NRL 2022: New Zealand Warriors season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, round 1 best 17
Two frontrowers, a winger, versatile backrow forward and fringe halfback expose the major issue with the Warriors’ squad. Take a deep dive into the New Zealand-based club ahead of the 2022 season.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Warriors have one of the biggest packs in the competition, but need to find more consistency in 2022 to push for a finals spot.
The return of Shaun Johnson and young star Reece Walsh at fullback will be the Warriors’ main threats in attack as they enter another season playing away from home due to the Covid restrictions.
Fatima Kdouh takes a deep dive into how Nathan Brown’s squad is shap[ing up for 2022.
Catch every moment of The Ashes live and ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
FINISHES PAST FIVE YEARS
2021: 12th
2020: 10th
2019: 13th
2018: 8th
2017: 13th
2022 ODDS
Premiership: $34
Top four: $10
Top eight: $3.75
Most losses: $7.50
2022 SQUAD
Bunty Afoa, Euan Aitken, Jesse Arthars, Rocco Berry, Josh Curran, Wayde Egan, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Shaun Johnson, Eliesa Katoa, Edward Kosi, Matt Lodge, Marcelo Montoya, Jack Murchie, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Kodi Nikorima, Taniela Otukolo, Aaron Pene, Iliesa Ratuva, Pride Petterson-Robati, Adam Pompey, Bayley Sironen, Jazz Tevaga, Viliami Vailea, Reece Walsh, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
INS: Shaun Johnson (Cronulla), Aaron Pene (Melbourne), Ash Taylor (Gold Coast), Jesse Arthars (Broncos, loan).
OUTS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Rugby Union), Paul Turner (Gold Coast), Sean O‘Sullivan (Penrith), Peta Hiku, Chad Townsend, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (North Qld), David Fusitu’a (Leeds), Kane Evans (Hull FC), Tom Ale, Jackson Frei (released), Leeson Ah Mau (retired).
SQUAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
The Warriors have one of the biggest packs in the competition but it didn’t always reap the benefits in 2021. But its two leaders, Addin Fonua-Blake and Matt Lodge, showed some promising signs when they were both on the park at the same time. They only managed six games together but, with an entire pre-season behind them, look set to form a formidable one-two punch combination with their destructive running and ability to find an offload. Coach Nathan Brown chopped and changed his spine combination in 2021 but has committed to find more consistency in those crucial positions this season. But the coach acknowledges with Reece Walsh at the back, and Wayde Egan in the No.9 jumper, his spine is relatively inexperienced. That inexperience, compared to some of the better teams in the competition could really hinder the Warriors in 2022.
PLAYERS IN 2021 RICH LIST: Six
24. Addin Fonua Blake $850,000
31. Matt Lodge $752,000
40. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak $750,000
49. Tohu Harris $700,000
89. David Fusitu’a $510,000
97. Kodi Nikorima $470,000
COACHING STATUS AND SAFETY RATING
With Nathan Brown at the helm and another season away from their home base in New Zealand, it’s very easy to give the Warriors a bit of slack after another season without a finals appearance. Brown has two years left on his deal and it’s fair to say his side didn’t markedly improve on season 2020. While disruptions caused by Covid are a legitimate excuse, Brown has a roster at his disposal that realistically should be playing finals football. If he’s to extend his time with the club beyond season 2023, Brown needs to find results.
Safety rating: 8/10
WHAT THEY NEED TO TWEAK
The Warriors completed well most of the season and the high completion rates gave them a chance to win football games. Brown’s side was also competitive and could not be accused of never being in the battle. But despite their efforts, the Warriors really struggled to win the close matches and lost eight games by six points or fewer. As well as poor game management, the Warriors leaked more points in the back end of each half than in other stages of the game. It’s an area Brown will need to rectify over the summer.
