With the uncertainty of the Transtasman bubble, the Warriors are looking into a move of their home base to Redcliffe, Queensland. Video / NZ Herald
OPINION:
At first glance, it's hard to find too many positives about the Warriors' NRL season.
There were high hopes for 2021, especially with the signing of marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who was going to be a game-changer.
There were other solid off-season recruits, while the arrival of Reece Walsh,Matt Lodge, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and Chad Townsend added greatly to the quality at Nathan Brown's disposal.
It was a significantly improved roster on last season.
In 2020 Todd Payten had more modest resources, then had to draft in loan players on several occasions due to injuries and four players returning to New Zealand.
But somehow, results haven't really improved.
Reece Walsh and Bunty Afoa of the Warriors look dejected following a Raiders try last weekend. Photo / Photosport
In 2020 the Warriors won 40 per cent of their matches (eight from 20) while this year the figure is 34.8 per cent (eight from 23), with one round to play.
Brown's team has been arguably more competitive, with thirteen games decided by a margin of six points or less, but they have still only gained one top-eight scalp (Cronulla).
But on one crucial measure, the Warriors have succeeded in 2021.
They have stayed unified and focussed and maintained their spirit, despite all the upheavals of this season.
Brown has refused to make excuses, but there is no doubt the constant moves, from Auckland to Kiama to Tamworth to Terrigal to the Gold Coast would have been tough.
Add in a trying campaign, with a series of bizarre defeats, sometimes in crazy circumstances, and there could have easily been a meltdown. Tempers would have frayed, anger would have surfaced, frustrations could have reached boiling point.
The NRL is tough enough, but the Warriors have been living in each other's pockets since January. They have put on a brave face, but it hasn't been easy; as one player said earlier this year, "sometimes on your day off the last person you want to see is your boss".
It's easy to take for granted what they have managed to do until you look across the NRL.
Recently other teams have been given a taste of what the Auckland club has endured, forced to live like the Warriors, if you will, and have gone off the rails.
The Warriors train at their makeshift training ground at Robina City Parklands, Robina. Photo / Photosport
The Bulldogs were already a rabble but have descended further since relocating to Queensland, with one player stood down after a drunken toilet tryst and another accused of stealing NRL equipment to sell on eBay.
Parramatta have also struggled in captivity, with issues raised about their culture and leadership, while Latrell Mitchell's headspace was revealed by his awful hit on Joseph Manu.
And what about the Dragons, who ignored lockdown requirements with their infamous BBQ in July, resulting in numerous suspensions?
The Warriors, who have had it much tougher, for longer, than anyone else, have somehow kept their heads and stayed on track.
It's a positive sign, especially for a new group. The club released 10 players at the end of last season, with more turnover during this season. It's not easy to build a culture with so many newcomers, and a record Australian contingent at the club, as cliques and factions can quickly manifest.
But they have done it.
Despite everything this year, and all the disappointments endured on the field, their spirit appears strong.
They appear to want to play for each other and no one has yet raised the white flag.
While there are no medals handed out for brotherhood and resolve, that sense of togetherness and common purpose has characterised every great Warriors side, from 2001-03, to 2007-2011, to 2018, and is a vital factor.
The next step is results and becoming genuine contenders.
It remains to be seen if this squad, and the coaching staff, have the skills and ability, to compete with the top echelon of NRL teams. That will be the hardest step, but at least they have the off-field foundations in place.
