Why the Warriors will win the NRL. Seriously
OPINION: OK, so we have to strap on our rosiest-tinted spectacles, but here’s why 2018 will finally be the Warriors’ year.
1. No-one is expecting them to win
There may be good justification for no pundits picking the Warriors to win this year’s grand final, but that could play into the team’s hands.
Regardless of what’s being said inside the Warriors, there isn’t the feeling that they have one of the best squads in the NRL, or the most naturally gifted players. So there won’t be that hype and pressure around them that’s been there at the start of most seasons.
The Warriors are notorious for struggling at the beginning of campaigns. How much that’s down to the high expectations on them is unknown, but at least they’ll be free of it this year.
Mind you, they do have to play the Rabbitohs, Titans, Raiders, Roosters, Cowboys and Broncos in their first six games.
2. A more rounded squad
There hasn’t been a superstar offseason signing for this year. Adam Blair and Tohu Harris are close to that, but not really in the same bracket as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke and Sam Tomkins.
Instead, over the off-season, there has been depth added to the squad.
At times last year, it was clear some of the players were badly out of form, or even out of their depth at NRL level.
Coach Stephen Kearney would highlight that in post-match press conferences and everyone thought he was about to wield the axe, but then he’d pick the same players again for the following week. Because he didn’t have any other options.
This year, though, there will be competition for places from one to 17 and they’ll know there will now be consequences for poor performances.
3. Stephen Kearney’s second year
For any coach in any sport, the first year at a team is always tough, particularly when it’s one that’s been underperforming as badly as the Warriors.
Kearney now knows all the players, admittedly because so many of the ones he’s signed previously played under him at the Kiwis, but he should know how to get the best out of all of them.
4. Getting back to Warrior football
Last year, Kearney got them to play a dull brand of rugby league.
His thinking was that the exciting, expansive brand of league that the team had been known for hadn’t resulted in any premiership wins, so they needed to change.
A fair point, but it didn’t work. That Warriors are a team built on offloads and thrilling tries, they’re never going to win anything just carting the ball up the middle or with simple one-out passes.
The talk from the players is that they’re going to go back to what they did best and perhaps play with less structure.
Whether it works or not, we’ll find out, but it’s sure to make a visit to Mt Smart Stadium more entertaining.
5. The Adam Blair factor
OK, so he’s not the captain and it’s a separate debate as to whether he
should be.
But Blair will be a strong voice in the team and he’s someone everyone will respect.
He’s played at the Storm and Broncos, so knows how a good team should operate.
Blair won’t accept poor performances from team-mates and is sure to let them know when they’ve let the club down.
Playing-wise, he’ll give the
team a much needed hard edge and will be the first enforcer-type player since Ruben Wiki.
6. It’s their turn
OK, so maybe this isn’t a real reason.
But there are only the Warriors and Gold Coast left without a premiership victory and it doesn’t look like the Titans are going to be in with a chance this year.