What a season for the Warriors. It’s not over yet, but it’s already been a success for the players, the club and the fans.
Last year we cried “keep the faith” and “let’s gone warriors”. Or sometimes we just cried. By finals we could barely whisper “next year will be our year”.
Now “Up THE WAHS!” echoes across Aoteroa and large sections of the Gold Coast and Sydney.
The transformation under Andrew Webster has been nothing short of witchcraft. Or astro physics. Or something else I don’t understand.
The first noticeable change was the defence. The Warriors seemingly built a human wall of aggression and desperation.
The closer to our line we defended the harder we charged out to meet the ball carriers.
In its purest form, rugby league is about collisions and physical dominance. Ascendency hard earned, metre by metre, the dull thud of contact only drowned out by screaming fans. Smash ’em bro!
The Warriors gave us that, and more. Defensive resilience grew into offensive confidence. Playing with freedom, knowing they could defend an error.
The attack took on more structure as Shaun Johnson and Wayde Egan exploited defensive gaps with relentless surgical precision.
A monster pack of forwards superbly led by Tohu Harris took turns at charging into and through those gaps. One after another after another.
When they weren’t hitting runners the ball went wide, the result deadly. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak part diving, part flying to score with millimetres to spare, flowing locks like Maori Fabio with wings.
When they couldnt get through, they did something previous warriors sides did not: tightened up, got into the grind. Metre by metre. Thud. Thud. Thud. Relying on Johnson’s expert boot to plug the corners. The challenge laid down: run at us.
Players have enjoyed career best seasons. Johnson, the Prince of Penrose returned to claim his throne.
The players are smiling. The fans are smiling. Even the aussie commentators have had to begrdgingly acknowledge that something special was brewing at Mt Smart.
And is it just me, or are the Warriors even getting some referring decisions? Or maybe the bum calls just don’t determine the outcome anymore.
I’ve loved rugby league since watching the NSWRL as a boy with my father. I’ve had warriors season tickets and followed local clubs. I can’t remember a time I have enjoyed the game more than I am right now.
To the Warriors, thank you. Regardless of what happens next, this has been our year.
Now go smash ’em. Up the Wahs!!
wilbas
Roar Rookie
…AND WE HAD NOT SEEN MUCH OF THE NEW WARRIORS UNTIL THIS LOSS TO THE BRONCO’S…But what we noticed was they were playing stock standard percentage football…and you can not beat the best teams playing percentage football….The carted the ball up one off the ruck and kicked…It was dumb football..Where has the New Zealand style of play gone.. Meanwhile Bronco’s two front rowers marched up field unloading at will,,,They were playing the kind of football we expect from a NZ side. Warriors should have chopped down Payne Hass and the other Blonde forward for Bronco’s…Instead they played % football of holding the runner up and trying to slow the play the ball..Brisbane marched upfield time and again and the warriors defense worked overtime and when the game was on the line fatigue played in as Bronco’s played expansive from the backfield which led to a massive forward pass but it was game set and match with 20 minutes to go..They were gone after 60 minutes and this guy gets coach of the year….more like clone of the year…I am so dissapointed to see a kiwi side play so stupid and not play expansive progressive football..You may well roll smaller sides with massive forwards but it is worth nothing against top sides if you play the percentages….
Pickett
Roar Rookie
18th team should be from NZ imo.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I watch a lot of RL but I’ll admit I didn’t watch a lot of Warriors games. Poor quality footy and an unfriendly time slot ( usually 6.00pm on a Fri) meat I didn’t bother mostly. This year though they have been unmissable and I have made sure I’m home or in the pub by 6.00 to watch em. They have played some great footy and seem to be a tight knit group that enjoys playing together. A joy to watch. They have done wonders for RL in NZ and that’s just so good. I’ll be cheering for the Broncs tonight ( QLD solidarity and all that) but I really do wish them well.
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
As a Penrith fan, I'm not used to being hated for being a tall poppy. I was more used to pity. Ahh well, thems the breaks. Besides the Clearys, the other links between the Warriors is your coach, an assistant here last year and Greg Alexander. After his brother died he went to NZ and played for the Warriors and captained your great club for a while. Sadly, for you and for us, after his brother's death he was never the same as a player. In his prime he was just brilliant and exciting to watch. Good luck tonight, I will be cheering you on against the evil empire!
Bill
Roar Rookie
Warriors have really added a nice flavour to this finals series. I'm not confident they can do the job tonight but GF week will be a whole lot more exciting if they do get through
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Good point. Finally got their house in order. We are talking about what happens on the field, not off it. Usually looking for a coach by now.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
You make some excellent points. They are two of my fav kiwi players. I'll always have a soft spot for the best water boy the warriors ever had and his dad. Luai and Walsh cancel each other out for the carrying on like a pork chop measure. So it prob comes down to the fact that you lads have had a more than decent run at the top. Tall Poppy and all that... anyway a moot point - hopefully you'll be playing the Wahs. Up the Wahs!
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
Shame on you Jeremy. The Panthers have JFH and Leota in their team. Two proud Kiwis and yet you choose to support the massive machine that is the Broncos. Backed by News Corp, blessed with endless 7 day turnarounds and Friday night football and with an entire city to draw players from. Penrith is a small town, the club is owned by the locals and has two Kiwi props in the front row. What are you thinking!!!!! As for AFB and Hass, JFH says hello….
RLFan
Roar Rookie
The clash of the forwards will be worth watching, also Johnson v Reynolds, but Brisbane will have the edge in the centres I think. Hope it is a close game, but could be another blowout.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
I think he will get overall Dally M. Although missed a few games over last month.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Loving the way the Broncos have played the game this year. Great to watch. If the Wahs don't get up tonight I hope they roll the Panthers. And Payne vs AFB should be a cracker. Two best props in the game this season. I'm excited. Up the wahs!
Steven Harris
Shaun should get Dally M half back
Nat
Roar Guru
"Even the aussie commentators have had to begrudgingly acknowledge that something special was brewing at Mt Smart." Why begrudgingly? You play well you get the plaudits. You said yourself you didn't hold out much hope for season 2023 so why should the commentators talk up more than everyone could see? Anyway, it is a feel good story and you all deserved to feel this level of success after the last few years of sacrifice. Well done on a good season but I won't be wishing you luck tonight. "Run at us" Yep, done - here comes the Payne. :stoked:
Thom
Roar Rookie
Been a wild ride seem to have good club management which has failed in the past. Players always been their as shown by how many play in the nrl.