The Warriors will collapse in “seismic and spectacular” fashion this season, according to a prominent Sydney rugby league journalist.
Despite the NZ franchise opening the season with an unprecedented four-match winning streak, one of only two unbeaten teams along with the Dragons, long time Daily Telegraph writer Dean “Bulldog” Ritchie was not buying into the hype.
In an online Sporting News post, Ritchie warned fans against getting too excited, saying the Warriors will “crash and burn” and not make the finals.
“Let’s sit back and wait for the great Kiwi collapse. It will be seismic and spectacular,” Ritchie wrote.
“This is the same club which has accepted failure and mediocrity since 1995, a team that has been soft, disinterested and fragile. Their issues are deep-seated around culture and history.”
“I am not convinced the Warriors can suddenly find success; somehow discover a winning passion or formula over an entire season.”
“They have tried everything – and failed, they have been a dud club for 23 years.”
“The Warriors will crash and burn. They won’t make the finals,” Ritchie concluded.
The Warriors named Shaun Johnson and Simon Mannering in the team to face the Cowboys this weekend at Mt Smart.
The NZ franchise has not played finals since reaching the NRL grand final in 2011.
SHARE ME