An early review into this season's failings determined the campaign had been undermined by the reduction of the NRL squad from 35 to 31 players.
Recruitment and development manager Dean Bell is sifting through the player market - primarily in search of outside backs - to ensure there is no repeat of this season's predicament, when a rash of injuries to senior players forced the club to turn to untested rookies in crucial matches.
Last season, the Warriors released experienced players Lance Hohaia, Aaron Heremaia, Brett Seymour, Joel Moon, Shaun Berrigan and Jeremy Latimore, while hooker Nathan Friend was the only player with NRL experience recruited.
Promotions from the junior ranks plugged many of the gaps, but not all those who left were replaced, something that became an issue when veteran hands Micheal Luck, Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman and Jerome Ropati all went down injured at the beginning of the season.
"We're a little bit thin on outside backs," Bell said. "If Manu [Vatuvei] or Billy [Tupou] go down we are trying to find replacements.
"We've got options but it's just about having a bit more depth.
"What's hurt us this year is that it's the experienced players who have had the long-term injuries. It really put a big strain on the team."
The reduced squad size has had a flow-on effect, and feeder club Auckland Vulcans and the under-20s - teams that reached grand finals last year - have been significantly weakened.
The club has signed three experienced campaigners - Thomas Leuluai, Dane Nielsen and Todd Lowrie - for next season. Bell believes the addition of those players would go a long way to addressing the season's defensive issues.
"All three of them are really good defensive players," he said.
"Thomas Leuluai is flying under the radar in a lot of ways.
When people talk about our team they forget about him. James Maloney has been a big part of our team over the last couple of years but we think we have got a really good replacement.
"Thomas' ability to steer the team around will be really good for Shaun Johnson and defensively he is as good as you can get. It will be like having another forward out there on the edge of the ruck."
NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers
Mt Smart Stadium, 2pm tomorrow
Warriors: Carlos Tuimavave, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei (c), James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Sione Lousi, Nathan Friend, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Ben Henry, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Russell Packer, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Micheal Luck, Steve Rapira, Pita Godinet.
Penrith: Michael Gordon, Josh Mansour, Travis Robinson, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Clint Newton, Matt Robinson, Cameron Ciraldo. Interchange: Dayne Weston, Nigel Plum, Danny Galea, Mitch Achurch.
