Adam Blair is under immense pressure at the Warriors but has the skillset to be a big factor for the embattled club. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ
Adam Blair is under immense pressure at the Warriors but has the skillset to be a big factor for the embattled club. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ
THis year shapes as a big one for many NRL players.
With an unprecedented number of off-season moves, the landscape of the competition is starkly different heading into the opening weekend.
Four Northlanders are in line to have defining seasons at their respective clubs: Adam Blair, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naeraand Elijah Taylor.
All four are classy NRL players but are at clubs under the pump. Here's a look at what's on the table for the forwards.
There are a lot of expectations that come with a lofty price tag ($2 million over three years). Add in the pressure of being the Kiwis captain following a disappointing Rugby League World Cup campaign and Blair's shoulders will be feeling the strain.
Blair has all the tools to deal with the burden. He's coming into the side in good form from the Broncos and does all the off-ball things (rushes the kicker, communicates while fatigued, puts pressure on inside runners) the Warriors desperately need.
But his season, fairly or unfairly, will be rated on the Warriors' team performance. Fans are desperate for an end to their playoff drought and with signings like Blair, Blake Green, Tohu Harris and Peta Hiku, judgement will come down swiftly if they don't play September football.
Still, it's hard seeing Blair having anything but a productive season.
James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
James Fisher-Harris will be asked to shoulder a bigger load for the Penrith Panthers. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
The Penrith Panthers have had an interesting off-season. The move to bring in James Maloney at standoff has been offset by the loss of club juniors, utility back Matt Moylan and forward Bryce Cartwright. Rumours of the playing group's disdain for coach Anthony Griffin, while not verified, are getting louder.
Cartwright's departure opens the door for an even more effective season from Fisher-Harris. The Rawene forward has impressed in his young 38-game NRL career despite struggling with various injuries and could potentially have a breakthrough season.
A hard runner and strong defender, Fisher-Harris is aggressive and mobile - a tough proposition for even the best defenders. With Maloney on board in the halves, expect Fisher-Harris to have his best season yet.
Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers)
Corey Harawira-Naera will want to build on a breakout 2017 rookie campaign with the Penrith Panthers. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Harawira-Naera is another Panthers forward primed for a big 2018. The backrower was an instant success at NRL level, scoring seven tries in 22 appearances in a busy rookie season.
Like with Fisher-Harris, Cartwright's defection to the Gold Coast Titans opens up minutes and opportunities with the ball for the Otaua Valley junior. His strong carries will make him a target of heavy scouting by opposition.
One thing he and the Panthers do need to rectify is their defence. The Panthers missed 36.4 tackles per game in 2017 with Harawira-Naera accounting for 3.3 of them out on the edges.
A marked defensive improvement is necessary but Harawira-Naera should still be impactful on the field.
Elijah Taylor will co-captain the Wests Tigers. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Taylor nearly walked out of the Wests Tigers in 2017 and was in long talks to return to his first NRL club - the Warriors.
Now he's one of five co-captains at the Wests Tigers looking to perform despite the loss of three of the "Big Four" in James Tedesco, Aaron Woods and Mitchell Moses.
The utility forward will play a large role in Ivan Cleary's side, particularly at the defensive end where he is known for his workhorse qualities.
You rarely see Taylor miss his mark and if he can demand the same out of his teammates, a playoff berth is not off the table.
