League: Challenges loom in Warriors' post-Jones era

The departure of play-maker Stacey Jones means the Warriors open a new page in their 11-year history this season. Others have to step up to replace the genius, and not just at halfback.

On the plus side, opposition teams will not know quite what to expect from the Warriors because of that enforced change.

The new game plan relies heavily on the ability of lightly-used players such as wing Cooper Vuna, centre/second rower Simon Mannering and second rower Epalahame Lauaki to make it as regular first graders and on newcomers such as prop Sam Rapira and centre Sonny Fai to put pressure on for places in the team.

There seems little doubt that the Warriors will again benefit from the metres gained by their veteran props Ruben Wiki and Steve Price.

Both this week declared their intention to aim for international selection again.

Price said he was not the type to retire from tests or State of Origin, that retirement was the luxury of super-stars such as Darren Lockyer and that players such as himself would go on for the honour of the job until unwanted.

Wiki said he was focused on gaining Kiwis selection by turning in big performances for his club. He watches video of the Kiwis' win in the Tri Nations once a week, he said. "I'll never forget that one."

New coach Ivan Cleary and Price agree the Kiwis' win had boosted morale at the Warriors. "Manu [Vatuvei] and Clinton [Toopi] really grew a leg, I hope they're going to back it up," captain Price said.

Vatuvei is a case in point. Still a teenager until March, the international rookie of the year could be devastating in the NRL given what he did against seasoned test players. His development may depend on the club environment.

There's no doubt there is a lighter feel around the Warriors this season, the management aiming for a fresh start.

The players look more relaxed, they also look to have lost some weight and there's no doubt they like the consistent approach from their new coach.

"Ivan's pretty level-headed all the time," Price said. "There's a good atmosphere, it's a different feel to last year, the average age is down, those young guys are really happy to be here and the rest of us are feeding off that."

Nathan Fien starts in his original position of halfback in the Warriors first trial against Canberra at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday and Cleary has other options in shifting Lance Hohaia from hooker or in promoting the Roosters 2005 reserve grade half Grant Rovelli.

At five-eighth Sione Faumuina offers the ability to break the line, an off-load and a tough defensive game.

He lacks a field kicking game which is a problem because the opposition knows it is Fien who will do the kicking on the last-tackle.

With Tony Martin returning after a long-term injury, Toopi back to his best form, Jerome Ropati cementing his place in the 17 and Mannering a great prospect, the Warriors have a very solid-looking mid-field.

They have pace in Todd Byrne and power from Vatuvei on the wings and a great fullback in Brent Webb.

The only area where they look short used to be their strongest suit, the second row.

They have always been gifted with game-breaking off-loaders such as Stephen Kearney and Ali Lauitiiti but that is no longer the case.

Wairangi Koopu could step up to that role. But at present both he and Awen Guttenbeil who start against Canberra and look the likely season-starters, play similar games based more on defence.

Evarn Tuimavave who starts at prop on Sunday or Lauaki might be the men to balance the attack. Both get another chance to force their way into the starting lineup after making their NRL debuts in 2002 and 2004 respectively, then being used sparingly since. Cleary predicted a big year for Tuimavave but said his place was dependent on results. "Sometimes it's hard when you're a child prodigy," he said of the player's development. At the other end of the scale is George Tuakura, 30, who has played professionally in France and Queensland, been a regular for the Otahuhu Bartercard Cup team and clearly been passed over by other Warriors coaches.

"His body shape has changed, he's earned the chance and I think it's a good time to give him an opportunity," Cleary said.

Thirty was not too old for a prop now as evidenced by the performances of Price and Wiki who are rested against Canberra.

Also pushing for a bench spot should be Richard Villasanti, who hasn't reproduced the form that gained him Kangaroos selection in 2003.

When Wiki was at Canberra and the Raiders came to Auckland, he would go to his old Otahuhu club to borrow tackle bags and other gear and he'd still help them out if they asked.

He predicts a physical game, no friends on the field as both clubs look for a solid hit-out ahead of the season.

His 32-year-old body felt good, he said, after a 10-day break doing nothing in Rarotonga. He came straight back to hard labour on the sandhills of Bethells Beach.

"I thought 'What am I doing here?' The boys help push you through those tough moments and that's what I like about football," he said.