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.

NZ Warriors 2025 Season Review: A Season of Promise Tinged with Disappointment

With the NRL Season almost at a close, the Grand Final this weekend, and the Kiwis' matches just around the corner, I decided it was the perfect time to comb through the Warriors' year and conduct my season review.

I entered this Season with what I thought was a realistic expectation, given the team's big roster losses; however, I believed that a strong start and an injury-free year could bring the Warriors closer to a finals finish. I will review my pre-season prediction later, but I was off the mark with the Warriors finishing the year in sixth place before bowing out in the first week of the finals.

For those who haven't read one of my season reviews before, I break it down into what happened this Season and my positives and negatives of 2025. I then highlight my top three warriors and the three that need to improve before wrapping it all up, while casting a brief glimpse into what's next for me and the Warriors. So, let's stop the rambling and just get into the review.

What Went Down in 2025

The 2025 season was a step forward for the Warriors, showing growth and resilience but still shadowed by familiar frustrations. I had predicted a 10th-place finish, yet the team defied that expectation, spending much of the year inside the Top 4 before ending the regular Season in 6th and dipping out in week one of the finals. Inconsistency and injuries to key figures remained issues, with strong performances often followed by missed chances; however, this campaign felt like progress compared to 2024 and hinted that the foundations for sustained success are finally being laid.

Unlike 2023 and 2024, the Warriors made a trip to Australia to kick off thier pre-season matches, heading to Sharks Stadium for a 12-all draw, before returning home for a 36-10 win over the Storm in the Waikato. This saw them end the Witzer Pre-Season challenge in third place behind the Broncos and Dragons. 

The Warriors opened 2025 on the big stage in Las Vegas but stumbled to a 30-8 defeat against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. They bounced back quickly, however, with back-to-back home wins over the Sea Eagles (36-16) and Roosters (14-6). 

Round 4 delivered the first real highlight of the year, a 26-24 victory over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown, sealed by a last-gasp miracle try from Leka Halasima. After a Round 5 bye, the side suffered a heavy 42-14 defeat to the Storm in Melbourne, but their resilience shone through. A Golden Point thriller in Round 7 saw them edge the Broncos 20-18 at Go Media Stadium, and the momentum continued with a 26-12 ANZAC Day win over the Knights in Christchurch, a 30-26 Magic Round triumph against the Cowboys, and gritty wins over the Dragons (15-14) and Dolphins (16-12). That five-match streak showed their potential and had fans daring to believe.

The run ended in Round 12 with a 16-10 home loss to the Raiders. A week later, they outgunned the Rabbitohs 36-30 at Accor Stadium, though the result was marred by Mitch Barnett’s season-ending injury. They followed that with their most impressive win of the Season, a 40-10 demolition of the Sharks, but momentum slipped again. A frustrating 28-18 loss to a weakened Panthers outfit and a 26-12 defeat to the Broncos at Suncorp, where Luke Metcalf’s year was cut short, were costly setbacks heading into the back half of the Season.

After another bye, the Warriors regrouped with a convincing 34-14 win over the Tigers and yet another Halasima miracle, this time sinking the Knights 20-15 in Newcastle. Hopes of building a charge, though, were derailed by three straight defeats: a 24-16 loss to the Titans, a heartbreaking 20-18 collapse to the Dolphins after conceding in the final moments, and a flat 32-14 loss to the Bulldogs.

The side rallied in Round 24 with a 14-10 home win over the Dragons and followed up with a 32-18 victory over the Titans on the Gold Coast. But inconsistency struck again, with a narrow 26-22 home defeat to the Eels before Round 27 brought a dramatic finish at 4 Pines Park. In Daly Cherry-Evans’ farewell match, the Warriors heartbreakingly fell 27-26 to the Sea Eagles.

That late stumble dropped them to 6th place, setting up a week one finals clash with the defending premiers. In front of a packed Go Media Stadium, the Warriors couldn’t match Penrith’s composure, bowing out 24-8 and ending their Season with a sense of unfinished business.

