NRL: Warriors faster and more powerful than ever, says Ackland

John Ackland. Photo / Getty Images

This time last year Junior Warriors coach John Ackland was asked about the cyclical nature of the Toyota Cup - the remarkably popular U20s version of the NRL.

It was put to Ackland that clubs could build towards a title over several seasons, nurturing and moulding the best juniors over several age brackets into a team that would eventually contend.

Once that team had had its run, however, the rebuilding and restocking process meant it was likely to be several more seasons until that club would contend for the title again.

Ackland's response: "Not at the Warriors." With a vast talent pool to draw on - even allowing for raids from the likes of the Storm and Roosters - the Warriors expected to be competitive every year.

So it proved, with Ackland's side going back to back in a manner than was utterly convincing right up until a last-quarter grand final meltdown.

Heading into 2012, not a lot has changed.

"This is a new team, but we are in it to win it again," Ackland said.

A fluffed Cowboys conversion and a Jordan Meads golden point field goal got the Warriors home in last year's grand final, but it never should have been that close. A massive Warriors side had far too much size and power for their rivals.

This season the size advantage won't be quite so pronounced, however that will be offset by an increase in speed.

"If there is one thing we have got this year that we maybe haven't had in the past it is blazing pace," Ackland said. "We had power out wide and they weren't slow, but these guys we are going to put on the edges [this year] are real fliers."

While the player turnover has been fairly high, nine players from last year's champion side return and the side's spine remains intact. Five-eighths Carlos Tuimavave has been promoted to the senior squad, but is still eligible for a third NYC season and is likely to partner Meads in the halves, while fullback Omar Sleimankhel is also back.

Of those speedsters Ackland mentioned, keep an eye out for Vili Lolohea and David Fusitu'a.

And just because they are quick doesn't mean the Warriors will be small.

"Look, we are always going to be hard to tackle. New Zealand sides going back years are always full of guys that are hard to tackle," Ackland said.

Is the club about to unearth another Konrad Hurrell?

"We'll have to wait and see. We didn't know Konrad at this time last year, really. He was an unknown quantity. Every year kids come from nowhere and take you by surprise."