NZ Warriors 2026 Season Preview: The Next Step Forward or Stuck in the Middle?

We are finally here. The NRL is back, and the Round One start in Vegas is now just days away. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve broken down the five players I believe will stand out in 2026, as well as the five who need to lift. Now, it’s time to look at the bigger picture and predict how the Warriors’ season will unfold.
As I did last year, this preview is split into key sections: a look at the preseason and trial results, my signing of the year, a breakdown of the 2026 squad, my predicted Round One 19, and finally, where I see the Warriors finishing on the ladder in 2026.

As always, these are just my thoughts and opinions. I’m keen to hear yours too, so let me know what you think and let’s talk some footy.

Preseason News: Rehab Room Full, Rule Book Revised

After a disappointing year in 2024, I came into the 2025 season down on confidence and predicted a 10th-place finish, however the Warriors started the year strong and, despite losing key figures like Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf, ended the year in 6th position before bowing out of the competition after losing to the Penrith Panthers in the first week of finals.

While fans were able to switch off over the offseason, the Warriors certainly didn’t. The club continued to strengthen its pathways, with strong programs in the Harold Matthews Cup, where they’re chasing a three-peat — as well as Jersey Flegg, SG Ball and NSW Cup. The NSW Cup side, fresh off bringing championship success in 2025, shapes as an early contender to go back-to-back.

The NRLW squad has also taken shape, with the signings of Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga, Annetta Nuuausala and Stacey Waaka significantly boosting their premiership credentials. These pathways and women’s programs are crucial to building sustained success, and while we’ve already seen promising young talent emerge, there’s plenty more ready to rise through the ranks.

The club also secured the signing of Alofiana Khan-Pereira, adding further strike power to the roster. He was included in a strong Warriors contingent selected for the 2026 All Stars match, alongside Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Te Maire Martin, Jacob Laban, James Fisher-Harris and Adam Pompey, a clear reflection of the depth and quality building within the club.

The NRL was also busy in the offseason, announcing a batch of rule tweaks for 2026 that could subtly shift how teams approach games. Trainers are now limited to entering the field only in clearly defined situations, keeping player safety front and centre while reducing unnecessary stoppages. Interchange rules have also been adjusted: teams can now rotate four players up to eight times from a six-player bench, meaning coaches will have to be even smarter with their rotations and interchange selections. In-goal play has changed too, with the “zero tackle” ruling removing the automatic seven-tackle set after an accidental knock-on by the attacking side. Finally, certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line will now restart the tackle count, replacing the old 40-metre threshold, a subtle tweak that could influence field position strategies.

The Warriors fans continue to impress with thier support, selling out the June 21 match against the Cowboys in Christchurch in five days, five months before the game is even played. After selling out most of their Mt Smart games in 2025, you will imagine that they are on track to do it again in 2026. The team has to get results, of course, but if the fans continue to pack out any stadium they play in, it will make for an intimidating arena for their opposition, and I can't wait to be part of that atmosphere again.

The roster has had a few changes, but I will keep that for my 2026 squad section below.

Lastly, let's talk about the trials.

The first preseason outing saw the Warriors head down to Napier to face the Sea Eagles, where they went down 33-18. Despite several big names out due to injury or on All-Star duty, there was enough talent with first-grade experience to give the Warriors the edge; however, it was not to be, with an error-riddled performance keeping the Warriors on the back foot. They struggled to keep thier defensive line in check. They offered very little on attack, with most of their points coming from lucky breaks. The new signings didn't spark much confidence, with the only highlights for me being Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith, alongside a few of the youngsters showing a glimpse of thier potential in a few years. Not the best way to kick off 2026, but plenty of lessons to take.

The Warriors then wrapped up the trials by heading to Leichardt Oval to face the Dolphins, suffering another defeat, this time 38-34. A few more of the Warriors' stars appeared in this match against a near full-strength Dolphins team and while they did get rundown towards the end when the youngsters were all playing I felt it was a better effort, still too many errors and missed opportunties and poor defensive reads but the forwards were getting a roll on consistently and on the back of that Tanah Boyd and Luke Hanson looked more at ease in the halves putting togther some nice attacking phases with the backline, which the team needs to see more of with Luke Metcalf out for atleast the first six rounds. 

