Our voting panel

The major voting trends: Stacey Jones and Simon Mannering were placed in the top two by every judge, apart from one, who had Mannering at three. At the end of the day, there was a clear Top Five consensus.

Brian McClennan

Former Kiwis and Warriors coach, Auckland captain, and old boy of the Mt Albert club which sparked the Warriors formation. TV league pundit and now back coaching Hibiscus Coast, who he previously transformed into national champions.

Owen Wright

A 16-test Kiwis forward from the Otahuhu club who also coached Auckland. Radio Sport commentator for hundreds of Warriors matches.

Luisa Avaiki

Captained the Kiwi Ferns to three World Cup victories. Inaugural head coach of the Warriors women’s team. Former development officer for the champion Melbourne Storm, now with New Zealand Rugby League.

Frank Puletua

Auckland-raised Samoa forward who had a long career with the Penrith Panthers, facing the Warriors about 15 times. Now the NRL’s awards boss in Sydney and also has an arts career.

Richie Barnett

Former Sharks and Roosters fullback, Kiwis captain, national selector, TV commentator and columnist. Emerged from the famous Otahuhu club.

Peter Urlich

An Auckland identity, musician and DJ who rose to fame as frontman for Th’ Dudes. A devoted league and Warriors fan who has managed the Pt Chevalier team.

Michael Burgess/David Skipwith

NZ Herald/NZME’s Aucklandbased league writers.

Brad Walter

Former Sydney Morning Herald league writer. Now with NRL.com in Sydney.