NZ Warriors kick off their season on Saturday night against St George Dragons on the Sunshine Coast.
In their third season based in Australia, how are Nathan Brown's side looking, after missing out on the finals for the third straight season?
2021 recap
As has so often been the case in their chequered history, the Warriors showed glimpses of their potential last year, but consistency was a major issue.
Poor game management, lapses in defensive concentration and sloppy standards cost them dearly.
When they were good, they were great to watch and could beat almost anyone on their day, but those moments came too few and far between, with disappointing results against the Broncos, Raiders and Titans rounding off the season.
The club's reaction to the embarrassing brawl in the 44-0 defeat to Gold Coast felt like a line in the sand, both in terms of onfield performance and overall standards at the club.
Let's hope that’s the case going into this year.
Signings
Shaun Johnson
Yes, say it again and enjoy it because why not. He's back!
Until he runs out on the field, it still doesn't feel quite real. There is a weight of expectation on SJ, that much is certain. But make no mistake, a fit and fired-up Johnson will make a massive difference to this side. Experience, footy nous and the ability to turn a set of six on its head if needed, are exactly what the Warriors are crying out for. The make or break factor: Staying fit.
Ash Taylor
Let's not forget, Taylor was 2016 Dally M Rookie of the Year and considering he's not costing much at all, he's a great pick-up. Talented and you can bet determined after being released by the Titans, he should make a difference.
By all accounts, he's simply enjoying a different environment and not being the main man in the spotlight. He'll change a few games for the side, if he can get into a good rhythm.
As with all the halves, he'll have to work hard to get or keep a spot, which is only a good thing.
It’s also worth remembering the likes of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Matt Lodge haven't had a full season with the club yet and will only benefit more from their first pre-season with the team
The club has chosen to give some younger players a chance in the top side, which is refreshing to see. Centres Jesse Arthars and Rocco Berry will be ones to watch. The coaches have a high opinion of Berry, who showed good signs when he played last year. Aaron Pene is also a handy pick-up from Melbourne Storm.
Keys to making the finals
After such a bad run with injuries last year (yes, as plenty of other clubs did), keeping key players fit will make a huge difference to this side.
They missed Addin Fonua-Blake a lot while he was out last year, but the prop is looking strong and fit in pre-season so far.
Captain Tohu Harris hopes to return around May and will also make a big impact.
The start to the season will also be crucial, with four of the first five rounds against teams that didn’t make the top eight last year. The other is against the Titans, who scraped in.
A poor start will be so hard to come back from, results in the first month can't be underestimated.
Join Newshub for live updates of the Warriors v Dragons from 7:30pm Saturday.
