NRL - New Zealand Warriors 2018 Season Preview
New Zealand Warriors 2018 Season Preview
Last Season - 13th, 7 Wins, 17 Losses, 444 Points Scored, 575 Points Against
Last 5 Seasons (2013-2017) 11th, 9th, 13th, 10th, 13th
2017 Review - I thought the Warriors were the most disappointing side bar none in 2017. They have gone six straight seasons of missing the finals since they stormed into the Grand Final under Ivan Cleary back in 2011. With a spine at their disposal of Tuivasa Sheck, Foran, Johnson and Luke, there was plenty of hype around the side. However, they finished the season dreadfully, losing their last 7 games. They were absolutely awful away from New Zealand, winning just one game from eleven in Australia, and regularly being blown out.
2018 Gains: Gerard Beale (Cronulla Sharks, 2020), Adam Blair (Brisbane Broncos, 2020), Manaia Cherrington (Cronulla Sharks, 2018), Anthony Gelling (Wigan Warriors, 2018), Blake Green (Manly Sea Eagles, 2020), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm, 2021), Peta Hiku (Penrith Panthers, 2020), Matiu Love-Henry (Brisbane Broncos, 2018), Agnatius Paasi (Gold Coast Titans, 2019), Leivaha Pulu (Gold Coast Titans, 2020), Zac Santo (Canberra Raiders, 2018)
2018 Losses: Matthew Allwood (released), Erin Clark (Canberra Raiders), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), Kieran Foran (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Charlie Gubb (Canberra Raiders), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm), Jacob Lillyman (Newcastle Knights), Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers), Ben Matulino (Wests Tigers), Ofahiki Ogden (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Toafofoa Sipley (Manly Sea Eagles), Bodene Thompson (Leigh Centurions), Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils)
What to Make of their Gains and Losses - The Warriors have lost a lot of experience over the off-season. The likes of Kieran Foran, Ryan Hoffman, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson and Jacob Lillyman were regulars in their Starting 13, and won't be easily replaced. I do like the signing of Blake Green as he has been part of two really strong cultures at Melbourne and Manly, and been a key cog in helping his halfbacks flourish. He should allow Shaun Johnson to play his natural game. I don't love the signing of Adam Blair as I believe his best days as a forward are over, and too often he gives away penalties or makes simple mistakes. Tohu Harris will add some punch to their back row.
Head Coach - Steven Kearney is under plenty of pressure this season, given his two underwhelming seasons at Parramatta, followed by this first-up effort at the Warriors. Not many coaches get a third chance, so I really think he needs to get the side a lot closer to the finals this season. Alarmingly for Kearney his side appeared to give up several occasions late last season, and were belted on the road a number of times. The side looked mentally week and despite calling out the team on a number of occasions in the press for their lack of effort he didn't drop many big names. Another season like last and I think that will just about be it for Kearney as an NRL coach as harsh as that seems.
Most Important Player - Blake Green - You could easily make an argument Shaun Johnson is the Warriors most important player, as they have a deplorable record without him. However, even with Johnson and Tuivasa Sheck in the side the past couple of the years, the Warriors have been inconsistent at best. Perhaps Green can get this side playing key moments better, and free up some of his more talented playmakers to showcase their skills.
Likely Best 17 - 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Ken Maumalu 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Adam Blair 9. Issac Luke 10. Albert Vete 11. Tohu Harris 12. Ignatius Paasi 13. Simon Mannering Bench - 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. James Gavet 16. Sam Lisone 17. Leivaha Pulu - Unavailable: Gerard Beale (leg)
2018 Verdict - 16th - I think this is rock bottom for the Warriors. They lost their final 7 games last season, and have lost a heap of experience in the off season. I honestly can't see this side turning it around in 2018, and perhaps they get worse. Big name players like Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck are off contract. They look a club with very little depth and were far to easily beaten when the going got tough. Their mental toughness and resolve in matches is a huge problem and, despite the signings of Adam Blair and Blake Green, I struggle to see them turning that around. I Expect them to be competitive at home, however its hardly a fortress over there any more, and I expect them to struggle mightily once more on the road. The wooden spoon might be what this club needs to totally rebuild.