Unfortunately for the Warriors, it is one step forward, two steps backwards in 2012. After a brilliant 2011 season, the Warriors have lost their coach, lost 11 footballers and their star player is on his way in 2013. On paper, the Warriors still have a very, very good squad. But what goes up must come down and with a hit in the depth of the playing stocks in New Zealand, it might just be a long tough season.
James Maloney and Shaun Johnson combined throughout the back end of 2011, becoming the most creative and explosive halves pairing in the game. Their unpredictability was a joy to behold for us fans, and horrendous to watch for the opposing defence. However, second season syndrome will strike, especially for Johnson who will see that First Grade Football just is not that easy. As for Maloney, an Origin call up beckons adding extra pressure on the young Johnson. I rate the Kiwi's but they do have a record in recent years, after a couple of good seasons, there is a slump. New coach Brian McClennan will be looking to put his stamp on the NRL after a successful career in the English Super League. He will find the going tough in the first season, but should lead on the Kiwi's to future glory
The Key Signing- Well realistically the Kiwi's have only made the one signing! Nathan Friend joins the Warriors from the Gold Coast Titans and will be looking to use all his experience to help guide the team around the pitch. His heavy workload will be of benefit when the going gets tough
The Key Loss- After 10 seasons at the Warriors, Lance Hohaia has made his move off to England. The stalwart has shown himself to be perfectly adapt at playing anywhere in the back line and his experience and versatility will be sorely missed. The underrated Heremaia as well as the loss of Brett Seymour leave's the Warriors lacking in depth
Strength- Boasting one of the most talented Toyota Cup side's in recent years, the kid's are progressing through the ranks in New Zealand. The explosive power off some these young footballers is something to behold. This season of NRL football will provide plenty of benefits as the Kiwi's aim to establish of core players to guide the team for the next 5-10 years
Weakness- With a solid crop of youth coming through the ranks, expect a lot of eccentric and open phase football from the New Zealanders. Whilst this attacking brand of football can be easy on the eye, without the correct execution, it could just be a long season. Fortunately for the Warriors they do have the play makers to carry out these plays, but the big powerful young centres/wingers will find out that they cannot just stroll over the line like they did in the Toyota Cup
The X-Factor- Shaun Johnson has all the ability in the world. After a breakthrough 2011 where he took the game by storm, opposing defensive lines are now aware of this talented footballer. If he can continue to break the line and ease the pressure on fellow half Maloney, then scrap my prediction, the Warriors can crack the 4. Whether they can or not will be a different question all together.
The One to Watch- Watch out for Konrad Hurrell to explode onto the scene in 2012 if given the opportunity. You could even call him The Beast part 2, hopefully his handling skills are better then the original, Manu Vatuvei. A big, explosive centre, Hurrell hits the line, hard. The ability to bend the line or brush off his man aloud him to shine in the Toyota Cup. Lets see if he can continue that against some of the game's best defensive centres.
I read this when you posted it on Facebook and was going to reply straight away but had to stop and look at the squad. At first I thought what are you talking about, the Warriors are one of the best teams in the league. But I do now see your point over all these 7younger players in the team.
ReplyDeleteThey will be exciting to watch, and whilst I do now think they will finish 7th/8th, our predictions probably aren't too far off. 9th just looks like a far more worse position because it is outside the top 8
Good Read...Look forward to see where you have placed Canterbury....or even your own team haha
Tough call man, I would say around 5th, just ahead of Canterbury and St George.
ReplyDeleteYou think Canberra will make the 8 by the looks of it? I guess their your smokey for 2012
Chris- Thanks mate, always good to take a second look at things. Canterbury and the Saints...you shall find out soon enough!
ReplyDeleteAnon- Canberra indeed are my smokey team for 2012, they will make the 8 and give somebody a shake
Melbourne
ReplyDeleteManly
St George
Tigers
Canterbury
Brisbane
Warriors
Newcastle
Thats my top 8
Harsh here i reckon Tony. Warriors are going to be a top four team in my opinion, Theyve got some good depth now with all the U20's players coming in. Inu had a standout year towards the end and I rate their backrow of Luck, Mannering and Mateo. Lewis Brown is also a solid player who plays both centre and second row. The only bad thing that happened is theyve lost their coach and their two utilities Hohia and Heremia. But then they have recruited Friend who is underrated heaps
ReplyDeleteLuck is out until mid season mate. You are right though, they do have quality players, I just feel every year their are teams who slump, this year it will be the Warriors and Cowboys
ReplyDeleteyeah true he is but there is still players like Elijah Taylor, the Rapira bros although i think one of them hurt themselves, Lillyman who is also ruled out of first few games, packer and matulino. they have a big backrow and forward pack and thats one thing that makes it easier for players like maloney, johnson and locke to work their magic. i rate them heaps and suprised why it took so long for them to make the grand final again
ReplyDeleteBit harsh but they are very unpredictable how they made the grand final last year is beyond me
ReplyDeleteI agree. Have lost alot, especially their coach. Their style of play is risky. I think it will probably be 2013 before we see them in the 8 again. J Kadib
ReplyDelete