OPINION: Well, here we go again.
Another March rolls around, a new NRL season beckons, and there's no shortage of hope and giddy anticipation coming once more from NZ Warriors fans.
Last year was one to forget. It was, at times, ugly, but in 2023, there are tangible things to get excited about.
After three years in their COVID-enforced purgatory across the Tasman, the Warriors finally return to being a NZ-based club, which - regardless of how things go on the field - is a massive relief - but of course, it is on the field that matters.
Six new off-season signings will debut against Newcastle Knights in Friday night's round one clash in Wellington.
On top of that, former club junior Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns to take the No.1 jersey, so there are several new faces and some returning ones, who will be eager to make the horrid finish of last season a distant memory.
Let's take a look at how 2023 shapes up.
Key Players
The new kids on the block would certainly have given new coach Andrew Webster plenty to ponder after the trials.
Viliame Vailea, 20, bagged a double against the Tigers and despite being ruled out for the next few weeks with injury, Luke Metcalf showed plenty of promise, but two players in particular that should give hope to fans.
Te Maire Martin has been handed the No.6 jersey to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves this week and the duo will be given the first crack at forming a partnership that can carry the side into the season.
Martin is an exceptional 'get' for the club. He's a fighter, who has plenty of flair to match.
He captured headlines, when he returned from a medically enforced retirement and signed with the Broncos last season, where he more than did a job for the Brisbane powerhouse.
As a proud Kiwi, he gets what the club means to the fans and will be desperate to make his mark. More than that is his energy and off field presence.
He's been described by some at the club as 'special', with a heart of gold - great qualities for any player and exactly what the Warriors need.
Marata Niukore is another who can set the tone for this side.
He was a force to be reckoned with against Melbourne Storm in their second pre-season trial, and off the back of a season where he made a Grand Final with Parramatta Eels and a Kiwis World Cup campaign, he provides plenty of experience too.
He fits into the forward pack really nicely and it's now one that - on paper - could be quite formidable. Niukore can be the leader of that pack.
The Coach
Coming from Penrith Panthers, Webster brings the knowledge of what it takes to win in the NRL.
As this is his first season stepping into the head coach hotseat, he'll no doubt be figuring some things out as he goes.
From the moment he came in, Webster made it clear that his goal was to reconnect the club with the community and establish their identity. That, in itself, is a big tick for fans - he just gets it.
Whether that transfers to results on the field or not, only time will tell, but the players have certainly come away from pre-season clear in their minds how Webster wants them to play, more so than in recent seasons.
"We were doing specific ball work before Christmas, which was something we didn't do last year, so we're building those connections far earlier," Johnson explained.
"I think our clarity and understanding around our roles within the team is far more advanced than what it was this time last year.
"That's probably the one thing - we're far more connected and understand our style of play."
It's a strong endorsement from Johnson, but the proof will be in the pudding.
Strap in, here we go again.
James Regan is Newshub's rugby league reporter. Join Newshub from Friday for live updates of the Warriors' 2023 NRL campaign
