The season was affected by the competition-leading Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' salary cap breach finding, which saw them relegated to the bottom of the NRL ladder.

The legendary Broncos and Maroons halfback, Allan Langer, returned from England to play his final season of professional football with the Brisbane club.

[2] It turned out to be a tough year for the club, winning only five matches from 24 played, though would be spared the wooden spoon by the Bulldogs' salary cap scandal (see below).

[3] The number of teams contesting the Premiership increased for the 2002 season from 14 to 15 due to the re-inclusion of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Warriors were not in first place almost during the entire season, only taking top spot on the ladder at the conclusion of Round 26.

NRL Chief Executive David Gallop described the violation as "exceptional in both its size and its deliberate and ongoing nature".

Bold – Home game X – Bye Opponent for round listed above margin The Warriors received A$100,000 prize money for finishing the regular season as minor premiers.

To decide the grand finalists from the top eight finishing teams, the NRL adopts the McIntyre final eight system.