![NRL Playoffs: First week action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=796)
NRL Playoffs: First week action
David Skipwith takes a look at the match-ups going into the first week of finals footy in the NRL.
David Skipwith takes a look at the match-ups going into the first week of finals footy in the NRL.
The off-season arrived prematurely for the Warriors NRL side, but crunch time is approaching for the club's under-20s and NSW Cup teams.
Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston were notable no-shows at the NRL finals' series launch yesterday.
Herald league writer David Skipwith takes a look back at the highs and lows of the club's 20th season in the NRL.
The Bulldogs handed the Warriors an eighth consecutive defeat to cap a miserable end to the season.
Newcastle finished with the NRL's wooden spoon on Saturday after being shut out in the second half of their 30-12 defeat to Penrith.
"At the end of the day ... we need to have expectations about anyone who takes the field and how they perform from an effort level."
Simon Mannering accepts his captaincy at the Warriors is coming under question in the wake of their late-season slide.
Warriors coach extremely disappointed some of his players were out on the town two nights before last Sunday's loss to Wests Tigers.
Graham Lowe says Warriors coach Andrew McFadden wasn't prepared to think outside the square and the last seven games have been a savage lesson for him.
An inspired performance from Tigers captain Robbie Farah saw the Warriors suffer their second consecutive hefty defeat.
Sam Tomkins could return to the NRL after his next Wigan stint.
Jarryd Hayne's encouraging form for the 49ers has not surprised those who have an interest in the developmental pathway of expert sport performers.
Leaving NZ after four years will be difficult for departing Warriors hooker Nathan Friend, but the way of life he has become accustomed to will stick with him and his young family.
Rookie Warriors playmaker Mason Lino's dedication to improving his diet and game preparation has resulted in his whole family making a lifestyle change.