NZ Warriors 2025 Round 26 Review: Self-Inflicted Wounds Sink Warriors Against Eels

After their Round 25 win over the Titans, the Warriors returned home for the final time in the 2025 regular season to host the Eels, who scored a massive 30-10 upset over the Roosters in Round 25.

The Eels took charge early with sharp counterattacking plays. However, the Warriors nearly stole victory with a late surge, but a bunker call left the sellout crowd shattered as they went down 26-22.

What Went Down

Parramatta struck first in the 3rd minute when Josh Addo-Carr gathered a loose ball in the in-goal and ran 105 metres to score. Zac Lomax converted for a 6-0 lead. The Eels extended their advantage in the 15th minute through Jack Williams after another kick defusal, with Lomax again adding the extras to make it 12-0. The Warriors responded in the 19th minute, as Chanel Harris-Tavita created space for Adam Pompey to score in the corner. Tanah Boyd was unable to convert, leaving the margin at 12-4. Both teams were guilty of errors late in the half, and Parramatta went into the break ahead.

The Eels resumed control early in the second half. A successful captain’s challenge gave them a penalty in the 47th minute, which Lomax converted for a 14-4 lead. Two quick tries from Isaiah Iongi followed, first in the 49th minute after finishing off a flick pass from Kelma Tuilagi, then again in the 63rd minute when he backed up a Junior Paulo offload. Lomax converted both, pushing the score out to 26-4.

The Warriors began their comeback in the 55th minute when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finished off his own movement in the corner, with Boyd converting to reduce the deficit. In the 60th minute, Leka Halasima climbed above Sean Russell to score, and just 10 minutes later, in the 70th, he powered over for his second. Boyd added both conversions, bringing the score to 26-22.

The Warriors thought they had taken the lead in the 74th minute when Adam Pompey crossed again after Demitric Vaimauga tapped back a kick, but the bunker ruled Vaimauga had knocked it on. Parramatta held on through the final stages to secure the win 26-22, leaving the Warriors' top-four finish now out of their own hands.

My Thoughts

Well, that match was a real rollercoaster. I went into the stadium confident the Warriors could get the job done, but I couldn’t shake a bit of doubt after watching how well the Eels played against the Roosters the week before. A quick catch-up and drink with Will and Brad from This Warriors Life helped ease the nerves, but it didn’t last long. Just minutes into the game, Josh Addo-Carr flew down the sideline right past my seat to score, and I had a sinking feeling we were in for a tough night.

The Warriors looked clunky and slow, with little spark in attack. In defence, they were just hanging on. 

By halftime, the game felt almost gone, but to their credit, the Warriors came out with more fire in the second half and clawed their way back. They got within a try, only to concede a soft one to the Eels. Then they hit back again, setting up the biggest talking point of the night.

Demitric Vaimauga leapt for a bomb, the ball spilled, and Adam Pompey scooped it up to score what looked like the match-winner. The crowd went wild—until the bunker stepped in. From my seat, it looked like a clear try. Watching the replay at home later, you could just see the ball brush Vaimauga’s fingertips forward, though to me the footage wasn’t conclusive enough to overturn the on-field call.

Moments like that sting, especially since the Eels seemed to get away with a few knock-ons that weren’t called. But truthfully, the Warriors just weren’t good enough on the night. That’s been the story too often in the back half of the 2025 season, and it might cost them a top-four finish. There’s still a chance if they win this week and both the Broncos and Sharks lose, but since Luke Metcalf’s injury, the Warriors have been running on fumes.

That said, I didn’t even have them in my top eight at the start of the season, so the fact they’re in the finals at all is an achievement. It just doesn’t feel great right now. Still, finals footy is a different beast; anything can happen if they find their spark. Fingers crossed they can go on a run.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors showed plenty of fight in the second half, coming back from a 12-4 halftime deficit and nearly stealing the win in the final ten minutes. If they had played with the same intensity in the first half, they could easily have taken the result. It’s a reminder that for finals football, they need to stay focused and committed for the full 80 minutes, or they won’t last long.

