The stakes seem higher for the Warriors ahead of the Nines; they have showed their hand by picking a strong team, and the move will need to pay off.

The Warriors and expectation have always been uncomfortable bedfellows, but forward Ryan Hoffman believes his team can handle the hype ahead of the Auckland NRL Nines.

The 2015 season was the year of giving up on the Warriors for Chris Rattue, and he writes that sinking feeling hasn't gone away.

Ben Henry has a simple goal this season: "Get through the year injury-free and, hopefully, at the end of it, not have any surgeries - that would be nice."

The identity of the man who is alleged to have sold the footage of NRL player Mitchell Pearce drunk and simulating sex with a dog, has been posted on social media.

The potentially damaging series of mobile phone text message includes new allegations surrounding the night which has left Pearce's NRL career in jeopardy.

A shattered Mitchell Pearce has addressed the media for the first time about the Australia Day scandal that threatens to derail his career.

The attacking brilliance of Carlos Spencer is perhaps without peer, but the former All Black, Blues and Auckland rugby playmaker makes no secret that he used to borrow from Australian league immortal Andrew Johns' extensive bag of tricks.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden must undertake a delicate balancing act over the next fortnight - even before the NRL season begins.

Australian media are talking up the chances of SBW's return to league.

Engineering and infrastructure group Downer has stepped up as the new naming sponsor for the 2016 NRL Nines, after original major supporter Dick Smith went into receivership.

The blitzing speed of several key Warriors stars has been shown off in a video shot during a training session held yesterday.

Spy hears Carlos Spencer is dusting off his footy boots and is set to return to his beloved Eden Park for a cameo role in the NRL Auckland Nines in February.