Michael Ennis believes the Warriors will be the hunted in 2024, but is confident three key signings can help them maintain the rage in their second season under Andrew Webster.
The Warriors stunned the competition in 2023 to finish fourth, but they have improved on paper with the key signings of Kurt Capewell, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Ennis believes it is new territory for the Warriors in 2024 given that no one will be taking them lightly after a brilliant first season with Webster at the helm.
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“I think everyone loved what they saw from the Warriors last year and particularly Andrew Webster and the energy he brought to a rejuvenated Warriors,” Ennis told foxsports.com.au.
“The way the individuals thrived under him, in particular what Shaun Johnson was able to get back to delivering.
“It leaves great optimism for the Warriors in 2024 and they are going to be a tough side to beat.
“How they handle those sides that missed the top eight and are now coming for the eight, so that makes that logjam even tighter.
“So how they handle that pressure of being one of the sides in the top four last year, so those other sides will be coming for them.
Only the start for the Warriors | 01:50
“They are aware of their potency now and how they handle being at that level every week will be a challenge for them.”
The Warriors improved massively in the forwards last season and have added premiership winning forward Capewell from the Broncos on a three-year deal.
Ennis believes Capewell is the perfect player to keep pushing the Warriors in the effort areas.
“Going off what we saw last year and the forward pack that they have got and Capewell is a massive addition,” Ennis said.
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“He brings great leadership into that side now and really stiffens up that hard-nosed competitiveness that you need in a side.
“He is not the guy that is going to make the back page of the paper every week with his highlights, but it is the effort that you see in his kick chase, kick pressure and his ability to get out of the line and frustrate ball players and his communication in particular on an edge defensively will be a huge bonus for them.”
The Warriors’ will unleash a potent backline in 2024, with Tuivasa-Sheck to play centre and Harris-Tavita pushing for a spot in the halves.
Ennis believes both players give the Warriors an X-factor that perhaps they were lacking in 2023.
“Harris-Tavita and Tuivasa-Sheck are exciting and it is great to have them back in the game,” Ennis said.
“I have got a huge wrap on Harris-Tavita. He has got great skill and is one of those guys that can provide those X-factor moments.
“And I think everyone in rugby league, whether you are a Warriors supporter or not will be happy to see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back.
“It is always hard seeing superstars of our game leave, but it is great to see them come back.
“It will be awesome to see Roger back playing and no doubt he will bring another weapon for Johnson and his halves partner and Egan and those playmakers to be able to create with.”
After his code switch, Tuivasa-Sheck will take on a new role at centre, but Ennis has no doubts he can shine in his third position in rugby league.
“He will nail the centre role a bit like Valentine Holmes at the Cowboys,” Ennis said.
“He has got the skill-set. He has got the footwork. He has got the size and speed. And most importantly he has got the work ethic and you need that.
“He is a student of the game and has always worked tirelessly on his game, so the challenge of playing a new position he would have bunkered down and got a heap of detail done.
“I have got no doubt he will handle it and he will be another weapon, so it is going to be awesome to see him back.”
Mam’s future CONFIRMED | 00:30
With Shaun Johnson likely retiring at the end of the season, Harris-Tavita may be in line to be his successor in the No.7 jersey in a potential passing of the baton.
Ennis believes Luke Metcalf should partner Johnson in the halves and give Harris-Tavita time to ease back into the game as a back-up half and dummyhalf option.
“It is going to be interesting because I loved the combination towards the back end of last year of Johnson and Metcalf,” Ennis said.
“Metcalf is dynamic and he has just had a couple of little injuries that have halted his momentum, but I love what Metcalf has done.
“I’m not sure where Andrew Webster is at with that decision, but you always want healthy competition for spots and Harris-Tavita certainly adds that.
“But from what I saw last year I liked the look of Johnson and Metcalf together and if that allows Harris-Tavita to find his feet for 12 months and develop into a potential replacement for Johnson in the halves that would be great for the club.”
Here foxsports.com.au breaks down all the key factors for the Warriors heading into the 2024 season.
