Auckland Warriors - 1998

The Warriors' big-name purchases couldn't turn around the fortunes of Frank Endacott's side, while the wheels of change were turning furiously off the paddock.

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The Warriors’ rousing finish to a troubled 1997 season and a replenished roster – in spite of the club’s financial limitations – galvanised confidence in their ability to thrive when the game came back together under the National Rugby League banner.

Canberra enforcer Quentin Pongia was expected to fortify a front-row long accused of lacking the intimidation factor, while Hunter Mariners’ demise delivered fellow Kiwis great Kevin Iro and dynamic back-rower Tyran Smith – strike weapons with consistency issues – to Auckland. Tony Tatupu and Nigel Vagana returned to Auckland after a strong one-season sojourn at Warrington.

Pongia, Iro and Smith arrived with more 60 Test appearances for New Zealand between them but the Warriors received limited value from the trio, who made just 44 appearances combined in 1998 and were off the club’s books by the end of the year.