The trials were a bit hit-and-miss for me; it's hard to judge without the full-strength side playing the entire 80, but there were enough positives to take from those matches to let me come into the 2026 regular season nervous but slightly optimistic.

Key Signing: Morgan Gannon

Gannon is a forward who combines toughness, skill and a relentless work rate with strong defensive reliability. Initially brought in as a locking option, he now faces the challenge of forcing his way into a regular spot in the 17.

He has the engine to play big minutes and contribute on both sides of the ball, and a fresh start at the Warriors offers the perfect opportunity to rediscover his best form. If he can stay healthy, add more impact with the ball and develop into a consistent line-running threat in 2026, he could quietly become one of the side’s most dependable forwards, the type whose true value is measured by what the team gains when he’s on the field.

His trial form was mixed, with a quiet first outing followed by a much stronger second performance, where he set up a nice try for Wayde Egan and worked tirelessly through the middle. With confidence and time, I believe he has all the tools to deliver the impact he’s capable of.

2026 Squad: Depth To Be Tested Early

The Warriors saw a mass exodus at the end of 2025, with Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers), Tom Ale (Panthers), Toby Crosby (Panthers), Kalani Going (Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa (Rabbitohs), Edward Kosi (Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Panthers) and Setu Tu (Dragons) all moving on. They also welcomed four new players with the signings of Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans), Jye Linnane (Knights) and Haizyn Mellars (Rabbitohs).

The Warriors head into 2026 with a squad that retains its core strength from 2025 but will have its depth tested early on with Luke Metcalf, Mitch Barnett, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Marata Niukore, Te Maire Martin and Rocco Berry all in the casualty ward. We will all be waiting for Luke Metcalf to return but the players chosen to fill his boots in the early stages of the season will be pivotal to where the Warriors are sitting when they get to full strength, Wayde Egan will once again play a key role, providing the halves time and space to unlock the backline, and with the halves depth a bit light right now they will all need to stay healthy as the Warriors can't afford any more injuries.

In the backline, you have the experienced heads that will lead the way, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and with Taine Tuaupiki, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Haizyn Mellars in the squad, there is competition for spots, so hopefully that means we will see a lift from all the outside backs. The centres are trickier with Adam Pompey, the only lock-in each week. Ali Leiataua has plenty of potential but needs to stay on the field, and Rocco Berry needs to stay injury-free this year, or the Warriors may need to cut their losses and move on.

The forward pack remains a major strength for the Warriors, offering both power and defensive solidity in the middle. James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett (when he returns) must set the platform and lead the way. Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark and Marata Niukore will all need to dig in and help the Co-Captains and set an example for the youngsters in the roster. We saw growth from players like Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga, and Jacob Laban last year. They will need to find another level this season as they will be looked at to contribute more, and the likes of Morgan Gannon, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava may have to bide thier time. Still, when given their chances, they will need to hit the ground running.

My Round One 19 was tough to pick, and I've had to make some assumptions about players' availability. Chanel Harris-Tavita, Mitch Barnett and Marata Niukore have all been left out by me, as we have had no certain news on whether they will be ready to go in Round 1. I've kept Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, although I am in the camp to move him to the centres, giving Taine Tuaupiki a chance out the back, but with the current outs, I'm sticking with experience. On the wings, I'm going with last year's picks in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. DWZ is on a short leash, with AKP a straight swap if DWZ's form doesn't pick up. For the centres, I've selected Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey. Ali showed some good moments in both trials, and Pompey is the best option consistently right now and deserves his spot. In the halves, I've gone with the two we saw in both trials in Tanah Boyd and Luke Hanson. If CHT is fit, then he slots in for Hanson, but they are the best the Warriors have for those spots right now.

The forward pack selects itself, I've gone with a James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan and Jackson Ford front row as it seems logical. In the second row, it was a bit harder, but I went with Kurt Capewell and Jacob Laban, with Laban showing more in the All Stars and trials than Leka Halasima. Erin Clark takes the lock spot after such a strong 2025 and solid enough outings in the trials.

The bench is the toughest part, with so many talented players left to pick from, and figuring out how to use the six-man bench. I've gone with Sam Healey as my bench hooker. I think a combination of him and Egan each week will keep opposition defences on their toes. My bench props, Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith, after the trials, look to be the next best middles. Then I've gone for Leka Halasima as my final traditional interchange player; his X-Factor was on full display in 2025, and the Warriors will be looking to him to create many more highlight reel moments this season. Then, for the final two spots, I've gone with Morgan Gannon as an overall forward cover and Taine Tuaupiki as my outside back cover.

