Last week the Warriors were rumoured to have turned down the opportunity for a reunion with one of their former greats, Shaun Johnson.
It came after they saw the future against Melbourne last week in Reece Walsh. And it was confirmed against the Cowboys that the Warriors have a special talent.
The non-reunion with Johnson shows how far the Warriors have come as a club, and more importantly that they have a solid plan for the future.
With players such as Addin Fonua-Blake signed long term, and Ben Murdoch-Masila playing a dominant role, all while having an injury list approaching double figures, it shows the balance and depth the Warriors now have.
Even more so when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is leaving at the end of 2021, and yet for once they have a succession plan with Walsh for 2022 and beyond.
Reece Walsh (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Over the past 25-plus years, the Warriors have had good players but very rarely had strong depth, hence only two appearances at the big dance since 1995.
Previously when Stacey Jones left, they gave the seven jersey to Nathan Fien, who was serviceable but hardly elite.
Similarly after Johnson left, Adam Keighran started Round 1, with Blake Green also playing in the role. Irrespective, it wasn’t a long-term plan, and realistically not one that you could build a premiership-winning team around.
The exciting difference is that they are developing a young core of players such as Walsh, Rocco Berry and Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Interestingly enough there is probably a lack of young forwards coming through, which will no doubt be addressed, either through development or astute signings.
The other pleasing aspect is that the inclusion of Berry and Walsh has seen the Warriors become a lot more threatening with the ball, but also a much faster team.
Earlier in the season they were caught short against Manly for pace, and it looks like they have worked on a plan to add pace to the team.
Having pace out wide has given Kodi Nikorima more confidence to run himself, probably as the threats wider have created space for him. This was seen against the Cowboys where they hung off him, concerned for the threats wider out.
The immediate challenge for Nathan Brown is going to be deciding who are his best 17 players, partially with injured players due back in the future rounds.
With players such as Euan Aitken and David Fusitua due back soon, there will be some tough decisions to be made.
Further, the breakout star of 2020 – Eliesa Katoa – is stuck in the Queensland Cup and with players like Josh Curran ahead of him at the moment, he will have to perform outstandingly at that level to warrant selection in first grade. This is as opposed to in the past, when players stayed in the 17 due to no one putting pressure on them.
Finally spare a thought for the Broncos. Yes, it’s been well broadcast Reece Walsh slipped through their hands, and obviously Sam Walker did too, but the Warriors’ halves against the Cowboys were two Broncos juniors: Walsh and Kodi Nikorima.
It shows the change in fortunes where the Broncos have been a development club for other teams.
watcher
Guest
Hoffman lived in NZ as a young bloke
watcher
Guest
As a Kiwi I have followed the Warriors from the start. There has often been a lack of professionalism in the club which rankles with Kiwis and their Rugby Union ethos. The problems started very early when first CEO Ian Robson and other 'suits' spent money like water making pronouncements like 'we are in the entertainment business', which brought a lot of fair weather fans and people in suits who stuck until the wheels fell off. The template was there but ignored, Auckland Rugby League had a strong competition of Tradie working men types, and the Auckland Rep team always fronted up against international team and always competed hard and had their successes against the Kangaroos, Poms and France. They were genuinely hard men and wouldn't back down to anyone The best Warriors teams had Australian Coaches and some Aussie players in the mix. Steven Kearney was the first Kiwi Coach who tried to set down a solid skilled and fitness based team based on completions. As a Coach he is limited but Nathan Brown is reaping the rewards of the groundwork done. RTS and Tohu Harris have been vital, also Peter O'Sullivan in recruitment. We have guys like Karoa and Berry signed from Union, Katoa's first game of league was NRL, Berry had 4 games before debut. their ability is sky high, but their character was also important in their recruitment. The Covid thing was a trial but also created goodwill, players like Addin Fonua Blake saw the team ethos and wanted to be part of it. They will be a very good team once the injured players get back on deck because now there is a whole squad that has been found up to the task.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
To be honest they’ve been in or around 10th at this time the last 4 years and plodded home for, well around 10th.
Rob
Guest
The Warriors did the right thing signing Blair, Hoffman, RTS, Tofu Harris and even Murdoch Masila in recent times. These guys have had a good apprenticeship and start to their career’s in the best systems. With the exception of Hoffman they all have a strong connection with NZ and family. All players play for money but it’s also important they have a connection with the supporters. It’s where they find the extra incentive to dig a little deeper. Shaun Johnson is a step backwards. He has never achieved the hype of his pay packet and in the twilight of his career it would be a step backwards IMO. The Warriors have now discovered a simple defensive structure and are controlling the football. They have enough individual attacking weapons to win football games and battle against the better teams. Getting a couple of talented kids like Walsh into this playing group at this time is a good move while RTS is still there.
Sam
Guest
Their future is certainly a lot brighter than former player Manu Vatuvei's
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think NRL should address the travel challenges that uniquely face the Warriors. I’d like to see them have a home base in regional Australia for 4 to 6 weeks- and then give them home games in NZ for the same. This will help support the game in a region, lighten the travel burden and allow Warriors to play in other parts on NZ.
Paul
Roar Guru
I agree Walsh has done some very good things, but he's only played 2 games. It's a huge call to suggest the Warriors future looks bright if you're relying on an 18 year old to be your go=to player, just ask the Knights and Kalyn Ponga. Like all young players, I want to see what he can do next year, when Clubs have had a good look at him and have worked him out. I also want to see how Brown builds around he and the other guys you named. I finally want to see whether he remains at the Warriors. I hope he does but money talks.
Paul
Roar Guru
Yep, that sounds like a great way to spread the game in New Zealand - cheating
J Jones
Roar Rookie
Funny I always think of them as being poor starters and strong finishes (as far as accumulating competition points)
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Coach Brown and the Warriors historically have the same problem, the run home. This weeks performance by the Knights is typical of what he had to deal with there, hopefully that’s all part of his development and he’s a better coach for it..there 7th and once they get those guys back are definitely better than the rubbish under them at the moment..Walsh, Curran, Rocco exciting players.
Nat
Roar Guru
I was surprised to see Katoa playing for Redcliffe a couple of weeks ago. I can't fault Curran, he's been playing very well but I would think a spot on the bench at least for him (behavoural standards ex). I know the Warriors are short on troops but I don't agree with throwing Walsh in the halves, not with a fit half, O'Sullivan, ready to go. I didn't agree with moving RTS last week but at least Walsh is a FB - not a half. It was Brown's method with Ponga back in the day, throw him the ball and wait for lightening to strike. Let him play a roving 'Peachy-type' role but not setting up play in his 2nd NRL game. He is going to be good no doubt but he's not a Mitchell/Inglis/Hayne size freak, he's just quick and enthusiastic at this stage.
Ben Simpson
Roar Pro
Don’t do this to me. Don’t get me excited about the Warriors again
jamesb
Roar Guru
If RTS stayed beyond this season, then the Warriors future would be even more brighter.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The Warriors are not far away from becoming a powerhouse club. The number of quality players they have let through their grasp is staggering. Its slowly changing.
Max power
Guest
Not really
Good article, but what the Warriors need to do, is do a Melbourne, and give a two-fingered salute to the Salary Cap, and build a legacy spine over the next decade, and just ride any NRL fines and points stripping. That way, in the long run, they can then become a power-house one team city, like Melbourne.