New Zealand Warriors - 2010

The surprise-packet Warriors bounced back admirably in the 2010 NRL season, bolstered by some astute recruitment.

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Rarely have the Warriors flown lower under the pre-season radar than in 2010. Only Cronulla was regarded as a bigger premiership outsider by the betting agencies. Expert panels gazed into the crystal ball for Big League and Rugby League Week magazines – none had the Warriors in the Top 8, but several tipped them for a maiden wooden spoon.

Ivan Cleary’s captaincy gamble on Simon Mannering was magnified by a heel injury sidelining the deposed Steve Price, which ultimately forced his retirement without pulling on a boot in 2010.