Playing in a tense, pressure-filled match gave the Warriors valuable finals experience ahead of September, although I may be overreaching a little. It showed them what finals football will be like, but also highlighted areas for improvement, especially in decision-making, which will require attention this week. Matches like this give the team a clear idea of what works and what still needs fixing before the big games.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

Once again, errors continue to plague the Warriors, making 11 in this match. These mistakes handed the Eels extra possession and momentum, disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm, and played a big part in why they couldn’t pull ahead. Showing respect for the ball will be crucial in finals football, as the Warriors cannot afford to give 10 or more free sets to any opposition if they want to compete at that level.

The Warriors too often relied on individual moments rather than cohesive team play, with too many attacking opportunities built around Tuivasa-Sheck or Halasima. While having gamebreakers can be the difference between winning and losing, if the team can’t create chances elsewhere, they end up painting themselves into a corner, making their attack predictable and limiting their ability to consistently break through the Eels’ defence.

The Warriors’ lack of speed was exposed early in the match, with the first two Eels tries coming from counterattacks the length of the field. Speed has been a concern of mine since preseason, but hopefully the signings of Haizyn Mellars and the likes of Sio Kali can add some much-needed pace to first grade in 2026. Until then, getting back quickly in defence and preparing for counterattacks better will remain a key area the team needs to improve.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

There were a few options this week, but RTS gets the nod for the third week in a row, scoring another try, running for 299 metres, making two line breaks and eight tackle breaks. He has been the Warriors’ biggest attacking weapon over the past month, constantly breaking tackles, making metres, and finding the try-line. He’s been the one sparking their attack when others have struggled. If a few more of the backs can lift closer to his level, the Warriors could quickly turn things around and be a real threat heading into the finals.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Wayde Egan.

Defensively, he worked hard, leading the Warriors with 38 tackles and only three misses, but his influence with the ball was limited. He came up with two errors, failed to register a single run, and never really stamped his mark on the attack. After he left the field with an injury, the Warriors actually seemed to find more spark, with Te Maire Martin adding speed and variety around the ruck that helped ignite the comeback attempt. Egan has shown in the past that he can be a vital playmaker, but the Warriors need more from him, especially with the finals approaching.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 27, the Warriors make their way back across the ditch for the final time in the regular season to face the Sea Eagles, who defeated the Dragons 40-24 in Round 26.

For the team I'd pick, I'm unsure of Wayde Egan's condition, so I don't know if he is free to play or not. If he is out, I'm bringing Sam Healey in; that would be my only change, as it is too late in the season to make any more shuffling.

Manly has been up and down for much of the season, but over the past two weeks, they’ve started to build some momentum. Their finals hopes are slim, but a win here, along with a bit of luck from other results, could keep them alive. On top of that, it’s Daly Cherry-Evans final home game for Manly, so I expect them to throw everything at it to send him out on a high.

For the Warriors to win, they need to cut down their errors and hold onto the ball better than they did against Parramatta. Winning the battle through the middle will be vital, as the Sea Eagles’ forwards can dominate if given a chance. In attack, they can’t rely only on Tuivasa-Sheck and Halasima; more players need to step up and share the load. Just as important will be shutting down Manly’s speedsters like Jason Saab, who can punish any lapse in defence. If the Warriors stay disciplined and play for the full 80 minutes, they’ll give themselves a strong chance of coming away with the win. 

While I hope I’m wrong, I just don’t think the Warriors will have enough to overcome a desperate Manly side, who will be fired up to win for DCE. So, unfortunately, I’m backing the Sea Eagles to take it by 10 points.

So, that was a demoralising Round 26, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Is the Warriors’ form a warning sign for the finals, or just a minor setback?

Which aspect of the Warriors' game needs the biggest improvement?

Where do you think the Warriors will end up on the Ladder?

What is your score prediction against the Sea Eagles?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 25 Review: Hoodoo Lifted As Warriors Conquer Titans

After their Round 24 win over the Dragons, the Warriors travelled to their home away from home on the Gold Coast to face the Titans, who went down 54-22 to the Sharks in Round 24.