The Warriors finished 2025 with a 14-win, 11-loss record. It was a season of growth and promise, highlighted by standout victories over the Sharks, Rabbitohs, and Cowboys, which demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. Yet inconsistency and injuries to key players like Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf exposed the team’s fragility. A flat back end to the Season, including late-game lapses against the Dolphins, Eels, and Sea Eagles, dampened fans’ spirits and kept the Warriors from making a deeper finals run. Despite exiting in week one, there is plenty to build on for 2026. With a few tweaks to the lineup, a fully fit squad, and greater stability, the Warriors have the potential to push further into the finals and make a genuine impact.

My Positives for 2025

I've taken a few weeks since the Warriors exited the Season to comb through the Rounds. This Season surprised me, so I was able to more easily select my top 3 positives for 2025 in comparison to 2024.

Resilience

A defining feature of the Warriors’ 2025 campaign was their resilience in close games. Where last year they so often let close games slip, this time they stood tall, grinding out eight wins by six points or fewer and dropping only four. Time and again, when the pressure mounted and the margins were razor-thin, the Warriors found a way. It spoke to their belief, their fight, and their willingness to dig deep for each other, a shift that not only delivered results but also gave fans confidence that this side can hold its nerve when it matters most. At the same time, seven defeats by more than a converted try showed there are still tweaks to be made, but as a platform for 2026, the progress is undeniable.

Youngsters Stepping Up

The Warriors’ youth movement made real strides in 2025. Leka Halasima enjoyed a breakout year, while Demitric Vaimauga went one better by locking down a spot in the game-day 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Jacob Laban and Sam Healey also took their chances, proving they can handle the demands of first grade and bringing fresh energy to the squad. The pathway system is delivering results too, with the Harold Matthews side going back-to-back and the NSW Cup team claiming the club’s first-ever title. As exciting as this young group is, most still need a little more polish before they can become week-in, week-out starters. With established players currently ahead of them, patience will be crucial, but if the Warriors can keep this core together and continue their development, the long-term future looks incredibly bright.

The Fans

In 2024, Warriors fans made history by selling out Mount Smart week after week. In 2025, they went one step further and demonstrated just how far their reach extends. Most home games were sold out again, but what really stood out was the noise they made on the road. In Las Vegas, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Christchurch, there were countless moments where the travelling Kiwi faithful drowned out the locals and turned away games into something that felt like home. The atmosphere was electric, and you could see the players feed off that energy in the tight wins. Call me biased, but I truly believe the Warriors have the most dedicated fanbase in the NRL, a supporters group that turns up anywhere, anytime, and makes their presence impossible to ignore. It’s a privilege for me to be included in this community.

My Negatives for 2025

There were also, however, plenty of issues in 2025, but I have narrowed it down to my three most significant negatives from the Season.

Errors

One area that continued to frustrate in 2025 was ball control. The Warriors made 250 errors across the Season, technically the fifth-best in the NRL, with the Roosters topping the charts at 327, but the impact of those mistakes often felt far greater than the numbers suggest. Their conservative style placed a premium on completing sets and controlling possession, yet they too frequently failed to show the basic respect for the ball that wins tight games. Whether it was a dropped pass, a misread play, or a knock-on at a critical moment, these errors were magnified in games decided by just a few points. It’s a cliché I’ve probably repeated far too often this Season, but the Warriors need to tighten up and value each possession more. If they can combine better ball security with the attacking flair they’ve begun to show, it could be the difference between squeezing out narrow wins and turning close losses into hard-fought victories in 2026.

