2015 marks the 20th season of New Zealand's most followed professional sports club. With the usual run of commemorative jerseys and celebrations to come, what better way to kick off a historic year that should see us win the NRL Grand Final but with a greatest ever Warriors team.
I've tried to pick a team where players are picked based on the positions they've excelled in rather than trying to fit plenty of great players into the side, i.e. left wing was quite contentious.
So without further ado, here is my Greatest Warriors XIII and bench of the last 20 years.
Fullback -
Ivan Cleary - The Warriors have had plenty of good fullbacks in their time so this was quite a difficult call. However, Cleary gets it over Tomkins, Locke, Mackinnon and Webb for his stability and consistency.
Right Winger -
Henry Fa'afili - A standout on the right wing. The Warriors have had plenty of talented wingers, although their more consistent performers have all played on the left. Fa'afili didn't play as long as Vatuvei and Hoppe but still had a pretty good strike-rate out on the right.
Centres -
Dean Bell, Clinton Toopi - Former Kiwis and Warriors captain, Dean Bell is one of the best players ever to don the Warriors top, while Clinton Toopi was a feature of the Warriors backline for so long being a strong, powerful runner in an electric backline featuring Fa'afili, Meli, Tony, Jones, etc.
Left Winger -
Manu Vatuvei - lots of depth in this position with Francis Meli and Sean Hoppe in contention but I'll go with Vatuvei as he has consistently been a key in the success that the Warriors have had throughout his career. Fellow blogger, Scotty Donaldson, once said that Vatuvei to the Warriors is like Shane Bond to New Zealand cricket.
Five-Eighth -
James Maloney - A problem position for so long for the Warriors, James Maloney proved to be the Warriors' best and most consistent exponent at the standoff position. A pity that the Warriors couldn't hold on to Maloney who has now become a big star back home in Sydney for the Roosters and Blues but I guess credit should go to Penrose for helping develop one of the game's most underrated players.
Halfback -
Stacey Jones - one of the greatest rugby league players ever to come out from this country, Jones was for so long the Warriors, its heart and soul and its character. While Shaun Johnson has proven to have more all round talent and as much exuberance as the Little General, Stacey Jones has to be considered for this side. That try in the 2002 NRL Grand Final will forever go down in folklore even if it was for the losing side.
Props -
Steve Price, Ruben Wiki - the Warriors have been blessed with plenty of good props but for manna and leadership, Price and Wiki as a partnership stand head and shoulders over everyone else.
Hooker -
Monty Betham - the multi-talented Monty Betham is easily the standout hooker of the last 20 seasons for the Warriors. There are quicker and more versatile hookers but Betham still stood out.
Second Row -
Ali Lauitititi, Simon Mannering - Mannering is to the Warriors what Richie McCaw is to the All Blacks, while Lauitititi's reputation speaks for itself. Mannering is the player that never looked like being a big hit but his work ethic, manna and leadership speaks volumes. Lauitititi would complement Mannering with his x-factor.
Lock -
Micheal Luck - I was going to put Kevin Campion, a multiple NRL Grand Finalist at lock but then again, Luck's consistency and versatility means he gets in ahead of Campion. One of the few Warriors players to play State of Origin, underrated and Luck go hand-in-hand. An absolute workhorse of the bygone era. An absolute first choice selection.
Interchange -
Lance Hohaia - My favourite Warrior of all time. Lance Hohaia probably has more versatility this side of his more famous compatriot, Sonny Bill Williams, being able to play any position but the second row. Unlike SBW, he had the modesty and charisma which made him a fan favourite. Absolute club legend.
Shaun Johnson - I could have put Johnson in at five eighth to play with Jones but Johnson's success has all come at halfback, his best position. Nevertheless, his ability to play both positions with aplomb means he earns a spot on the bench.
Jerry Seuseu - One of the best players to feature for the Warriors. He featured in their run to the 2002 Minor Premiership before leaving to become one of the highlights of the Super League in Britain. Club legend.
Logan Swann - Another club legend who could cover second row and lock with aplomb. Had two terrific spells for the club.
Coach - Daniel Anderson. Still regarded as one of the best coaches in the business. Finally brought success to the Warriors after 7 odd seasons.
And
Favourite Warriors jersey - 2009 Warriors Auckland Rugby League special edition - simple design yet elegant. Plus it's in my favourite colour, blue!
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