After 12 rounds the Warriors again look set to fight for a top-eight spot. In saying that, they don't look capable of finishing any higher than eighth, maybe seventh if they go on a run.
A large factor in their recent good form has been young superstar recruit Reece Walsh. His arrival has completely reset the attack for the Warriors and has made them a far better side.
With captain and legend Roger Tuivasa-Sheck exiting the code at the end of the 2021 season, the Warriors will need to head into the player market to deliver the missing pieces.
Below is a look at five players I believe they SHOULD target. I don't have any inside information nor do I know if these players are even on the club's radar. In my opinion they should be.
I've tried to keep it realistic, i.e. I'm not suggesting the Warriors try and bring Cameron Smith out of retirement.
Let us know below who you believe would look good in the Warriors jersey for 2022 and beyond.
3. Jaydn Su'A
Back to what I was saying with Fitzgibbon, the Warriors sure could use an 80-minute back-rower with plenty of skill and experience. They probably only need one but if they can sign both, watch out!
Su'A looks on the outer at Redfern and has been linked with a return to the Broncos. I don't see how the Broncos justify yet another back-rower on big money, so the Warriors should pounce.
AFB and Tohu Harris would have played if eligible but this is a squad really lacking Origin experience. Dare I say recent finals experience?
Su'A has both as well as the skills to become a big part player in this competition. His signing would allow Tohu Harris to stay in the middle also, which I really like.
If it came down to either Su'a or Fitzgibbon, I'm probably leaning towards Fitz purely because I think he'd be cheaper, but I'd be tempted to go for both.
Warriors supporter and I like some of the takes here. I seen the Garrick noise last week, apparently Manly arenโt that interested. Iโd love to get Garrick, heโs tall, fast and can kick goals. Maumalo and Fusitua arenโt quick enough, both poor in defence and frankly overpaid. Garrick would save you a couple hundred thousand and upgrade the kicking.
The Aaron Woods take I think is actually really good. Heโs only 30, 6โ4 and 110+kgs. 200+ NRL games experience, 14 NSW Caps, 18 test match caps, previously a Tigers captain, former Dally M Prop of the year and runner up to Thurston for the player of the season. Heโs out of favour and seems like little interest in him next year. He has a good work rate in both taking carries, making metres and making tackles. He hasnโt been at his best for a long time now, needs to clean up his discipline too, but thereโs no doubt he would be an upgrade over the likes of Tanoa-Brown or Evans.
Surprised you didnโt mention the obvious like Shaun Johnson or Brandon Smith. (Both players I would love to have) Personally I would love for the Warriors to throw Johnson a 2 year deal. Heโs not the same player as he used to be either but heโs a lot better than CHT or Nikorima. Heโs got a underrated kicking game, decent running game when he chooses and he links really well with his second rowers. Heโs got leadership skills and ball skills he could teach the young guys and would just be a great seeing him back with a good forward pack.
In: Johnson, Woods and Garrick
Out: OSullivan, Maumalo and Evans
1. Walsh
2. Fusitua
3. Aiken
4. Pompey
5. Garrick
6. Nikorima
7. Johnson
8. Woods
9. Egan
10. AFB
11. Curran
12. Harris
13. Teveaga
14. Sironen
15. Ah Mau
16. Afoa/JTB
17. BMM/Murchie/Katoa