Lack of Attack

Another frustration in 2025 was the Warriors’ attack, which often felt stagnant and lacked the spark needed to put teams away or create the X-factor to chase down big leads. The injury to Luke Metcalf only made matters worse, removing a key playmaker who could inject speed and creativity into their sets. While the team showed glimpses of attacking flair, the structure too often became predictable, making it easier for opponents to defend. And as exciting as Leka Halasima can be, simply throwing the ball his way isn’t the solution to all their problems. For the Warriors to take the next step in 2026, Andrew Webster and his coaching staff will need to find ways to bring more life, unpredictability, and aggression into their attack; otherwise, the team risks staying competitive without ever fully reaching its potential.

Injuries

Injuries didn’t hit the Warriors as hard as some other NRL sides in 2025, but the impact of those they did suffer was significant. Losing Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett to season-ending injuries early in the year robbed the team of their key playmaker and lynchpin forward, slowing their progress. On top of that, injuries to outside backs and centres meant constant changes week to week, leaving little opportunity for combinations to gel or for consistency to develop. Injuries are always hard to avoid, but for the Warriors to build on their 2025 campaign, they will need a bit of luck and hope their key players can stay on the field for most of the Season, if not all of it.

My Top Three Warriors for the Season

In my reviews this Season, I have selected my Warrior of the match, but behind the scenes, I was giving my own version of the Dally M 3, 2, 1 points to keep track of the players who shone in my personal view. 20 Players earned points throughout the Season, but I will only cover the top three here.

Erin Clark - 29 points

Erin Clark made an immediate impact in his return to the Warriors, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable performers. Playing 25 games, he averaged 147 running metres a match and constantly pushed the side forward through the middle. His ability to keep plays alive was another highlight, finishing the year with 37 offloads that often put teammates in space. In defence, Clark was just as strong, racking up 857 tackles at a remarkable 94.9% efficiency and providing the Warriors with a dependable anchor in the pack. What stood out most was how comfortably he slotted into the system, looking like he’d been part of the squad for years. His influence has been so great that he is a genuine contender for the Dally M Lock of the Year award. Building on the playmaking side of his game will only take both Clark and the Warriors to another level, and on this trajectory, he shapes as a key figure in the club’s future and someone the team can confidently build around.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 27 points

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck bounced back in style this Season, showing why he remains one of the Warriors’ most dangerous players with the ball in hand. The shift back to the wing, after last year’s unsuccessful stint in the centres, proved the perfect fit and brought out the best in him. In 20 games, Roger crossed for 12 tries, added a try assist, broke 73 tackles and made 15 line breaks, while averaging a huge 216 running metres per match. His second half of the Season was especially impressive, as he consistently lifted the side with his energy and determination. What stood out most was his commitment; no matter the situation, he never went missing and always gave everything for the jersey. That effort was recognised at the club’s awards night, where he claimed both the Simon Mannering Medal and the Players’ Choice Award. His resurgence was a reminder of just how valuable he is to the Warriors, and his return to form on the wing gives the side a weapon they can continue to build their attack around next Season in what looks like will be his final year in the NRL.

Leka Halasima - 12 points

Leka Halasima burst onto the scene in 2025, playing all 26 games and quickly establishing himself as one of the Warriors’ most exciting young talents. He led the club with 13 tries, while also producing 7 line breaks and 62 tackle breaks, showing off the X-factor and game-breaking ability that has made him a fan favourite. Defensively, he was just as impressive, making 621 tackles at 93.8% efficiency, while contributing 87 average running metres per game. His breakout season earned him the Warriors’ Rookie of the Year award and put him firmly in contention for the Dally M Rookie of the Year. What sets Halasima apart is his mindset: level-headed, eager to learn, and clearly hungry to improve. He has superstar written all over him, and with his talent and drive, he has the potential to become one of the best second rowers in the competition. He just needs to keep building.

My Three Warriors Who Need to Improve

On the other hand, unlike the Warriors of the Year section, I only picked one player to improve each week; I have selected the three players who appeared the most in my Warriors to Improve segment each week. 13 players were picked at least once in this section in 2025 with no player getting picked more than twice; however, on a side note, the first-place selection was None Selected (picked seven times this Season), where I did not pick a Warrior to improve in a match. 

