Who's in?
New South Wales and Kangaroos back-rower Ryan Hoffman is the headline act after spending the best part of a decade at the Melbourne Storm.
He's joined by Kiwis squad member Bodene Thompson (Tigers), Jonathan Wright (Sharks), Matt Allwood (Raiders) and Api Pewhairangi (Eels).
Who's out?
Coach Andrew McFadden laid down the law last year to a number of players: step up or step out.
The result was a number of players drifting in and out of first grade.
Two casualties of the regime, Feleti Mateo and Dane Nielsen, were granted releases and head back across the ditch - to Manly and St George respectively - much to the delight of a number of fans.
Jayson Bukuya also departs and returns to Cronulla after a mixed season where he was in and out of the team due to injury and form.
What to expect
Expect the unexpected. The Warriors often look good on paper, but since 2011's grand final appearance, they've failed to deliver on the field.
Failed recruits, axed coaches and boardroom squabbles have plagued the club in the past, but there is reason to be optimistic as the club enters a new era under McFadden.
The Warriors are overdue to kick off a season on the front foot, and beating the Knights across the Tasman in round one on Saturday would be a useful start.
Known as notoriously slow starters, the Warriors often don't make up ground on the leading pack until the Origin period.
However, they will be affected in the forwards during this year's series should Jacob Lillyman and Hoffman be selected for State of Origin.
Depending on how McFadden utilises the hooking role between Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Friend and Siliva Havili, the Warriors' spine looks reasonably settled.
However, question marks still remain over who is best suited to partner Shaun Johnson.
Chad Townsend played most of 2014 at No 6 and has been given the nod this year.
Despite the urban Australian myth, the not-so-monster forward pack needs to step up a gear in 2015.
As blokes get bigger and bigger, so does the importance of winning the ruck.
More is needed from Sam Rapira and Suaia Matagi to back up front-liners Lillyman and Ben Matulino, although the latter may spend time in the back row if the situation suits, which may reduce the squeeze in the prop rotation.
Hoffman is Australia's version of Simon Mannering and is likely to stiffen up an edge, make 40 tackles and look to pop into a hole.
His leadership will be invaluable, but the question will be whether he will be as effective without Cronk, Smith and Slater around him.
The Fab Three: Mannering, Vatuvei, Johnson
Manu Vatuvei, in particular, can be an inspirational figure and his carries with the ball this year will continue to get the Warriors on the front foot.
Captain Mannering will continue to mop up and do what's invisible to most in the stands. He had his best season last year and added a few tries and line breaks to his career tally.
Johnson's break-out year in the black jersey finally arrived on the back of arguably one of his better seasons with the Warriors.
Warriors fans will hope this translates into an even better 2015 as he looks to take control of games, whether it's knowing when to run or closing out tight fixtures with his kicking game.
Big year for Glen Fisiiahi
You have to feel for this kid. Moved from his preferred fullback position to accommodate Sam Tomkins at the beginning of 2014, Fisiiahi found himself on the wing and bagged seven tries in a handful of games, including four against the Tigers, before suffering a season-ending injury.
His spot went to rookie David Fusitua, who impressed with his try-scoring prowess and athleticism.
It begs the question of where the ''flying fish'' - who is off contract at the end of the year - will fit in now.
He'll face plenty of competition for his wing spot.
His first challenge will be wrestling a spot off young gun Tui Lolohea, then impressing the coaching staff as he looks to secure a new contract.
The prediction
Traditional heavyweights Manly and Storm could struggle as they contend with ageing rosters and personnel changes.
Should either or both of those teams fail to make the eight, a couple of spots will open up for teams like the Warriors, who struggle for consistency but can beat anyone on their day.
We'll keep safe and stick with a top eight pick, although there's no reason why this club should not be looking at a top four position by September.
