The 2019 NRL season is almost upon us and it's time to preview each team's chances at finals football for the season ahead.

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New Zealand Warriors

Pro

Plenty of mature heads. The Warriors struggled made the finals for the first time in seven years in 2018, and many credits can go to the core group of experienced players who kept level heads and showed leadership. This group including the likes of Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Issac Luke, Blake Green and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are key to ensuring that the younger players coming into the side can adapt the right mentality.

Con

Halfback debate. It's a decision Stephen Kearney chose to live with for 2019 when he decided to release Shaun Johnson. So which debutant halfback will begin the new season with the no.7 jumper for the Warriors? Chanel Harris-Tavita and Adam Keighran are the contenders, but are they ready?

Best 17

  1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Isaiah Papalii 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair 14. Karl Lawton 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Sam Lisone 17. Bunty Afoa.

    AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Adam Blair of the Warriors reacts during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
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5 COMMENTS

  2. I seem to agree with a lot of these teams but really disagree with the knights. Tim Glasby, who started for the Storm and was apart of the QLD team from the last few years WILL NOT BE on the bench. I think Glasby will start at lock over Barnett who will be on the bench. Also I think SKD can’t play any defence and is only a wing now and he beats Nathan Ross. Sione Mata’utia will be the centre inside him. Obviously Ross won’t be in the bench so there’s a place for James Gavet there.

    Also with the West tigers no David Nofoaluma… No way does Josh Reynolds start round 1 in 6 over Benji. Benji was half the reason Brooks played so well last year and he deserves to start the year there. Reynolds is coming back off a huge lay off with injury and also offers ability to cover hooker off the bench. In the preseason game against the Warriors Benji rested the second half and Reynolds looked like he didn’t know the system or what to do.

    • I agree too. I left the tigers out because of salary cap dramas, Lawrence injury, old legs benji and Robbie, Zane Musgrove not registered and unsettled spine.

      The knights have the cattle. No excuses if they click.
      Brownie first coach sacked?

  3. Roosters have got plenty of depth with Mitchell can cover fullback, Lachlan Lam or Brock Lamb has 5/8 and half covered. Lindsay Collins will be on the bench and Nat Butcher will be the first in line as backup bench forward followed by Poasa Faamausili and Sitili Tupouniua as the next back up bench forwards. Ryan Hall when fit will push for a wing spot plus we have Matt Ikuvalu as another back Morris can cover centre if needed and Aubusson can cover in the backs and backrow forwards. Plenty of players at the Roosters who are multi skilled in various positions.💪🐔👍

    • Forgot to mention this is Cronks team. Keary proved a great backup in the Grand Final and half a Preliminary Final to easily handle the halfback leadership skills but with a fit Cronk Keary reverts back to his brilliant 5/8 running game with great passes at speed.💪🐔👍