NZ Warriors 2025 Round 17 Review: Errors and missed chances cost Warriors again

After their lacklustre defeat at home to the Panthers, the Warriors made their way back across to Ditch to Suncorp Stadium to face the Broncos, who were confident after their 34-28 win over the Sharks in Round 16.

The Broncos controlled the match right from the start and despite the Warriors' attempted fightback in the second half, the home side never lost control, cruising to a 26-12 victory.

What Went Down

The Broncos wasted no time setting the tone, capitalising on a Warriors error in the opening set. Just two minutes in, Adam Reynolds rolled a grubber into the in-goal for Kotoni Staggs to pounce on and open the scoring.
They continued to impress without the ball too—Josiah Karapani forced Edward Kosi into touch with the try-line in sight. Moments later, Karapani was rewarded at the other end, finishing off a sharp cut-out pass from Ezra Mam to score his fifth try in three games and give the Broncos a 10-0 lead by the 14th minute.
A Reynolds penalty goal in the 24th minute stretched the margin further. The Warriors thought they had hit back through Chanel Harris-Tavita, who claimed a Metcalf bomb, but the bunker ruled he didn’t ground it cleanly.
Just before halftime, Reece Walsh capped off a dominant first half by putting Gehamat Shibasaki over in the corner, sending the Broncos to the sheds up 18-0.

The home side picked up where they left off after the break, with Walsh close to scoring, thwarted by a massive try-saving effort from Te Maire Martin, who replaced Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback after he succumbed to a knee injury. That gave the Warriors an energy boost, and it was them who struck first, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck diving over in the 45th minute for his first try at Suncorp Stadium since 2014.
Reynolds added another two points via penalty in the 51st, after Jackson Ford was pinged for an escort, extending the lead to 20-6.
The Warriors kept fighting. Leka Halasima climbed high to collect a bomb and score in the 65th minute, giving them hope. But that was short-lived, as Luke Metcalf left the field soon after with a suspected ACL injury following a heavy shot from Brendan Piakura.
Their frustration grew when Kosi spilled a pass with the line wide open. The Broncos made them pay. Shibasaki crossed again in the 75th minute to secure his third double in as many games.
The 26-12 win was Brisbane’s third straight victory and handed the Warriors their first set of back-to-back losses in 2025.

My Thoughts

Another tough one to watch. I came into the game confident the Warriors would bounce back from the Panthers' loss and keep their unbeaten record at Suncorp intact. But when Marata Niukore dropped the ball in the first set and the Broncos scored almost immediately, you just had that sinking feeling it was going to be one of those nights.

The Warriors were outmuscled and outplayed. And to make matters worse, luck was nowhere to be found; bad bounces, injuries, and even the referee’s calls all seemed to go against them. It was a frustrating watch from home.

They lacked punch early, which put them on the back foot straight away. While they never stopped fighting, they couldn’t build any momentum, errors and penalties constantly disrupted their sets. Losing Metcalf and CNK hurt badly. It threw the team's rhythm off, and they never looked in sync after that. Understandable, but costly.

This was another chance for the Warriors to prove they’re serious premiership contenders, and they let it slip. If they want to be taken seriously, they need to start winning these big games. The upcoming clashes with the Dolphins and Bulldogs are must-wins in my eyes, perfect opportunities to make a statement.

There’s still a bit of a buffer between them in fourth and the Broncos in fifth, but it won’t last long if performances like this continue. I still believe this team can stay in the top four, but they’re going to have to earn it.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors may have been outplayed for most of the first half, but they came out after the break with more energy and purpose. Their defence tightened up, slowing the Broncos’ momentum and forcing mistakes, while their attack started to click. They scored 12 points in the second half and kept the contest alive. There were also a few attacking chances that, with better execution, might’ve changed the outcome. In the end, it wasn’t enough to get the win, but the Warriors showed real fight and determination, battling hard right to the final whistle.

The Warriors’ offloading began to shift momentum in their favour in the second half, although it did not secure them the win. They completed 12 offloads compared to the Broncos’ 6. This helped break down the Broncos’ defence and create more attacking opportunities. These sharp offloads added energy to the Warriors’ attack, helping them gain ground and build longer sets. Keeping them in the fight, and while it wasn’t enough for a win, the offloading showed real promise as a way to break through defence and needs to stay in the game plan for the rest of the season.

