LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Last November, Andrew Webster took on the role of head coach for the NRL team based in Go Media Stadium's East Stand.
Little did he know the incredible journey his team would embark on in 2023.
Webster had previously been an assistant coach under Andrew McFadden in 2015-16, but this was his first opportunity to lead a team in the NRL.
The team he inherited had a disappointing season in 2022, winning only six games and finishing in the club's lowest position ever, 15th.
To help with the team's rebuild, Webster brought in several key signings, including tough players Marata Niukore and Mitch Barnett, as well as 2014 premiership winner Dylan Walker and exciting fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who returned to the club where he made his debut in 2017.
The team already had talented players like Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris, Wayde Egan, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who were determined to make up for their disappointing performance in 2022.
With this mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, Webster had the foundation for a strong team.
However, only the most dedicated Warriors fans could have predicted that they would still be competing just one week before the grand final.
The team's resilience and determination have been key factors in their success, surpassing all expectations and captivating the entire nation with their performance.