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - 2 selections

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had a frustrating 2025 season, playing just 16 games after missing the start of the year with a pre-season injury against the Storm. He managed 7 tries, his second-lowest tally since joining the Warriors, and produced 32 tackle breaks and 7 line breaks, showing flashes of his attacking threat. Defensively, however, he struggled, missing 20 tackles and making 24 errors, which contributed to a right-edge defence that often looked vulnerable. He averaged 122 running metres per game, but it was his rushed decisions and defensive lapses that frustrated fans the most. Ultimately, Dallin’s inconsistencies on the right edge were a key factor in the Warriors’ defensive struggles, leaving plenty of room for improvement if he is to return to his best next Season. With rumours circulating about Alofiana Khan-Pereira potentially joining the club, Dallin’s place in the starting 17 could be under serious threat.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - 2 selections

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad played 22 games in 2025, offering a steady and reliable presence at fullback. He scored 2 tries, set up 4 more, broke 80 tackles and made 6 line breaks, while averaging 186 running metres per game. Defensively, he completed 195 tackles at 87.4% efficiency, though he also missed 28 tackles and made 21 errors over the Season. While Nicoll-Klokstad has been a dedicated and consistent member of the squad, he lacks the attacking X-factor the Warriors need out the back. His recent contract extension ensures he will remain the club’s fullback for now, but pressure is growing from fans for Taine Tuaupiki to take over. Many, including myself, are hoping the club considers a move to centre or another position to get the best out of both players.

Rocco Berry - 2 selections

Rocco Berry endured a frustrating and injury-hit 2025, playing just 9 games and only lasting 80 minutes in five of them. In limited time on the field, he scored 3 tries, managed 12 tackle breaks, 2 line breaks, and made 115 tackles at 85.8% efficiency, while averaging 64 running metres per game and making 7 errors. Berry clearly has a lot of potential, but his inability to stay fit makes him a risky option for the Warriors. He will need a massive offseason if he wants to get his career back on track, as Adam Pompey has done more than enough to secure the centre spot, while Ali Leiataua and maybe even CNK could be fighting with him for the other spot. If he cannot maintain his fitness in 2026, the Berry experiment may have to come to an end.

2025 In Summary

So that's another season in the books, and the Warriors' early exit in the finals hurt, but ultimately, in comparison to how I thought the team would go this Season, they did better than I expected so they get a tentative pass mark from me, providing they build on this Season and not take a step backwards like they did in 2024.

With the Season over, we also bid farewell to Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Edward Kosi, Moala Graham-Taufa, Morgan Harper, and, not forgetting, the early exits of Tohu Harris and Dylan Walker. Rugby League is a tough business. I have a soft spot for several of these players, but with other players surpassing them in the pecking order, it's the right thing to do to let them move on to new opportunities. 2026 will see some new faces with Morgan Gannon, Jye Linnane and Haizyn Mellars all signing on. We also keep hearing rumours about Alofiana Khan-Pereira becoming a late addition to the 2026 roster in a move that would provide some much-needed pace. I have liked what I have seen from Gannon, and it will be a tough job for Webby to find a way to make all the jigsaw puzzle pieces fit, but that's why he gets the big bucks.

This was an interesting season. The Warriors exceeded my expectations, but the way the team was playing, especially in the second half of the Season, made the Season feel worse than it actually was. Perhaps due to the close heart in your mouth matches or the way they played a more predictable, dare I say, boring style. However, away from the field, it was another good year for me. The Stand-Off is in its sixth Season and has gone past our 200th episode. I also got to join Roo and Hammer a few times this year on thier show and meet up with the This Warriors Life boys. It was another big year for Warriors content, and it's great to see so many people creating content about the Warriors. As a team that sometimes gets forgotten in the media, it's incredible to see the fans fill in the gaps, and I'm excited about what everyone will do in 2026.

