This was supposed to be the year that the Warriors finally turned it around and made a serious push at not only the playoffs, but also at the NRL title. Yet, following the conclusion of their embarrassing 40-18 loss to Parramatta last weekend, the Warriors found themselves out of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
It was the same old story this season. Despite the new faces of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke, the Warriors got off to another shocking start, losing their first three games. Things went from bad to worse when Tuivasa-Sheck suffered a season-ending ACL injury in round seven. The team never clicked into gear on the field and were embroiled in controversy off it, frustrating their hopeful and expectant fanbase.
In the end, it finished much the same way as it did in the last few seasons, in utter disappointment. I think by now we have seen that Andrew McFadden is a shit coach, Manu Vatuvei, despite his years of loyal service, is done, while a bunch of half-decent teenagers could create a better defensive line than this lot did this year. But when will the narrative change?
As has become the norm, the only positive was the development of the youth players. Centre Solomone Kata and winger David Fusitua had breakthrough seasons, while promise was also shown by Albert Vete, Jazz Tevaga, and Toa Sipley. However, there is reason to believe that the Warriors struggle to continuously develop after their first couple of seasons. Take a look at Shaun Johnson and now-former Warrior Konrad Hurrell, who both exploded onto the NRL stage, but have failed to progress their game to the next level since. Even Tui Lolohea, the 2015 NRL Rookie of the Year, struggled to replicate his debut season this time around.
Whether this is a fundamental problem with the training staff and management, or simply bad luck, it is unknown. But something has to change. Johnson, arguably the most talented player in the NRL, struggled with niggling injuries all season, and consequently failed to find the form that has made him such a valuable commodity. After the season-ending loss to Parramatta, Johnson said that his team’s performances were “frustrating” and he was “over it”. His thoughts replicate those of the supporters, who had dreams of a possible Warriors dynasty when the young superstar broke onto the scene in 2011. Alas, it has not come to be.
Once again the upcoming offseason will raise more questions than answers for the Warriors. What moves need to be made? Should McFadden continue on as coach? Will any major changes actually make any difference? Who knows. But something has to happen to reinvigorate this franchise and the passionate league fan base in this country. For now, nothing can be done except to hope for a brighter future.