It wasn’t always pretty, but the Warriors held control for most of the match, edging the Titans 32-18 to end their frustrating losing streak against Gold Coast and solidify their spot in the NRL top four.

What Went Down

The Titans struck first, capitalising on a James Fisher-Harris error, with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui powering through some soft defence in the 3rd minute to put the hosts 6-0 up. The Warriors responded quickly after a Titans error, and in the 6th minute, Marata Niukore forced his way over, keeping his hand off the ground to level the scores at 6-6. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck then took control for the Warriors, scoring twice in the 16th and 20th minutes. Both tries came almost untouched as the Titans struggled to organise their defence, giving the visitors an 18-6 lead by the end of a dominant first half.

The second half began cautiously, with the Warriors adding a penalty goal in the 43rd minute to extend their lead to 20-6. The next try came in the 58th minute after a clever set-piece. Chanel Harris-Tavita put up a perfectly timed kick, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tapped the ball back to Harris-Tavita, who flicked it to Adam Pompey to score. Just five minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava marked his first NRL try, diving under the posts to extend the lead to 32-6.

The Titans found some late consolation, with Beau Fermor scoring a spectacular try in the 73rd minute, grounding the ball just inside the dead-ball line. Brian Kelly added another in the 76th minute, converted by Jayden Campbell, to bring the final score to 32-18.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a less stressful watch, which is something we have not been used to this season. I was nervous coming into the match with the recent poor history against the Titans, and when they scored so quickly, I thought we were going to be in for a rough night, but the Warriors shook off that early setback and regained control of the contest. It still wasnt the prettiest match with some clunkiness still there, but there were patches where the side combined well and created some nice tries. Still plenty that needs to be worked on before finals if they want to make any impact and not just make up the numbers, but as long as they can build some momentum in these final few rounds, then my positivity may creep back up. Rocco Berry had a solid night in his first game back from injury, helping strengthen up that right edge defensively, although he did let one of those tries in at the end, and he appears to have got through the match without any major injuries despite taking a big knock with a minute to go. If he can bring more efforts like this and stay healthy, then my fears about those edge-leaking points may start to go away. If I could complain about anything, I would have liked to see Leka Halasima enter the game a bit earlier; it felt like they waited too long, and he didn't really get to make an impact.

Overall, it was a solid performance, even with a couple of soft tries making the scoreline closer than it should have been. Most importantly, the win keeps the Warriors in the top four; they just need to keep racking up victories.

Before moving on, I want to shout out to the Warriors fans who were absolutely phenomenal, turning up in huge numbers and making the stadium feel like a home ground. Their energy was relentless, chanting and cheering from start to finish, and they completely drowned out the Titans' supporters. It was the kind of support that lifts a team, pushing the Warriors on when the game got tense and creating an atmosphere that any opposition would find intimidating. The passion and loyalty on display reminded me why being a Warriors fan is so special and important to my way of life.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

After conceding an early try in the 3rd minute, the Warriors quickly bounced back, refusing to let the Titans’ fast start take control. They set the pace of the game, kept possession, ran structured sets, and put the Titans under pressure. This quick response shifted momentum firmly in their favour and set the tone for the rest of the first half, helping them build a strong lead before halftime. It’s the kind of focus and composure they’ll need to maintain in the finals, being able to stay calm and not lose concentration when things don’t go their way.

The Warriors’ ball movement was the best it has been for some time. Smart passing and strong support play created space and scoring opportunities, evident in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s two first-half tries and Adam Pompey’s second-half try. Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita combined more effectively this week, helping the team maintain structure and continuity. Keeping this cohesion will be crucial in the finals to consistently break through even tough defences.

