Diary Of An Aotearoa Warriors Fan: Player Debriefs (Backs)
Starting with the backs, the Diary Of An Aotearoa Warriors Fan is going to roll through the Warriors players and debrief their 2018 season. Overall, it was another solid step forward for the Warriors this season and these debriefs will be concise, simple and easy to absorb, without too many stats. Just a hard and fast way to suss out the 2018 vibes for each player, keep an eye on the player debriefs for the forwards later this week.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Really good season from the skipper, who continues to grow as a fullback and a leader. We know he has a fantastic running game, like nek level running game, there is room for improvement in his combination with Blake Green and Shaun Johnson though as a passing fullback. Most impressive was his development as a leader and the club continues to thrive with a young Samoan-kiwi leading the rebuild of Mt Smart.
Ken Maumalo
Most improved, easily. Powerful carries that get the Warriors rolling forward and Maumalo is now confident under the high ball. How Maumalo adjusts to greater attention from defences in the future will be interesting, however his classy development under Stephen Kearney should have everyone excited about his future.
Solomone Kata
Surprising season from Solomone. I wasn't overly confident that Kata would be starting many games this year with far more competition for backline spots, Kearney gave Kata the job at left centre to start the season and maintained the faith. The surprise element came in Kata maintaining a solid base level of performance, sometimes going above that with his powerful running game and nimble footwork causing havoc. Low key defensively solid as well and the next level for Kata is improving his skill level, starting with reading opposition defences and sussing out when to shift the footy.
Peta Hiku
Overall, I enjoyed what Hiku brought to the Warriors this season. When Hiku was part of a full-strength Warriors team, he was another offloading tackle-buster who epitomised the style of footy that the Warriors are building; he's a natural baller. There were defensive mishaps, although these often led to nothing and this was not only his first season in the Warriors combos, it was the first season of really going hundies in establishing the defensive system/style. His attacking prowess, along with his versatility makes up for some of those defensive lapses.
David Fusitu'a
The benefactor of a potent right edge, Fusitu'a had a glorious season on the right wing. Among the best finishers in the NRL and he guzzles any high kick that goes his way, this was just another impressive season in his young career.
Blake Green
A perfect halves partner for Shaun Johnson. Classy, low key and eager to initiate attacking movements with his running game. Maybe we got caught up in the Green/Johnson hype a wee bit and expected them to be amazing all the time, that is to say that with another off-season together, they can only get better. His influence though was immediate and it's a joy to have him as the lone Aussie most weeks.
Shaun Johnson
My favourite Shaun Johnson season thus far. The Green influence enabled Johnson to slide out wider, two passes off the ruck and more often than not on the right edge where Johnson had an abundance of time and space. His right edge combo with Tohu Harris, Hiku and Fusitu'a was delightful. Any negativity about Johnson is largely based on his control of games and that's the whole point here as Johnson's immensely better when he's the x-factor, not the controller.
Gerard Beale
I'm not sure how Beale fits into the Warriors moving forward, I like what he offers though and this season we saw his value in solid performances at centre and wing. The carrot of starting footy should bring the best out of Beale this summer and heading into next season, with more time at Mt Smart and an actual pre-season, Beale could be one to watch out for.
Anthony Gelling
Cheers for the service, solid outside back cover.
Mason Lino
Another who has steadily improved during coach Kearney's tenure, Lino's development in 2018 matches his overall career development as he got better with each opportunity. Lino is the perfect back up half for the Warriors as he can slot in for Green or Johnson and strong NRL clubs need depth guys like Lino to roll through a long season. This season may have put Lino in the show window though as other clubs look for a cheap half and Lino won't play much starting footy next season, plus the Warriors have the likes of Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Paul Turner, Dakohta Taimani and Dylan Tavita coming through as young half options.
Notes
That's it. Apart from the five starters, only three other backs were used by Kearney and that points to clarity in depth, as well as versatility. This means that Kearney didn't have to dig too deep into his depth pool, even though someone like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Blake Ayshford are lingering in reserve grade
Hayze Perham, Lewis Soosemea and Chanel Harris-Tavita were named in the Junior Kiwis wider squad. Perham is a fullback/half, Soosemea is a winger and Harris-Tavita is a half; nice depth across the three backline areas.
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Peace and love 27.