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Source: Photosport
The Warriors were one of the favourites to win the NRL title in 2009, but bad luck haunted the club from start to finish.
2009 began in traumatic circumstances for the Warriors with up-and-coming forward Sonny Fai drowning at Bethells Beach in West Auckland four days into the new year.
Following weeks of desperate searching for Fai after he was lost in a powerful rip, family members and team-mates were forced to come to terms with the fact that he was gone.
The Warriors dedicated their season to his memory and things were looking positive after an encouraging pre-season.
Club legend Stacey Jones provided mixed emotions when he decided to come out of retirement, while Michael Witt swiftly fell out of favour with coach Ivan Cleary and was released to join the Otago rugby union.
During the opening month injuries forced key players off the field - compounded with the loss of Brent Tate for the season when he ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in week three.
Manu Vatuvei had another stellar year despite missing a hefty amount of games with knee cartilage problems, which he said he'll suffer through for the rest of his career.
Hooker Nathan Fien got the message that he wasn't in the club's future plans and after much speculation, signed with the St George Dragons midway through the season.
But amid all the adversity, the Warriors uncovered several gems in 2009 with injuries giving several Under-20s players the chance to come into the mix.
Kevin Locke came in as cover at winger and stood out as one of the side's most effective players for the remainder of the season.
Inspirational leader Steve Price also missed a lot of action through State Of Origin but was always dedicated to the cause.
The Warriors ended their horror season just two spots off the bottom of the table in 14th position. They won just seven games all year along with 15 losses and two draws.
Heading into 2010 things will be very different with Price losing his captaincy to Simon Mannering and rumours of club disharmony.
New signings Brett Seymour and James Maloney have been signed to form a new halves combination while the forwards are also set for a shake-up.
More action off the park than on it
It was a year where the NRL saw its reputation tarnished time and time again thanks to players and their off-field antics.
The season kicked off with Manly Sea Eagles star Brett Stewart up on indecent assault charges.
Then his partner in the NRL's advertising campaign - Melbourne's Greg Inglis - ended 2009 defending assault charges against his girlfriend.
But the mother of all disgraces was when Sydney Rooster prop Nate Myles was found passed out naked in a hotel foyer after defecating on the floor.
The Roosters also won 2009's prize for getting into the most trouble due to alcohol-fuelled indiscretions.
Kiwis still have bragging rights
For the reigning world champions, 2009 was a chance to prove their World Cup win over Australia wasn't a fluke.
But the campaign got off to a poor start when the Kangaroos defeated the Kiwis 38-10 in the ANZAC Test.
During the year Benji Marshall was handed captaincy of the side with many wondering if he was up to the task.
Marshall led his side valiantly into the Four Nations competition and despite a 20-20 draw over Australia and 62-12 thrashing of France, a 12-20 loss to England meant the Kiwis missed the final.
The toothless English then went on to be hammered 46-16 by the Aussies.
While the Kiwis failed to win anything important in 2009, it still feels good to know we have the World Cup trophy tucked away.
NRL 2009 in a nutshell:
NRL premiers: Melbourne Storm
Minor premiers: St George Illawarra Dragons
Wooden spoon: Sydney Roosters
State of Origin: Queensland (2-1 series win)
Four Nations: Australia
Dally M medal: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta)