The Warriors’ young players continue to show real promise. Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, and Tanner Stowers-Smith brought energy, skill, and composure beyond their years. While they still have plenty of development ahead, their ability to step up in key moments and support the team shows the squad’s depth and points to a bright long-term future for the Warriors.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warriors got off to a less-than-ideal start, making a sloppy error that let the Titans score too easily. They managed to turn things around, but giving up points after setbacks is a concern. Against more formidable opponents, mistakes like this could quickly put the team under pressure, so tightening focus and reducing early errors will be essential.

Discipline continues to be an issue, with the Warriors giving away seven penalties, plus a ruck infringement and one inside-the-10-metre call. They got away with it against the Titans, but handing over so much possession and field position is risky. Against stronger sides, poor discipline could easily swing the momentum and undo their hard work. The key is learning to adjust to the referee on the day and not letting repeated calls put them under pressure.

The Warriors dropped their intensity in the final 10 minutes, letting the Titans in for two soft tries. Even with the result already secure, there’s no excuse for easing up and giving momentum back. If they want to be taken seriously in the finals, they need to keep the pressure on and finish teams off, not let them back into the contest.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

For the second time in a row, I have given RTS the nod and his 3rd selection in the past 4 games.

He was simply outstanding, delivering a vintage performance that highlighted his class. He scored two tries, led the match with 245 running metres, and had two line breaks, more than anyone else on the field. He also broke six tackles, made no errors, and played a key role in setting up Adam Pompey’s second-half try. When he’s in this kind of mood, he lifts the players around him as well. It was a complete display that set the tone for the Warriors’ win and continued his impressive run of form.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out this week because no one in the 17 let the team down, or they simply didn't play enough minutes to be judged fairly. They weren’t all perfect, but every player gave it their all, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 26, the Warriors return home for the final time this regular season to host the Eels, who scored a massive 30-10 upset win over the Roosters in Round 25.

For the team I'd pick, I am sticking with the same 17 that played here. The only change I would contemplate is swapping Te Maire Martin for Sam Healey, as I think he could provide good impact off the bench; however, TMM's ability to cover multiple positions makes him a solid option, so I get it.

The Eels have been tough competitors this year and are starting to string together some solid performances, winning three of their last five matches. While they are still in the early stages of a rebuild, coach Jason Ryles has already instilled a sense of resilience in the side. They can’t be taken lightly, as their effort against the Roosters showed this week. With X-Factor players capable of creating opportunities and using their pace effectively, the Eels could cause problems for the Warriors, making this a challenging matchup.

For the Warriors to come out on top, they’ll need to start strong and maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes. Controlling the middle, moving the ball well, and playing their pressure game, kicking deep, chasing hard, and keeping Mitch Moses under pressure, will be key. It won’t be an easy game, but I’m backing the Warriors to get the job done, with a predicted win by 12 points.

So, that was a relieving Round 25, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What do the Warriors need to improve on the most before the finals?

Would you make any changes to the 17?

What is your score prediction against the Eels?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 24 Review: Warriors edge Dragons in Unconvincing but Crucial Victory

After their Round 23 defeat to the Bulldogs, the Warriors returned home to face the Dragons, who defeated the Sharks 22-14 in Round 23.

It was far from convincing, with the Dragons left cruelly short-handed after losing three forwards to concussion inside the first half hour. The Warriors edged back into the top four with a scrappy 14-10 victory.

What Went Down

Before kickoff, the Warriors delivered a powerful Māori challenge for Indigenous Round, a goosebump-inducing moment for the Go Media Stadium crowd.

However, the early chances went the Dragons’ way. In the 5th minute, Mathew Feagai broke through the Warriors’ shaky right edge. He had support on either side but blew the chance, losing the ball while trying to link with Lyhkan King-Togia.

James Fisher-Harris made an error and then moments later conceded a penalty, which gave the Dragons the opportunity to strike first in the 10th minute when Kyle Flanagan sent Feagai into space, and this time he finished cleanly down the right. Only minutes later, disaster hit the Dragons’ forward pack. In the 14th minute, both Jack de Belin and Hamish Stewart were forced from the field for head injury assessments, and neither returned. Despite being short-handed, the Dragons kept pressing. 

