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At the start of the year many experts had the New Zealand Warriors as wooden spooners. Five weeks into the competition the Warriors find themselves at the top of the NRL ladder and undefeated after five games.
Only one other side is undefeated – the St George Illawarra Dragons – with the two set to meet each other in Round 7.
Now I’m asking if any team has enough size and power to match them. This Warriors team reminds me of the free-flowing team that made the grand final in 2011.
They have size across the park and a calm approach thanks to Blake Green who is controlling their sets brilliantly. This gives the exciting Shaun Johnson room to do his thing without having to worry about the organising role.
There are players in this team who will be household names by the end of the year. Wingers Ken Maumalo and David Fusitua have size and speed. They are larger than many forwards, especially Maumalo who weighs in at 105kgs.
Other impressive newcomers include forwards Leivaka Pulu and Bunty Afoa. They may not be easy to pronounce, but they’re easy to watch on the field.
Alongside these future stars are some current ones, including Shaun Johnson, the elusive Roget Tuivasa Sheck and Issac Luke. In fact, Sheck and Luke are back to the form that we expect of them. They are starring again like they did for the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs respectively, looking like the New Zealand spine that they rightfully are.
One of the unique things about this team is their special bond – after every try they form tight a huddle and perform a deep breathing ritual while arm in arm. It seems to be working as they are playing as team in attack and especially defence.
With poise, power and passion, who is going to stop this team?
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