My 2026 Prediction

Continuing my season preview trend, I was wrong last season when I predicted the Warriors would finish 10th.

It's a mixed bag across the ditch with the NRL Pundits; some believe the Warriors can be a finals contender, while others are predicting them to be a bottom-four side.

The early injuries and a tough beginning to the draw do have me worried, but I think this side can definitely be a finals side in 2026.

The pundits have rated the Warriors one of the more favourable draws, but it looks tough to me with the Warriors facing the Broncos, Panthers and Sharks twice. They have only 10 matches against sides from last year's top 8. Still, most fans will see the draw as before Metcalf and after Metcalf, with clashes in the first six rounds looking tough against the Roosters, Raiders, Sharks and Storm, all ready to derail the season before it even begins. Travel-wise, they dodge the tough trips to Townsville and Canberra for the second year in a row and get to start the season with back-to-back games at Mount Smart; however, there is a seven-week span where the Warriors will not be at Mount Smart, from Round 8 through to Round 14 (two of those Rounds being byes).

The Byes are all grouped together in the middle of the year, with the Warriors sitting out Round 10, 14 and 18. This sees them end the year with an unbroken nine-game stretch, which could test the squad's health.

If the Warriors can pick up a few wins in the first six weeks, stay injury-free, and build momentum in time for Metcalf to return, the Warriors put themselves in the driver's seat to make a strong run at the backend of the season and remain in the hunt for finals football. That said, this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with so many sides looking better than they were in 2025, making my attempt at predictions difficult. I've had a sixth-place finish in mind for the Warriors for months, and I'm sticking with my gut. While they have the potential to improve and push for higher honours, so do many other teams. So, my prediction for 2026? Sixth place.

What I want to see from the Warriors is simple: stay healthy and consistently deliver what we all know they can do on the pitch. Keep the pressure on every side they face and never quit for the entire 80. If they can do that, more often than not, they will walk away winners.

So, let's bring on the season. I'm looking forward to finally having footy back, and while a first-up match-up against the Roosters is nerve-racking, I can't wait to get back to Mount Smart.

Once again, I will be writing weekly game reviews and releasing them every Monday throughout the season. I will also attend all the Warriors games at Mt Smart as well as the game in Wellington, so if you are there, come say hi.

I'm also continuing to host my show, The Stand-Off, on New Zealand Sport Radio with my good friend Richie every Wednesday night at 8pm NZ time, so come join us there as we discuss everything going on in League and answer your questions live. I'm sure I will still be joining several other podcasts focused on Warriors content throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye or ear out for me on all platforms.

If you like what I do here, please share my blog with your friends and comment on how you think the season will go.

So that's my take on the Warriors' upcoming season, and I just can't wait for Round One. As usual, I will leave you with some questions.

How is your confidence after the Trials? 

Which player do you think will be the standout performer? 

Who would be in your gameday 19? 

Where do you think the Warriors will finish in 2026?

My Five Warriors That Must Improve In 2026

After last week’s list of players tipped to stand out in 2026, it’s now time to look at the five Warriors who have the most to prove this season. Only one player from last year’s list appears again, showing how things have shifted heading into the new campaign.
This group features players who need to lift certain areas of their game or finally deliver on their potential if the Warriors are to compete at the top level. Once again, the names are listed in no particular order.

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak starts the list for 2026.

Injuries and inconsistency made 2025 a frustrating season for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak following his outstanding form the year prior. When fit, his finishing ability and strong carries out of trouble remained valuable, but he struggled to build momentum and, at times, couldn’t replicate the impact that once made him one of the competition’s most dangerous wingers, ending the year with only 7 tries from 16 games. Errors and a lack of confidence kept him on the backfoot and defensive issues on his edge, while not always solely his fault, also became a talking point, with fans often nervously watching whenever opposition attacks were directed his way.

