2019 Review: Warriors

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After making the finals in 2018, the Warriors thought they were going to be able to put away their history of disappointment and inconsistencies, but 2019 saw the return of some old demons.

The Warriors finished in 13th spot, with just nine wins under their belt plus a draw, stumbling to 21 competition points. The New Zealand side was expected to improve on their 7th placed finish from 2018 but ultimately, they could never find any consistency and a string of unlucky results didn't help their fortunes.

The biggest test for the Auckland-based outfit in 2019 would be how they would fare without star halfback Shaun Johnson. Their season started on a high with a 34-point victory over the Bulldogs in Round 1 before their big win was wiped out with two heavy losses against the Wests Tigers and Manly respectively.

They put some of the games' top sides to the test including pushing the Storm all the way in Melbourne on ANZAC Day, only to fall to a 13-12 defeat - but frustratingly for the Warriors' faithful, the level of commitment and skill they took to AAMI Park, they couldn't match throughout the rest of the season.

The heartbreak continued for the Warriors mid-season - after blowing a 10-point lead against the Panthers they fell to a 19-18 defeat in golden point, in one of the season's more controversial games. The Warriors continued to push teams deep but were continually unable to come up with the killer blow - although they did pull off one of the upsets of the season in the final round, defeating eventual Grand Finalists Canberra.

Turning point

It's hard to see where the Warriors season had a turning point, it was was a typical rollercoaster ride from the NZ club - who on their day were fantastic - but in return they could dish up performances that were below average.

It could be argued that the Warriors 2019 chances hit a turning point even before the season began, when it was announced Shaun Johnson was leaving the club to take up a new contract at Cronulla.

What worked

Despite the season being a disappointment, there were a few things that worked for the Warriors in 2019, with the introduction of some key young players including Chanel Harris-Tavita and Adam Keighran, giving the Warriors a number of options in the halves throughout the year - and options going forward with Blake Green's career coming to a close in the next couple of years. The mid-season acquisition of Kodi Nikroima added even more playmaking ability to their spine.

The other factor that did work for the Warriors was their backline, with 2018 Dally M winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Ken Maumalo having very good seasons, the former named the Warriors' best again this year, and the latter contending for the top tryscorer as well as picking up the award as Dally M Winger of the Year.

What didn't work

The Warriors have always been a team that has struggled to be consistent, however 2018 was seen to be a turning point with Stephen Kearney taking the helm and after a above average season last year, the Warriors returned to struggling in the games where they were expected to win this year.

The loss of Johnson was a big hole and his replacements were at times left isolated to do the work themselves in the tough situations, particularly with little consistency in the hooking position. Issac Luke was in and out of the lineup - a combination of injury and form reducing him to 15 appearances in the number nine. Nathaniel Roache, Jazz Tevaga and Karl Lawton all deputised at various points, injury and form permitting.

Best players

Having a career best season, winger Ken Maumalo seemed to get his game to click in 2019 with some good metres, consistent scoring and fewer errors than previous seasons. Maumalo was always touted as the 'next Manu Vatuvei' and unfortunately for the Warriors, he's brought with him the Beast's rocks and diamonds performances.

In 2019, Maumalo had more diamonds than rocks - which helped the Warriors score a lot more than they would had Maumalo been off his game.

Rookies

The Warriors had a number of rookies come through the grades this season including new recruit Adam Keighran, who had a solid year - although he did spend time between Canterbury Cup and NRL through the season.

Another of the Warriors impressive rookies in 2019 was centre Patrick Herbert who scored 3 tries in 8 games at the top grade and kicked 15 goals as well. He may go on to become the club's first-choice goalkicker in the coming years.

NRLW

The Warriors had their best season in the NRLW with two wins from their three matches, which included becoming the first side to defeat the Brisbane Broncos in the competition's history.

Sadly for the Warriors, they needed results to go their way to get in to the grand final after falling to a big defeat against the Dragons at home in the first NRLW clash on home soil - and they buckled to finish third as a result.

Lower Grades

NSWRL Canterbury Cup

The poor season at the top level didn't help the club going down the chain to the Canterbury Cup side, who could only manage ninth spot with just 9 wins for the season from the 22 games. The points that the Warriors missed the top 8 by came with two draws, one coming against Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at HE Laybutt Field and the other against eventual premiers Newtown at Henson Park. A victory in both games would've seen the Warriors make the eight - and ironically would have ensured Newtown missed the finals.

NSWRL U20 Jersey Flegg Cup

The Jersey Flegg season for the Warriors could almost be a replica of what was mentioned about both the NRL and Canterbury Cup sides. The Warriors finished 10th - also with 9 wins in the competition along side two draws. Similarly, a victory in either of those two drawn matches, would've seen the Warriors make the top 8.

Overall, the season was inconsistent for the Warriors who in the past have been the strongest side at Under 20's level.

2020 Chances

The Warriors definitely have the framework there for a climb up the table, but the question always remains about the Warriors about which side will turn up. It feels repetitive almost each year saying this, but if Stephen Kearney can get a consistent run of form out of his side then, they could be back pushing for one of those spots towards the bottom of the top 8.