KEY POINTS:
The Warriors' greatest weakness may end up being their greatest strength.
On paper, the side lacks the standout playmaker usually required to win the NRL. In recent years, grand final winners have had the likes of Darren Lockyer, Benji Marshall, Braith Anasta, Craig Gower, Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns pulling the strings. The Warriors have, er, Grant Rovelli, Jerome Ropati and Michael Witt.
Without a big-name playmaker, then, the Warriors will rely on a collective effort, with their size, strength and agility in all positions to win games.
It's a horrible cliche, but a star team will often beat a team of stars. Anyone seen Real Madrid play soccer recently?
Warhorse props Ruben Wiki and Steve Price will invariably get the side off to good starts in the go-forward stakes but their effective on-field minutes can be expected to decline given their age so a solid interchange bench will be vital. Back-up props Evarn Tuimavave and the emerging Sam Rapira loom as key figures.
The side will be a strong as ever in the second row, where Louis Anderson and Epalahame Lauaki form an intimidating, complementary duo and Micheal Luck should kick on from looking one of the bargain buys of last season. There are no shortage of options to lock the scrum, with Wairangi Koopu and Logan Swann boasting a ton of experience, Simon Mannering having done the job at test level and Anderson also comfortable in the role.
At hooker, Nathan Fien will likely be the preferred option once he works his way fully back from injury, while George Gatis and Lance Hohaia will also be in the frame.
Hohaia is the team's wildcard, possessing the pace and poise to turn breaks into tries and turn tight games. If the Warriors do succeed this year, it's hard to imagine Hohaia not playing a central role. Quite what that role will be, not even he will know at this stage.
Outside the fluid halves combination, the centres have a solid look with Tony Martin and Mannering likely to start the majority of games. When Mannering is pressed into service in the pack, as he will be in tomorrow's season-opener, Hohaia is the next cab off the rank.
Out wide, Manu Vatuvei could be set for a breakout season if his handling improves, while Michael Crockett has the early running over Todd Byrne for the other wing berth.
Fullback is where the fans' spotlight will be shone most brightly, with the popular adopted Kiwi Brent Webb replaced by Wade McKinnon. The former Parramatta man looks a good acquisition and at least Webb's equal in terms of support play and finishing, but whether he possesses his predecessor's ability to act as a link man outside the halves and unlock defences close to the ruck remains to be seen.
Coach Ivan Cleary will almost certainly say
"No". He has a way with words when he doesn't like a question, does Ivan.
Cleary probably won't say
"One of the things I really love about my job is the frequent chats I get to have with the media."
Reasons to be cheerful
Cleary seems to have all the attributes of a good coach. He appears calm, analytical, level-headed and has the trust of his players. With a year's experience under his belt and his own back-room team around him, he should be getting more comfortable in the job.
Reasons to be fearful
Confidence can be fleeting and, if the Warriors take some beatings, the club has a reputation for unravelling pretty fast. Consistency is the key to making the play-offs. Historically, the Warriors have been streaky.
Prediction
Fifth. After three years in the wilderness, finals footy could be on the agenda again.
Home: Mt Smart Stadium
Premierships: None
Last three years: 10th, 11th, 14th
In: Michael Crockett (Wests Tigers), Aiden Kirk (Roosters), Wade McKinnon (Eels), Logan Swann (Warrington), Michael Witt (Sea Eagles)
Out: Sione Faumuina (Cowboys), Awen Guttenbeil (Castleford), Misi Taulapapa (Sharks), Clinton Toopi (Leeds), George Tuakura (released).
