Warriors 2024 preview: Wahs ascendancy fires to next level with Roger’s big return

The New Zealand Warriors come into this campaign looking to continue the fair weather that has been shining southeast of the Tasman Sea and drive closer to a maiden NRL premiership.

Andrew Webster has been a revelation for the Kiwi club, with his coaching and Shaun Johnson’s twilight resurgence putting the Warriors right in the mix for silverware in the middle of the 2020s.

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The team’s energetic footy will only be bolstered by a momentous signing: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, back from rugby union⁠—leaving many to wonder if after so many years of waiting, and the New Zealand faithful having to ride out a brutal COVID-19 exile, the sun may be ready to shine on the Warriors.

Last year’s finish: Fourth (prelims), 16 wins and eight losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 4th (prelims), 15th, 12th, 10th, 13th, 8th, 13th, 10th, 13th, 9th

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Rocco Berry
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jackson Ford
13. Tohu Harris
14. Dylan Walker
15. Jazz Tevaga
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Marata Niukore

Coach: Andrew Webster

Biggest losses: Josh Curran Biggest gains: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

How 2024 is looking for New Zealand

As mentioned, Tuivasa-Sheck comes in as a mega signing for Webster’s team, especially considering they are already marching in the right direction behind Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

The best thing about the RTS return is that he is a humble superstar; there are no fears that he may rock the boat the Wahs have got zipping through the NRL waters. Instead, he is only upside in a team that was already looking crackling as they battled their way to the final four in 2023.

The only worry now will be if Johnson can dish up another Dally M-worthy season. He has it in him but at 33 any campaign could be the one where the wheels give out, even just a little. 

The Sporting Base thinks he still has plenty left in the tank and with Tuivasa-Sheck and Nicoll-Klokstad⁠ able to help lead the troops, the Warriors have so many options with how they want to stage every attack. The excitement in New Zealand and around the Warriors might even hit another level again.

Predicted 2024 finish: 6th

First five: Sharks (H), Storm (A), Raiders (H), Knights (H), Rabbitohs (A)

TopSport odds: Premiers $19, Make Top 4: $3.60, Make Final 8: $1.70, Miss The Top 8: $2.10

Pass mark: Another deep postseason run.