With yet another disappointing Warriors campaign drawing to a close, Chris Rattue hands out some alternative end-of-season awards.
Player of the Year
Shaun Johnson gets the nod - that's how bad things have got. Erratic? Yes. Central to the problems? Possibly. But at least he can make boring-ball mildly interestingto watch.
Kieran Foran used the club to get his life back in order, then scarpered for the Bulldogs. Thanks awfully, Kieran.
Kieran Foran. Photo / Jason Oxenham.
Most Promising
No award this year. There wasn't anything promising about the Warriors this season.
The Simon Mannering Award for Endless Quality Service
Simon Mannering (he now gets to keep the trophy).
Simon Mannering. Photo / Photosport.
Monopoly Award (for best roll-the-dice board game)
Owner Eric Watson became the chairman early last year, and quit the job this year. Huh?
Eric Watson. Photo / Greg Bowker.
Best Try
Outgoing CEO and incoming chairman Jim Doyle found hope during the current eight game losing streak: "There are different levels of disappointment - our biggest loss this year is by 16 points. In the past we've lost by 40."
Jim Doyle. Photo / Photosport.
Top Stats
These may not be the numbers which count most, but Johnson is near the top of the NRL try assist ladder, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck likewise in all run metres, and Mannering will finish the season as the second top tackler in the NRL. Mind you, Mannering is wearing himself out trying to cover all the cracks.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck nearly topped the NRL running metres standings. Photo / Photosport.
Best Quote
"I hold Melbourne very, very dear to my heart" - departing Aussie Ryan Hoffman, as the Warriors hurtled towards a record losing streak.
Ryan Hoffman. Photo / Getty Images.
Best Bro-mance
Johnson and Foran couldn't speak highly enough of each other. No other NRL pairing came close - a rare victory for the club.
Shaun Johnson (left) and Kieran Foran arrive at Warriors training. Photo / Photosport.
Best Win
Against Parramatta, in April, with Foran - in just his second game - getting virtually all the credit. "Suddenly the Warriors are a far different proposition" one writer enthused. Parramatta turned out to be a pretty good side. Most of the Warriors' other scant wins were against duds.
Kieran Foran in action against the Eels at Mt Smart Stadium in April. Photo / Photosport.
Best Lowie-ism
Famous old coach Graham Lowe opined: "They have never quite got the jigsaw puzzle right. They have to make sure you have a coach who will get the players to play better than they think they can play."
Graham Lowe. Photo / NZH.
Supporters Award
Goes to those loyal (although dwindling) number of supporters at Mt Smart Stadium, for sticking with this mob. Yes, that's what supporters should do. But they have endured a lot over the years.
