It all started with so much hope. Riding the high of 2023, the ‘Wahs’ bandwagon was overflowing.

But the wheels fell off early and the campaign couldn’t get back on track. From fourth to 14th, the fall from grace was a long one.

RNZ looks back at the rollercoaster run.

Injuries

Webster was surely wondering what he did to upset the rugby league gods as his side was struck with a horrendous and constant run of injuries.

Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Marcello Montoya, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Rocco Berry, Freddy Lussick, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf, Dylan Walker, Bunty Afoa and Jazz Tevaga all faced stints on the sideline.

Bunker blunders

It became a common sight for NRL referees boss Graham Annesley to front up and apologise to the Warriors after being the victims of several absolute howlers, and Webby was fed up.

Unrest

Though the players and coaches were adamant the rumours surrounding a rift with Addin Fonua-Blake were just that, whether true or not, the noise was no doubt a distraction for the side.

Halves combinations

With Johnson in and out of the side through injuries, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin were given plenty of chances to shine, but just as they were starting to click, the combination would be changed again upon Johnson’s return.

Goalkicking

The Warriors left plenty of points on the pitch through missed shots at goal, none more costly than the sitter Chanel Harris-Tavita sprayed against Canberra.

RTS vs CNK

The constant debate surrounding who should play fullback was exhausting for Webster and his players.

The season

Round One – A worrying omen. Lost to Sharks 16-12 in Auckland. Ladder – 10th.

A blistering start with tries for Fonua Blake and a cracker for Metcalf before an obvious penalty try was not awarded, which would have seen the Warriors go up three tries to nil. The Sharks struck before half-time, and kept the Warriors scoreless after the break. Despite a wealth of possession and territory, the hosts could not convert it into more points. “Our first 20 minutes was outstanding. The period after halftime was really poor – we were just clunky, didn’t have the right timing.” – Webster.

Round Two – A Storm stunner. Lost to Storm 30-26 in Melbourne. Ladder – 14th.

Appearing dead and buried with just two minutes remaining and eight points down, Storm winger Xavier Coates leapt into the heavens and came down with an absolute miracle. A 12th straight loss to Melbourne came in heart-breaking fashion, with the side staging a brilliant comeback after trailing by 12 at halftime, only for Melbourne to score twice in two minutes – Coates’ aerial special one of the greatest finishes of the season. The Warriors were largely in control of the second spell, before both Harris and Berry went off for HIAs – the latter through a shoulder to the head from eventual match-winner Coates. “We shouldn’t have been in that situation. It was a freakish try, but I’m looking forward to getting rid of that yuck feeling from the weekend. I genuinely think our footy is some of the best footy in the NRL right now.” – Webster.

Round Three – On the board. Beat Raiders 18-10 in Christchurch. Ladder – 11th.

The Warriors produced some magic in Christchurch for their first win of the season. Down 10-6, they scored a pair of brilliant tries – first to Metcalf after Watene-Zalezniak went dancing across the turf before throwing a perfect ball, followed by Tuivasa-Sheck announcing his return to league with a spectacular effort in the 65th to seal the win. “It’s been a tough three weeks, against some tough opposition. While we weren’t perfect tonight we did enough.” – Harris.