New Zealand Warriors - 2005

The arrival of blue-chip recruits in 2005 and genuine improvement was not enough to save coach Tony Kemp as the club also farewelled its greatest servant.

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The Warriors had experienced their most comprehensive roster overhaul since the tumultuous post-2000 ownership change. On top of a stack of mid-2004 departures, Kiwi internationals Jerry Seuseu, Thomas Leuluai and Vinnie Anderson headed to Super League in the off-season.

But the acquisition of illustrious forward veterans Steve Price and Ruben Wiki was complemented by the arrival of Sydney Roosters grand final winger Todd Byrne and North Queensland Cowboys halfback Nathan Fien, a Queensland Origin rep.

The adversity of the previous season convinced Monty Betham to stand down as skipper, which allowed Price – Dally M Captain of the Year in 2002 and ’04 – to step straight into the role. Price was highly regarded for his leadership throughout the Bulldogs’ salary cap scandal and Coffs Harbour sexual assault allegations. A knee injury tragically ruled him out of the Bulldogs’ grand final triumph in what would have been his last game for the club.