In the 20th minute, Feagai again exposed the Warriors’ right edge, beating Adam Pompey to cross for his second try and stretch the margin to 10-0.

Their night got even tougher in the 29th minute when Hame Sele was knocked out in a heavy collision and failed his HIA, leaving the Dragons with just one fit forward on the bench.

The Warriors looked desperate for points, their best early chance wasted when Jackson Ford spilled the ball over the line. But the weight of possession finally told just before halftime. In the 32nd minute, rookie forward Leka Halasima powered through on the left edge before linking with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who somehow got a pass away to Chanel Harris-Tavita. His try cut the Dragons’ lead to 10-6 at the break.

The second half became a grinding arm-wrestle, both teams trading sets, but were struggling to execute in attack. The deadlock finally broke in the 62nd minute when Tanah Boyd’s running game put the Warriors on the front foot. The ball shifted right, and despite a collision in the lead-up, Adam Pompey finished off the move to score. Boyd converted to lock the scores at 10-all.

The decisive blow came in the 72nd minute. With Lyhkan King-Togia caught out in defence, Taine Tuaupiki moved the ball quickly for Pompey to dive over for his second try, putting the Warriors ahead 14-10. The Dragons had one last chance in the 75th minute when the activated 18th man, Tyrell Sloan, burst through a gap, but the final pass went to ground. The Warriors held on to claim a gritty, uninspiring win that snapped their three-game losing streak and saw them regain the 4th spot on the ladder.

My Thoughts

Well, that was another stressful watch. This season is definitely aging me. I predicted a six-point win, so I was ready for a tight contest, but man, that was ugly. The Warriors struggled all night and never really looked in control. Honestly, if the Dragons hadn’t lost three players to failed HIAs, this could’ve easily been their fourth straight loss. Luckily, the Warriors took advantage once the Dragons ran out of steam and scraped together a much-needed win. It puts them back in the top four and back in charge of their own destiny. Now they just need to shake off this funk and string together three solid performances to close out the regular season. Ugly win or not, I’ll take that any day over a “pretty” loss.

It’s a strange feeling, though. I always try to keep my reviews honest but with a positive slant, and even though the Warriors sit in 4th, it feels like seasons past where they were battling near the bottom. The difference is that they did the hard work early this year to give themselves this platform. With a few winnable games ahead, they can still build some momentum; they just need to tidy up the basics. Worst-case scenario, even if they slip up once or twice, a top-six finish still looks likely. The key now is focus, discipline, and finishing the regular season on a high.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

Even after missing earlier chances to take control of the match, the Warriors stayed calm and focused. They trusted their defensive structure, communicated well across the field, and refused to quit under sustained pressure. Rather than panic or force risky plays, they waited for the right moments to strike, piled on the pressure and stuck when they saw an advantage out wide. That patience and composure were vital to getting the much-needed win, even if it gave my nerves a workout.

The Warriors had a few defensive missteps, but they made up for them with strong goal-line stands and excellent scrambling efforts. The team communicated well, covered for each other, and limited the Dragons’ opportunities, aside from the first 20 minutes, when they conceded two soft tries. Their organisation and discipline under pressure were key in keeping the Dragons to just 10 points. The reduced Dragons bench also helped, as tired forwards were forced to play more minutes than expected, giving the Warriors’ defence an edge in the later stages. Even in a messy game, their defensive structure proved they could hold firm when the attack wasn’t firing, but they will need to find another level or two come finals time.

It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but the Warriors got the job done. The win moves them back into the top four and brings them closer to securing a finals spot. Just as importantly, it gives the squad a confidence boost after morale took a hit over the past three weeks. Sometimes a hard-fought, messy victory can be just as meaningful as a dominant display, and this result gives the Warriors some self-belief as they head into the final rounds of the season, still not good enough for a finals side right now but with some focus and improvement around the basics they coud build some momentum in the final few rounds.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warriors often made things harder for themselves, committing 10 errors, many of them unforced. Early on, these mistakes allowed the Dragons to take control of the match, and even after the Warriors began to assert themselves, the errors left the door open for the Dragons to threaten a comeback. These lapses disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm and could have been costly if the Dragons had capitalised. The team simply needs to show more respect for the ball, as better sides will punish them if they are this sloppy again. While the win was important, cleaning up their attack will be crucial in the final rounds.

