New Zealand Warriors: Round 1 Team Comparison

STAFF WRITERS | February 15, 2017 - 10:54am

The 2016 Warriors seemed destined to make a return to the finals before losing their star signing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to injury and six of their last eighth games.

The disappointing end to the season and lack of overall results in his tenure saw Andrew McFadden sacked as head coach of the club.

2016 Round 1 Team

The Warriors will kick off the 2017 season with a new coach at the helm. Stephen Kearney has the respect of the New Zealand crowd with a successful stint as the national coach and will look to take that success into his new NRL career.

Comparing the 2016 and 2017 teams, there really isn't that much difference with the exception of Kieran Foran in the halves. And that still has a massive question mark surrounding it. With only a few weeks until the season starts and still no clear word on whether Foran is allowed to play, it is getting more likely that he won't actually be available for Round 1. If Foran isn't available, it's likely that young utility Tuimoala Lolohea will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves.

The other big question mark surrounding the 2017 team relates to players returning from injury. Newly appointed captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had his first season with the Warriors cut short after injury his ACL and will be hoping to have not lost any of his speed or explosiveness. Seasoned campaigner Manu Vatuvei will also be looking to make a strong return from injury after having a disappointing 2016.

An experienced and well rounded forward pack will give the Warriors plenty of go forward with the likes of Issac Luke, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering, Jacob Lillyman and Ben Matulino.

If injuries are healed and Foran gets the nod from the NRL, the 2017 Warriors look like sure things for a Top 8 finish and might even be pushing for the Top 4.