Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston were notable no-shows at the NRL finals' series launch yesterday.

Herald league writer David Skipwith takes a look back at the highs and lows of the club's 20th season in the NRL.

Manly have denied Cronulla a top four finish and dented their NRL premiership aspirations with a win at Remondis Stadium yesterday.

The Bulldogs handed the Warriors an eighth consecutive defeat to cap a miserable end to the season.

"At the end of the day ... we need to have expectations about anyone who takes the field and how they perform from an effort level."

Simon Mannering accepts his captaincy at the Warriors is coming under question in the wake of their late-season slide.

Warriors coach extremely disappointed some of his players were out on the town two nights before last Sunday's loss to Wests Tigers.

The return of Wayne Bennett was not enough to convince Brisbane veteran Justin Hodges the Broncos could be 2015 NRL title contenders.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle has slammed suggestions former coach Ivan Cleary could take over next season.

Graham Lowe says Warriors coach Andrew McFadden wasn't prepared to think outside the square and the last seven games have been a savage lesson for him.

An inspired performance from Tigers captain Robbie Farah saw the Warriors suffer their second consecutive hefty defeat.

Sam Tomkins could return to the NRL after his next Wigan stint.

Jarryd Hayne's encouraging form for the 49ers has not surprised those who have an interest in the developmental pathway of expert sport performers.

Leaving NZ after four years will be difficult for departing Warriors hooker Nathan Friend, but the way of life he has become accustomed to will stick with him and his young family.

Rookie Warriors playmaker Mason Lino's dedication to improving his diet and game preparation has resulted in his whole family making a lifestyle change.

In 20 years' time Jarryd Hayne might be seen as the biggest game-changer - or maybe Hayne-changer - in rugby history.