I am still determining what 2026 will bring for me. I will still be writing my reviews and hosting the Stand-Off; I had initially planned to dip a toe into creating videos this year, where I can chat more in-depth about the Warriors and invite people on to chat footy, but simply could not find the time so I will go back to the drawing board this offseason and perhaps look at doing that in 2026. Let me know if videos on Warriors news, rumours, and interviews are something you'd be interested in seeing from me. I also have a few ideas for topics to write about during the offseason, so stay tuned.

While the writing will have a little break over the next month or so, my show, The Stand-Off, will still have a few more episodes before Season Six ends as we cover the international games, so come check it out at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; it streams on my Facebook page and is also on the New Zealand Sport Radio YouTube Channel.

New Zealand Sport Radio

Thank you again for reading my reviews this year; it means a great deal to me, and I look forward to chatting with you all again soon.

That was my take on a surprising 2025 season, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Did the 2025 season hit your expectations?

Who was your player of the year?

Which player do you think needs to improve the most?

What realistic changes would you make for next Season?

How do you see the 2026 season going?

NZ Warriors 2025 Finals Week 1 Review: Warriors Stand Tall but Panthers’ Class Proves Decisive

After their Round 27 loss to the Sea Eagles, the Warriors returned home to host a finals elimination match against the Panthers, who defeated the Dragons 40-20 in Round 27.

In a tough, physical contest where both sides defended strongly, the Warriors looked much improved compared to recent weeks and kept themselves in the game for a long stretch. But the Panthers’ finals experience shone through in the final twenty minutes, as the defending champions pulled away to seal a 24-8 win and bring the Warriors’ season to an end.

What Went Down

It was a tense start to the Warriors’ first elimination final, with the Panthers looking rattled by their own ill-discipline in the opening quarter. In the 8th minute, Tanah Boyd punished the visitors with a penalty goal, giving the home side a 2-0 lead.

Both forward packs went toe-to-toe in a bruising battle, but the difference was Nathan Cleary’s kicking game. His forced dropouts and clever touches kept turning the screws. Then in the 27th minute, Cleary shifted from boot to hands, throwing a superb pass to Isaiah Papali’i, who powered over to score and put the Panthers ahead 6-2. That score held until halftime, though a late linebreak from Boyd gave the Warriors a glimmer of hope heading to the sheds.

The Panthers came out firing after the break and quickly found reward. In the 46th minute, Brad Schneider darted from dummy-half, catching the Warriors napping before crashing over. Despite calls of a double movement, referee Grant Atkins and the Bunker confirmed the try.

The Warriors finally hit back after a misjudged Cleary kick gifted them field position. In the 52nd minute, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad delivered a perfectly timed pass to Leka Halasima, who burst through Dylan Edwards’ tackle to score and close the gap. But just past the hour mark, the match swung on one pivotal moment. In the 65th minute, a Cleary clearing kick was left to bounce by a Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak miscommunication, allowing Luke Garner to swoop in. He offloaded forward, missed by the officials, to Blaize Talagi, who toed the ball ahead. Brian To’o reached it first, flicked it to Casey McLean, and suddenly the Panthers were back in control at 18-8.

With under ten minutes to play, Penrith iced the result. In the 71st minute, as the Warriors tried to throw the ball around, Halasima lost possession, and To’o pounced. The winger streaked nearly 60 metres to score, sealing a 24-8 victory and bringing the Warriors’ season to a close.

My Thoughts

This one was tough to take. I’d predicted an 18-point win for the Panthers, and in the end, I wasn’t far off, with Penrith taking it by 16. All week, my thoughts swung back and forth. At first, I expected a blowout, then I convinced myself the Warriors could pull off an ambush.

