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Warrior's coach Ivan Cleary - Source: NZPA Images -
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Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is confident his controversial move to strip Steve Price of the captaincy in favour of Simon Mannering won't backfire on his team's 2010 NRL aspirations.
Veteran Queensland and Australia prop Price was stunned when told at the end of last season he would no longer lead the side after five years in the role.
It was a bitter pill to swallow but Price has always been the consummate professional sportsman and can be expected to do his utmost not to let personal disappointment impact on his own performance or that of the team.
"Steve was obviously not happy with the news when I told him and it wasn't an easy decision to make at all," Cleary told media.
"But we have discussed the reasons, and what was said will remain between the two of us, but needless to say Steve has been full of support for Simon and I have no doubts this will be reflected in his performances."
The Warriors certainly needed to change some things as last year was one to forget for a team who'd been well fancied to make the finals following a promising 2008 season.
The death of young forward Sonny Fai, who drowned off an Auckland beach before the start of the season, rocked the club to its foundations.
After a promising start that yielded wins over Parramatta and a famous victory over premiers Manly at Brookvale, the Warriors' campaign petered out and ended in a 14th place finish.
Cleary admitted that the re-signing of veteran halfback Stacey Jones did not galvanise his side as much as he hoped, but is confident new signing Brett Seymour will be a success this season and provide on-field direction.
Seymour is very much on his last-chance after being axed by the
Broncos and the Sharks following alcohol-related incidents.
Excited
However, Cleary said he is excited by the prospect of working with the 25-year-old playmaker.
"Brett's talent has never been in doubt and he has looked excellent in the trial matches and we believe he will make a huge contribution to us this season," said Cleary.
"He is experienced but looking for a fresh start and we believe he will be a good fit for us and us for him."
Another boost to the Warriors' hopes for a strong season is the return of rep centre Brent Tait who missed most of last year with a serious knee injury.
And Cleary believes a backline boasting Seymour, Tait, Manu Vatuvei as well as exciting winger Kevin Locke makes his side a match for anyone.
"Brent's return is a big boost for us as we really missed his experience last year," he said.
"We had high expectations that Kevin would do well, but I think he even exceeded that last year and at age 20 he will get better and better."
"He has tremendous ability and with him and big Manu on the wings we have great firepower out wide," he said.
"Long term he could end up at fullback and looked comfortable there last season when we used him there.
"It would be unfair to put too much pressure on him, but he is a player I believe can go all the way to the top."
