Supporting the Warriors has always been a rollercoaster.
A beautiful, frustrating, passionate, and occasionally soul-crushing rollercoaster.
But through the ups, downs, heartbreaks, and false dawns, there’s been a core group of players who’ve left it all out on the field—blokes who’ve earned our respect, worn the jersey with pride, and in many cases, carried the team on their backs.
Here’s my definitive top 10 greatest Warriors of all time. Don’t @ me unless it’s to talk about how we’re winning the comp this year.
1. Stacey Jones: The Little General. The Prince of Auckland. The heartbeat of the early Warriors.
If you grew up watching the Warriors, Stacey Jones wasn’t just a player, he was the whole damn team. He played 261 games for the club, racked up 77 tries, and was the brains behind everything good the early 2000s Warriors achieved. Without him, there is no 2002 grand final appearance. Clutch, calm, and classy. The undisputed GOAT.
2. Simon Mannering: The embodiment of loyalty and grit.
Mannering made 301 appearances for the club, the most in Warriors history. He captained the side through thick and thin, led the tackle count year after year, and gave absolutely everything in every game. No ego, just relentless work. The kind of guy who made 50 tackles, ate a banana, and did it again the next week.
3. Shaun Johnson: The human highlights package turned voice of the game.
At his peak, there was no one in the NRL like Shaun Johnson. That step, the flair, the ability to flip a game on its head – it was pure magic. He played 206 games for the Warriors, scored 61 tries and set up countless others. His 2011 breakout season and 2018 return to finals footy were unforgettable. Now retired, he’s making waves as a commentator, bringing that same footy brain and energy to the booth. Still making the game better, just in a different jersey.
Shaun Johnson scores a try. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
4. Ruben Wiki: The enforcer.
He didn’t start here, but he finished a legend. Wiki brought toughness and experience when we needed it most. His hits were seismic, and his leadership lifted the entire pack. The kind of guy you’d follow into a war zone, just don’t ask him to go easy on you in training.
5. Steve Price: The cornerstone of the pack.
Regularly topped the run metres and tackle counts during his time with the club. He brought elite standards to a young team and helped turn around the club’s culture. His 2007 season was peak prop performance, averaging over 190 metres per game, which was unheard of at the time. A true professional who gave the Warriors credibility.
6. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: He left, lit up Super Rugby – somewhat, and now he’s back.
RTS gave us some of the best individual seasons in Warriors history, including a Dally M Medal in 2018 (the first ever by a Warrior). In his first stint he racked up 30 tries, and countless kick returns that left defenders spinning. Now back in the NRL and back in Warriors colours, he’s showing flashes of the brilliance that made him a fan favourite the first time around.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
7. Manu Vatuvei: The Beast.
Try-scoring machine and cult hero. Vatuvei scored 152 tries in 226 games, holding the club record and sitting among the NRL’s best ever. When he was on, there was no stopping him. He could run through you, around you, and over you, all in the same set. Yes, he had the occasional howler, but he’s still one of the most beloved Warriors ever. Pure chaos. Pure joy.
8. Micheal Luck: The tackling machine.
Played 150 games for the Warriors and tackled everything that moved. In 2009 alone, he made over 1,000 tackles, putting him among the best defensive forwards in the comp. He was the glue guy who held everything together while others got the headlines. Every team needs a Michael Luck.
Ali Lauiti’iti taken by the Knights’ defence in 2002. Photo: Allsport
9. Ali Lauiti’iti: The offload king.
He brought flair and unpredictability to the second row like few others ever have. He became a fan favourite with offloads, line breaks, and silky skills. At one point, he was averaging nearly two offloads a game, which doesn’t sound like much until you remember defenders still don’t know how to handle it. If he’d stayed longer, he’d be even higher on this list.
10. Mitch Barnett: The modern Warrior.
It might seem early to slot him in the all-time top 10, but Mitch Barnett bleeds for this club. He’s brought steel, aggression, and consistency to our forward pack and helped change the team’s mindset. Every hit-up is done with intent. Every tackle is personal. He’s not here for highlight reels, he’s here to win. And if he helps deliver a premiership, this ranking might start looking generous.
Honourable Mentions:
Kevin Campion – Mr. Intensity
Lance Hohaia – Utility weapon
Brent Webb – Lightning in a bottle
James Maloney – Blink and he was gone, but damn he was good
Clinton Toopi – Try-scoring freak
Nathan Friend – That backflip pass alone…
We might not have the trophy yet, but we’ve had greatness wear the jersey. These are the players who made you proud to call yourself a Warriors fan even when the ladder said otherwise.
Legends in their own right, and pillars in our club’s chaotic, glorious history. Up the Wahs.
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