Jones edges Mannering as greatest Warrior
Our panel of league experts pick their top 25 Warriors from the 230 players to pull on the jersey since 1995
1
Stacey Jones 1995-2009 (261 games)
The first home grown Warriors superstar, and the legend only grows.
The voting was neck and neck between Jones and Simon Mannering, with the Little General finishing top by the narrowest of margins.
Halfback Jones led the club into its first grand final in 2002, and won the fans’ hearts over many seasons with so many great moments, so many great tries.
There was a defensive weakness to his game but he also epitomised what Auckland league has always been about — flair and magic.
Jones was the perfect bridge to the new era in 1995, a product of the Auckland league heartland, a reminder of amazing players past, and an indication of the talent a New Zealand club could draw on.
The club’s fortunes haven’t panned out the way most hoped, which only means that Jones’ star shines even brighter.
2
Simon Mannering 2005-18 (301 games)
The opposite to Jones in many ways, a redoubtable forward who emerged from South Island rugby.
The ultimate one-club player, Mannering was a rock through many hard times and changes at the club.
A rare reward was leading the club in the 2011 grand final but frustration would have been a more constant companion — although he never let it show.
Unlike other members of our Top Five, Mannering got to leave/retire on his own terms, and on good terms.
As a player, he had nicer touches than he got credit for, but his calling card was fighting for every centimetre of territory, giving his utmost in every run, every tackle, every play.
His bond with the fans grew stronger over time, his loyalty and utter professionalism revered even by those who saw limits to his game.
3
Manu Vatuvei 2004-17 (226 games)
A runaway truck of a wing with a magic smile who left an indelible impression on fans and opponents.
Big Manu was ahead of his time, ploughing through the middle of the field like an additional prop. But the touchline was his favourite territory, and he stormed over for tries at a rate of two every three games.
Like so many Warriors, he had his flaws. Vatuvei’s hands could flap like sails in the wind and his defensive reads were not always spot on.
But in the big picture of sporting lore, he is a much-loved giant.
4
Ali Lauitiiti
1998-2004 (115 games) Among many members of the
2002 grand final side who made our top 25. Lauitiiti had a step and power.
But what really set the big second rower apart was his offloading and creativity — at his best, Lauitiiti was unstoppable. He was named the NRL’s top second rower in 2002 and tagged the Michael Jordan of League.
A cyst on his left arm was a problem, his motivation apparently waned, and he was forced out of Auckland in unfortunate circumstances. But as our vote shows, the Ali Lauitiiti aura lives on.
5
Shaun Johnson
2011-18 (162 games) Basketball analogies rule . . . if Ali Lauitiiti was the Michael Jordan of league, then the Warriors also had their very own Magic Johnson.
No one has ever hopped, skipped and danced around a league field like Johnson. He often left the best defenders grasping at air.
Game management and defence were weak points but he improved out of sight in those areas.
Consistency remained an Achilles heel and, like too many great Warriors, his exit from the club was messy.
But Johnson was a halfback excitement machine like no other in the NRL. The way he plays remains unique — he will not be forgotten.
6
Ruben Wiki 2005-08 (87 games)
Iron man who made headlines by signing for the Warriors and Raiders in 1994. Became a cult figure during his four years at Mt Smart.
7
Lance Hohaia
2002-11 (185 games)
Mr Versatile. Played just about every position possible, usually with great effect. The only Warrior to play both the club’s grand finals.
8
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2016- (53 games)
Well capable of challenging Jones and Mannering one day as the The Greatest. The club’s only Dally M winner.
9
Steve Price
2005-10 (91 games)
The famous metre eater. The Queensland and Aussie forward was also a vital PR presence through tough times for the club.
10
Clinton Toopi 1999-2006 (129 games)
A rare thing — a fantastic Warriors centre.
11
Francis Meli 1999-2006 (110 games) Forever famous for scoring five tries in a finals game against the Bulldogs — a record unlikely to be beaten.
12
Awen Guttenbeil 1996-2006 (170 games) Misfired as a youngster at Manly for a variety of reasons but his great promise was fulfilled back in Auckland.
13
Logan Swann 1997-2008 (195 games) Two spells and hardly missed a beat during some of the better years.
14
Micheal Luck 2006-12 (150 games) Spilt blood for the club, literally. No one gave more than the
slightly built Australian forward.
15
Kevin Campion 2001-02 (44 games) Revered by many for putting the heart and hard into the first grand final side.
16
Ben Matulino 2008-17 (212 games)
Ups and downs, but at his best, no better prop in the game, and double Player of the Year winner.
17
Jerome Ropati 2003-14 (145 games)
Some what-ifs to his career but versatile back won massive respect on and off the field.
18
Joe Vagana 1995-2000 (116 games) The giant “baby” of the original Warriors — a handful when fit, which could be an issue.
19
Steve Kearney 1995-98 (79 games)
True professional in the topsy-turvy world of New Zealand league — where would the game here be without him?
20
Sean Hoppe 1995-99 (88 games) Try-scoring and image integral to the crazy inaugural season.
21
Monty Betham 1999-2005 (101 games) More polarising than Brexit — made some judges’ top five and completely ignored by other panel members.
22
Ivan Cleary 2000-02 (53 games)
Mr Steady and points machine in the first grand final side.
23
Jerry Seuseu 1997-04 (132 games)
A testament to the local game — the old Lion Red Cup’s finest moment.
24
Dean Bell
1995 (19 games)
More players like the first skipper, and the club wouldn’t have ended up all at sea.
25
Sam Rapira 2006-15 (173 games) Slammin’ Sam hit the line hard but his body took a hit as well.