2024 Preview: Warriors

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Lachlan McIntyre previews the Wah's season in 2024.

Up the wahs to take New Zealand to new heights in 2024

A highly successful 2023 has dramatically lifted spirits across the ditch, and hopes are high that the Warriors will be able to build on it in 2024. With new head coach Andrew Webster at the helm, New Zealand consistently punched above their weight to record a top four finish, garnering support from all across the sporting world. Their season came to a close against Brisbane in a preliminary final, but they will want to go one or even two steps further in 2024.

With the massive signing of forward Kurt Capewell from the Broncos, as well as the returns of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, competition for spots in the 17 is more alive than ever. The battle to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves shapes as one of the most interesting on the park, with Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf both expected to be given cracks at it throughout the season.

In their first hit out of the year the Warriors went down to the Wests Tigers in the pre-season challenge. Played at Christchurch in front of an impressive 13,670 people, they showed off their squad's depth whilst keeping some stars under wraps for a little longer. They are set to host the Dolphins in their second pre-season match, before the Sharks make the trip across the ditch to Auckland for an important round one clash on Friday, 8th March.

Why they'll win it

If a top four finish was what Andrew Webster could manage in his first proper year at the helm of the Warriors, then the question begs, what can he do in the second? It is another year further away from the covid horrors which trapped the Warriors across the ditch, away from home. Club hero Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has returned from union and their depth looks impressive. Is everything swinging in their favour? It will be key for the Warriors to maintain the ‘up the wahs' energy early in 2024 to give themselves the best chance possible to continue their upwards trajectory and take out their maiden NRL premiership.

Why they won't

While there is a first time for everything, history tells us that the Warriors have never won an NRL premiership. After joining NSWRL in 1995 as the Auckland Warriors and surviving the Super League war, they were reinvented in 2000 and made their first finals appearance the year after. They were then able to build on that and claim a minor premiership in 2002, but went down to the Roosters in the grand final. In 2011 they again finished runners up. Despite things looking good for the Warriors this year, it is hard to back them to get the job done, especially with teams like the Broncos and Panthers shaping up well again.

Player movement

Key player

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is making a heart-warming return to rugby league after a short stint in the rival code. RTS has played over 100 NRL games for the Warriors, with the majority of those being at fullback. He was succeeded by Reece Walsh, who in turn left the club, leaving the Warriors in 2023 with Raiders grand final number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. It's expected that Nicoll-Klokstad will retain his role, but RTS will provide plenty of spark in the centres. The 30 year old will also bring vital depth and experience to the squad.

Breakthrough to watch

24 year old fullback Taine Tuaupiki will be hoping to add to his so far limited NRL experience this season. Tuaupiki was upgraded to an NRL contract at the Warriors in 2023 after a breakout 2022 with the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup, and he went on to make five first grade appearances last season. Although he will likely start 2024 in reserve grade, he will be sure to benefit from the mentorship of the returning Tuivasa-Sheck. Throughout last year he was handed a few appearances off the bench, but he will be in a very difficult battle to secure a consistent utility role.

Best 17

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson

8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris

Interchange: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Tom Ale 17. Jackson Ford

2024 fixture list

All times NZT