The Warriors found themselves on the back foot early but gradually stepped up their defensive intensity. As the game went on, their line speed improved, they wrapped up the ball more effectively, and showed greater urgency in scramble situations. This increased pressure disrupted the Broncos’ rhythm at times and helped keep the scoreline from getting out of hand for significant stretches. The Warriors’ defensive effort in the second half demonstrated resilience and a refusal to give up; they just need to do it for 80 minutes.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors struggled all night with discipline and ball control, which constantly disrupted their momentum. They racked up 11 errors, conceded eight penalties, and gave away four set restarts, handing the Broncos repeated opportunities and valuable field position. Every time the Warriors showed signs of getting back into the game, a mistake or penalty would undo their progress and swing the momentum back to Brisbane, making an already tough challenge even harder. In a competition as tough as the NRL, you cannot hand the opposition free sets at any stage, so the Warriors need to get these down asap.

The Warriors’ forward pack was clearly outmuscled in the middle during their 26-12 loss to the Broncos, failing to provide any real go-forward. None of the starting forwards consistently bent the line, making it hard for the team to build momentum through the middle of the field. Only James Fisher-Harris (125 metres) and Erin Clark (120 metres) managed to crack the 100-metre mark that I like to see, well below what's needed to pressure a strong Brisbane defence. With such little impact up front, the Warriors’ attack lacked spark, and their halves had no platform to work from. If the Warriors want to stay in the top four and push for finals success, their forward pack needs to toughen up and stop getting dominated through the middle.

Injuries once again disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm, with the loss of Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad unsettling key combinations and raising fresh concerns about the strain on their squad. With Mitch Barnett already ruled out for the season, and Ali Leiataua (returning around Round 21) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (returning around Round 22) still sidelined, the growing injury list is becoming a major obstacle. The latest knocks suffered during the match could have lasting effects, depending on the scan results, potentially forcing further changes in an already stretched lineup. While the club continues to emphasise a “next man up” mentality, these repeated in-game losses are testing their depth and team cohesion. With the finals approaching, the Warriors will be hoping their luck improves and they can finally get through a match without losing multiple players.

Warrior of the Match

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

There were only a handful of players who could have been in the conversation here, but I had to go with RTS. Led the Warriors in running metres with 173m, scored a try and was safe out the back when he had to move to Fullback when Metcalf went off. It felt like he was one of the only Warriors players who looked threatening with the ball in hand. Has had a great 2025 and consistently gives it 100% regardless of where he plays. With CNK out, the discussions about him moving to fullback may start up again, and I wouldn't fight it right now.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve is Ed Kosi.

I feel for Kosi; he seems to be a great guy, but he's just so rocks and diamonds when on the footy field. He has had a few games this year and has performed fine, but we got the rocks display here. He made four errors and was carried over the sideline several times. He was one of only five Warriors to run over 100 metres, ending the match with 118m. He also had a few poor reads and positioning defensively.

In a performance where the Warriors needed composure and execution, Kosi's inconsistency stood out for the wrong reasons, highlighting areas that still require major work if he wants to cement his spot in first grade, I just don't think he has what it takes to play at the level week in and week out, but i truly hope he can prove me and his many doubters wrong.

Bye Round and Round 19 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 18, the Warriors get their third and final bye of the season. It looks like a great time to get it, with some issues that need to be ironed out, and it's an ideal week off for the injured players to improve without the team missing them on the field.

After the bye, the Warriors are back at Go Media Stadium, hosting the Wests Tigers.

As for the team I'd select, Andrew Webster said that both Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will not be playing. So I would bring Tanah Boyd in for Metcalf and Tuaupiki in for CNK. I would also be dropping Ed Kosi, but with the current outside back stocks low, it makes it tricky. So I would be looking at moving Kurt Capewell to centre and pushing Adam Pompey to the wing. Either that or Tuapiki goes to the Wing with Te Maire Martin playing fullback. I'm 50/50 on which option to go with right now. I'm a massive fan of Boyd and have been wanting to see him get a chance in the top grade, although an injury to Metcalf was not the way I wanted it to happen.

The Tigers have shown improvement this year, but ultimately are not at the level of a team vying for a finals spot, so on paper, this is a perfect opportunity for the Warriors to bounce back. However, as we saw earlier this year, the Tigers took the Warriors to the limit, so they cannot come into this match with a poor attitude. For the Warriors to get the win here, they will need to muscle up on Terrell May and pressure Jarome Luai. If they do that, then they should be in the driver's seat. With the ball in hand, they need their pack to get the Tigers' defensive line on the back foot and utilise the offloads again. The attack may be a bit clunky with a new look spine, but if they kick to the corners and pressure the Tigers into mistakes, the points will come. I'm confident the Warriors will be too much for the Tigers, so I'm picking them to end their losing streak and win by 16.