To their credit, the Warriors turned up and made the Panthers work hard. There were plenty of controversial calls, with two tries awarded that probably shouldn’t have been, which helped the premiers stretch the margin. But even without those, Penrith still did enough to get the win.

The Warriors brought intensity and intent but lacked the polish to turn pressure into points. They started to chance their arm late, looking for ways to break through. It didn’t come off, but it was encouraging to see them trying to play with more freedom. Hopefully, next season, they’re given more license to use second-phase footy.

There are still issues to iron out. I liked Andrew Webster’s late call to get Sam Healey onto the bench, but his use of the interchange again left plenty to be desired, something he’ll need to improve in the offseason. Still, it was a gutsy effort. Against this Panthers side in finals footy, you have to be close to perfect to win, and while the scoreboard blew out, the Warriors were much better than it suggested.

Walking out of the stadium, I felt a mix of emotions. Heartbroken to see the Warriors’ season end, but proud of the way they went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the competition and never gave up.

At the start of the year, I had little expectation, so just making the finals was already a success. Right now it hurts, but the future looks bright. With Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf returning next season, the rumours of a genuine speedster in Alofian Khan-Pereira potentially joining the club and the younger players gaining more first-grade experience than expected, this team is building nicely. That leaves me heading into the offseason disappointed, yes, but ultimately hopeful for 2026.

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

Match Positives

Despite the 24–8 scoreline, the Warriors’ defence was strong and committed for much of the contest. They absorbed multiple sets on their own line and scrambled effectively to deny what looked like certain tries. Off the ball, players worked tirelessly to shut down Penrith’s shifts, keeping the Panthers’ trademark left-edge attack relatively quiet for long stretches. Even the much-talked-about right edge, which had faced heavy scrutiny during the season, held firm and showed real improvement under finals pressure. It wasn’t until fatigue and relentless pressure in the final quarter that cracks began to appear, but for the opening hour, the Warriors demonstrated they could stand up to Penrith’s intensity. That resilience provided a platform to stay competitive and will be a key building block for the team moving forward.

One of the standout performances from the Warriors was their ability to match the Panthers in the middle. Penrith are known for its powerful forward pack, often rolling through opposition forwards and giving Nathan Cleary the platform to control the game. On this night, however, the Warriors refused to be dominated. James Fisher-Harris led from the front with strong carries, while Jackson Ford’s work rate and Marata Niukore’s toughness in contact set the tone for the pack. Every collision had purpose, and the Warriors consistently met Penrith’s forwards head-on, even winning the ruck at times. This physical approach kept the Warriors competitive for long stretches. It demonstrated that when they bring intensity and commitment, they can go toe-to-toe with the best forward packs in the competition.

While the result stung, one of the hidden positives was the experience it gave the Warriors’ younger and less experienced players. For many, this was their first real taste of finals football, a step up in pace, physicality, and intensity compared to the regular season. They were forced to adapt to the relentless grind of a knockout match, where every set matters and every mistake is magnified. Players like Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga, and Tanner Stowers-Smith will take plenty of lessons from this experience, particularly around game management, composure, and staying switched on for the full 80 minutes. The benefits may not be immediately obvious, but over time, this match could prove a turning point in their development, giving them the confidence that they belong on the finals stage.

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

Match Negatives

One of the main issues for the Warriors in this match was their inability to consistently build pressure in attack. While they moved the ball and showed flashes of creativity, they struggled to string together sets and were frequently held up by Penrith’s disciplined defensive line. The team found it difficult to break through the middle or create overlap opportunities on the edges, relying instead on isolated moments, such as Leka Halasima’s try in the 52nd minute. Errors at key moments and a lack of cohesion in the spine meant the Warriors rarely converted field position into points. Against a team of Penrith’s calibre, even small lapses are punished, and the Warriors’ inability to maintain clean, sustained attacking sets ultimately limited their scoring chances.

