The departures of long-serving stars Addin Fonua-Blake, Jazz Tevaga, Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris will result in a very different Warriors team in 2025 – and some may say that is a good thing.
Despite a wealth of talent and massive junior pool, the Wahs have made the finals just once in the past six years and the squad looked in need of a change during an uninspiring 2024 campaign.
After a strong showing in Andrew Webster's first season, the Kiwi club fell back into its bad old ways and rarely looked like a finals contender.
While Fonua-Blake is a huge loss, his replacement is capable of turning the club around.
Kiwis star James Fisher-Harris is a huge in for the Warriors. Getty
Panthers multi-premiership-winner James Fisher-Harris is arguably the best front-rower in the world, but more than that, he has a presence and real leadership qualities that should bring out the best in the youngsters in the Warriors ranks.
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Johnson probably played one season too long at halfback and the Warriors were at their best last year when Te Maire Martin played at number seven.
But steering the team around the park week in, week out will test Martin and he is another key man in unlocking the Warriors' true potential.
The club will also be looking to get more out of classy veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who was well below his best in his comeback season from his rugby union holiday in 2024 with just five tries from 18 games.
The club has plenty of size and talent up front but feels a little skinny out wide and may look to add an outside back before the kickoff following Zyon Maiu'u's departure this week.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck reacts after the Warriors concede a try in his first season back in the NRL. Getty
2025 gains
James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers), Motu Pasikala (uppgraded), Erin Clark (Titans), Sam Healey (Sharks), Tanah Boyd (Titans)
2025 losses
Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Jazz Tevaga (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (retired), Tohu Harris (retired), Zyon Maiu'u (Bulldogs)
Best buy: If there is one man in the league capable of turning around the inconsistent Warriors, it is the inspirational James Fisher-Harris. The man at the heart of Penrith's four-peat pack knows what it takes to be a winner and will lead from the front.
It's a big season for: All eyes will be on Te Maire Martin, who takes over as the Warriors' playmaker following Shaun Johnson's retirement. He has the talent to get the job done, but the pressure will be intense.
Te Maire Martin has a big season ahead in 2025. Getty
Biggest question mark: Aussie clubs believe if they match it with the Warriors for the first 60 minutes, the Kiwi club will fade away in the final 20 – they have to prove that theory wrong.
Predicted finish: 12th
Predicted 17 for round 1:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Edward Kosi 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Marata Niukore 16. Jackson Ford 17. Tom Ale
Sportsbet odds to win comp: $51
