Warriors to get physical

The Warriors are looking to take a more physical approach into the season as they aim to ensure last year’s return to the playoffs was not a one-off.

It was noticeable during the two trials how the Warriors ramped up the pressure in the contact area on both sides of the ball. But they will need to replicate that and more this weekend when they open their campaign against a rugged-looking Bulldogs side.

Props Agnatius Paasi and Bunty Afoa made major strides last year and the pair have been handed starting roles upfront on Saturday.

While the ever-reliable Simon Mannering will be missed, new recruit Leeson Ah Mau adds an imposing presence to the middle. He is joined on the bench by Sam Lisone, who is looking to bounce back after an indifferent 2018 campaign.

It’s still not what would be classed as a ‘monster pack’, particularly compared to the Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Broncos, but that is partly offset by the Warriors’ metreeating outside backs, who play an integral role working out of the backfield.

Back-rower Tohu Harris says improving their physicality was a key focus throughout pre-season, but there was more to it than lifting weights in the gym.

‘‘It’s something that we’ve worked really hard on. We’ve always felt that we’ve got a lot to improve in that area,’’ Harris told Stuff.

‘‘I don’t know if the body shapes are too different but it’s more technical stuff, just doing it over and over again throughout the pre-season. Hopefully, it shows on the field but I think we’ve had a good start with the two trials.’’

The Warriors’ ability to gain the ascendancy at the ruck will be crucial to helping chief playmaker Blake Green and new five-eighth Adam Keighran flourish.

Green was encouraged by what he saw in the trials and says they have improved physically courtesy of another pre-season Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

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under head trainer Alex Corvo.

‘‘It’s a great sign early on. Being physical, kicking well and completing your sets go a long way to winning your first four or five games of the season’’ Green said. ‘‘So we’ve put ourselves in a good position.’’

Harris, meanwhile, is one of handful of players swapping sides this season as he switches to the left alongside Keighran.

One of the more skilfully back-rowers in the competition, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney rates Harris’ game awareness highly and believes the rookie half will benefit playing next to the 16-test Kiwis international.

Having spent the majority of his time at