Shaun Johnson
Age: 21
Position: Halfback
On the back of last year's outstanding debut season, the man the rugby league world is talking about will be looking to show more of his brilliance in 2012.
Johnson has youth, class and an abundance of confidence.
If he is able to have an injury-free season, this could well be the year of the Johnson, and the Warriors could be set for a stellar season.
James Maloney
Age: 25
Position: Standoff
The cool head of Maloney adds another dimension to the Warriors' game. He adds stability to the halves and his calming influence on Johnson will be vital all season.
Maloney has a fantastic kicking game, and he is smart enough to know when to attack the line or spin the ball wide.
He scored 206 points, including 10 tries, last year. If he can emulate that performance, Maloney, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, could bow out a winner in 2012.
Ben Matulino
Age: 23
Position: Prop
With the Warriors forward pack decimated by injury, extra emphasis goes on the broad shoulders of Matulino.
He averaged 98.5m per game last year and the Warriors will need him to make big gains again this year.
If Matulino leads from the front, some of the younger players like Ukuma Ta'ai, Sione Lousi and Sebastine Ikahihifo will surely follow.
Manu Vatuvei
Age: 25
Position: Winger
Judging by his trial form, "The Beast" looks like he is back to his rampaging best, and that will bring a wide smile to any Warriors fan.
When he is on form he is like an extra forward who can ease the workload of his team-mates due to his sheer size.
But it is out wide and close to the line that Vatuvei really comes into his own.
When he gets the ball, opposition teams have to commit three players on him to bring him down. Close to the line, he really is unstoppable.
Simon Mannering
Age: 25
Position: Lock/centre
After seven years in the Warriors, including two as captain, Mannering is as important to the Warriors as Richie McCaw is to the Crusaders.
He may not be a huge talker, but his presence alone lifts the side, especially the younger players.
Mannering averaged 31.7 tackles per game last year, and with Micheal Luck recovering from shoulder surgery, it will be up to the quiet achiever to once again prove his worth and show what a tough captain he is.
Brian McClennan
Coach
Not much "Bluey" can do once the whistle blows, but the role he will play will be as vital as anyone's if the Warriors are to have a successful season.
Not many men have to step into a role vacated by a coach who took a team to a grand final.
It is up to McClennan, who replaces Ivan Cleary, to build a good team culture and not be sentimental with his selections.
If McClennan can emulate his achievements in the English Super League, and those with the Kiwis, then the Warriors will be on the right track.
If he can not, then Warriors fans might start wondering if they can get Cleary back.
