There’s probably not a more popular Australian in New Zealand right now than Andrew Webster and deservedly so.
Usually at this time of year, Warriors fans are choosing a ‘second team’ to support during finals while the club picks at the bones of another year of underachievement. We are torn between loving watching great footy and knowing that our team isn’t involved. Again.
This year under Webster there is a growing crackle of excitement that the Warriors will not only feature in the finals, but have a decent shot at buckling some of the big boys. Penrith and the Broncos have set the bar.
Even if the Warriors fall short it has already been a successful year for the club; one that has earned praise from commentators, coaches and footy fans from around the NRL.
Webster has worked wonders with the Warriors in a remarkably short time and kiwis love him for it. And he reckons he loves us too. It’s quite the kiwi conundrum, this likeable Aussie.
Andrew Webster. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
No wonder the club are clamouring to retain his services. A quick suggestion from the fans – give him whatever he wants. A ten-year contract. A house and car. Hell, give him a life time supply of pineapple lumps and the keys to the Mad Butcher’s Waiheke bach.
Just keep him here. The understated Aussie magician who, like his team, has grown in confidence and stature throughout the season.
How many times have you heard commentator’s pause to differentiate ‘this Warriors team’ from previous years, usually when highlighting defensive ticker or our ability to stay in the grind. To make opposition sides work. Blocker Roach just loves it.
Or how about “he’s in career best form”? Whether it be Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wade Egan, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tohu Harris, Jackson Ford, Marata Niukore, or Marcelo Montoya. Dylan Walker has been a wrecking ball from the bench, bending the line both with and without the ball.
All of them playing like they’re enjoying their football. And when asked why, the players only have one name on their lips: Webster.
It doesn’t hurt that he has them defending like they belong in the frontline.
(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
A few wobbly performances in recent weeks have the nervous and the anxious questioning their finals credentials.
The depleted bunnies bashing us at home in the rain and wind. The struggle to finish over a courageous 12-man Titans’ side. The courageous Canberra comeback. That frustrating mid-season loss to a misfiring Roosters team, who have been playing like they’re actually under the salary cap.
The doubts and concerns reveal the deeply carved emotional scars of seasons gone, like a legion of Harry Potters. And who could blame them?
I’m going to follow the players example, and enjoy the ride.
I have loved the transformation under Webster for a team I have supported for so long, with little return on the emotional investment aside from ulcers and possibly a drinking problem.
Warriors’ home games are selling out. ‘Keep the faith’ and ‘let’s gone Warriors’ signs have all but disappeared. Fans are everywhere, here and across the Tasman. Loud, screaming. Believing.
I will be one of them in Hamilton this weekend and I can’t wait. Up the Wahs!!!
Panthers
Roar Rookie
I know a few Australians who when asked about it , are Warriors supporters? Didn’t know they followed the game at all & surprised by that. Good to see the Panthers influence with coaching working so well though. ( Just kidding ). Coach of the year by a long way . ‘There are club areas that put in the majority of NRL players and there are club areas that put in sweet FA’. I know all about that part of it .
JimCam73
Roar Rookie
The Warriors revival is great news for rugby league in New Zealand. Bigger crowds than the Super rugby teams and they deserve it.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Niukore's deal was reported as $2.5m for 4 seasons, which is $625k a year. The Bulldogs were still paying half DWZ salary as part of the early release deal. However, to be fair to him, he's earned his coin this season. Reduced the errors, runs hard as anyone out of his own end and has shown some spectacular finishing for tries. Not sure you can underestimate what Tohu brings to the Warriors either, tackles like a machine, does his share of tough stuff and links with the spine. All on one leg. Great leader. Worth every cent in my view.
Drac
Roar Rookie
As a long term St George fan I get the excitement, and if you don't make the GF, at least it hasn't been a season of thrashings inflicted on a rudderless ship like in the past, with the strong expectation of future success. NZ can leverage the underdog mentality like other Kiwi teams and Qld Origin do to fire up players and fans alike. I wish you & the Warriors every success.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Agreed. I thought the South’s outcome was good for them. A timely reminder there is still work to do. Johnson has been the team barometer for me, I’ve never seen him defend like he has this year. And everything else has flowed out of that. Could they win it this year? Possibly… Will they? Probably not, but the impact for the game here has already been huge. Another sold out game this weekend - big props for the Tigers for making it happen too.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Yeah, well, from what I've read it got very ugly at the time, so much so that the Broncos distanced themselves from the old clubs for a while and probably didn't do as much as they should've for the competition that led to their being. I almost shudder to think what it would've been like playing for the Broncos team that was in the BRL for a while in the early-to-mid '90s.