So, that was a poor Round 17, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Who would you bring in for Metcalf and CNK?

After back-to-back losses, do you think the Warriors can remain a top-four side come the finals?

Are you concerned with the Warriors' outside backs' depth?

What is your score prediction against the Tigers?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 16 Review: Warriors Let Opportunity Slip Against Depleted Panthers

 After their 2nd bye of the season, the Warriors were back at Go Media Stadium, hosting a Panthers side fresh off the bye without their Origin stars.

After a close first half where the Warriors trailed by just two points, the Panthers took control in the second and cruised to a comfortable 28-18 victory, handing the Warriors back-to-back defeats at home.

What Went Down

The match began with high intensity, with both teams showing they came to play. Strong defence dominated early, including a desperate effort from Daine Laurie to deny Luke Metcalf a 40/20 attempt in the 4th minute. From there, the sides traded sets through the opening 15 minutes, with the most significant point of note being the exit of Marata Noukore in the 11th minute after a head clash, which would see him fail his HIA and not return.
By the 16-minute mark, Penrith had controlled 62% of possession and completed 15 tackles inside the Warriors’ 20-metre zone, compared to just three for the home side. They eventually made their dominance count, swinging the ball left to Thomas Jenkins, who crossed in the corner for the opening try. The Panthers led 4-0.
The Warriors hit back quickly. A sharp step from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned a penalty, marching them upfield. Metcalf then put up a high kick that Izack Tago failed to handle, with Jackson Ford pouncing on the loose ball to score and level the match at 4-4 in the 20th minute.
Penrith responded immediately. In the 22nd minute, deep in their own half, Brad Schneider exploited a slip from Leka Halasima to break away downfield. He linked up with Laurie, but the Warriors scrambled well in defence, managing to hold Moses Leota up over the line.
The game settled into a grind until just before halftime, when some slick ball movement from Blaize Talagi opened up the right edge, allowing Scott Sorensen to cross for a try in the 37th minute. With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak off injured, the Warriors' edge was changed with Adam Pompey moving to wing and Te Maire Martin coming on as a centre. 

Both teams had chances to add points, but fullbacks Laurie and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad came up with vital one-on-one tackles to prevent certain tries.

The Panthers led 8-6 at halftime, after Paul Alamoti missed both sideline conversions, and the Warriors went into the sheds down to a two-man bench. 

The Warriors started the second half strongly and were rewarded when a Matt Eisenhuth error gave them a full set on Penrith’s line. Metcalf took advantage, laying on a pass for Jacob Laban to crash over in the 47th minute. The Warriors hit the front 12-8. Penrith didn’t panic and showed their resilience. 

In the set after the try, Sorensen made a critical one-on-one tackle on Wayde Egan, who had shaped to dart through a gap. In the 55th minute, Sorensen struck again, latching onto a well-placed kick from Schneider to score his second try and give the Panthers a 14-12 lead.
Moments later, defence turned into attack when Tom Jenkins blocked a potential Warriors try and took off downfield. Schneider then drew in defenders before releasing Talagi, who stepped through some flimsy defence to score in the 62nd minute, extending the lead to 20-12.
The Panthers sealed the result in the 69th minute when a last-tackle kick saw the ball bounce over Nicoll-Klokstad's head, and Paul Alamoti pounced to extend the lead to 26-12.
They added a penalty goal in the 72nd minute after Jackson Ford was penalised for a late tackle on Schneider, who had spilled the ball. Despite the error, the whistle went against the Warriors for playing on.
The Warriors had the final say in the match when Demitric Vaimauga threw a crisp pass to Moala Graham-Taufa, who sprinted away to score his first NRL try in the 78th minute.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a tough one to take. It feels like forever since the last home game, and I was really looking forward to being back at a live match. Confidence was high, the Warriors looked sharp before the bye, and the Panthers have been pretty underwhelming this year, even with their stars. So when they came to New Zealand without their big names, I was expecting at least a narrow Warriors win.

