The Mole's Warriors 2023 preview: Te Maire Martin signing tipped to boost ageing 'class act' Shaun Johnson

A new coach, plenty of new players - but will it be the same old Warriors?

That's the question all Kiwi fans are asking as the countdown to the new season continues.

Andrew Webster is an unknown quantity in the coaching ranks, but coming out of the superb Penrith system, he knows what it takes to win games.

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After finishing second last in 2022, the Warriors should improve, but may fall short of a finals berth.

2022 finishing position: 15th.

Gains: Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Jackson Ford (Dragons), Brayden Wiliame (Perpignan).

Losses: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Aaron Pene (Storm), Jack Murchie (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Dragons), Taniela Otukolo (released), Otukinekina Kepu (released).

Best 17

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Viliami Vailea

Marcelo Montoya

Edward Kosi

Te Maire Martin

Shaun Johnson

Addin Fonua-Blake

Wayde Egan

Bunty Afoa

Mitch Barnett

Josh Curran

Tohu Harris

Bench: Dylan Walker, Marata Niukore, Bayley Sironen, Jazz Tevaga

Best buy

Marata Niukore was great for the Eels in their grand final charge last year and adds a hard edge to the much-maligned Warriors pack. He's a tough pro and will teach the young boys plenty.

Biggest loss

Reece Walsh is a genuine superstar and was superb in his brief time at the Warriors. Fortunately the club has covered his loss somewhat by signing the reliable Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Greatest strength

The addition of three seasoned NRL professionals in Niukore, Dylan Walker and Mitchell Barnett give the Warriors their strongest pack in several years. With plenty of talent out wide, they could mount a surprise charge for a finals spot.

Biggest question mark

As always with the Warriors, the ability to go for 80 minutes against the well-drilled Aussie teams. Rival clubs believe they can grind the Warriors down over the course of a game - and have often been proved right in the past. Hopefully a new coach and plenty of new faces will see a culture change.

Man under pressure

Everything at the Warriors revolves around Shaun Johnson, and while his best football is now probably behind him, he's still a class act capable of opening up a defence. Having new boy Te Maire Martin alongside him in the halves should help his cause.

Predicted 2023 finishing position: 13th

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