... but still very harsh.
Farqueue
Guest
Excellent stuff as usual Dane. It's a relief to have something that makes you smile rather than a hundred articles on Warner taking on de kock. Although with that name I'm sure you could come up with something brilliant.
Chilli
Roar Rookie
Jusr watched big man Sam Burgess have a crack at everyone banging on about last season for rabbits. Point to prove in this opener lads..expect a red hot bunnies. Get on for 13+ and everyone to reconsider their ladder ?