Grim reality Warriors couldn’t accept in ‘fall from grace’

Warriors: 2023 finish: 4th | 2024 finish: 13th
No club had such a spectacular fall from grace in 2024 as the Warriors.
Expectations were so high of a grand final spot after finishing in the top four last season that the Wahs sold out every game this year in an NRL first.
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But full houses at Mt Smart witnessed disappointment after disappointment as the Warriors slipped back into their old ways of making schoolboy errors and letting close games slip from their grasp.
After a sensational season in 2023, veteran Shaun Johnson fell away badly in his final year in the NRL.
Shaun Johnson struggled in his final season.  Getty
His 32 try assists dropped by half and the club won just four of the 16 games he started. It’s harsh because he has been such a wonderful ornament to the game over such a long time, but SJ appeared to play one season too many.
The Warriors looked far more dangerous when the talented Te Maire Martin wore the No.7 jumper and his combination with up-and-coming Luke Metcalf should bring more wins in 2025.
In a club renowned for its attacking flair, only crowd-pleasing winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (15) managed to score more than 10 tries.
The decision of the club’s best forward – Addin Fonua-Blake – to move on next year appeared to rock the playing group and they lost their way on the run home, winning just three of their final 11 games when a finals spot was still a chance.
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The one positive out of his decision is that the club was able to lure one of the game’s premier props, Panthers colossus James Fisher-Harris, into coming back home in a major boost.
James Fisher-Harris will add some firepower to the Warriors forward pack.  Getty
Injuries weren’t kind to the Wahs, with Martin, Metcalf, forward leader Tohu Harris, Bunty Afoa, Rocco Berry, Marata Niukore and Adam Pompey all spending long stretches in the physio room.
But some smart signings and the emergence of some fine rookies – headed by exciting utility back Taine Tuapiki – suggests that better times lie ahead in 2025.
Best player: Wayde Egan enjoyed his best season in the NRL, steering the team around the park superbly at hooker and making many solo breaks. Sadly his teammates weren’t able to capitalise on the opportunities he created often enough.
Wayde Egan was a shining light for the Warriors in 2024.  Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images
Needs to lift: In his much-hyped return from a two year holiday in rugby union, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck managed just five tries in 18 games. He needs to produce more if the Wahs are to be a threat in 2025.
Key signing: James Fisher-Harris – not so much for his fearsome charges up the middle but more for the professionalism he will bring to the Wahs after his time at three-time premiers Penrith.
2025 gains: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Erin Clark (Titans), Jett Cleary (Panthers).
2025 losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Shaun Johnson (retirement)