Alright lads, I think it's time we got back to talking about league. LOL. Too many threads have gone a little...erm...off track. This from sportal.co.nz
After a particularly satisfying season for New Zealand Warriors fans, even if the club failed to make it into the top eight this year, September 14's awards dinner looms large on the horizon as the year's final spectacle.
With more than a few players stepping up to the plate in 2006, deciding who wins the silverware is no doubt going to be a tough job.
Looking at the most prestigious of the awards, the Player of the Year, there are probably three front-runners.
Ruben Wiki, vice-captain, Kiwis skipper, tireless worker and winner of last year's award, is most certainly going to be in the running again.
If anything, Wiki's performances in a Warriors jumper this year have been better than even those of his lauded first season with the club.
However, vying alongside his close friend and international rival is Kangaroo, State of Origin representative and club skipper Steve Price, who is sure to come close to winning the esteemed trophy.
When not away on Origin duty, Price has performed above and beyond the call of duty and provides a mental lift for the team when he's on the paddock.
Of course, it would be very hard to go past the brilliant form of departing fullback Brent Webb.
The Australian-born Kiwis representative has had by far his best year in a Warriors jumper and his upcoming departure to Leeds is sure to have an impact on the Warriors' 2007 campaign.
Webb's on-field efforts in 2006 could best be classed as similar to those of arguably the world's greatest fullback Anthony Minichiello.
With incisive running, elusive linebreaks, Webb would have to be the clear favourite to take home the Player of the Year award in his final season with the club.
When deciding on who should win the Young Player of the Year award, one particular youngster is sure to stand-out.
Grant Rovelli, originally signed by Warriors coach Ivan Cleary after some scintillating performances for the Sydney Roosters' Premier League side, has made a dream start to what looks like a promising career.
By the season's mid-way point, Rovelli had made the prized halfback jersey his own and it didn't take long before he began to craft play for the Warriors in the playmaking role.
Despite some commendable performances by club newcomers Sam Rapira and Patrick Ah Van, Rovelli stands head and shoulders above as the clear favourite for this award.
The final award, which is judged by an expert panel, is the Clubman of the Year award.
Previously open to all of the Warriors' back-office staff, this year's award will only look at players.
While hard to pick when not privy to the goings on behind the scenes at Mt Smart Stadium, it would be tough to overlook departing veteran Awen Guttenbeil for his tireless service to the club.
With Guttenbeil off to Castleford next season, the Warriors are sure to miss his experience and ability to lift the side in its toughest moments and this award would be a fitting tribute to him.
After a particularly satisfying season for New Zealand Warriors fans, even if the club failed to make it into the top eight this year, September 14's awards dinner looms large on the horizon as the year's final spectacle.
With more than a few players stepping up to the plate in 2006, deciding who wins the silverware is no doubt going to be a tough job.
Looking at the most prestigious of the awards, the Player of the Year, there are probably three front-runners.
Ruben Wiki, vice-captain, Kiwis skipper, tireless worker and winner of last year's award, is most certainly going to be in the running again.
If anything, Wiki's performances in a Warriors jumper this year have been better than even those of his lauded first season with the club.
However, vying alongside his close friend and international rival is Kangaroo, State of Origin representative and club skipper Steve Price, who is sure to come close to winning the esteemed trophy.
When not away on Origin duty, Price has performed above and beyond the call of duty and provides a mental lift for the team when he's on the paddock.
Of course, it would be very hard to go past the brilliant form of departing fullback Brent Webb.
The Australian-born Kiwis representative has had by far his best year in a Warriors jumper and his upcoming departure to Leeds is sure to have an impact on the Warriors' 2007 campaign.
Webb's on-field efforts in 2006 could best be classed as similar to those of arguably the world's greatest fullback Anthony Minichiello.
With incisive running, elusive linebreaks, Webb would have to be the clear favourite to take home the Player of the Year award in his final season with the club.
When deciding on who should win the Young Player of the Year award, one particular youngster is sure to stand-out.
Grant Rovelli, originally signed by Warriors coach Ivan Cleary after some scintillating performances for the Sydney Roosters' Premier League side, has made a dream start to what looks like a promising career.
By the season's mid-way point, Rovelli had made the prized halfback jersey his own and it didn't take long before he began to craft play for the Warriors in the playmaking role.
Despite some commendable performances by club newcomers Sam Rapira and Patrick Ah Van, Rovelli stands head and shoulders above as the clear favourite for this award.
The final award, which is judged by an expert panel, is the Clubman of the Year award.
Previously open to all of the Warriors' back-office staff, this year's award will only look at players.
While hard to pick when not privy to the goings on behind the scenes at Mt Smart Stadium, it would be tough to overlook departing veteran Awen Guttenbeil for his tireless service to the club.
With Guttenbeil off to Castleford next season, the Warriors are sure to miss his experience and ability to lift the side in its toughest moments and this award would be a fitting tribute to him.
