1. Sam Tomkins
2. Glen Fisiiahi
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Dane Neilson - (Ngani Laumape not far behind, need Neilson for defence at this stage)
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Suaia Matagi
9. Thomas Leuluai
10. Sam Rapira
11. Feleti Mateo
12. Jason Bukuya
13. Simon Mannering
14. Kevin Locke
15. Sam Lousi
16. Ben Matulino
17. Jacob Lillyman
I know other Warriors fans will disagree with some of my selections, but in the past we have always done well with two dynamic hookers in the squad. Leuluai is in the top echelon of hookers and he was made for that position - he's not a natural half. Kevin Locke would be the ultimate impact player from the bench to sub Leuluai or fit in where required.
Chad townsend would be the perfect foil for SJ, and he's already captained his team to take out the NSW cup championship this year so he will be more than ready to get a start.
Sam Lousi was our Vulcans player of the year and he is exactly the type of back rower we need to balance out our team and replace Mateo when he comes off. He's HUGE, but still mobile and has great ball skills. If his attitude is right, he is ready. Bukuya is a solid runner and defender and Mannering is the best defender in the NRL, so that would be a well balanced back row with a much needed upgrade on physicality from last year. Mannering is beast at lock, he plays lock for the Kiwis and it's obvious that's his position.
The props speak for themselves, Matagi is mental and just charges the line full speed every time with no thought of self preservation, him and Rapira on for the opening exchanges would be ideal, then bring in Matulino and Lillyman in for the impact and to play large minutes. Then young Charlie Gubb is nipping at their heels for a spot in the 17, he posted ridiculous numbers for the time he was on against Souths in his debut and only game this year.
Knowing us we could be spoon contenders or premiership contenders, but I'll be optimistic and say we'll finish 5th. We would have been a top 4 team if you only counted the second half of the 2013 season, with a weaker roster than we have now, and considering we we're thrashed in our last 8 games of 2012, 2013 was always gonna start out bumpy.
I know people bag Matt Elliott but he seems to fit this club better than his previous ones and it's well known that McFadden plays a very active role in the coaching - more so than your average assistant coach, and from all reports he's a great first grade coach in the making.