But I should’ve known better; there’s no such thing as a guaranteed victory in the NRL. The Panthers showed up with intent and looked like a team with a point to prove. You could almost imagine Ivan Cleary had last season in mind when a weakened Warriors side upset a full-strength Penrith and used it as motivation.

From the stands, the Warriors looked a bit flat, which we’ve seen before after a bye. They were competitive for the first hour, but the Panthers’ relentless pressure eventually took its toll. Having only two players left on the bench didn’t help, and Luke Metcalf’s injury limited his impact. Still, the game was there to be won, and the Warriors let themselves down in key moments.

It’s not the first time they’ve crumbled under pressure this season, but it’s another lesson to take on board as they push towards finals footy. As disappointing as the result was, I still believe this team can bounce back and remain a genuine premiership threat.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors started the game with clear intent, showing some of their best defensive resilience this season. Many times in the first half, they were pinned down on their own line, defending repeat sets. But their scramble defence held strong. The players worked hard for each other, shutting down overlaps, making desperate tackles, and supporting one another at every opportunity. It was a gritty, determined effort that set the tone early and showed this team has the character to dig in and fight under pressure. Unfortunately, a few brief lapses later in the match let the Panthers break through and shift the momentum their way.

The team’s problems are obvious and, importantly, fixable. In this performance, the main issues were slow line speed, defensive lapses, and awkward choices in key last-tackle moments. These aren’t about culture or attitude but simply areas where the team can improve. With key players like Capewell and Niukore set to return soon, the Warriors will regain the physical presence and leadership needed to strengthen their defence and sharpen their attack. Their comeback should also bring more structure and clarity on the field, helping the team execute game plans better and build momentum going forward.

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

Match Negatives

The 35 to 55-minute period was crucial, as the Warriors struggled to match Penrith’s intensity through the middle. The Panthers’ “Bridge Brigade” came on strong, dominating the ruck and physical battles.

The Warriors looked flat and lacked the aggression needed to respond. James Fisher-Harris's absence left a leadership gap when he went to the bench. Marata Niukore’s failed HIA and early exit also further weakened their middle defence.

The Warriors couldn’t contain Penrith’s power game, and key players were missing. To compete this season, the forward pack must step up and fill the void left by Mitch Barnett, a big challenge but essential for their premiership chances.

The Warriors struggled to adjust their defence against the Panthers’ second-phase attack, especially their offloads and quick short passes around the ruck. Penrith’s skill at keeping the ball alive and building momentum through these offloads repeatedly caught the Warriors off guard. This failure to adapt allowed the Panthers to apply constant pressure and break through the Warriors’ defensive lines more easily, revealing weaknesses in their defensive structure. Unfortunately, defending against second-phase play has been a problem for the Warriors all season, and this game highlighted how their inability to contain sustained attacking pressure continues to hurt them. Ultimately, their lack of adjustment to Penrith’s dynamic play was a key reason they struggled to stop the flow of points and keep control of the game.

This loss felt like a game where the Warriors may have underestimated their opponents. Riding high on confidence and expectations, they seemed to rely too much on their own hype and failed to match the Panthers’ hunger and intensity. Although the Panthers were seen as understrength, they showed more desire and physicality, outworking the Warriors when it mattered most. In the end, it felt like the Warriors just didn’t “want it” enough, and that lack of urgency cost them against a team that fought harder and smarter.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark.

In an otherwise disappointing performance, Erin Clark was a clear standout, though at this point, his consistency makes it no surprise. He led the forward pack with 143 running metres, matched Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad with 7 tackle breaks, and made 43 tackles with only 3 misses. He’s become a rock-solid presence in the middle and continues to improve his ball-playing with each game.

If the Warriors can build him up to play the full 80 minutes without losing his impact, it would be a huge boost, especially with the current injury toll exposing how much the side struggles when he’s off the field. Clark has had a superb return to the club and should absolutely be in the conversation for both Signing of the Year and Dally M Lock of the Year.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve is Leka Halasima.

It was another tough week, with several players falling short of the standards we've come to expect. With Niukore and DWZ unable to finish the game, I had fewer players to choose from, so I’ve gone with Halasima. He had some dangerous moments, but overall, the Panthers easily contained him.

His slip in the first half led to a major Panthers break and swung the momentum their way. Then in the second half, a costly error stalled the Warriors' attack just as they were starting to build pressure.

