NZ Warriors 2026 Round 12 Review: Ugly but Effective as Warriors Grind Down Dragons

Fresh off their win over the Broncos at Magic Round, the Warriors remained in Australia to face the Dragons, who went down 28-6 to the Panthers at Magic Round.

On a wet and scrappy night at Kogarah, the Warriors were far from perfect but still had too much control and composure for the Dragons. After conceding early, the Warriors settled into the contest through strong field position, disciplined defence and an ability to capitalise on St George Illawarra’s mistakes, eventually grinding out a comfortable 30-12 victory despite the difficult conditions.

What Went Down

The Dragons made the better start on a rain-soaked night, opening the scoring in the sixth minute when Hamish Stewart crashed through multiple defenders before offloading to Setu Tu, who crossed for his fifth try of the season.

The Warriors worked their way back into the contest through pressure and field position, with the Dragons' errors proving costly. Alofiana Khan-Pereira got the visitors on the board in the 12th minute before Te Maire Martin gave the Warriors the lead shortly after, slicing through the defence with a clever show-and-go close to the line after a penalty put them deep in attacking territory. Despite the tough conditions, the Warriors finished the first half strongly. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak produced another spectacular finish in the corner in the 33rd minute, extending his try-scoring streak to seven straight matches to send his side into the sheds leading 14-6.

The momentum continued after halftime with Martin grabbing his second in the 47th minute, brushing through a poor tackle attempt from Clinton Gutherson, who had shifted into the centres after Hayden Buchanan left the field with a shoulder injury.

The Warriors had to be patient for the next blow, but Khan-Pereira sealed the result in the 62nd minute with his second try of the night. Christian Tuipulotu grabbed one against the run of play three minutes later to briefly give the Dragons hope, but any thoughts of a comeback were shut down when Watene-Zelezniak swooped on an intercept in the 72nd minute to cap off the win and secure the Warriors’ first victory at Kogarah since 2021, 30-12.

My Thoughts

Well, this game is always marked on my calendar. I despise the Dragons, and watching the Warriors play them always makes me nervous; however, those nerves were not needed here. It wasn't a perfect performance by any means, but it was another strong step forward from the Warriors in their 2026 campaign. They did what they needed to do against a Dragons side that has struggled this season, but credit has to be given for the way they approached it, no complacency, no drifting in and out for long stretches, just a professional job built on control and physicality.

The forward pack once again set the tone. The Warriors' ability to dominate the middle third, win the ruck battle, and roll forward consistently made life much easier for the spine to play direct and apply pressure. It wasn’t flashy, but it was methodical, and that’s exactly what you want to see against a team you’re expected to beat. There were still moments where execution could have been cleaner, particularly in attacking opportunities where they left points out there. Against better opposition, those chances matter more, and it’s something they’ll need to sharpen as the season tightens up.

But overall, the key takeaway is the same pattern we’ve seen building: when the Warriors’ pack is on top, they control the game. They don’t get sucked into chaos; they stick to their system and grind teams down with territory and pressure. That’s becoming a real identity feature of this side.

Now the challenge ramps up significantly. The Dragons were a step along the path, but Penrith is the true test of where this team sits among the competition’s best.

There was plenty to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors won’t look back on this as one of their cleaner performances, but it was another example of a side that knows how to get the job done even when things aren’t clicking. In previous seasons, a wet, scrappy night like this away from home could easily have turned into a banana peel result. Yet, they still found enough control through key moments to stay ahead on the scoreboard and close it out comfortably. It wasn’t polished, and at times it felt messy with the ball in hand, but they managed the important parts of the contest well enough once they built pressure and got in front. In that sense, it was less about dominance and more about control and game management in difficult conditions. It also helped that it came against a Dragons side still searching desperately for answers, unable to find any real rhythm or momentum in a long losing run, which allowed the Warriors to lean on their structure and experience to see the game out.

The middle defence was again a major reason the Dragons struggled to build any sustained pressure, and while I’ve been praising the middles’ work with the ball in hand in recent weeks, this was another strong showing on the other side of the game as well. Jackson Ford (48 tackles), James Fisher-Harris (47) and Erin Clark (45) did a large share of the heavy lifting defensively. All three worked tirelessly around the ruck, slowing momentum and forcing St George Illawarra into tough carries that rarely broke the line or generated quick play-the-balls. Those numbers reflect just how much work they had to do in the middle, particularly in a game where the Dragons had patches of possession but little reward. Even when St George Illawarra forced repeat sets or had brief periods on top, the Warriors’ middle stayed connected, physical and disciplined enough to absorb pressure without folding. It ensured the Dragons were constantly playing out of their own end and rarely able to build any real attacking rhythm.

