The young Warriors brigade that must step up in 2025 after veteran exodus

SEN’s Corey Parker holds grave concerns for the Warriors in 2025 and believes too many players are required to have career-best years if they are to return to finals.

After a preliminary final appearance under Andrew Webster's first season as coach in 2023, the Warriors regressed to 13th after only nine wins.

Parker has predicted the loss of Shaun Johnson due to retirement and other leaders will be too much of a hurdle to overcome and will result in another disappointing season for the Warriors.

“Shaun Johnson has been their Patrick Mahomes,” Parker declared on SENQ Breakfast.

“If things are going well at the Warriors, Johnson has been at the forefront. In 2024, he had a below par year.

“Your halfback has such an influence over the team and if he’s not playing well, your team is going to suffer.

“This year, I’ve got concerns over the Warriors. In addition to Johnson, they’ve lost Addin Fonua-Blake to the Cronulla Sharks and Tohu Harris.

“Those are three very experienced players and very influential players. It’s like losing Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.

“It’s now on the younger brigade to lift and how far do they want to step forward in the NRL?

“It’s now on the likes of Luke Metcalf, Te Maire Martin and Chanel Haris-Tevita to come and step up.”

Despite the heavy losses on their roster, the Warriors have also gained plenty of experience including former Panther James-Fisher Harris and former Gold Coast duo Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark.

However, Parker has identified hooker Wayde Egan as the key to unlocking the Warriors’ potential in 2025.

“Can the Warriors make the top eight? I’m not sure,” Parker said.

“For me, Wayde Egan is their pivotal player. He needs to have a big season because he is a crafty number nine.

“He has the most influence on how the team can be driven up the field.”

The Warriors are one of the four teams travelling to Las Vegas for the season opener. They will play the Canberra Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on March 2.