The tough pre-season has paid dividends for at least one of the Warriors' brighter prospects.
While having been at the club for a number of years, Sione Lousi had played nine matches in his first-grade career before the 2012 season.
Lousi said in an earlier interview with Sportal that he had considered leaving the club due to a lack of game time.
But it was his form leading into his first match of the season that saw him elevated into the team against the Sea Eagles last week in a match they lost 20-26.
While going down in their opening match is never pleasing - they have won two of their last seven round one matches of the season - Lousi said he was personally very satisfied with his hit out on Sunday.
"I got a lot of minutes under my belt. I've still got a lot to work on, but I felt good."
When asked about what exactly he needed to improve on, Lousi said it was his ball protection that was going to be improved on this week.
"Probably just my play the balls - they were pretty average. I gave them the go forward for the boys to do their thing."
Some time at centre when he first arrived at the club with the Junior Warriors has helped the converted prop of Tongan heritage to vary his game - and there's still plenty more to improve.
"I feel a lot more confident this year. I'm stronger, what the trainers have put me through has really helped. The trials set that platform for me and I've just got to get better from there."
While he knows his time on the pitch could be shortened when Jacob Lillyman returns alongside Sam and Steve Rapira, pressure through good performances could see him stake a place in the team.
"Big names like that, you can't get comfortable. I'm just trying to get better every week to secure a spot because I know there's a lot of competition still to come."