Warrior’s fans will be sicking of hearing the term, but their side is the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde side when it comes to professional sporting ventures.

On their day, few sides can match the Auckland-based side in either excitement or point-scoring ability. The forwards are too big and skilful, the outside backs too elusive, and Shaun Johnson, at times, looks like he has spiders on him and no defender can get near him.

In 2016 they would blow a side off the park one week, yet be reduced to spectators less than a week later.

For a side containing the likes of Johnson, Matulino, Mannering, Hoffman, Luke, and Kata, the fact they could only manage a three-game winning streak once and two lots of two-match winning streaks almost beggars belief.

Andrew McFadden, who looked up against it from the second he was appointed the coach, was forced to spend the majority of press conferences fighting off claims he would be removed from his post, and ultimately lost his position as his side failed to play finals footy.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 27: Kiwis Rugby League coach Stephen Kearney during a New Zealand Kiwis press conference at NZRL House on March 27, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand Rugby League has extended Kearneys existing contract for a further two years into the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Former Kiwis test coach Stephen Kearney has been brought in and will take up the task that most before him, Ivan Cleary aside, have failed to do; to guide his side to consistent high-level performances.

Joining Kearney at the Warriors in 2017 will be premiership winning and Kiwi test five-eight Kieran Foran, who will be looking to ensure that 2016 is relegated to the rear vision mirror.

His arrival should finally ease the pressure on Johnson, who at times has been forced to overplay his hand in the past.

Although he may miss the start of the season as the NRL has yet to register his playing contract with the Warriors, it is expected that Foran will be eventually allowed to the return to the game.

With a fully fit RTS returning to the side the Warriors have really run out of excuses.

They have one of the best rosters in the NRL, including arguably the best spine outside of Melbourne, and now have an experienced and successful coach.

Ben Matulino has been booked in for surgery and will miss the start of the season, however, the Warriors are hardly light up front with some of the most intimidating forwards in the game at their disposal.

Simon Mannering is one of the most consistent players across the competition and will tackle for 80 minutes if needed. Ryan Hoffman is still a brilliant player, while Lillyman and Thompson are amongst the biggest hitting forwards in the game.

Out wide the likes of Kata, Fusitu’a, Ayshford, Lolohea, Vatuvei and Maumalo are competing for four spots in the backline.

The return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will feel like a new signing after missing the majority of 2016 with an ACL injury. He was yet to reach the heights expected of him during his seven games in Warriors colours, but unfortunately, the injury cut short his undoubted progress.

Across the park, it’s hard to find an obvious weakness in this side.

There’s plenty of talent, size, speed, experience, try-scoring ability, creativity. They have a coach who has overcome huge odds previously.

Do I have the Warriors in my top eight in 2017? Sure do.

Would I be confident in placing a large wager on them finishing in the top eight? No chance.

One thing is for sure, there is absolutely no reason why the Warriors shouldn’t be there come September 2017. There are no excuses left. Surely 2017 is the year. Surely.

Comments are closed.