Halasima is full of superstar potential, but like many young players, consistency is still a challenge. If he can focus on nailing the basics each week and staying involved, there's no limit to how far he can go.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 17, the Warriors travel to Suncorp Stadium for the third time this season, this time to face the Broncos, who defeated the Sharks 34-28 in Round 16.

As for the team I'd select, I would only consider replacing the injured players. For DWZ, I would bring Taine Tuapiki back in, replace Marata Niukore with Bunty Afoa, and bring Kurt Capewell back into the centres. I would prefer to have him in the pack again, but right now, they have more forward cover than backs, so he is needed there, unless Rocco Berry is ruled fit, then I would bring him in, and Capewell goes into the pack with Tanner Stowers-Smith being dropped from the bench. Everyone else, I would keep the same.

The Broncos have been a tough team to get a read on this season. Many, including myself, expected them to be near the top of the ladder and genuine title contenders, but inconsistency has let them down, with a few surprising losses in games they should have won. That said, they’ve started to build some momentum and remain a serious threat in attack; they’ve scored the fourth-most points in the comp and lead the league in linebreaks. Their offloading game, which has troubled the Warriors in the past, combined with a powerful forward pack, makes this a real test.

For the Warriors to get the job done, they’ll need their forwards to match Brisbane through the middle and bring real intensity on defence, especially when it comes to shutting down second-phase play and wrapping up the ball. If they can limit the Broncos’ attacking chances and take theirs when they come, there’s every chance they can notch up a third win at Suncorp this year. It won’t be easy, but I’m backing the Warriors to get it done by six.

So, that was a lacklustre Round 16, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Do you think the Warriors simply took the Panthers lightly?

Who would you bring in to replace the injured players?

How confident are you that the Warriors will keep a spot in the top four?

What is your score prediction against the Broncos?

NZ Warriors 2025 Mid-Season Review: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

With the Warriors enjoying their second bye of the season in Round 15, I have no match to review, so I thought it was the best time to write my mid-season review.

I came into the 2025 season with realistic expectations. In my season preview, I said that if the Warriors could string together a few early wins, they’d have a chance to play finals, but with so many quality teams in the mix, I tipped them to finish tenth.

Right now, that prediction is way off, in the best possible way. The Warriors are sitting third on the ladder with 24 points and a +35 points differential.

One of the biggest turnarounds from last season has been their form on the road. In 2024, they finished with a disappointing away record of 3-9. Fast forward to 2025; they’re 5-2 away from home. They’ve also flipped the script in close contests. Last year, they lost six games by six points or fewer. This year, they’ve won five and lost just one by the same margin. Winning those tight games has been crucial; it’s put the Warriors in control of their own destiny.

Sticking with the format I’ve used over the past few seasons, I’ll break this review down into the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Then I’ll wrap things up with a look ahead to the second half of the season, update my Player of the Year tally, and give my prediction for the Panthers clash in Round 16.

So, let's just get into it.

The Good

The Warriors’ gritty style has been a cornerstone of their rise into the top four in 2025. From the opening rounds, they’ve built a reputation for refusing to back down, whether holding firm in defence, scrambling to shut down second-phase play, or grinding out low-scoring wins.

While others have struggled for consistency, the Warriors have stayed composed and committed, turning defence into opportunity and sticking to their systems. It’s not flashy, but it’s highly effective in a tight competition. What makes their surge even more impressive is how they’ve thrived despite adversity, injuries and new combinations. Their relentless mindset and team-first approach have made them a respected and legitimate premiership contender.

The Warriors’ goal-line defence has played a vital role in their success this season. Their toughness and discipline in repelling repeated attacks near their own try line have frequently forced opponents into mistakes or limited their scoring chances. This ability to stand firm under pressure has helped the Warriors protect narrow leads and swing momentum in tight contests. By consistently shutting down attacks close to the line, the team has built the resilience and confidence needed to secure crucial wins throughout the season to date.

The rise of young talents like Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, and Sam Healy has been one of my standout highlights of the Warriors’ 2025 season. These emerging players have injected fresh energy, skill, and enthusiasm into the team, showcasing the growing strength of the club’s development system. Building on this positive momentum, the Harold Matts team has won their competition for the second consecutive year, while the NSW Cup side currently leads the ladder in theirs. These successes not only boost the Warriors’ present performance but also highlight the significant progress in nurturing young talent at every level. This new generation of players promises a bright future for the club, with continued growth and greater roles ahead.

