General 2023 Ladder Predictions

[Beastmode]

I agree Shaun Johnson was average at best 2022 season but I think when Webby was mentioning Legacy and what Shaun Johnson can leave behind is going to be a huge motivation especially in his potential last season. Fingers crossed.

True, but that motivation speech was this year. He had any and every reason to shine. This year. Especially after we dropped Brownie. And he didn’t. Not because he didn’t want to - but because he couldn’t.

He is now officially, in my books - Blake Green 2.0

Sorry Shaun Johnson, time to move on. Until this happens. we ain’t getting anywhere near the Top 8

 

[Warriorsitsouryear]

True, but that motivation speech was this year. He had any and every reason to shine. This year. Especially after we dropped Brownie. And he didn’t. Not because he didn’t want to - but because he couldn’t.

He is now officially, in my books - Blake Green 2.0

Sorry Shaun Johnson, time to move on. Until this happens. we ain’t getting anywhere near the Top 8

You could well be right and after last year - I totally understand it. But new season...another clean slate from me...isn't that what we usually do at the Warriors? ....It's a survival mechanism we have as fans that are still supporting. In saying that - I am all for changes if over a suitable amount of games - it isn't improving.

I think Shaun Johnson will be better. He has to be....will be! How much better I'm not sure.If our pack can get us the meters and he has more support with an experienced 1, a stable 6 rather than a rotating youngster every few weeks and an ever improving 'fit' Egan ....all those will help a huge amount. Having a better defense will mean we are not playing off our line as much as well which doesn't help a half. There were rumors about whether he agreed with the coach's (Brown) approach too (rightly or wrongly).

Additionally, I believe he struggled more than most without having his young family with him - I wouldn't underestimate that for him. Regardless of being a professional sportsman or whether he should have known that was a possibility during covid - the fact is - he struggled with it and it did affect his play.

He doesn't have the running game and acceleration of old, but we do need him to challenge the line at times in games, no kick offs or last plays out on the full and better ends to the sets - already would be a big improvement - and none of that is asking too much.

He is our 7 this year - I'll back him! I have to! We can't expect a 19 year old at 7 to be ready yet to start most games. We have a tough draw early on after watching 'The Guru's' podcast of all team predictions - so it could take us a few weeks to show what we are about with new players and a new style from a new coach. Would love us to hit the ground running though!

Don 't let me down Shaun Johnson!!!

 

[Noitall]

You could well be right and after last year - I totally understand it. But new season...another clean slate from me...isn't that what we usually do at the Warriors? ....It's a survival mechanism we have as fans that are still supporting. In saying that - I am all for changes if over a suitable amount of games - it isn't improving.

I think Shaun Johnson will be better. He has to be....will be! How much better I'm not sure.If our pack can get us the meters and he has more support with an experienced 1, a stable 6 rather than a rotating youngster every few weeks and an ever improving 'fit' Egan ....all those will help a huge amount. Having a better defense will mean we are not playing off our line as much as well which doesn't help a half. There were rumors about whether he agreed with the coach's (Brown) approach too (rightly or wrongly).

Additionally, I believe he struggled more than most without having his young family with him - I wouldn't underestimate that for him. Regardless of being a professional sportsman or whether he should have known that was a possibility during covid - the fact is - he struggled with it and it did affect his play.

He doesn't have the running game and acceleration of old, but we do need him to challenge the line at times in games, no kick offs or last plays out on the full and better ends to the sets - already would be a big improvement - and none of that is asking too much.

He is our 7 this year - I'll back him! I have to! We can't expect a 19 year old at 7 to be ready yet to start most games. We have a tough draw early on after watching 'The Guru's' podcast of all team predictions - so it could take us a few weeks to show what we are about with new players and a new style from a new coach. Would love us to hit the ground running though!

Don 't let me down Shaun Johnson!!!

Can’t ever remember him being back for pre season so early, even Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said one year “we don’t see Shaun until after Christmas”. He’s been putting a lot of time in, I think he’s in for a big one if his body holds.

 

[Toookey]

True, but that motivation speech was this year. He had any and every reason to shine. This year. Especially after we dropped Brownie. And he didn’t. Not because he didn’t want to - but because he couldn’t.

He is now officially, in my books - Blake Green 2.0

Sorry Shaun Johnson, time to move on. Until this happens. we ain’t getting anywhere near the Top 8

Waaay too harsh imo.
In no way am I going to talk Shaun Johnson up as I think he was under par, but he wasnt as bad as you say.
Yes, he didn't lead the team around this year but it wasn't all his fault.
His defence was no better or worse than the majority of halves this year. He was middle of the pack (15th for halves) in try assists, and 2nd for forced drop outs. Hardly terrible. Remember he also won us 2 games with those drop goals at the end too

The old running Shaun Johnson is gone, so there's no point any of us trying to hold on to that and judging him on his lack of running, he's not that guy any more.

I back him to be better than that next year, but he's not going to be a world beater by himself. Replacing Shaun Johnson with any other half this year wouldn't have resulted in us playing finals, so the whole team will have to step up if we want to be competitive nek year

 

[mrblonde]

Warriors between 6-11. If I was to pick a number, I'd say 9.

Panthers for the threepeat. Panthers-Roosters Grand Final.

Cowboys lose in a preliminary final.

Dolphins for the Wooden Bottom Smacker.

Johnson to retire from internationals this year and if form doesn't justify a new contract, from the NRL. But someone in the ESL will take him for a season or two.

Martin I hope will last the season, but I'm honestly not expecting a lot from him - maybe his brain bleed has had effects that will limit the quantity of his output if not the quality.

Walsh to make us thank our lucky stars for homesickness as he makes the Broncos fans sick. And that's the real term of sick, for all you young 'uns!

