The Warriors will worry a lot of teams in 2018.
They made feather dusters of the mistake-riddled Roosters and looked unstoppable across the park. But don’t be surprised if this is just the beginning.
Even though it’s early in the season, they seem to be a different side to the disappointing outfit that has showed so much promise and not delivered over the past five years.
As is the fashion in 2018, the referees tried to ruin the game with inconsistent calls, but the Warriors would have won regardless. The New Zealanders proved bigger, stronger and far more disciplined that the hapless Roosters.
This team of giants seem to have a belief and a powerful bond. It’s no co-incidence that they have former Melbourne Stormers, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair leading the way. Not to mention Blake Green, who out-played Cooper Cronk and took control of the team in the absence of the injured superstar Shaun Johnson.
So who can beat this team who have now won four games on the trot, travelling to Perth, Canberra and Sydney? It’s hard to see them being dominated in the forwards and it’s even harder to see them beating themselves, which has been their way in the past.
Blake Green and Tohu Harris bring a calmness to the side, and the new crop of talented backs led by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are more than capable of capitalising on the bullocking runs of man-machines like Agnasias Paasi, Adam Blair, Leivaha Pulu and co. Hooker Issac Luke is back to his best and 105Kg winger Ken Maumalo looks to be a special talent.
Not to mention Shaun Johnson, one of the most skilful players in the competition, who will be returning next week. That’s if he can make the side, as his replacement Mason Lino was impressive in his first game in the top grade at halfback.
The Warriors now have three home games in a row and it will be a true test to see if they can maintain their momentum. Don’t be too surprised when they touch up the North Queensland Cowboys next week.
Mike Stockton
Guest
Nice prediction Jay. I knew this season would be the most interesting in many years due to the movement of so many playmakers and other quality players. Obviously Blake Green has been one of the biggest success stories, as have Ben Hunt and Mitchell Pearce. Cooper Cronk is yet to find his rhythm, the same with Tedesco. Gut feeling says they will get there eventually, although it wouldn't be the first time a star recruit hasn't fired in a new club.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Teams have been announced - looks like Mannering and Johnson are back for the Warriors.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
If their form continues, that would be a classic GF.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
But who will they be cleaning up in the finals?
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Thanks for your comments Tommy. Don't forget that the Warriors team isn't affected by losing Origin players, so they usually win the majority of the 6 games around this series. A few more wins outside of this period and they're in the 8. Once they're in the finals, anything's possible.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Thanks for your comments Tommy. Don't forget that the Warriors team isn't affected by losing Origin players, so they usually win the majority of the 6 games around this series. A few more wins outside of this period and they're in the 8. Once they're in the finals, anything's possible.
Tommy Raudonikis
Guest
The Worriers will now put all this pressure on themselves and will find it difficult to maintain this level. Consistency has always been their worst enemy. However, if Blake Green can work effectively with Johnson and RTS can keep his form and Luke doesn't drop the ball and Harris doesn't get sent for a dangerous tackle or twenty, then they can play spoiler. But make it all the way to the GF? Nah, not in a month of Sundays.
Tommy Raudonikis
Guest
Today's Rooster makes tomorrow's feather duster
Zozza
Guest
Warriors lost the first three games in 2011, yet made the Grand Final. They are looking good, but sorry Jay, you are doing nothing other than reading tea leaves here mate. The NRL Premiership is a war of attrition, and you don't make the GF in March. I hope for the sake of League in NZ that the Warriors do make the finals this year, but to say they WILL make the GF you are just guessing mate.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Nah, Mannering must earn the right to get back in the team. He should be kept in the reserves until then.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Simon Mannering will have to wait and earn the right to displace anyone in the current forward pack. It's a good position to have though as I wrote the Warriors off if they didn't lift their fitness levels. They've done that and more.
Bomber
Guest
Confidence is a wonderful thing. Hope they can stay calm. They play good running footy that's good to watch.
Birdy
Guest
The last I heard about the Hawaiian consortium they were going to throw a lot of money at the Auckland RL to work hand in hand developing juniors. Apparently there are several retired NFL players in the consortium impressed with the warriors set up.. Interesting times for sure. My biggest worry however is that once they win the first premiership it might take a decade to get it back.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
I agree 100% Exodus Jerome. Remember they laughed at Trump when he said he was putting his hat in the ring for President of USA. They're not laughing so hard now :)
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
YES
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
It almost seems a shame to break this team up, but they have to find room for superstar Johnson and the experienced Simon Mannering.
Exoduz Jerome
Roar Rookie
I want to know what John and other members of the 9 FOOTY SHOWS think of the warriors now. I watched their show and its really sad b cause they have shiwn no respect when they were asked which team that they think will improve a lot this year. Billy Slater said the WARRIORS and sadly they all laugh and made fun of it, ESPECIALLY ANDREW JOHN..mate sometimes you need to get down from your horse and give some respect to those who try really hard..
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Thanks for your comments Gazzatron. Keep the faith, they are the real deal this year. Forgot to mention that Tuivasa-Sheck is back to his old form of 2013, which is a dangerous sign for opposing teams. The addition of Johnson and the 105kg mobile forward Simon Mannering means they have some depth too this year.
Exoduz Jerome
Roar Rookie
I want to know what John and other members have of 9 FOOTY SHOWS think of the warriors now. I watched their show and its really have no respect when they were asked by the hoster which team that they think will improve a lot this year, Billy Slater said the WARRIORS and sadly they all laughed and made fun of it, ESPECIALLY ANDREW JOHN..mate sometimes you need to get down from your horse and give some respect to those who try really hard..
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Absolutely! Be very interesting to see how they go against the out-of-form Cowboys. 5 wins on the trot will give them truckloads of confidence.