Why the NZ Warriors can win the Grand Final in 2016

[Albert Rosenfeld]

So were Newcastle

We were flattered by being briefly in the top 4 - defence is appalling, we'll find it hard to stop anyone from scoring if they can't sort that

That is because of the inexperience of the centres (e.g. Kata) and the incompetence of the coach. Kata will get better over time.

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

Cappy got the nod as coach because they correctly assumed that anyone was better than Sad Sack Malcolm Elliot. Unfortunately being better than Elliot does not guarantee coaching competence.

Expect a new coach in 2016 if the Warriors are not in the top four by June.

 

[JJ]

That is because of the inexperience of the centres (e.g. Kata) and the incompetence of the coach. Kata will get better over time.

Incompetence of coaches is definitely a factor - but not so much inexperience - they flat out can't defend.... Laumape was the only one that could, and he's gone

Even with our perhaps our 'best' lineup:
1 Tomkins
2. Anyone
3. Kata
4. Hurrell
5. Vatuvei
6. Townsend
7 Johnson

Every one of them is a poor to abysmal defender - ironically Johnson probably one of the better ones

Next year clearly there is a huge upgrade at fullback, and presumably Leuleuai or Lolohea will be at 6 - Thomas is a solid defender, Tui was exploited by Penrith

I worry for RTS tbh, going from a well-drilled professional unit where he can excel, to our rabble

 

[POPEYE]

Harder to get up in defence when you know your team has no-one with enough of a footy brain to capitalise on your hard work. All the Warriors need is a pair of scheming halves to make them the envy of other teams . . . the next fullback and hooker will be a f**king waste without direction

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

Harder to get up in defence when you know your team has no-one with enough of a footy brain to capitalise on your hard work. All the Warriors need is a pair of scheming halves to make them the envy of other teams . . . the next fullback and hooker will be a f**king waste without direction

They will have that in 2016: Shaun Johnson and Tuimoala Lolohea.

 

[POPEYE]

They will have that in 2016: Shaun Johnson and Tuimoala Lolohea.

You stick to making threads and leave analysing the game to people with good eyesight . . . Johnson has just about enough of a footy brain to play centre and Lolohea might make a good foil as 5/8 provided they find an outstanding #7

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

They will have that in 2016: Shaun Johnson and Tuimoala Lolohea.

Johnson is as hot and cold as Sandow. You cannot rely on him to lead you around the park. Why do you think Mannering has held on to the captaincy for so long despite being pretty hopeless himself

 

[JJ]

Mannering isn't hopeless, that's a ridiculous thing to say

But agree on the halves, anyone thinking Johnson and Tui are scheming controlling halves is certifiable.... oh, it's Albert, nuff said

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

Mannering isn't hopeless, that's a ridiculous thing to say

But agree on the halves, anyone thinking Johnson and Tui are scheming controlling halves is certifiable.... oh, it's Albert, nuff said

I don't mean hopeless in playing ability, I meant hopeless in leadership and footy strategy

 

[TheFrog]

The key is keeping Johnson healthy. Its as simple as that.

With Johnson healthy, the Warriors were in the top 4 a few short weeks ago and kicking butt. Now, well even the Panthers got over them.

Last year was the same. Johnson got a groin injury and the Warriors were cactus.

 

[Matua]

The key is keeping Johnson healthy. Its as simple as that.

With Johnson healthy, the Warriors were in the top 4 a few short weeks ago and kicking butt. Now, well even the Panthers got over them.

Last year was the same. Johnson got a groin injury and the Warriors were cactus.

Cappy? Is that you? Because it sounds like the Warriors game plan, be shit and hope Johnson pulls something out of the bag, which he does every 2nd or 3rd game. If he does it every 2nd game we make the 8, every 3rd we don't get the spoon.

 

[mt.wellington]

Almost half the squad, but almost all of them are second stringers. Apart from Tomkins and Friend (who are both being upgraded on),the only player going out of their top 13 is Laumape and he hasn't played since 2014.

I wasnt referring to this year. Im saying that next year some 12 players wont be part of the 32 man roster anymore. Most probably fringe players but some big names will move too...

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Johnson is as hot and cold as Sandow. You cannot rely on him to lead you around the park. Why do you think Mannering has held on to the captaincy for so long despite being pretty hopeless himself

Haha, you headed in about six different directions of stupid there. Johnson is as hot and cold as Sandow started it. Then you somehow equated a halfback directing a side to captaincy, which are completely different. Then you topped off your genius sundae with a big derp on top with saying Mannering is hopeless. Goes okay winning internationals.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

The key is keeping Johnson healthy. Its as simple as that.

With Johnson healthy, the Warriors were in the top 4 a few short weeks ago and kicking butt. Now, well even the Panthers got over them.

Last year was the same. Johnson got a groin injury and the Warriors were cactus.

Any sane Warriors fan will tell you that's dead wrong.

We've won nine games this year, 8 v sides who were in the bottom 8 when we beat them (and Melbourne were on the edge). Top four massively flattered us and was achieved by beating bum sides (and not well).

 

[JJ]

Any sane Warriors fan will tell you that's dead wrong.

We've won nine games this year, 8 v sides who were in the bottom 8 when we beat them (and Melbourne were on the edge). Top four massively flattered us and was achieved by beating bum sides (and not well).

yep... with or without Johnson we're an 7, 8, or 9th best... that top 4 blip was our regular mid season surge

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

butthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurtbutthurt

Too early in the morning for this, princess

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Too early in the morning for this, princess

Haha, predictable. We've not made the finals since the GF in 2011 so you'll have to believe me when I say there's no butthurt, our fans are pretty used to our situation. We're generally very coy about our chances and will be next year as well.

And we don't start wanton threads on silly little insignificant moments during the season, become insufferably smug after a few wins and generally make the rest of the NRL's fan base will our opponents to win. So we're okay.

 

[POPEYE]

If Maloney returned, if they found a good #7 and put Johnson at centre where he belongs since fullback is taken, if Luke still has the drive and if the coach learns how to design 2x40 minute games they'd have as good a chance as anyone

 

[Hutty1986]

If Maloney returned, if they found a good #7 and put Johnson at centre where he belongs since fullback is taken, if Luke still has the drive and if the coach learns how to design 2x40 minute games they'd have as good a chance as anyone

What's your reasoning for Johnson in the centre Pops? Just taking the play-making away and allowing him to run?

His defence/size would be a bit of a concern.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Johnson to centre....that'll do me. We've gone well off the reservation.

He would be more of a threat if he had a better controlling half next to him who could allow him to insert himself into the attack when he needs to.

The biggest thing hurting him though is the left/right structure crap that the team plays by default because the coaches can't think of anything better. Just take at Johnson in the Four Nations, and when he was starting to hit form this year. he was killing people by playing direct and through the middle, isolating players and beating them with either a step or acceleration.

Parking him in the centres....good lord.