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.

4. Aaron Woods

This one will draw ire in the comments but hear me out. The Warriors starting props last weekend were Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Kane Evans. Both players are on the up but they need another option to join the previously mentioned duo and Fonua-Blake.

Aaron Woods is a former rep regular and is enjoying a real resurgence over the past two or three weeks at the Sharks. A report just released backs up the talk I'd been hearing in that Woods is unwanted in the Shire next season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Aaron Woods of the Sharks looks dejected during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The Warriors need some big game experience while Woods walks into this 17 somewhere. With a lack of offers (at least in public) the Warriors could pick up Woods on a contract that provides super value.

At 30, Woods still has four years left in him and is currently a starting prop. Show me where you can find a player with his resume on a potential steal contract. Worth a look.

1 COMMENT

  1. Warriors supporter and I like some of the takes here. I seen the Garrick noise last week, apparently Manly arenโ€™t that interested. Iโ€™d love to get Garrick, heโ€™s tall, fast and can kick goals. Maumalo and Fusitua arenโ€™t 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. Heโ€™s only 30, 6โ€™4 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. Heโ€™s 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 hasnโ€™t been at his best for a long time now, needs to clean up his discipline too, but thereโ€™s no doubt he would be an upgrade over the likes of Tanoa-Brown or Evans.

    Surprised you didnโ€™t 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. Heโ€™s not the same player as he used to be either but heโ€™s a lot better than CHT or Nikorima. Heโ€™s got a underrated kicking game, decent running game when he chooses and he links really well with his second rowers. Heโ€™s 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

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