Blinded by optimism
You could almost hear Warriors fans’ collective sigh of relief when news broke of Foz’s move to Aotearoa.
That’s right, if you haven’t heard already, Kieran Foran has signed a one year deal with the Vodafone Warriors for 2017.
Now, if you are a die-hard Warriors fan you probably won’t be able to help but have your excitement levels sit at peak until the new season kicks off next year. The 2016 season still has two weeks to run, but it is all about 2017 now.
This for Warriors fans has become a common theme in recent seasons and everyone knows it. Fans that don’t support the Warriors know it,even the experts know it. So then why do we continue to feed the beast that is optimism?
Well, let’s take a look back at the last few years of crushed dreams and shattered hearts.
In 2011 the Warriors went all the way. On the back of the introduction of Shaun Johnson and some Kirsnan Inu brilliance they made it to the big dance. They lost, but the bar was set, so bring on 2012.
New year, new coach new hope. 2012 Brian ‘Bluey’ McClennan came into the fray with his proven track record and some new ideas. Those ideas included making Manu Vatuvei captain while appearing to disregard the need for defensive structure. Poor results meant he didn’t even last the season and assistant Tony Iro took over.
2013 and while the optimism wasn’t as strong as previous years, a new coach (Matt Elliott) with a whole new coaching team and aspirations to become the biggest sporting brand in Australasia had the die-hard fans fizzing. The round 10 loss to Penrith (62 -6), the biggest of the Warriors history pretty much summed up the season.
2014 was the 20th season of the Warriors existence. Is there any more reason to get pumped for a season of footy? How about the addition of Sam Tomkins! Well despite the excitement, it didn’t start too well. Coach Matt Elliott was shown the door after six rounds and young gun Andrew McFadden was given the reigns. McFadden done what he could with the tools he had and only just missed out on the eight by points differential. At last, a coach who can coach. Bring on 2015.
A clean out of the excess baggage and the incoming Ryan Hoffman only pushed optimism levels higher amongst fans, pity about the results. Knocked out in the quarter finals of the Auckland NRL Nines they could’ve celebrated Mad Monday then and there. Eight losses to close the season wasn’t ideal. Queue optimism levels for 2016. RTS, Issac Luke and the return of the favourite Ali Lauitiiti.
This year is surely fresh enough in your minds? Tuivasa-Sheck went down like someone shot him, Luke looked to be carrying a few extra kegs and a few of the boys had an energy drink/sleeping pill party mid-season.
All that aside, who’s excited for 2017? This time it could really truly be your year Warriors fans. You’ve just signed Kieran Foran which gives you the Kiwis spine. You’ve just signed the ex-Kiwis coach and on the back of five underperforming seasons, the rest of the NRL including the experts won’t hype you up too much.
What do you think? Are you with me? #LetsGoneWarriors
@Gldf1sh