2024 NRL: New Zealand Warriors Season Preview

The Warriors will look to go one better in 2024 and make it to the grand final.

Season Preview

Season 2023 was a good one for the Warriors. They made it to the preliminary final, losing to the Brisbane Broncos, and while it may not have been the finish they wanted, they exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Andrew Webster enjoyed a memorable first season as head coach. Seeing how he grows this season will be good to watch, especially with some new players coming to the club.

Shaun Johnson turned back time and proved that his best years weren’t behind him. He showed good football IQ and changed how he played, like Benji Marshall did as he got older. If Johnson can stay fit throughout the season, he will once again be the man to lead the way.

Addin Fonua-Blake was a powerhouse in the front row last season; it’s a shame he won’t be at the Warriors after this season. If the front rower doesn’t get distracted, he should have another good season.

The Warriors will welcome a familiar face this year, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who returns after a two-year stint in rugby union. All eyes will be on RTS to see if he still has the touch (or step) and how he will fit in at the centre position, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad staying in the fullback position.

After the Warriors’ success in 2023, teams will be looking to knock them down a few pegs this season. Andrew Webster will have to have his men ready for anything; he will also have to look out for the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’ (if it happens to coaches as it does to players).

Overall, it should be another exciting year for the ‘Wahs’ and their fans, who have had some lean years. Hopefully, they can go one step further and make their way to the ‘Big Dance.’

Best Signing

Some may feel like RTS would be their best signing, but Kurt Capewell is the man who will bring his winning ways to the Warriors. Capewell has a wealth of experience that has seen him win grand finals. He will be an integral part of the Warriors’ leadership group this year.

Key Player

Shaun Johnson will be the key player for the 2024 season. He was instrumental in getting the Warriors to the preliminary final and will need to be at his best to get his side to go one further. He played smartly last season and will surely up his game this year.

Player to Watch

Luke Metcalf showed glimpses of the player he could be before injury ruined his season. He will fight for the number six jumper with Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita. He will want to be the team’s long-term five-eighth, so he will want to play out of his skin to secure that position, which can only be good for the Warriors.

Number Crunching

Premiers: nil
Minor Premierships: 1 (2002)
10 years win/loss record: 101 wins, 138 losses, 1 drawn (42.1%)
5 years win/loss record: 48 wins, 70 losses, 1 drawn (40.3%)
2023 win/loss record: 16 wins, 8 losses (66.7%)
NRL Finals Appearances since 2014: 2
NRL Finals win/loss record since 2014: 1 wins, 3 losses (25%)
Biggest win since 2014: 48, vs Parramatta Eels (0-48, 12/7/14, Mount Smart Stadium)
Biggest loss since 2014: 60, vs Melbourne Storm (10-70, 25/4/22, AAMI Park)