So far, my game of the year was the Warriors' last match, their 40-10 victory over the Sharks. It showcased the Warriors’ resilience and ability to overcome adversity, missing key players like Mitch Barnett and Wayde Egan. After a string of tight, stressful contests, it was refreshing to see the team not just survive but dominate and pull away convincingly in the second half. Despite some early attacking struggles, the Warriors found their rhythm, showing promising signs of fluidity and cohesion, especially in their forwards and second-phase play. Facing a decent Sharks side, the Warriors proved they can compete at a high level and adapt under pressure, giving me genuine excitement and confidence about their top-four chances and the season ahead. This game felt like a clear turning point and a glimpse of the team’s bright future.

The Bad

One concerning aspect in the Warriors’ 2025 season has been their inability to beat top-tier teams. All three of their losses have come against fellow top-four sides, once to the Storm and twice to the Raiders, raising doubts about whether they can compete with the NRL’s elite. While they’ve handled most opponents with consistency and control, these defeats have highlighted issues with execution and composure in pressure moments. However, the improvement in their performances since their last loss suggests they’re heading in the right direction. Upcoming matchups against the Broncos (Round 17), Dolphins (Round 22), and ladder-leading Bulldogs (Round 23) will be a true test of their title hopes and show whether they’ve made the improvements needed to be genuine contenders.

The Warriors’ attack has struggled to find its rhythm in 2025, with clunky combinations, slow ball movement, and a lack of cohesion stalling momentum at crucial times. Constant changes to the back five due to injuries have likely played a role, disrupting the flow and making it harder to build consistent attacking sets. Too often, their plays have lacked direction, making it difficult to sustain pressure or turn good field position into points. But things may be turning around if their latest performance is anything to go by. The side showed more fluency and purpose with the ball, hinting that their attacking combinations are finally starting to click.

The Warriors usually keep their discipline and errors low, which helps them build leads and stay in control. But when momentum shifts to the opposition, things quickly fall apart. Under pressure, the Warriors often lose possession with careless mistakes while trying to get out of their own half. This loss of composure only fuels the momentum swing, letting opponents score and turning comfortable leads into tense, close games. This shows a key area they need to improve: staying focused and protecting the ball when the pressure is highest.

My bad match of the year was the Round 1 30-8 defeat to the Raiders in Las Vegas. From start to finish, the Raiders outclassed them, exposing a lack of pace, direction, and cohesion that made it tough to watch. Changes to the starting lineup and interchange strategy didn’t pay off, leaving the side without the forward platform they rely on. While there were a few brief flashes of promise, the Warriors looked flat and disjointed, almost like they were playing at half the speed of the Raiders. The occasion itself, playing in Las Vegas, may have added to the pressure and thrown them off their game.

Plenty of harsh lessons were learned that night, and to their credit, the Warriors took them to heart. Since then, they've responded with stronger, more composed performances that suggest real growth and resilience.

And now all that's left is the ugly.

The Ugly

One of the toughest blows of the Warriors’ 2025 season was losing co-captain Mitchell Barnett to a season-ending ACL injury. A heart-and-soul player, Barnett brought leadership, toughness, and relentless effort through the middle of the field. His defensive steel, hard carries, and no-nonsense attitude often set the tone for those around him. Just as important was his voice, rallying the forwards and lifting the side in crucial moments. His absence isn’t just about missing a physical presence; it leaves a big gap in leadership and emotional drive. While several younger players have stepped up impressively in his place, the real test will be whether they, and the rest of the forward pack, can maintain that same level of intensity and consistency every week for the rest of the season.

Before the 2025 season even began, the Warriors suffered a major blow when Tohu Harris retired due to persistent knee problems. Losing a player of his talent and leadership so suddenly left a huge hole in the forward pack and in the team’s identity. Harris was more than just a hard worker; he was the steady presence in the middle, the key organiser in defence, and the emotional heart of the team. His absence has been deeply felt all year. Others have stepped up, especially Erin Clark, who is having a breakout season in his first year back with the club, but there’s simply no replacing a figure like Tohu. This wasn’t the ending he deserved, but the NRL can be harsh, and sometimes even the greatest warriors must bow out sooner than they hoped.