Nat
Roar Guru
I am actually on the old guard side myself but WOW that took a very ugly turn. :laughing: I’m not sure I am the right person to be passing any comment of the style value of the jerseys. I’m the guy in the TaroCash shirt and jeans in my Eagle st days. I once got directed into the Farriers room on my way to the members at Eagle Farm. I thought I was looking sharp.
matth
Roar Guru
Coach of the year, hands down
Redcap
Roar Guru
Yep, that's probably when I'd notice. BTW, I think you should do the jersey piece next year - bring a different take and sensibility to the opus. Having been reading a lot about the BRL in recent weeks, I'm firmly with the old guard - the Broncos are a travesty, and fundamentally incompatible with humanity, decency and civility. :stoked:
Nat
Roar Guru
Of course you would. If nothing more than critiquing the next iteration of that outstanding diamond Traveland jumper from back in the day.
high horse
Roar Rookie
it will be interesting to see how long this form will last. they have Niukore and DWZ on $850k a year which makes them the highest paid in their respective positions. they are lucky they have SJ on such a cheap deal that will end soon. Niukore and DWZ are probably worth half that on the open market. Tohu also on $1 mil and probably only worth 650
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I have been saying since the start of the Warriors revival how good it's been for RL. I went to the Warriors , Titans game on the GC . Warriors fans had a better than 50 /50 split in the crowd. All local KiWIS I thought then I met two groups who had flown over from NZ for the game and a boys weekend plus two KIWIS who had flown down from Darwin just to watch the game. How good is that. There are club areas that put in the majority of NRL players and there are club areas that put in sweet FA. The Warriors are in the first group and deserve some success.
Nat
Roar Guru
It’s about time someone was able to harness the ability in the Warriors team and the support and appreciation the fans are giving the team and coach is great to see. I wouldn’t be too concerned about getting done by Souths it is a learning experience. This year is already a success and the next will be genuine contenders.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Wow - sitting here peacefully and cop, well, whatever that was. I assume it's about the Broncos, though I'm not sure why you think I care about them. I'd barely notice if they all quit league and moved to a monastery in Outer Mongolia.
Nat
Roar Guru
WOW- sitting here nice and peacefully and cop that drive by. “St George can’t play” was 30 yrs ago. Still valid but can’t you have a word to someone on Margaret St about building a bridge? :silly:
Redcap
Roar Guru
Nice read - thanks Jeremy. For a change, the Warriors have become my second team this year given it took the Dragons about five minutes to dip out of contention. I've loved watching them and haven't ruled out a top-two finish yet - c'mon Parra! It'll be very interesting to see how the team evolves, hopefully under Webster and his life-time supply of pineapple. Enjoy the game in Hamilton.
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Webby has done a great job no doubt. He is already contracted for another two seasons, but I have no issues pushing that out longer at the end of the season if that is what he wants. Contracts aren’t worth much these days though - if things change in a year or two and either party wants out then it is over anyway. Everything about his rhetoric around staying with the club and building a dynasty is very encouraging at the moment though. It is just nice to finally have a team that is going well and consistently getting results. Sometimes I just look at the ladder and start laughing. He has done a great job, but the team as a whole has really come together this year and are finally living up to their potential. Hopefully not a one off and we can get at least a few years of being a good team and making the finals.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
No argument, Webster's done an outstanding job with the Warriors and has to be odds-on for the Coach of the Year title. When the Warriors are on, they can play some really exciting footy but can also win ugly, which is what they've done in recent games. I get your excitement about the coach and your keenness to keep him long term, but it would be better to wait for another season before making that call. The game's had plenty of coaches who've killed it in their first year, then struggled mightily in the second season. This is very good committed squad, but there's lots of guys at the back ends of their careers. What plans does Webster have to replace the likes of Shaun Johnson, for example? Keep enjoying the ride and I really hope the Warriors give the premiership a huge shake this year. After all they've done for the game in the past 3 or 4 seasons, they thoroughly deserve success.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Three years currently I believe but the club is looking to review and extend his contract. I know it’s early days and we haven’t won anything yet, but his impact has been immediate and obvious.
Micko
Roar Rookie
How long is he signed up for?