Marks out of 10 (and most importantly the last opportunity to vie for TWL Player of the Year points) after the Warriors’ season-ending win over Manly.
1 PETA HIKU: Quickly made up for an early spilled bomb with a classy display, as he always does while standing in for Rog. A team-high (by a mile) 215 metres, a line-break and a gorgeous try-assist left the utility-back well on side the credit side of the ledger despite his initial bungle. 8
2 ADAM POMPEY: Not bad but not his best. A glaring mistake from the second half kick-off was compounded by Abbas Miski scoring down his wing. Some strong runs but well down on most of his recent peformances. 5
3 ADAM KEIGHRAN: Way to put yourself in the shop window, AK. In just his ninth NRL game – and only the specialist half’s third in the centres – he scored a blazing hat-trick, with his hole-running and footwork coming to the fore. Also the only member of the Warriors’ three-quarter line to top 100 metres. 8
4 HAYZE PERHAM: A tough afternoon for a guy that’s done well to hold down a spot over the last six rounds of the season. Limited role in attack and credited with four handling errors, though went well in defence with 18 tackles. 5.5
5 PATRICK HERBERT: Caught obscenely out of position as opposing winger Garrick scored the first try but ultimately won that battle with a well-taken double. Probably not enough to convince the Warriors brass to whip up a contract extension, but enough to prove why they should. 7.5
6 KODI NIKORIMA: Anonymous early on, Kodi exploded in an excellent finish to what many would consider a career-best season. Chased through for the first try, had two try-assists – one with a short ball for Katoa, the other with a superb kick for Herbert – and racked up 83 metres from 11 runs. 7.5
7 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: A whopping four try-assists tells much of the story of a big day out for CHT. But again it was his effort errors that were the most enduring memory of his performance: a try-saver on Sea Eagles behemoth Paseka and a rushing-out-of-the-line bell-ringer on another giant in Olakau’atu in the space of three tackles (among Chanel’s 20 for the match) underlined his courage, desire and footy instincts. Still the future of this club. 8
8 LACHLAN BURR: If that was to be Burr’s last game for the club, it was an admirable way to go out. Carted the ball up 15 times for 137 metres in a wholehearted effort that should have several NRL suitors interested. 7
9 KARL LAWTON: Solid but not especially memorable. Had 29 minutes at hooker and five in the back-rower, making just three runs but coming up with a line-break assist. 6
10 ISAIAH PAPALI’I: Another who has likely played his last game for the Warriors, Papali’i made eight runs for 71 metres and 23 tackles. Strong finish to the season in recent weeks. 6.5
11 ELIESA KATOA: In a rookie year ultimately punctuated by injury and suspension, Katoa reminded everyone what a mouth-watering prospect he is. Two wonderfully taken first-half tries, 113 metres and 19 tackles. If not for Harry Grant, probably would have grabbed the Dally M ROTY gong despite only playing 12 games. 7.5
12 TOHU HARRIS: Inevitably the club’s official (and TWL’s) Player of the Year, Harris finished a magnificent season in slightly understated style – but fitting as he topped the Warriors’ tackle count with 32 tackles (no misses) and led the forwards with 148 metres on 15 carries. An absolute goliath in 2020. 8
13 JAZZ TEVAGA: There’s never a more dogged competitor on the field than Jazzy. Racked up 135 metres on 12 carries and 20 tackles in just 46 minutes, as well as doing his best to get under the Sea Eagles’ skins. 7.5
14 WAYDE EGAN: Five runs and 29 tackles in 52 minutes on the park – nothing standout to make it among his best, but certainly nowhere his worst. 6.5
15 ADAM BLAIR: Underlined his best qualities in 35 minutes of farewell footy (his goalkicking aside). Made six runs for 60 metres, did a bit of ball-playing and made 14 tackles without missing one. A troubled legacy but undoubtedly a Kiwis great and a worthy Warrior. 7
16 JACK MURCHIE: A darling of the Warriors’ late-season resurgence after being recalled, Murchie had to take a back-seat to Katoa’s return today. Struggled to get involved with three runs and 12 tackles in 35 minutes, but shapes as a key member of the 2021 campaign. 5
17 JAMAYNE TAUNOA-BROWN: Suspended last week, JTB made a mammoth contribution after returning from the bench. Chalked up 143 metres from 14 runs and 22 tackles without a miss in 43 minutes on the paddock. The non-stop toiler the Warriors will need to complement their more explosive middles in 2021. 7.5
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