NRL: Too many ifs and buts define substandard year

Nathan Friend. Photo / Richard Robinson.

Michael Burgess assesses how each Warrior fared this season.

Kevin Locke 6
Improved in the second half of the season but rarely showed his potential or recaptured the form of 2011. Pursuit of Sam Tomkins was an understandable - yet unnecessary - distraction.

Dane Nielsen 6.5
Solid performer, hampered by injuries. Needs to offer a lot more in 2014.

Konrad Hurrell 7
Still learning the game - and defence - but was the team's best attacking weapon and almost always gave his all. Needs better service.

Manu Vatuvei 6
Sixteen tries in his last 17 games and usual strong carries but let down his side defensively too often. Still an enigma.

Thomas Leuluai 9
Non-stop effort, playing every minute of every game this season. Defensive kingpin who added 46 tackle busts and tidy work on attack. Will be a big call to move him from the halves next year.

Shaun Johnson 6.5
Statistics will say it was a virtuoso season but much to improve on. Developing worrying habit of fading out of games. Does depend on forward's effort but needs to stand up - and stand out more often. If he can develop the mindset of a Mannering or a Leuluai can be one of the best players in the NRL but ...

Sam Rapira 7.5
Consistent performer, especially in the second half of the season. Top prop.

Nathan Friend 8.5
Added a running game to his play in the second half of the season and never stopped working. It was inconceivable he was almost let go, just for what he brings in attitude.

Suaia Matagi 7.5
A rookie revelation who adapted quickly to the NRL and has the makings of a cult hero.

Elijah Taylor 8
A flat start to the year, when shuffled around the pack before showing why Penrith chased him so hard. Major loss.

Simon Mannering 8.5
Errors blighted his early season play but has been a standout since then. Sets an weekly example that others struggle to match and added an offensive side to his game.

Todd Lowrie 5
Plenty of effort but not much else. Will struggle to retain his spot ahead of a returning Ben Henry.

Ben Matulino 6.5
Inconsistent. Should be one of the premier props in the NRL. On field minutes often strangely restricted by Matthew Elliott, to his detriment.

Jacob Lillyman 7
Not the force of past years, though finished the season well.

Feleti Mateo 6
Considering his ability and status as a marquee player, needed to produce much more. Not helped by Elliott's interchange strategy.

Dominique Peyroux 6.5
Developed into a handy bench player, though yet to convince as a starting option at centre or in the back row.

Ngani Laumape 7.5
Like Matagi, gave his all and impressed in his debut season. Pleasingly low error rate considering his inexperience.

Pita Godinet 6
Bright moments in the first half of the season, then never seen again.

Glen Fisiiahi 7.5
Breakthrough season unfortunately ended by injury. Big loss. Will challenge strongly for starting spot in 2013.

Russell Packer 6.5
Infrequent appearances. Under threat from Matagi and Charlie Gubb in 2014.

Matt Elliott 6.5
Did well to guide the team upwards after disastrous start but questions remain, especially after flat performances against Sharks, Panthers and Dragons to end the year. Overly loyal to certain players and interchange strategy sometimes flawed. Had a lot of work to do to rebuild after the crash of 2012 but was also given the most resources and staff of any Warriors coach in history. A playoff finish - and preferably top six - will be the bare minimum in 2014.