Editorial: Warriors fans have reasons to be optimistic for 2021 NRL season

Warriors fans will be hoping to see plenty of Addin Fonua-Blake with ball under his wing and hitting the Gold Coast Titans line in Round One. Photo / Jason O'Brien, photosport.nz

EDITORIAL

Round one of the NRL season is a wonderful time where your local Warriors supporter can be heard professing "it's our year" to anyone within earshot.

It's been a decade of disappointment for the Warriors, who have made the playoffs just once since they reached the Grand Final in 2011. But at the dawn of a new era for the club, there's reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.

The Warriors were among the most active clubs in the free agent market at the end of last season, buying a marquee talent in prop Addin Fonua-Blake, a much-needed strike centre in Euan Aitken, and several other quality recruits who have shown consistency in their high level of play during their time in the NRL.

It's the strongest squad in years and, while they have all the new talent, they also have the motivation of trying to achieve something in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's final year with the club. In a well-publicised move, the superstar fullback and Warriors captain will be leaving for the 15-man code at season's end, drawing an end to a six-year period which has achieved plenty of individual success but not so much as a team.

The first month of the season provides a good test for the Warriors, with the revamped Gold Coast Titans and constant contenders the Sydney Roosters among early opponents.

With a new look team, expect them to take some time to find their way, but with the talent at hand, this should be a team who find themselves in the right half of the table at season's end. Even if that's in eighth place – you only have to get to the playoffs to have a chance.