Who would have thought that when the 2020 fixture was released that this was how the year would have ended up?
Teams in hubs. A halfback banned for a dance video. A coach sidelined for grabbing dinner. The Warriors calling Tamworth and not Auckland home.
Due to arrival of an unforeseen and, as of yet, untameable virus, the game, like the rest of the world, was forced to make compromises.
With these changes came a fresh batch of terms to enter the Rugby League lexicon, as well as the array of previously unthought of headlines that appeared on mastheads everywhere.
So despite a season that provided challenges for everyone involved in the game, it has also supplied many moments (both good and bad) that will live long in our memories.
Here are the top 10 headlines from a season unlike any before it.
8. A Warrior's sacrifice
Following more than five months away from home and 20 games away from their Mt. Smart sanctuary, the New Zealand Warriors were finally able to jet back across the ditch.
The compromises that Stephen Kearney, Todd Payton as well as the entire list of players and staff have made this year cannot be praised highly enough.
Despite this sacrificial season played out of Kingscliff and Tamworth, the Warriors actually managed to improve on their 2019 finish with a rise from 13th to 10th.
The highlight of the year came in Round 16 when they romped the finals bound Newcastle Knights 36-6 in front of their new whanau at Scully Park, Tamworth.
Due to their lack of pouting and ability to put the game first, the Auckland based franchise is now without doubt everyone's second favourite team. Should karma exist in the game of Rugby League, then their first Premiership should be coming sooner rather than later.
Tฤnฤ koe, Warriors.
