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As we enter the 2025 season, the New Zealand Warriors are marking their 30th anniversary. In light of this significant milestone, NRL.com is calling on fans to help create the club's ultimate team from their first three decades. Despite the Warriors' elusive hunt for premiership success, they have consistently attracted and nurtured some of the sport's biggest stars, setting up exciting debates for the selection process.
Arguably the most contentious decision will be the selection for the No.7 jersey. Fans are torn between two club legends, Stacey Jones, the original favourite son and halfback in their first grand final, and Shaun Johnson, who holds most of the Little General's records and a multitude of game-winning performances.
Another tough choice is selecting the fullback. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the only Warrior to ever claim the Dally M Medal. However, his competition is none other than the former cross-code superstar and goalkicking maestro, Matthew Ridge.
The selection for the wings is another dilemma. Do fans opt for the raw power of Manu Vatuvei, the club's all-time record try-scorer, and early 2000s powerhouse Francis Meli? Or do they lean towards current day scoring sensation Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and David Fusitu’a, who boasts an impressive 61 tries in 108 appearances for the club?
In the forward pack, the Warriors have been spoilt for choice over the years. Names like Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, and the recently departed Addin Fonua-Blake are just a few of the elite props who have graced Go Media Stadium. Other forward standouts include the skillful Ali Lauitiiti, relentless Simon Mannering, and tough Aussie import Kevin Campion.
As you can see, the selection process poses some major decisions to determine who deserves to join the elite ranks of the best Warriors.
To participate, vote for your favourite player for each position in the ballot below. The four highest polling players in each position will advance to the final round of voting on the NRL's in-app stories feature in the coming weeks.
So take a trip down memory lane and get involved today! This is a unique opportunity for fans to honour their favourite Warriors and reflect on the club's rich history and contributions to the game.
Arguably the most contentious decision will be the selection for the No.7 jersey. Fans are torn between two club legends, Stacey Jones, the original favourite son and halfback in their first grand final, and Shaun Johnson, who holds most of the Little General's records and a multitude of game-winning performances.
Another tough choice is selecting the fullback. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the only Warrior to ever claim the Dally M Medal. However, his competition is none other than the former cross-code superstar and goalkicking maestro, Matthew Ridge.
The selection for the wings is another dilemma. Do fans opt for the raw power of Manu Vatuvei, the club's all-time record try-scorer, and early 2000s powerhouse Francis Meli? Or do they lean towards current day scoring sensation Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and David Fusitu’a, who boasts an impressive 61 tries in 108 appearances for the club?
In the forward pack, the Warriors have been spoilt for choice over the years. Names like Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, and the recently departed Addin Fonua-Blake are just a few of the elite props who have graced Go Media Stadium. Other forward standouts include the skillful Ali Lauitiiti, relentless Simon Mannering, and tough Aussie import Kevin Campion.
As you can see, the selection process poses some major decisions to determine who deserves to join the elite ranks of the best Warriors.
To participate, vote for your favourite player for each position in the ballot below. The four highest polling players in each position will advance to the final round of voting on the NRL's in-app stories feature in the coming weeks.
So take a trip down memory lane and get involved today! This is a unique opportunity for fans to honour their favourite Warriors and reflect on the club's rich history and contributions to the game.