There's quite a lot to be said about that season. Firstly, its baffling that three of the best in that squad are going elsehwere - Likiliki (clearly Bennett sees something there), Sao and Hiku. Particularly since the club towards the end of the year said one of their actions would be to increase the amount of players on full time contracts.
Anyhow, the positives for me:
* A lot of good talent still coming through. Havili, Bishop, Vete, Hukatai, Lolohea, Laumape, Palavi, Taukeiaho, Bhana... all good talents. Obviously Tuimavave as well. The picks for me are Taukeiaho, Havili and Tuimavave.
* They still finished high up the table, thats still a good result. Other clubs would kill to have teams that deliver year in year out to the standard of the Junior Wariors.
* IF they execute their youth strategies well that they announced mid year, the quality and depth should continue to be there.
Negatives:
*Aside from Tuimavave and Johnson, admittedly very good players, we don't look like producing a good half. Jordan Meads and Mason Lino in my opinion take way too many wrong options. To me it seemed we had very capable outside backs, a strong pack of forwards, but at times no idea whatsoever how to link the two.
*Much like the first graders, this habitual bad 'edge read' seems to be alive and well in the youngsters as well.
*The absolute demise of Omar Slaimankhel. Surely injury related? The dude lost any semblence of speed.
Dont believe the hype - no way that likiliki is anywhere the best players
He hasnt played a full game of football this year. It seems they didnt mind him playing prop on offense, then make no tackles. Bennett will have to work his ass off over the next two years to make him effective.
But I agree particularly with Hiku - would of been worthwile to keep.
Sao would of chose a better offer and more direct path to FG (replacing the old sea-eagles pack).
Personally I believe Lolohea, Fusitua and Hukatai have the potential to develop into NRL quality wingers. They just need development - something which I dont think they will get at the moment.
This season has been an epic fail for mine, I dont care how many games they win. Call me a rugby league purist - but I am sick of watching the dumb football the Juniors play. I wouldnt blame players but the warriors and their coaching staff.
It might not be popular choice - but the warriors should get rid of Ackland.
Those that have been around a while no that he loves - big, young, strapping polynesian boys. Obviously that shows in both the personnel as well as the style of football they play. Keep him as a scout if they want otherwise let him go.
Auckland in particular - is the biggest talent pool of rugby league players
As a result the Warriors inherit 80+ of the best young players. So dont act like the current coaching staff are magicians.
Any half decent coach - could lead this squad/team deep into the finals
I still think they can play structured and smart football and still win games. Then players will reach their potential and possibly be read to play FG one day.
At the moment these players arent addressing their shortcomings.
Havili, Bishop:
The same thing they are getting praised for - tackle busts etc, is the same thing that will hold them back. Both dont do enough
Hooker role is about distribution of the ball and defence - they run the ball and dont do enough d. They are unbalanced.
How many 100kg+ hookers are in the NRL, we have two in our nyc team.
Havili doesnt look like is getting any smaller and bishop is huge. Both muscular and fat.
They will need to become fitter, more well rounded players if they have any chance of furthering their careers.
Again being a rugby league diehard/purist - Omar is not a fullbacks arrsehole.
He never has been anything other than a ball runner, who runs hard, has a good fend. His lines are terrible, he is horribly greedy and doesnt play to any gameplan.
But once again coaching staff having rectified anything from day one.