Heading into 2026, Watene-Zelezniak’s priority will be staying healthy and rediscovering the high-involvement style that made him so effective. The Warriors need him to consistently lead the yardage battle, finish opportunities, and make strong defensive reads on the edge. A full preseason and improved durability could see him return to being one of the side’s most important outside backs, but he’ll need to ensure his performances once again match the high standards he previously set, or he may find himself out of contention with several eager players ready to take his spot.

2. Rocco Berry

Rocco Berry endured a frustrating, injury-disrupted 2025, managing just nine appearances and playing the full 80 minutes only five times. In his limited time on the field, he scored three tries, recorded 12 tackle breaks and two line breaks, and made 115 tackles at 85.8% efficiency, while averaging 64 running metres per game. However, seven errors and his inability to stay consistently available again stalled his progress. The club has shown plenty of patience in his development, but with competition for centre spots increasing, Berry now finds himself under real pressure to deliver.

For Berry to take the next step in 2026, consistency and durability will be crucial. Improving his defensive reads, building stronger combinations with his winger, and becoming more assertive with the ball in hand will all be key areas of focus. The talent is clearly there, but the challenge now is turning those occasional standout performances into reliable week-to-week output. If he cannot maintain his fitness in 2026, the Berry experiment may have to come to an end

3. Chanze Nicoll-Klokstad

Perhaps the most controversial pick on my list, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, remained one of the Warriors' hardest workers in 2025, playing 22 games and providing a steady presence at fullback. He scored two tries, set up four more, broke 80 tackles, made six line breaks, and averaged 186 running metres per game. While his effort and work rate were never in question, I have him on this list because his attacking impact remains limited, and he lacks the X-factor to consistently trouble top sides.

In 2026, Nicoll-Klokstad will need to add greater attacking involvement to complement his work rate, particularly in support play and ball-playing around the ruck. Becoming a greater creative threat and injecting himself into attacking sets could help elevate both his own game and the team’s attacking structure. With competition for spine spots always looming, adding another dimension to his game could prove crucial for maintaining his role as the Warriors’ starting fullback.

4. Marata Niukore

For the second year in a row, Marata Niukore has made this list. His 2025 season was solid, but he didn’t perform consistently enough or add the impact his paycheque would suggest. Whether through the middle or on the edge, he brought effort and physicality, yet didn’t always impose himself on games as his talent demands. Occasional lapses in discipline and defensive mistakes at key moments also hurt the team in tight contests.

In 2026, Niukore’s challenge will be to turn reliability into impact. Running with greater intent, tightening his defensive reads, and leading through his actions up front could lift the pack’s overall performance. With several younger forwards all vying for his spot, he needs to deliver at his aggressive, damaging best, or be prepared to step aside for those ready to make their mark.

5. Kurt Capewell

Kurt Capewell brought experience and professionalism throughout 2025, but his impact was inconsistent at times. While he offered versatility and defensive stability, there were stretches where his attacking contributions were limited, and he struggled to consistently influence games—especially when the team relied on senior players to step up in tough moments. In his defence, being moved between the second row and the centre didn’t help him settle into a rhythm.

In 2026, Capewell will need to combine his experience with stronger on-field leadership, while also increasing his attacking involvement through sharper lines and improved ball-playing on the edge. As one of the squad’s senior figures, setting standards through both performance and communication will be crucial. A more assertive season could not only elevate his own game but also help the younger players around him raise their level.

So those were my picks for the Warriors players who need a big 2025. Next up is my season preview, but it will have to wait until the preseason games are complete. In that, I will cover the preseason news, the current roster, who my gameday 17 would be, and how I think the Warriors will fare in 2025. Until then, let me know what you think about my choice and who you think needs to improve the most in 2026.

My Five Warriors to Stand Out In 2026

With the 2026 NRL season fast approaching, and my Warriors season preview on hold until after the trials, I’m kicking off the year the same way I did in 2025, highlighting five players I believe are primed for big seasons in Warriors colours. Every season, a few players make the jump from solid contributors to genuine difference-makers, and 2026 shapes as a breakout year for several in the squad. These selections aren’t ranked, and while others were in contention, I’ve narrowed it down to five players I expect to stand out this season.

So let's just get into it.

1. Leka Halasima

First on my list is Leka Halasima.

Halasima emerged last season as one of the most exciting young forwards not just in the Warriors system, but across the entire NRL, quickly making headlines with his explosive carries and try-scoring impact. He finished the year as the club’s leading try scorer, claimed the Warriors Rookie of the Year award, and capped off his breakout season with his Tonga debut in the Pacific Championships.

