The high point of Warriors history - Stacey Jones puts the club into the lead in the 2002 grand final. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The high point of Warriors history - Stacey Jones puts the club into the lead in the 2002 grand final. Photo / Brett Phibbs
There have been 201 men who have pulled on the Warriors jersey since 1995.
The latest is Papatoetoe Panthers winger Ken Maumalo, who made his NRL debut against Souths in Perth last month.
Some played only one or two games, while others such as Stacey Jones, Lance Hohaia and LoganSwann have collectively totalled hundreds. As part of their 20th anniversary celebrations, the club polled a host of former players, media, fans and other identities to find the top five players in their history. They are:
For many, Jones is the enduring symbol of the club. A local boy — from the Pt Chevalier Pirates club — he made his debut midway through the 1995 season. The 19-year-old was so good, he soon pushed star recruit Greg Alexander out of the No 7 jersey and became the key playmaker. Jones epitomised the original vision for the Warriors, a Kiwi player who had the flair, vision and skill to match Australia's best. His spectacular solo touchdown in the 2002 grand final was unforgettable, one of 77 tries he scored for the club. He didn't play behind a dominant pack until the second half of his career but his loyalty to the club through barren years just added another layer to his lustre.
Simon Mannering
Simon Mannering made his debut 10 years ago. Photo / Getty Images
2005- 227 NRL games
Surely the most successful rugby convert of all time. Within months of playing his first league game as a senior at Nelson College, Mannering was in the Warriors system. He made his debut as a 19-year-old in 2005 and was soon one of the first picked. Evolved from a swift centre to a dynamic second rower to an ultra-solid lock forward. His durability is legendary — he has played at least 18 games every season since 2007 — through injuries or illness that would have flattened others. The 28-year-old broke Steve Price's captaincy record last year and has been named the club's Player of the Year four times, in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014.
Made his debut a decade after he was meant to, but was quick to make up for lost time. Alongside Steve Price, Wiki helped rebuild the club after the calamitous end to the Mick Watson era. Led a new, tougher culture at the club and was an inspiration for the likes of Mannering, Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino. Was at the forefront of finals campaigns in 2007 and 2008 and became a cult figure in a relatively short time. The 2005 Player of the Year.
Manu Vatuvei
2004- 208 NRL games
If Wiki is the ultimate warrior, then Vatuvei is the ultimate finisher. He has amassed a staggering try-scoring record — third among active players with 148 — and would be a superstar if based on the other side of the Tasman. The Beast has also been incredibly consistent and recently become the first player in NRL history to score at least 10 tries in 10 consecutive seasons. Shows no signs of slowing and has become more consistent in recent years.
Micheal Luck
Micheal Luck. Photo / Getty Images
2006-2012 150 NRL games
Luck was an unheralded signing in 2006 but soon became a fan favourite. The North Queenslander often bled for the cause, and it was estimated Luck received more than 300 stitches during his time at the club. He set several defensive records during his tenure, and once made 74 tackles in a game against the Melbourne Storm. Voted Player of the Year in 2009.