The Warriors’ attack was often flat, with sets lacking creativity and fluidity for much of the match. Early opportunities went begging, and ball movement was predictable. Things started to improve when Tanah Boyd began attacking the line, forcing the Dragons to adjust and creating gaps in their defensive line. This flatness in attack has become a recurring problem since the injury to Luke Metcalf, who was the attacking lightning rod of this Warriors side. While Boyd’s efforts brought some spark late in the game, the team still needs to find more consistency in attack to fully capitalise on their chances.

The Warriors used 7 of their 8 interchanges, but the timing and deployment raised some questions. Jackson Ford stayed on the field too long, which began to affect his performance, while Sam Healey wasn’t brought on early enough to make an impact. Perhaps taking Ford off earlier, shifting Marata Niukore into the middle, and bringing Leka Halasima back on could have maintained intensity and added more punch in the forwards. I’ve long had concerns about Andrew Webster’s use of the bench, and while missing players like Mitch Barnett makes rotations more challenging, better management of interchanges could have helped the team control the game more effectively.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

I was tempted to give the nod to Adam Pompey this week, given his two tries, but he also had a hand in the Dragons’ tries, so I went with RTS. He was a constant attacking threat with 24 runs for 267 metres, including 103 post-contact metres, and consistently threatening to break the line. With the Warriors’ attack struggling overall, he remains one of the few players capable of creating opportunities, highlighted by a spectacular try assist off an offload while pinned against the sideline. Aside from one handling error, his performance was excellent, blending smart decision-making with moments of individual brilliance that helped keep the Warriors in the fight.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to James Fisher-Harris.

It was hard to pick JFH as he had some solid contributions, running 119 metres, breaking 2 tackles, and ending the match with no missed tackles. However, his 2 errors and 2 penalties were avoidable and put the Warriors under unnecessary pressure. As Captain and leader of the side, I hold him to a higher standard, and in a close game like this, those lapses stood out. While his work rate and defence were strong, greater discipline and control would have helped the team maintain momentum throughout the match.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 25, the Warriors head back to Australia to face the Titans, who went down 54-22 to the Sharks in Round 24.

For my team selection, Jackson Ford looks set to be out for at least 3 weeks due to suspension, as I assume the Warriors won't try to fight the charge, which would risk a 4-week ban. So I would move Marata Niukore to the front row and bring Kurt Capewell back into the second row. Ali Leiataua, Rocco Berry and Te Maire Martin are all slated to be available, but I would most likely stick with the team that was named this round and give the two centres a game in the cup first. Te Maire could return at 14, but I like Sam Healey on the bench, so I'm keeping him.

The Titans had a bit of a performance bump after defeating the Warriors in Round 21, taking the Panthers to the limit in Round 22 and narrowly losing to the Rabbitohs before the severe beating handed to them by the Sharks this Round. However, as we all know, their form doesn't matter when they face the Warriors, as they also pull out their best performances, winning 6 of the past seven clashes between the sides, so it will be another tough match.

For the Warriors to beat the Titans, they need to control the ruck and keep their sets tidy. Strong defence through the middle and quick line speed will stop the Titans from playing their fast, unpredictable style. In attack, the Warriors should look to win the middle first, then shift the ball wide to test the Titans’ edges, which are often exposed. Staying patient and turning pressure into points will give them the best chance of coming out on top. I think the Warriors will end the Titans' curse here and get revenge for their embarrassing 66-6 loss on the Gold Coast last season, so I am picking the Warriors to win by 10.

So, that was a stressful Round 24, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Is this win a turning point, or just a short-term relief?

Which player needs to lift this week?

Do you think the interchange was managed well this week?

What is your score prediction against the Titans?