FREE AGENCY WRAP
The Warriors have been relatively active in the market, though the side’s two big-ticket recruits, Marata Niukore and Luke Metcalf, are still 12 months from joining the club. Shaun Johnson returns to the place his NRL career started but, unlike the twinkle-toed playmaker that dazzled with his natural ability and flare, Brown needs him to be the anchor in an inexperienced spine. Ash Taylor’s train-and-trial deal proves that while Brown might see potential in the maligned playmaker, he is still an unknown proposition. Brisbane’s Jesse Arthars has agreed to a one-year loan deal and is primed to score a starting centre spot.
Rating: 6/10
WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT?Ash Taylor
Taylor’s struggles, both on and off the field have been widely publicised. The 27-year-old couldn’t live up to the expectations as a marquee halfback and it showed in his performances for the Titans. But unshackled from the weight of expectation, coach Brown is confident Taylor can tap into his untenable talent and finally play to his potential. But Brown knows Taylor will only be truly reinvented as a player only when that potential is reproduced on a week in, week out basis.
WILL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT UPGRADED KIDS MAKE AN IMPACT?
Kepu twins, Otukinekina and Valingi, have been re-signed until the end of season 2023. The hulking brothers are on development contracts so won’t be eligible for selection until after round 16 but given the Warriors player turnover in the last season, the 19-year olds could factor in the back end of the season. Both weigh in at 112kg and stand at 188cm and were a formidable duo for the Redcliffe Dolphins in Queensland’s Colt competition in 2021. Valingi averaged 130 metres a game and scored six tries in 10 matches. Otukinekina scored four tries in 12 matches for an average of 124 metres per game.
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Reece Walsh
Walsh was poached from Brisbane with much hype and for the most part delivered on his potential. But as expected, his rookie season wasn’t without fault. By the end of the season most oppositions worked out how to exploit the fullback defensive inefficiencies. On the flip side, Walsh was lethal in broken play and his floating cut-out pass became an instant threat in attack. The addition of Johnson will give opposition defence another key player to zero in on in the Warriors attack, which should open up Walsh’s passing and running game. An honourable mention goes to Josh Curran, who arguably already took ‘the next step, in 2021 after a breakout season. But it all points to an ever bigger 2022 for the forward. Curran’s commitment to the one per cent, effort area, plays separated him from his teammates.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR …Shaun Johnson
Johnson returns to the Warriors after three seasons in Cronulla and the anticipation surrounding his homecoming is slowly gaining momentum. Johnson started his Warriors career as a flashy playmaker and over the years has developed his footy smarts. It’s exactly what coach Brown needs, an experienced hand in the halves to steer around the side and game manage. Game management wasn’t the Warriors strong point in 2021 – made difficult by instability in the spine – and the side struggled to close out tight matches.
WHERE THEY FINISH IN 2022?13th
The key to the Warriors’ success in season 2022 will depend on coach Brown’s ability to find some much needed stability in his spine positions. Brown was hampered with injury in those key positions forcing the coach to try a number of different halves combinations between guys like Sean O’Sullivan, Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita. Even mid-season buy Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend was in and out of the team. That, in turn, had a negative impact on their game management. In crucial stages of a game, the Warriors lacked direction. But with a powerful pack, added experience in the halves with the addition of Shaun Johnson, anything less than a top eight finish would be a failed season.
CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS
The Warriors last game of the 2021 season, where three players were sin-binned against the Gold Coast Titans, highlights the dangers of having a leadership vacuum on the field. With both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck [rugby] and veteran forward Tohu Harris [ACL injury] not on the field that day, the side descended into costly ill-discipline. While it will be difficult to replace Tuivasa-Sheck as a captain, Harris will be in the role long-term once he returns to the field from injury around April/May next season.
FOX SPORTS LAB’S AARON WALLACE SAYS …
Warriors missed the finals for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons (in 2018 they finished 8th) — only the Tigers have a worse record over that period. Lost eight games by eight points or fewer, the most of any team in 2021. Won consecutive games just once all season and scored over 30 points just twice, second fewest of any team (Bulldogs, once). Will be boosted by the return of one of their best ever players in Shaun Johnson and addition of half Ashley Taylor. Since Taylor’s debut in 2016, he and Johnson both rank in the top six in try assists for halves.
More Coverage
Originally published as NRL 2022: New Zealand Warriors season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, round 1 best 17
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.