Once again, the Warriors’ edge finishers proved decisive, with both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring doubles in another strong attacking display. Beyond finishing chances, both were heavily involved in early sets and carries out of their own end, helping the Warriors build momentum in tough, wet conditions. Their ability to convert opportunities out wide remains a key strength of this side, especially when the forward pack earns field position, and the halves can shift the point of attack. Both were sharp in reading space and making the most of limited chances in a scrappy contest where clean execution was at a premium. Taine Tuaupiki also had a strong influence at the back, looking dangerous every time he chimed into the line and combining safe hands with confident support play and running metres. He finished with 203 running metres, highlighting just how often he was involved and how effectively he helped generate momentum for the Warriors.

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

Match Negatives

The wet weather certainly played its part, but the Warriors were still well below their usual standards with the ball in hand, finishing with a 70% completion rate, their worst of the season so far. There were too many unforced errors and missed sets, particularly in attacking territory where they had multiple chances to build scoreboard pressure and put the game beyond reach earlier. Several promising movements broke down through simple handling mistakes or rushed execution, which allowed the Dragons to stay in the contest longer than they probably should have. Against stronger opposition, that level of inconsistency in possession would have made the game far tighter and potentially much more uncomfortable, and it’s an area they’ll know needs tightening up despite the result.

In conditions that called for territory-first football, the Warriors didn’t always get full value from their kicking game. There were moments where they could have pinned the Dragons deeper in their own end and forced longer, more difficult exits, but the execution and variety weren’t quite at their usual standard. A few kicks lacked either distance or pressure, giving St George Illawarra easier returns than ideal in the wet. While it didn’t cost them in the end, it’s an area that could have made the win far more dominant had it been sharper. The added concern is the injury to Tanah Boyd, who has been the club’s primary kicking option this season, which leaves a clear gap in that department moving forward. Even if or when Luke Metcalf returns, he isn’t naturally known for a strong territorial kicking game, so the Warriors may need to adjust how they manage field position and share those responsibilities around the spine.

It was another frustrating night on the injury front, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s knee issue immediately standing out as a major concern given his importance to the side’s structure, experience and strike out the back. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava failing his HIA only added to a growing list of setbacks that continues to test the squad’s depth and rotation options, particularly in a period where the Warriors are already managing Origin outs and a heavy workload through the forward pack. While the Warriors were still able to get the result, the longer-term toll of the win may end up being just as significant as the two competition points collected, with squad continuity and combinations likely to take a hit depending on how serious Tuivasa-Sheck’s injury proves to be.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to James Fisher-Harris.

Fisher-Harris was again immense for the Warriors, even if it has reached the point where his performances almost feel routine. Playing 60 minutes, he led the forward pack with 176 running metres, including 75 post-contact metres, and consistently set the tone through the middle with his direct carries. Defensively, he was just as reliable, finishing with 47 tackles and only 3 misses, with no errors in a disciplined, high-output performance. He’s been that consistent all year that it’s easy to take it for granted, but with Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell both out, the pack was missing a significant amount of experience and leadership, and Fisher-Harris more than covered that void, stepping up as the anchor of the middle and ensuring the standard didn’t drop. With a trip to face his former club next week, there’s every chance he goes to another level again, bringing an extra edge and intensity to what is already a high standard of performance.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Demitric Vaimauga.

Vaimauga had a quieter and less-than-ideal night off the bench, with limited impact in his minutes and a performance that lacked his usual energy and punch through contact. He ran the ball just 7 times for 54 metres, well below the impact he’s shown in previous outings, while defensively he still held his own with 27 tackles and only 1 miss, showing he was solid in contact without being exposed. However, the bigger concern was his discipline and handling, as he led the Warriors with 3 errors and 3 ruck infringements, which repeatedly stalled momentum and gave the Dragons easy relief from their own end. He’s been a steady and reliable bench middle throughout the season, often bringing energy and straight-line carries when the team needs it, so an off night is understandable for a young forward still building consistency at NRL level, but the interruptions in his stint meant he never really got into a rhythm and it blunted his usual impact, needs a big bounce-back this week in both discipline and involvement.

