Warriors - 2014

Another Warriors coach fell on their sword early in 2014, but they went agonisingly close to an NRL finals return under Andrew McFadden.

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After two consecutive off-seasons of upheaval as the club welcomed in new head coaches and staff, the Warriors approached 2014 confident a settled build-up ahead of Matthew Elliott’s second season in charge would yield the anticipated results on the paddock. But it also meant the excuses had dried up. The resilience and mental toughness the team showed during their stunning mid-2013 charge would be required across the whole campaign – and a strong start was essential.

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Dressed to the Nines

They may not have won the tournament, but the Warriors lived up to the hype as the surrogate host and most talked about team at the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park. The Warriors were upset in the semis by eventual champs the Cowboys (who they beat in pool play) but brought the packed house down with their sizzling attacking play across the mid-February weekend. Captain Shaun Johnson – the unofficial ‘face’ of the Nines – was the top point-scorer and a standout Most Valuable Player recipient. He was joined in the Team of the Tournament by Suaia Matagi, while British import Sam Tomkins enjoyed an impressive first hit-out in Warriors colours.

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