Kaitaia's Elijah Taylor reckons coach Brian McClennan has the right formula to create a NRL finals winning Warriors team this season.
The 21-year-old was part of the Warriors side who lost to Manly 24-10 in last year's NRL grandfinal.
While it's early days, the team are already firing to go one better in 2012 and nab their first title under new coach McClennan, who will get one last chance to fine tune his squad ahead of the new season tomorrow at Whangarei's Toll Stadium.
The game against Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles is the Warriors' last hitout before meeting Manly in a grandfinal rematch on March 4 at Eden Park.
"We definitely have the finals mix - no doubt about it," Taylor said ahead of the clash.
"The squad have trained so hard in such a short space of time since October's grandfinal - we didn't rest for long. We've had some gruelling sessions and we are not lethargic. Everyone knows what we can do, and we want to get out there and do it."
Former Kiwis coach McClennan entered the Warriors setup this season with solid structures left in place by Ivan Cleary, who is coaching Penrith this year. While he has tinkered with a few things, Taylor said Warriors' life under "Bluey" was refreshing.
"Nothing drastic has changed, he's tweaked a few things but it's good having a new face around and someone with new ideas. We all love his confidence and can't speak highly enough of him - he knows how to get the right mixture," Taylor said.
McClennan will focus on finding the right mix tomorrow, giving available squad members a run as he tests combinations, taking a particular interest in attacking structures, and in the propping and centre spheres, where injury has taken its toll.
Taylor will sit out the game, however. The utility played 60 minutes in the Warriors 22-14 win against Souths last weekend and also kitted up for the February 4 game against Gold Coast Titans, which the Warriors won 26-10.
"Bluey wants to give everyone a run and I've played the last two games at lock. I'm very happy with my fitness and health despite the short preseason. I have a lot to work on ... but it's all about putting what I learnt last year and applying it this year," he said.
Taylor said all of the NRL teams seemed to be shaping up well but Melbourne, Newcastle, the Roosters and the Raiders looked dangerous and could test the Warriors.
Although not playing, Taylor will travel north to do promotional visits to several retail outlets and schools.
Meanwhile, centre Jerome Ropati, about to enter his 10th NRL season, is in line to play his first match since March 27 last year after his season ended when he injured his knee against St George Illawarra.
"Everyone is really excited for Jerome making his comeback, he's been looking pretty sharp at training. Kevin Locke played two quarters last weekend and carved up. We are all looking forward to this game," Taylor said.
As well as Ropati, Krisnan Inu and Ukuma Ta'ai, the Warriors will use Kiwi internationals Locke, Lewis Brown, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer as well as Pita Godinet, Alehana Mara, Sione Lousi and Glen Fisiiahi in Whangarei. Out of contention through injury are Micheal Luck, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Rapira and Steve Rapira.
The Warriors kick off, following the curtain raiser between the Junior Warriors and the Auckland Vulcans at 3pm.
Warriors squad: Lewis Brown, Glen Fisiiahi, Pita Godinet, Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Krisnan Inu, Kevin Locke, Samiuela Lousi, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, John Palavi, Ivan Penehe, Jerome Ropati, Ukuma Ta'ai, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave.