Was last season a fluke?
I dont believe you can fluke your way to the top 4 in the NRL. The competition is too tough.
I think last season was a perfect storm for the Warriors though. They were completely under the radar for a large part of the season and 6 or 7 players had peak seasons all at the same time - they basically ambushed the NRL comp.
This year we have definitely regressed back to the mean in terms of competitiveness, other teams'game plan preparation against us is much better - and a poor injury season has cost us about 6-8 points just on its own (kicking woes baked in here)
There will be a massive review this offseason. Webster wont be immune from getting the chop next year( the love only lasts so long with the ownership if your team is shit for 2 seasons in a row), if he doesnt show some signs of righting the ship. I actually think so far he is not going about it the right way which is concerning.
The season was gone 3 games ago but the retirement of SJ has actually hurt the team long term as this was a perfect opportunity to blood more players from our NSW cup team so they can get a taste of NRL for next season.
Instead he has tried to win games that had no bearing on the season anymore all for the SJ Farewell tour....
A bunch of players should have been shut down for the season (DWZ, Montoya, Egan, Capewell, CHT, AFB - not all at the same time obviously) so we could see what we have got. I would love to see Halasima back in the team at his correct position. Would like to see these wingers that have speed. Love to see Roache again. Zyon. This farewell tour is negatively impacting all the work McFadden has been trying to do to get the Warriors to a new consistently competitive level.
Huge few months ahead coming for Webster which might define his time with the Warriors.