STRENGTH
Forward pack. The Warriors had one of the best packs in the NRL last season and then they went and added premiership winner Kurt Capewell on a three-year deal from the Broncos. Addin Fonua-Blake will join the Sharks next year, but is hellbent on repaying the Warriors with a premiership after they granted him a release on compassionate grounds to be closer to his family. Wayde Egan has blossomed into a reliable and creative dummyhalf who is also tough and holds the middle together defensively. Mitch Barnett made a successful switch from the back row to prop last season. Capewell’s arrival will see him partner Marata Niukore in the second row, while the Warriors’ most consistent performer in skipper Tohu Harris locks the scrum. On paper and in practice the Warriors are one of the best forward packs in the game.
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IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The former Warriors skipper returns from a stint in rugby union with the Auckland Blues. Tuivasa-Sheck has done it all in rugby league including winning a premiership with the Roosters and winning a Dally M Medal at the Warriors. However, he hasn’t tasted team success with the New Zealand club and that will be his burning desire in his return to the sport. With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, Tuivasa-Sheck will try to master a new position at centre and he could be the strike edge player the club have been desperately looking for. If the 30-year-old can help inspire the Warriors to a drought-breaking title it would be the icing on the cake of a remarkable career.
WHO’S UNDER PRESSURE
Chanel Harris-Tavita. The talented playmaker returns from a gap year sabbatical to rejoin the Warriors in 2024. The 24-year-old had played 54 NRL games and seven Tests for Samoa when he decided to put his rugby league career on hold for 2023. However, he has returned refreshed and ready to make the most of his obvious talent in the sport. Unfortunately, while he was away the Warriors recruited Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf and Dylan Walker who are all capable of partnering Shaun Johnson in the halves. However, Johnson looks set to retire at the end of 2024 and Harris-Tavita looks like the most obvious successor in the No.7 jersey. If Harris-Tavita can nab a starting spot in 2024 he can show he is the man to replace Johnson long-term.
THE RISING STAR
Luke Metcalf. He may turn 25 early in the season, but Luke Metcalf has only played 19 games and just 12 for the Warriors due to injuries. However, he was arguably the most impressive halves partner for Johnson in 2023 and has the makings of an excellent five-eighth and playmaker, if he can just string some games together. Metcalf began his career at the Sharks and is entering the final year of his Warriors deal so he will have plenty to play for in 2024.
THE UNLUCKY ONES
Jackson Ford, Rocco Berry, Edward Kosi. 25-year-old Ford scored four tries in 24 games for the Warriors last season, but Kurt Capewell’s arrival will see him dropped to the bench and possibly out of the 17. Rocco Berry is a highly touted centre, but his path to first grade is blocked by Adam Pompey and the returning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. 25-year-old Kosi has scored 14 tries in 27 NRL games, but is stuck behind Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya in the pecking order.
PREDICTION: 7TH
BEST 17:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris
14. Dylan Walker
15. Jazz Tevaga
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Tom Ale
WARRIORS
2024 squad: Adam Pompey (2025), Addin Fonua-Blake (2024), Ali Leiataua (2025), Bunty Afoa (2025), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2025, MO 2026), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2025), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2025), Demitric Sifakula (2025, CO 2026), Dylan Walker (2025), Edward Kosi (2025), Freddy Lussick (2024), Jackson Ford (2025), Jacob Laban (2026), Jazz Tevaga (2024), Kurt Capewell (2026), Luke Metcalf (2024), Marata Niukore (2026), Marcelo Montoya (2025), Mitchell Barnett (2025), Rocco Berry (2026), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2026), Shaun Johnson (2024), Taine Tuaupiki (2025), Te Maire Martin (2025), Tohu Harris (2025), Tom Ale (2025), Wayde Egan (2025), Zyon Maiu’u (2026)
Development players: Ben Farr (2024), Etuate Fukofuka (2024), Patrick Moimoi (2024), Sanele Aukusitino (2024), Selumiela Halasima (2026), Tanner Stowers-Smith (2024)
2024 gains: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (rugby union), Chanel Harris-Tavita (gap year), Kurt Capewell (Broncos)
2024 losses: Viliame Vailea (Cowboys), Bayley Sironen (Catalans Dragons), Brayden Wiliame (retired), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Valingi Kepu (released), Ronald Volkman (Dragons)
2025 losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks)
Coach: Andrew Webster (2026)
