In 2016 the Mt Smart locals began the NRL season with three straight losses, and with the opener against the Knights looming on the near horizon, new coach Stephen Kearney's been busy adjusting attitudes.
"We've done a lot of training a lot of preparing but that doesn’t mean anything unless we turn up on Sunday," prop Albert Vete told Newshub.
“We’ve struggled to start the year off right so we’ll be doing all we can to make sure we are on the money next week."
Kearney, a former New Zealand second-rower himself, has picked the Warriors previous performances to pieces, and Vete says it’s clear their suspect defence has been the major work on during the off-season.
"Last year a few times we let ourselves down in games for our defence, so again he's put a big emphasis on defending our line, defending back to back sets when we get tired."
With Kiwis enforcer Ben Matulino expected to return in round five from a knee injury, the number 10 jersey is up for grabs.
After a breakthrough season in 2016, 24-year-old Vete’s made his intentions clear.
"He wants to become the best front-rower at the club," noted Kearney.
"I just feel like I do have a little bit to help with the younger boys, but mainly keeping the older boys on their toes with our performances and creating that good competition."
Vete isn't without competition – the budding talents of Toafofoa Sipley, Charlie Gubb and Sam Lisone all certain to be stamping their own mark on the vacancy.
The Warriors kick off against the Newcastle Knights at Mt Smart on Sunday 5th March.
Newshub.