Shaun Johnson of the Warriors poses for selfies with fans after the NRL Preliminary Final match between Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: Getty Images / Albert Perez
The NRL campaign of the Warriors came to an end at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. It was not the way fans wanted it to finish, but also not the stage of the season anyone thought it would either. Twelve months is clearly a long time in rugby league, as evidenced by the team's dramatic surge from cellar-dwellers to premiership contenders, so just how did it unfold?
A great start off and on
While a lot was made of the Warriors' solid start to the season, the success had already started in the previous off season. Dylan Walker and Mitch Barnett are a couple of the best value pick-ups in recent memory, with both coming in hungry to prove a point. In Walker's case, that attitude extended to the willingness to be an effective utility, not a trait you'll find easily in players with a CV that includes playing Origin and winning a premiership.
Terms of endearment
It didn't take long for Andrew Webster to become Aotearoa's favourite Australian, obviously the success made it a given but the 41-year-old's general friendliness and honesty on camera saw him ascend to cult hero status before too long. Success flowed from the top down, as the players emulated Webster's genuine likeability in the media.
Best win
The 40-10 demolition of Newcastle in the playoffs was the biggest statement of the year, coming at the most crucial point. Most were predicting a close match against the red hot Knights, who had won 10 games on the trot, but the Warriors stomped them hard and early by scoring three tries in the first 12 minutes. From there they withstood an inevitable comeback but closed the game out to send themselves to their first preliminary final in 12 years.
Worst loss
Probably the 14-0 blanking by the Roosters in round nine. The home ground advantage that the Warriors enjoy at Go Media Mt Smart washed away in the constant rain, along with the usually reliable attacking game of Johnson.
Forward of the year
This is a tough call as Tohu Harris was outstanding when the team needed him the most, but Addin Fonua-Blake complimented his stunning work rate with nine tries. The 118kg prop averaged 24 tackles and 171 running metres per game, which was a massive reason the Warriors finished with 17 wins. Honourable mentions to Barnett and Marata Niukore as well.
Back of the year
Ordinarily, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak's transition from calls to retire to becoming the club's top scorer for one season would have this one sewn up. But this is no ordinary season, especially not for Shaun Johnson. The 33-year-old wound the clock back so far there would have been fans watching not even old enough to remember when he guided the team to a grand final in 2011, and in doing so put himself forward as a leading candidate for the Dally M Award. As well as that, he fully embraced the role of being the face of the club, interacting perfectly with the local media.
Best finish
For sheer drama the round five clash with the Sharks had it all. The Warriors came back from 24-6 down to snatch a dramatic victory in Cronulla, sealed by a clutch Shaun Johnson penalty as the clock ticked down to full time. While it certainly raised a few questions about the defensive display early on, the heart shown to mount such a miraculous comeback got people really believing. Special mention to the golden point win over the Raiders in round 21, given the way the side set themselves up for Johnson's match winning field goal, but really that crazy ending was more about Ricky Stuart's team somehow scoring two tries in the final two minutes.
Stability
Probably the biggest win the Warriors got this year was the feeling from fans that things are going to be better from now on. They have painted a bit of a target on their backs for 2024, but if they can make some more shrewd transfer moves and manage Johnson through another season, there is no reason to think they can't repeat this year's heroic efforts. Webster has already created something special and it's rubbed off everywhere in the club, from the social media presence to corporate hospitality, now they must keep going and push for a maiden premiership title.