OPINION: From not having enough good players over the past few seasons, 2024 could see NZ Warriors have too many.
Chanel Harris-Tevita's return adds another piece to what is already a very exciting jigsaw, and poses another question for Andrew Webster and his team to pick from next season.
But, with only 17 spots available on game day, there are going to be players to miss out each week.
Here's how NZ Warriors could line up in 2024:
1-Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Already among the best defensive fullbacks in the NRL, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has made it very clear he isn't giving up the No.1 jersey next year.
That defensive presence at the back in 2024 can open up some exciting attacking possibilities for Webster and his coaching staff further down the track.
Currently only 27, Nicoll-Klokstad's value to the Warriors will only increase in the coming years.
2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
The best finisher on the Warriors' books. Injury this season means we haven't seen the best of Watene-Zelezniak so far in 2023, but that's still to come.
Also 27, Watene-Zelezniak is approaching 200 NRL appearances, and is averaging a try every second game for the Warriors.
In Webster's set-up, wingers scoring from kicks - or putting defences under pressure at the very least - is a crucial tactic, so don't expect Watene-Zelezniak to fall away any time soon.
3-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
The first real solution to the problem of too many stars.
Tuivasa-Sheck made his name as one of the best fullbacks in the NRL, and is one of the greatest players in Warriors history.
But a switch is definitely on the cards next year. The defensive security of Nicoll-Klokstad at the back can allow the Warriors to be more attacking on the edges - and in all honesty, Tuivasa-Sheck could play anywhere from No.1 to No.6.
4-Chanel-Harris-Tavita
The Warriors team that Chanel Harris-Tavita left last year is very different to the one he'll come back into.
For a start, he'll have a hard time breaking into the halves, meaning he too could be forced elsewhere.
But with ample time up his sleeve, Harris-Tavita would be mad not to bulk up over the coming months, and look to seal a spot in the centres.
Adam Pompey comes off-contract at the end of the year, while Rocco Berry is still a very raw talent, and could have a better time of it in the New South Wales Cup.
Harris-Tavita is an excellent defender - seen in stints at fullback - and could slot in at centre next to his former skipper.
5-Marcelo Montoya
A key player under Webster, Montoya's value to the Warriors is only continuing to grow.
The club have chosen to re-sign Montoya ahead of the likes of Pompey, as a sign of his importance to the future.
Capable on the wing and in the centres, expect Montoya to wear more than one jersey number over the coming years.
But if the team is at its best, the wing is where Montoya belongs.
6-Te Maire Martin
A genuine test-quality half, Martin deserves to have the No.6 on his back for as long as he's fit.
As a secure ball playing option, Martin takes pressure off his halfback with his running game, and is quietly one of the better defenders in the Warriors' spine.
Currently out with a broken leg, Martin will be straight back into the team as soon as he's back to full fitness.
7-Shaun Johnson
A huge asterisk stands over Johnson's place in the side, with his contract up at the end of the year.
However, all of the talk from within and without revolves around when - not if - he re-signs with the Warriors.
Playing under Webster has breathed new life into Johnson, evolving from a running halfback into the perfect game manager.
Provided he puts pen to paper, Johnson will be the Warriors' halfback next year.
8-Addin Fonua-Blake
You'll only hear this on one side of the Tasman, but Fonua-Blake is doing everything he can to be considered among the best front rowers in the game.
Fonua-Blake's role at the Warriors extends beyond the pitch as well, having also proven to be a valuable leader in the absence of Tohu Harris.
This is arguably one of the best forward packs in Warriors history, and Fonua-Blake is a big part of that.
9-Wayde Egan
Another player who has improved out of sight for the Warriors, Egan should continue to be the starting No.9 for the foreseeable future.
Like Fonua-Blake, Egan has also shown his worth as a leader, captaining the side in the absence of other senior players.
Granted, his run of concussions this season has been a worry, but Freddy Lussick is more than capable back-up.
10-Mitchell Barnett
Kind of the forgotten man after spending most of 2023 out injured, but Barnett's start to the year justified the faith in the Warriors for bringing him to the club this year.
As a huge presence in the forward pack, Barnett's year has been hampered by a neck issue, but fingers crossed he can get back on the park to continue to show his wares later this season - and continue into next year.
11-Josh Curran
Curran's primary value at the moment appears to be as an impact player off the interchange bench, and takes a spot in the back row over the very impressive Jackson Ford.
But at just 23, there's plenty of time for him to continue developing and become a starting edge forward.
Off-contract at the end of next year, expect big things from Curran as he looks to secure his future - be it at the Warriors or elsewhere.
12-Marata Niukore
One of the biggest coups in the club's recent history was snaring Niukore to come home after impressing for Parramatta Eels.
As a player who came through the Warriors' junior programme, Niukore is another whose importance stretches beyond the field, as an example for players looking to break into first grade.
That, coupled with his abilities in the back row, makes him key for the future of the club, still just 26 with plenty of time to grow.
13-Tohu Harris (c)
It's remarkable how much better the Warriors are with Harris on the field.
Not only should Harris keep hold of the No.13 jersey next year, but also the captaincy when Tuivasa-Sheck walks back through the doors at Warriors HQ.
Fitness is a concern, with his knees giving him trouble over the last couple of years.
Again, though, Tohu Harris could probably do more on one leg than other players could do on three.
14-Luke Metcalf
The most exciting prospect on the Warriors' books.
Metcalf was 22 when he signed for the Warriors at the end of 2021, but is still yet to play first grade after finishing at Cronulla Sharks before injury wiped the start of the 2023 season.
Capable at five-eighth and fullback, the No.14 role could be perfect as a support playmaker, with the extra dummy half duties to be provided from elsewhere on the interchange bench.
Speaking of which…
15-Dylan Walker
Another new signing to have completely transformed the Warriors fortune this year, Walker has been a revelation as an impact player.
Perhaps the most versatile player at the club, Walker's role at dummy half off the bench will take pressure off the likes of Egan and Johnson - already seen this year - while his defensive workrate is also admirable.
On his way to becoming a real cult hero at the Warriors - if he hasn't already become one for the Mt Smart faithful.
16-Jazz Tevaga
Like Walker, Tevaga's role off the interchange bench shouldn't be taken lightly.
Another capable of an option at dummy half, Tevaga has matured into a more complete player than he was in 2018 - when he won the NRL's interchange of the year Dally M award.
As part of the "bald brothers" with Walker, the pair give Webster a perfect one-two punch off the bench.
Not to mention, Tevaga is probably one of the players that understands better than most what it means to play for the Warriors.
17-Bunty Afoa
Unlucky not to start if and when everyone is fit, but that doesn't change how important Afoa is to the Warriors.
A go-to option when the Warriors start sets inside their own half, Afoa is the perfect cover for front rowers off the bench, and will help keep the likes of Fonua-Blake and Barnett firing.
Unlucky to miss out
Jackson Ford - An excellent addition in the forwards this year, but provides another element of depth, especially with Bayley Sironen appearling likely to leave.
Ed Kosi - At present, Kosi is the Warriors' joint-top try scorer this year. But both Watene-Zelezniak and Montoya appear better suited to Webster's system.
Alex Powell is a Newshub Sport digital producer
