Chris Rattue: Warriors' bottom line

The statistic that shouldn't escape anybody's attention in assessing the Warriors 2006 season is the one on the bottom line. An average crowd around the 9000 mark, the worst in the NRL, told the story: the masses were not amused and they were not at Mt Smart Stadium.

The four lost competition points cost the club plenty in 2006, and despite encouraging results they largely slipped out of the sporting limelight. Yet while the halcyon days of old are way off the radar screen for now, the Warriors' crowd usually returns quickly when there is a sniff of success in the air.

The four-game winning streak near the end of the year, including a victory over Melbourne, suggests the floating voters could well be back on their feet next year.

Here are our squad highs, mid-ranges and lows of 2006, with an eye on the 2007 season.

* Player of the year

Steve Price Captain fantastic. This Price came at a cost - his arrival contributed to the loss of four NRL points. But what a footballer. Wind him up and off he goes, week after week, churning out the metres, making outside breaks and getting offloads away now and then. Threw a pass for a try in Melbourne that Brad Fittler would have been proud of.

* Hookers

The Warriors have a healthy double act in George Gatis and Nathan Fien, who has found his rightful spot at No 9. Gatis is the bargain buy of the season - he's even heading back to Townsville to work in his family's fish and chip shop over summer.

* Rest of the pack

More great work from Ruben Wiki, although he remains a suspension risk. Age - he is 34 next year - has not wearied him yet. Still fit for a decent 40 minutes each week, and a bit more in emergencies. The Warriors should squeeze one more crunching season out of the Kiwi legend.

On reflection, Awen Guttenbeil may be missed more than the muted reaction to his departure suggests. Micheal Luck proved a whole-hearted worker, is regarded as a great influence around the club, and was another bargain buy, though he doesn't have the Guttenbeil power or offloads.

Louis Anderson was prone to the odd grasping tackle and dropped ball. The 100kg Anderson has a big motor though, did some great one-on-one marking jobs, and started imposing himself on games towards the end of the season.

Evarn Tuimavave, Sam Rapira and Epalahame Lauaki are booming prospects, with Rapira shaping as a quality starting prop.

* Candidate for 2007 heaven

The wildman Lauaki on the charge with a packed Mt Smart cheering him on. Lauaki has superstar crowd favourite written all over him.

* A forward question looking forward

What will Mr Reliable Wairangi Koopu's role be in Ivan Cleary's plans. Koopu has been a fixture, but is overlooked by the Kiwis because he lacks the x-factor impact. With the powerful Lauaki and Anderson starting to click through the gears, the pressure will be on Koopu.

* Grant Rovelli

In many ways the rookie halfback was the star considering the importance of his position and concerns about replacing Stacey Jones. Kept his game within sensible boundaries and won growing applause.

* One to stick in the cap

Will Rovelli become the next Aussie-turned-Kiwi test international, joining Tonie Carroll, Brent Webb, Fien?

* Jerome Ropati

Some, including Matthew Ridge, believe Ropati is a better centre than standoff. A fair call maybe, for now. But in this squad, Ropati is the outstanding five-eighths prospect and has the makings of a class act No 6. New Zealand struggles to produce five-eighths, and Ropati shapes as the answer to many prayers. Still suffers the odd blooper moment - a few against Brisbane will have re-kindled doubts. Should become the heart of the operation alongside Rovelli. Manly recruit Michael Witt will provide the cover in the halves next year.

* Centres

Simon Mannering is akin to a run-away tower block and the youngster relishes the NRL battleground. Fantastic prospect.

When Tony Martin is also on board, the Warriors are handily placed here although they lack top-drawer creativity and evasive ability.

Lance Hohaia's surprise contribution late in the year may have eased concerns about depth. Until then, it was time to panic if Mr Mannering wasn't around.

* Manu Vatuvei

Storm warning - sometimes cloud, sometimes silver lining. Charges like a train but turns like an ocean liner. A work in progress, but should be one well worth waiting for.

* The other wings

Greenhorn Patrick Ah Van is a top find. New recruit Michael Crockett from the Tigers has been added for speed - will he be fast-tracked past the local lads?

There is a lineup of players for the wing spots. As yet, none are dead-set superstars, but there is promise aplenty.

* Brent Webb

Webb got better and better. His departure, no thanks, you could say, to a combination of unfortunate circumstances, is unfortunate although could be offset by the arrival of Parramatta's Wade McKinnon. Webb dabbled too much in playmaking at times in his Warriors career, with confused results. But he found his fullback rhythm in 2006 and impending departure seemed to spur him on.

The stocky Webb is a fantastic attacker on his day, and adequate enough in defence to earn his keep. McKinnon is a more predictable runner but might improve the defence. For now, Webb's departure is a massive blow.

* The coach

Ivan Cleary was a quiet achiever in his playing days, which sums up his opening year as an NRL first grade coach. The Cleary-John Ackland team has produced minor miracles in turning around a club which had trouble written all over it, and, vitally, have re-signed the young talent.

The 2006 season was a gap year of sorts, thanks to the four-point deduction. The Warriors made the most of the breathing space, building a platform. But expectations have been raised.

* The offloads

Clinton Toopi - what a waste. Great at providing the icing on the cake, but melted when the going got tough. Couldn't provide the leadership to match his experience and failed to rise above the club's old chaos.

Sione Faumuina - sunk by alcohol problems. Major loss - with Webb he was the club's most flamboyant attacker.

Misi Taulapapa - really stood out through his decisive work when given a first grade shot. Succumbed to Faumuina-type problems.

* Big question for 2007

Do the Warriors' rising stars have enough miles on the clock to capitalise on what might be the last act in the Price-Wiki show? Next installment March.