Three stats to fix: Warriors

The Warriors recorded one of their worst seasons on record in 2022 but will go into the new year with a fresh start and host of new players.

New coach Andrew Webster is all but starting from the bottom statistically with the Warriors struggling to make any inroads last season in basic areas.

They got off to a brilliant start in turning some of their woes around during Thursday night's Pre-season Challenge win against the Wests Tigers. 

NRL.com identifies three stats the Warriors can look to fix to get back into finals contention in 2023.

Run metres 

All the defence thrown the Warriors' way saw them also finish on the bottom for run metres in total and on average each game.

Injuries to their big men certainly didn't help their cause but overall it gave their halves and outside backs no chance to create anything.

Addin Fonua-Blake is a notable metre-eater and if a few others can join him to lead the way there should be a noticeable improvement in 2023.

New recruits Marata Niukore, Mitch Barnett and Jackson Ford should provide some relief but the side could do for one or two more signings, particularly through the middle.

Tom Ale was another who put his hand up in the first Pre-season Challenge match after a starting opportunity.

Defensive resolve

The stats don't lie here. The Warriors conceded their worst on record with 700 points in total across 24 games. While it can get worse, it's unlikely to, with several new recruits expected to help tighten up the side's defensive structures.

The Warriors should focus on their starts after conceding 20% of their tries (24) in the opening 10 minutes of games last year, immediately putting them on the back foot. 

Most of the side's tries conceded also came off the back of an error - something they'll have to learn to defend if they're going to throw the ball around more too.

Offloads

The Warriors in their prime were the second phase kings who relished the ability to offload and play second phase footy.

That style is what many of the successful clubs continue to do, but they've also got their defence in order as mentioned above. 

The Warriors had the least amount of offloads in 2022 with 155 in total.

This is understandable given their minimal possession and defensive woes but an area they need to get back in order to score more points and keep the opposition guessing.