Costly mistakes were a recurring issue for the Warriors and ultimately gave the Panthers far more opportunities than they needed. In finals footy, completion rates are crucial; a single dropped ball or misread play can swing momentum and put a team on the back foot. While the Warriors did manage to work into Penrith’s 20 on a few occasions, they struggled to turn that field position into points, as errors and handling mistakes disrupted attacking sets. Against a team as clinical as Penrith, these moments are rare and are punished immediately. Each turnover or dropped ball allowed the Panthers to regain control and relieve pressure, leaving the Warriors fighting an uphill battle for much of the contest. Ultimately, their inability to maintain clean, structured sets directly limited scoring opportunities and contributed to the 24–8 deficit.

The Warriors’ spine was unable to consistently influence the game, which was a key factor in their struggle to build sustained pressure. Under the intensity of finals footy, Wayde Egan, Tanah Boyd, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad were largely contained by Penrith’s disciplined defensive structures. The Panthers’ markers limited space and time for the Warriors’ playmakers, preventing them from dictating the tempo or creating line-breaking opportunities. The early exit of Boyd didn’t help, reducing options at critical moments, though the presence of experienced playmaker Te Maire Martin helped to lessen the impact. Without a spark from the spine, the team struggled to link forwards and backs effectively, limiting attacking options and forcing reliance on individual moments rather than structured sets. With Luke Metcalf expected to return in 2026, the Warriors should have the tools to strengthen their attacking spine in future campaigns.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark.

Clak had just 37 minutes on the field, far too little time in my opinion, and it’s hard not to point to Andrew Webster for not giving him more minutes to influence the game. Even in that limited time, though, Clark made a huge impact. He ran for 116 metres, broke two tackles, made 24 tackles with none missed, and committed no errors or penalties. He’s been a lynchpin and a leader in this Warriors pack all season, consistently impressing and exceeding expectations. His work ethic, defensive reliability, and ability to carry the ball effectively make him a standout, and I’m excited to see him take his game to the next level in 2026.

Warrior to Improve

This week, it’s hard to single out any Warrior for criticism. Every player in the 17 either contributed fully to the team effort or didn’t log enough minutes to be fairly judged. The performance wasn’t flawless; there were moments of missed opportunities and small errors, but no one let the team down enough to be called out. Every player gave their all, working hard in defence, making tackles, chasing kicks, and supporting each other throughout the match. That kind of collective effort is precisely what finals footy demands. While the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the commitment and attitude across the squad were clear for all to see. I may just be biased, because although I was disappointed in the result, I was proud of the effort.

Seasons done; What's Next for me?

So that's a wrap on the 2025 season, and it's been an interesting year. I came into the season not expecting the Warriors to even reach the finals, and despite spending most of the season in contention for a top-four finish, the season felt a bit lacklustre with some patchy performances and plenty of what-ifs. However, there was enough shown to have me excited for 2026, but before we get there, I will be back with my 2025 season review. I usually wait to release it just before the Grand Final, but it may be a little sooner due to the Warriors' early exit this year. In that review, I will unpack the entire year, highlight certain players and moments, and look at what's to come in 2026.

Then, I will take a little break, perhaps writing a few articles about the Warriors if the inspiration hits me. I do have an offseason idea of compiling my favourite players from each season since 1995 and discussing what I liked about them and how they performed in the year they earned the honour of being my favourite player. However, my partner will be expecting me to give her a bit more attention, with the Warriors not consuming my day-to-day for a few months.

Last but not least, my show, The Stand-Off, will continue to stream live on Facebook and YouTube every Wednesday at 8pm NZ time; we haven't decided on a season finale time yet, as we will be covering the rest of the NRL season and internationals, so come join us there as we discuss the footy.

So, that was a Heartbreaking Finals Week 1, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

What changes does Andrew Webster need to make with this team to take it to the next level in 2026?

How would you grade the 2025 season overall?

Who has been your biggest surprise from the squad?

Who do you think is going to win the 2025 premiership?