My ugly match of 2025 was the 42-14 defeat to the Storm in Round 6. This was easily my worst game of the year so far. The Warriors were completely outplayed and looked off from start to finish. Their defence was shredded by the Storm’s relentless second-phase attack, exposing weaknesses we had already noticed but hoped were fixed. The team seemed rattled, making careless errors that killed their momentum. Losing James Fisher-Harris early didn’t fully explain the collapse; the damage was done well before that. The second half showed some fight, but it felt too little, too late, especially since the Storm had already rested key players by then. The losing streak against the Storm feels like a curse now, an anchor weighing heavily on the Warriors whenever they face this powerhouse. This performance was a big step backward, but also seemed like a wake-up call, as since then, the Warriors have always managed to stay in the fight.

The Season so far and what's next

Overall, the Warriors have exceeded my expectations this season to date. The ladder is still tight, like it is most years, but the Warriors are sitting third with 10 wins and 3 losses in a top four that has a bit of space between them and the rest of the competition. However, that does not guarantee a top-four finish by season's end, and the Warriors will have to keep their foot down and keep those wins coming.

While there are still areas to refine, such as tightening up defence and maintaining discipline under pressure, the Warriors have shown remarkable consistency and resilience. With the rise of young stars like Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga and new recruits like Erin Clark performing in career-best form, I am confident that the Warriors have got what it takes to be in the discussion as premiership contenders.

Looking at the second half of the season, there are 12 rounds to go and the Warriors have one bye remaining; they are in a strong position to control their own fate. They have six home games left, which is a great chance to build momentum in front of their fans. Five games will be away, but only three of their remaining matchups are against teams currently in the top eight. They’ll also play the last-placed Titans twice. However, the Titans have a habit of lifting against the Warriors, so those games are anything but guaranteed.

As I’ve said before, the NRL ladder is extremely tight this season, and a couple of poor performances could quickly knock the Warriors down the table. That said, this year’s squad has shown a lot of heart and looks like a settled, unified group. They’ve continued to improve weekly and are well on track for a top-four finish—maybe even a shot at the minor premiership if they can get the job done against the Bulldogs in Round 23. Come finals time, their goal-line defence and discipline could really trouble a few sides. The sky’s the limit in 2025, as long as they stay grounded and keep focusing on week-to-week improvement. It’s a great time to be a Warriors fan.

Update on Brad's Player of the Year Standings

After every match, I have been rating the top three Warriors with a Dally M 3,2,1 points system; I have been slack in sharing the updates this season, so I will include the update here.

Fourteen players have received points so far this season, and below are the top eight scorers. Erin Clark sits at the top with 13 points, only a point ahead of Wayde Egan, with Chanrze Nicoll-Klokstad not far behind them. The players with points who didn't make the top eight were Chanel Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Taine Tuaupiki and Kurt Capewell on 3 points and James Fisher-Harris and Ali Leiataua on 2 points.

On the other hand, I also keep track of the players I pick each week who need to improve. We have had eight players make that list, with Luke Metcalf leading with two selections. The rest, with only one selection so far, are Charnze Nicoll-Klostad, Adam Pompey, Marata Niukore, Rocco Berry, Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Leka Halasima. I have also had a no player selected to improve four times this season.

Next Round's Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 16, the Warriors return home to face the Panthers, who also enjoyed a bye in Round 15.

Regarding the team I would pick, I would keep the same side that played against the Sharks, with the exception of bringing Rocco Berry into the centres for Kurt Capewell, giving him a rest after playing Origin in Perth. I would also bring Wayde Egan back into hooker, with Sam Healey taking Te Maire Martins' spot on the interchange.

The Panthers have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, but not in a good way. After years of setting the benchmark, they've fallen well short of the high standards they’ve established over the past five seasons. However, despite some disappointing performances, they’re beginning to climb back up the ladder and now sit just outside the top eight.

I’ve already ruled them out as genuine premiership contenders, but writing them off from making the finals would be premature. This team is still capable of flipping the switch and going on a run at any time. Coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed he won’t be playing his Origin stars, with the travel from Perth to Auckland and a short turnaround making it too challenging. That gives the Warriors a clear advantage, especially at home. But they'll still need to be switched on, come in with the wrong attitude, and they risk being on the wrong end of an upset.

To win, the Warriors just need to stick with what’s worked in recent rounds: control the middle, target the edges, and keep things simple. It’s basic but effective. I’m confident they’ll get the job done again and make it three wins in a row, this time by 16.

So that was my mid-season review, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who has been your player of the year to date?

Who is your player that needs to improve the most?

Where do you see the Warriors finishing on the ladder?

What are your best and worst games for the Season so far?

What is your score prediction against the Panthers?