Up the Wahs: Report card from impressive 2023
The Warriors started the NRL season with a rookie coach, eight new recruits and plenty of questions. They ended it as one of the best teams in the club’s history. Michael Burgess rates the players
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 9/10
Arrived with doubts about his potential impact, after injury struggles in 2021 and being relegated to Canberra’s reserve grade last year. They were gone within the first month. Huge work rate, strong defender and touches of class on attack, with eight tries and eight try assists.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 8.5/10
Became a cult figure, with his acrobatic touchdowns and no-holds barred charges, while the flowing locks didn’t hurt. Remarkable effort to set a new club record of 24 tries, especially after missing the first six games. Scored some tries that no one else could, though still vulnerable with defensive decision-making at times.
Adam Pompey 7.5/10
The performance against Newcastle in the elimination final was the apex of his 80-game Warriors career. Impressive effort to play every minute of every game. Did well to shut down some big-name centres, even if the left edge wobbled late in the season.
Rocco Berry 7/10
Started to deliver on his potential after being thrown in first grade in 2021, then dogged by injuries. Strong defensive presence with touches of flair, though plenty to learn.
Marcelo Montoya 7.5/10
A form dip late in the season doesn’t detract too much from an impressive campaign, highlighted by 12 tries. Played every game like it was his last and set high standards with training and preparation. Squeezed plenty out of his talent.
Te Maire Martin 7/10
Was starting to click into gear, before the awful broken leg against Newcastle in round five. Showed defensive qualities on return, without recapturing his March form.
Shaun Johnson 9.5/10
A masterclass of a season. Thrived in a new environment and within Andrew Webster’s structure. Expectation rose across the season but Johnson kept delivering, culminating in that home final beauty against the Knights.
Addin FonuaBlake 9.5/10
Has there been a better season by a Warriors prop? You would have to go back a long way to find a campaign to match Fonua-Blake’s in 2023. Led the NRL in post-contact metres and racked up some extraordinary minutes, as well as a staggering nine tries. Richly deserved his place in the Dally M team of the year.
Wayde Egan 8.5/10
When Egan arrived at the Warriors in 2019, there were comparisons made with a young Cameron Smith. They were scoffed at back then but don’t seem so far-fetched now. His passing range and vision out of dummy half was the key to the Warriors attack, while he was a dangerous runner and a courageous defender. Injury toll and head knocks the only ongoing concern.
Mitch Barnett 8/10
Another recruit to impress. Brought plenty of raw aggression, particularly on defence. Overcame a careerthreatening neck injury to return in June and became a vital element of the success.
Jackson Ford 7.5/10
Like a trusty Holden, just kept going and going. His arrival didn’t garner many headlines, as he had made only 30 appearances in the previous four seasons for the Dragons, with 21 off the interchange bench. But he impressed with his competitiveness and hunger in pre-season matches and became one of the first picked. Delivered 90 running metres and more than 30 tackles a week, though also gave up a team high 21 penalties.
Marata Niukore 7.5/10
The big-money acquisition from Parramatta was signed to be a
wrecking ball on the edge and delivered in some big games. Key part of a consistent right edge, though hampered by suspensions. Inescapable feeling there is more to come from the 27-year-old.
Tohu Harris 9/10
A tour de force. Hard to understand how he wasn’t honoured as Dally M captain of the year. A superb leader, who defied constant injury niggles to deliver volumes in yardage and defence. Some sweet ball-playing complemented the overall package.
Dylan Walker 8.5/10 Arrived not wanting to be a “s*** signing” and became one of the buys of the year. Brought punch and class through the middle, giving the team the ability to lift through the gears. Enjoys a joke but his competitiveness rubbed off on the group.
Jazz Tevaga 6.5/10
Key to some strong early performances — notably against the Cowboys and Sharks — as the “bald brothers” showed their potential off the bench. Struggled to rediscover the same spark after being injured.
Josh Curran 6.5/10
Used on both edges and as an emergency centre. Made 23 appearances but only six starts, as Ford and Niukore were preferred. Developed a promising combination with Johnson and will be in the mix for a starting spot in 2024.
Bayley Sironen 6.5/10
Found a niche on the bench, able to cover numerous positions. Though he didn’t like the position, emerged as a capable relief dummy half to spell Wayde Egan. Attitude and application impressed.
Bunty Afoa 6.5/10
Must have been a frustrating campaign with some extremely short stints, including five games when he got less than 20 minutes. Performed an important role, often soaking up early attrition, and was part of some memorable performances.
Tom Ale 7/10
A breakout season for the Rotorua product. After making seven appearances in the previous three seasons, the 24-year-old featured in 19 games under Webster this term, albeit all but one off the interchange bench. Some tasty performances — against the Eels, Sharks (twice) and Panthers — showed he is worth the investment.
Edward Kosi 7/10
One of the forgotten men. Featured in the first 10 matches — putting in some big performances — before injury. With his size and power, Kosi offers something different on the flank.
Luke Metcalf 7.5/10
After a nervy introduction against the Broncos, the five-eighths came into his own. Offered pace in a backline not overly blessed with speed and brought a creative streak, while chipping in with six tries. Still raw but has plenty of promise.
Freddie Lussick 6.5/10
Capable backup for Egan, though not quite the same passing range or running threat. Impressed in early season clutch wins over Bulldogs and Cowboys and courageous effort against Storm on Anzac Day.