 

[wizards rage]

2023 Warriors for the Top 4!

Even a broken clocks right occasionally so I’ll stick to being the eternal optimist

 

[Noitall]

2023 Warriors for the Top 4!

Even a broken clocks right occasionally so I’ll stick to being the eternal optimist

Never say never. The cowboys did it with a new coach and attitude. Last time we recruited heavily was a successful season. I share your optimism.

 

[Toookey]

Never say never. The cowboys did it with a new coach and attitude. Last time we recruited heavily was a successful season. I share your optimism.

I mean look, we lost 10 games by 12 points or less this year.

Read in to that how you will, but it's a possibility that with the many recruits we've bought - almost half a new team - the needle moves somewhat so that we're winning more of those close ones.

Year of the ambush baby

 

[Beastmode]

I always love pre-season optimism .... every single year....

 

[Wrighty]

I always love pre-season optimism .... every single year....

We are one or two key injuries away from finishing 17th

 

[snake77]

I always love pre-season optimism .... every single year....

I'm starting to think it's more contagious than covid. I've been catching it for 20+ years now.

Until we make the 8 I'm hesitant to tip us for the 8. We've had too many disappointments the last 10 years. Even some of the last few we haven't needed a "will we make the top 8" thread".

Last year it looked like we might see some improvement with some of the signings and it ended up being one of our worst. Another reason I'm burnt out or hesitant.

Mind you a new coach speaking positively and some good signings and I'm starting to get pulled back in like The Godfather. If we had another front rower or two I'd be more confident.

 

[Wrighty]

C'mon Santa belated christmas gift? Give us Isaac Liu so our enthusiastic dreams can commence

NRL acquistions to start Jab 3rd and 4th??

 

[Damo]

1. Roosters
2. Panthers
3. Storm
4. Cowboys
5. Rabbitohs
6. Sharks
7. Raiders
8. Eels

9. Bulldogs
10. Broncos
11. Tigers
12. Knights
13. Warriors
14. Titans
15. Dolphins
16. Sea Eagles
17. Dragons

Unfortunately I think even 13th is optimistic, we have an okay squad but everyone around us has improved theirs a lot more.

 

[PNG Kiwi]

Predicting the ladder at this stage is difficult at best, but based on last years results it is hard to see any of the top four fulling out of the top 8.
For the Warriors to rise into the top 8 would be unrealistic under normal circumstances, but there are so many unknowns.
New coach
New recruits
Playing from home
Having a reserve grade
All the above will have an impact on their performance.
I believe there will be improvements with the enthusiasm of a new coaching team organising training, and the buy in from the new recruits and existing players.
Having home support must be a bonus for the team and all these aspects should push us up the ladder.

 

[Noitall]

1. Roosters
2. Panthers
3. Storm
4. Cowboys
5. Rabbitohs
6. Sharks
7. Bulldogs
8. Eels

9. Tigers
10. Broncos
11. Raiders
12. Knights
13. Warriors
14. Titans
15. Dolphins
16. Sea Eagles
17. Dragons

Unfortunately I think even 13th is optimistic, we have an okay squad but everyone around us has improved theirs a lot more.

We really have no idea the effect Webster has had on these guys until round 1, to go with half a team of recruits and how they’ll gel. While I’m not denying other teams have recruited well, they are mainly forwards the tigers and bulldogs have brought in, which will help with go forward but it’s the lack of recruitment in the spine I don’t see as bringing the points these teams need. Hearing Lachie Miller has asked for a release from the sharks to join the knights, I now see the knights as possible bigger movers than tigers and bulldogs with the addition of Hastings and potentially Miller. All hinges around the success of Ponga to the halves, which failed last time.

 

[Wheels]

Looking at the ladder predictions there seems to be a look more realism than optimism when it comes to the Warriors. With a new coach and very decent acquisitions I am picking us to make the top 8. If we get Liu, not sure if this is fact or fiction, then I think we will finish 6.

 

[Canonball]

Looking at the ladder predictions there seems to be a look more realism than optimism when it comes to the Warriors. With a new coach and very decent acquisitions I am picking us to make the top 8. If we get Liu, not sure if this is fact or fiction, then I think we will finish 6.

I'm picking 5th, 6th or 7th too - we've potentially got a really solid team which should be in that lower half of the 8.

 

[Damo]

We really have no idea the effect Webster has had on these guys until round 1, to go with half a team of recruits and how they’ll gel. While I’m not denying other teams have recruited well, they are mainly forwards the tigers and bulldogs have brought in, which will help with go forward but it’s the lack of recruitment in the spine I don’t see as bringing the points these teams need. Hearing Lachie Miller has asked for a release from the sharks to join the knights, I now see the knights as possible bigger movers than tigers and bulldogs with the addition of Hastings and potentially Miller. All hinges around the success of Ponga to the halves, which failed last time.

I really don't think the Webster effect will come to fruition until mid season and beyond. These things take time barring a miracle.

 

[Geoff Public]

I looked at the Australian betting agencies. They have us bottom 3.
If we have another one of those years CG needs to go and it would be best for the club if Robinson created more distance from the club.
If we get as high as 11th our coach is a miracle worker. Bennett showed at Newcastle, it doesn't matter who your coach is if your club is poorly run.

 

[Noitall]

I really don't think the Webster effect will come to fruition until mid season and beyond. These things take time barring a miracle.

Cowboys probably thought the same, going from second last to top 4 in the space of a season. I like that Webster has been here before so knows what to expect and hopefully what we need to succeed, also the Ivan Cleary tutorage and advice having also served us. Truth is it’s an unknown, I feel more encouraged having a coach that’s trying to win rather than the previous just asking the team to compete though.