He's developed a squad capable of challenging for the National Rugby League title for years to come, but Warriors coach Ivan Cleary says he'll have no regrets leaving it all behind to join Penrith in 2012.
The Warriors moved through to a preliminary final against Melbourne on Saturday night with a heart-stopping win over Wests Tigers - the memory of their embarrassing effort in losing to Brisbane a week early all but forgotten.
The show of confidence is hardly surprising given the youthful nature of the side, with youngsters Kevin Locke and Shaun Johnson leading the way as they continue to back their natural attacking instincts.
With the pair and the likes of Manu Vatuvei, Feleti Mateo and skipper Simon Mannering all under contract for the foreseeable future - and the club's under 20s and NSW Cup sides also playing preliminary finals this weekend - the future appears bright for the Warriors.
But it's a future without Cleary, who will join the Panthers on a three-year deal staring next season.
The players are refusing to look beyond this year's campaign, with Locke crediting the self-belief within the squad as a key in their recovery against the Tigers.
The Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy says it's obvious his side would have to do all they could to limit the Warriors' second-phase play, which has been a crucial part of their game all year.
