The first and only club from outside of Australia to be admitted into Australia’s premier Rugby League competition, the New Zealand Warriors have had a history of mixed success. Entering the ARL in 1995 as the Auckland Warriors, the team from across the ditch had a troubled start playing against Australia’s best. Poor results on the pitch led to financial difficulties, resulting in the team rebranding themselves as the New Zealand Warriors in 2001 with hopes of a fresh start.
This proved a successful move as the Warriors backed up a strong season in 2001 where they made the finals for the first time, with a stellar 2002 as they won the minor premiership before being defeated by the Roosters in their first Grand Final appearance. Kiwi halfback Stacey Jones was instrumental in the club’s success during this period and he ranks among the club’s all-time great players.
Another period of difficulty followed however, with poor results in the mid-2000s coupled with a Salary Cap breach in 2006, spelling trouble for a club eager for success. It wasn’t until 2011 that Warriors fans had something to cheer about again, when Shaun Johnson emerged as one of the most exciting halfbacks in the NRL, leading the Warriors to the Grand Final. However, it was second-time unlucky for the Warriors, who were soundly beaten by Manly.
The Warriors have not returned to the finals since. With a roster amongst the most talented in the league, all NRL fans have grown frustrated with the club’s inability to fulfil their potential. A lack of consistency and all too common soft performances have led to claims that the club has a culture issue and players do not have the right attitude to compete with the best clubs in the competition. Ex Kiwi international Stephen Kearney has been billed with the task of weeding out the issues which have plagued the club, taking over the head coaching role in 2017.
