Unfortunately 2015 was another case of “what could have been” for the Warriors.
At one stage the New Zealand based side looked on track for a top four finish, but instead they ended up sitting fourth from bottom.
The turnaround in form within the Warriors squad was shocking. Chad Townsend started the season like a man destined for representative honours, but ended up playing NRL only via default.
Konrad Hurrell spent the season, like most of the Warriors backline, bounding between the top grade and NSW Cup.
Coach Andrew McFadden couldn’t seem to settle on a preferred backline, which would have made it tough for any halves pairing, let alone a makeshift one following Shaun Johnson’s injury.
Season Highlight: The final minutes of the Warriors 20-16 win over the Sharks
The final set of the Warriors last minute win over the Sharks perfectly summed up what the Warriors are all about.
The Sharks had just scored what looked like the match winner through Andrew Fifita, only for the Warriors to charge down a kick, and head the length of the field to secure victory.
The play was chock full of adventure, attacking brilliance, and showed the Warriors never say die attitude.
Very rarely can a side’s abilities be summed up in a few plays, but this was a perfect example.
They were unstoppable for those final few minutes.
Season Lowlight: Falling apart following the injury to Shaun Johnson
Any side would struggle having lost their halfback, and superstar attacking weapon, but the Warriors capitulation following Johnson’s injury was a shock.
The Warriors suffered six straight losses, as well as losing the game Johnson was injured in.
Apart from a late burst against the Bulldogs which had the Bulldog army nervously looking at the clock, the Warriors never even looked like winning a game.
Johnson’s injury is not the only catalyst for the Warriors end of season fadeout, but it all seemed to go wrong when their freakishly talented number seven couldn’t stand up after scoring a brilliant, solo try.
Star Player: Shaun Johnson
Although he was injured and couldn’t complete the season, the reigning golden boot winner’s performances until that point were sublime.
Johnson started the season slowly but when he found form, he was on track to lead the Warriors to a top four finish.
The way he took games by the scruff of the neck was brilliant to watch.
He seemed to click into gear against the Sharks, when two moments of brilliance saw him lead the Warriors to a win they didn’t look securing.
From that moment on, only a knee injury could finally stop the Kiwi superstar.
Most Disappointing Player: Sam Tomkins
With all due respect to the talented English number one, his time at the Warriors will not be remembered fondly.
Long gone are the days of Tomkins dominating sides, and scoring points for fun.
He was far from the worst player in the competition, but did not justify his hefty price tag or transfer fee.
He always played as though he was capable of ripping a team to shreds, but he just couldn’t make it happen when it counted.
Injury and dives in form are unfortunately Tomkins’ legacy in the NRL. I hope he can come back after a few years at Wigan and live up to his abilities.
Future Star: Tuimoala Lolohea
In a season with more negatives than positives, the Warriors did manage to unearth an absolute superstar in the making in young Lolohea.
Filling in at fullback, in the halves, and across the backline, the 20 year-old made the most of every opportunity he was given.
During the early part of the season, Chad Townsend was outplaying Shaun Johnson, and looked a huge loss after signing for the Sharks.
Fast forward to the final round of the competition, and Lolohea looks like he has the position as Johnson’s partner in the halves in his future.
If not for an outstanding season from Jack Bird, he would have captured the rookie of the year award.
Best Signing For 2016: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
The Warriors have recruited two genuine world-class superstars, but in RTS they have recruited the best of the best.
The young Kiwi superstar had a year that has me struggling for a strong enough positive term to describe it.
He routinely ran for 250+ metres, broke tackles for fun, and will feature on many of 2015’s highlight reels.
The Warriors lost a talented fullback, but gained one with the world at his feet, and plenty to contribute.
Outlook:
In 2016, as with nearly every year that I can remember, the Warriors will have all the tools to give the premiership a genuine crack.
They have one of the world’s elite halfbacks, a premiership and world cup winning number nine, arguably the best fullback in the game, and a young superstar in the halves.
Throw in a cast of huge, fast, and powerful outside backs, and one of the best forward packs in the business, I’d argue that anything less than a grand final in the next season or two will be disappointing.
The jury is still out on whether Andrew McFadden is the man to lead the Warriors to a first premiership, and my guess is that next season will decide his future at the club.
Keeping in mind that I finished in the bottom half of my tipping competition, but if I had to put money on it, 2015 will be nothing more than a distant memory once 2016 kicks off.
Season Grading: D
There won’t be many Warriors fans overly happy with their 2015, but given the outlook for 2016 and beyond, I doubt too many will dwell on the season that was.
The side suffered injuries to key players at the worst of times, but in 2015 it’s unfair to blame injuries for bad seasons, as every side is in the same basket.
By round 26 the Warriors were a shell of their earlier selves. It was at times tough to watch knowing what the side was capable of.
With a side containing their pre-mentioned spine, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering and Ben Matulino, well quite frankly there is no excuse next season should they not be right there come early October.