Heading into 2026, Halasima remains one of the Warriors’ most dangerous young forwards, combining power and mobility with the confidence to attack the line rather than simply carry the ball. The challenge now is avoiding second-year syndrome, and if he can maintain that intensity across longer minutes, he has all the tools to take his game to another level and secure an even bigger role in the pack.

2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

2025 was a challenging year for Khan-Pereira. After falling out of favour with Titans coach Des Hasler, he managed just 10 NRL appearances. Still, he crossed for 9 tries, the fourth-most at the club, and averaged 137 running metres per game. Defensive struggles, however, held him back, with a tackle efficiency of just 64.62% contributing to extended stints in reserve grade.

Few wingers in the competition boast Khan-Pereira’s combination of speed, athleticism and natural try-scoring instinct. Even a sliver of space is enough for him to finish, making him a constant threat on the edge. He may need to bide his time, with Andrew Webster favouring established combinations. Defensive improvements, along with growth in yardage, carries, and aerial contests, will be key to earning him his chance. Still, his raw speed is a weapon the Warriors desperately need, giving him every opportunity to become a major attacking threat in 2026.

3. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

2025 was a breakthrough year for Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. He played just five first-grade matches but made a bigger impact in 17 NSW Cup games, scoring 6 tries, making 6 line breaks, and delivering 11 offloads. His performances earned him a top-30 contract through to the end of 2028. A raw talent on both sides of the ball, Ieremia-Toeava looks set to become a regular fixture in the Warriors’ roster for years to come.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava enters 2026 as one of the Warriors’ most intriguing developing prospects. His versatility and work rate make him a valuable squad member, capable of filling roles through the middle or on an edge. While his first-grade opportunities have been limited so far, his performances outside the NRL have consistently shown reliability, smart decision-making, and a willingness to dig deep for his team. With a full preseason behind him, 2026 shapes as a real breakthrough chance. If he can earn trust defensively, Ieremia-Toeava could transition from depth player to a regular first-grade contributor.

4. Sam Healey

Sam Healey had limited first-grade opportunities in 2025, with Andrew Webster preferring Te Maire Martin on the bench. Still, in his 7 NRL appearances, he showed just how dangerous an attacker he can be. Healey was also a key part of the NSW Cup side’s championship-winning campaign, crossing for a try in the grand final and proving his ability to influence games when it mattered most.

Sam Healey could quietly play a key role for the Warriors in 2026, bringing X-factor and much-needed spark at dummy-half, a position that heavily influences how a team controls games. While he still has work to do on his service from the ruck, his attacking flair and ability to flip momentum make him a genuine threat. As the Warriors fine-tune their spine combinations, Healey could earn more minutes, given his ability to ignite the attack and manage the middle, which has proven crucial to the team’s performance.

5. Morgan Gannon

Rounding out my list is Morgan Gannon.

After injury-plagued years in 2023 and 2024, including sitting out the entire 2024 season due to head knocks, Morgan Gannon made the most of his final season with Leeds in 2025. He played 24 games, mainly in the second row or off the bench, and even spent one match at five-eighth, showing off his ball-playing skills. Gannon scored 7 tries and combined his attacking ability with solid defensive acumen, helping Leeds reach an elimination final before a narrow 16-14 loss to St Helens. While English imports have been hit-or-miss for the Warriors in the past, Gannon could be a valuable addition to the roster in 2026.

A forward who blends toughness, skill, and a high work rate with strong defensive reliability. Originally signed as a locking option, he now faces the challenge of earning a regular spot in the 17. Gannon can play big minutes and contribute on both sides of the ball, and a fresh start at the Warriors gives him the chance to rediscover his best form. If he can stay healthy, add more impact with the ball, and become a consistent line-running threat in 2026, he could quietly become one of the team’s most dependable forwards, the kind whose value is measured by what the side gains whenever he’s on the field.

So, those are my five Warriors players, I believe, who are best placed to stand out in the 2026 season. 

Next week I'll be turning my attention to the five players who must improve in 2026, those facing increased pressure or bigger expectations as the Warriors look to take thier campaign to another level. As always, let me know what you think of my selections and which Warriors you believe are set for a big year in 2026.