Round 13 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 13, the Warriors remain in Australia to face the table-topping Panthers, who had a bye in Round 12.

Regarding the team I’d pick, we are awaiting further news of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but if he is out, then Adam Pompey slots straight back in. I would also bring Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell back in after Origin, replacing Jacob Laban and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. Everyone else remains the same. I know Metcalf has returned to training, but I don't think a clash with the Panthers is the right place for him to return.

This shapes as the Warriors’ biggest test of the season so far. The Panthers look to be finding the form that saw them dominate the competition over recent years, and their style still makes them one of the toughest sides in the NRL to beat. They thrive on high completions, building pressure, and forcing teams into errors through relentless defence and control of the ruck. In many ways, they mirror what the Warriors have built their success on this season, which is why this clash feels like such a genuine measuring stick for where this side is really at.

For the Warriors to win, their forward pack has to find another level. They can’t afford to simply match Penrith through the middle; they need to win that battle. The Bulldogs remain the only side to beat the Panthers this season, and they did it by taking the fight straight to them with relentless physicality and aggression through the middle. That’s the blueprint the Warriors need to follow. If the Warriors can dominate the ruck, generate quick play-the-balls, and lay a platform for their spine to play direct and fast, they’ll give themselves every chance. Discipline and patience will also be massive because Penrith are experts at capitalising on cheap errors and momentum swings. I think this will be a tight, physical contest for long stretches, but right now I just lean towards Penrith getting the job done by around eight points, although I’d love to be proven wrong.

So, that was a solid enough Round 12, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Did anyone in the spine stand out to you as really controlling the game?

What’s the one area the Warriors still need to fix despite the win?

Are you confident the Warriors’ forward pack can match it with Penrith’s middle?

What is your score prediction against the Panthers?

NZ Warriors 2026 Magic Round Review: Broncos Blown Away but Injury Clouds Warriors Big Win

Fresh off their first bye of the year, the Warriors made their way to Brisbane to face the Broncos, who went down 32-4 to the Sea Eagles in Round 10.

The Warriors overcame an early injury scare and never looked back, punishing an ill-disciplined Broncos side to take complete control of the contest. While Brisbane struggled to find rhythm and Reece Walsh endured a difficult night, the Warriors’ relentless pressure and clinical finishing powered them to a dominant 42-12 Magic Round victory.

What Went Down

It wasn’t the ideal start for the Warriors, with Tanah Boyd suffering a suspected ACL injury just eight minutes into the match after going down without contact. Despite the early setback, the Warriors struck first in the 12th minute when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished in the corner to open the scoring.

Discipline quickly became a major issue for the Broncos, who repeatedly handed the Warriors field position through penalties. As the penalty count became increasingly lopsided, the scoreboard followed suit.

The Warriors thought they had another when Jackson Ford crashed over, only for the bunker to rule it out. It proved only a minor delay, though, as Erin Clark powered through some soft defence to score in the 21st minute.

Things went from bad to worse for Brisbane in the 26th minute when Pat Carrigan was sent to the sin bin after the penalty count reached 8-0. The Warriors immediately capitalised, with Wayde Egan darting over a minute later in the 27th minute before Kurt Capewell added another in the 33rd minute to push the lead out to 22-0.

The Warriors then faced a setback of their own late in the half when Alofiana Khan-Pereira was sin-binned in the 37th minute for a high shot. However, the Warriors' defence held up and refused to let the Broncos take advantage, forcing some errors to go into the sheds with a 22-0 lead.

Brisbane finally found some momentum right after halftime, with Adam Reynolds scoring and converting his own try in the 40th minute to reduce the deficit to 22-6 but any hopes of a Broncos comeback were quickly dented after halftime. A simple error coming out of their own end invited pressure, and Ali Leiataua crossed in the 44th minute, although he made the finish look far more difficult than it needed to be. Just three minutes later, Te Maire Martin marked his first appearance of the season with his first try of the year, slicing through in the 47th minute after some sharp work from Wayde Egan.

The Broncos did manage to produce a highlight of their own in the 51st minute. Reece Walsh threw a huge cut-out pass before debutant Philip Coates somehow gathered the ball and kept it alive for Adam Reynolds to score his second try, securing his first double since 2014.

Chanel Harris-Tavita added a penalty goal in the 59th minute to extend the Warriors’ lead, and with Brisbane continuing to hurt themselves through errors and penalties, the game was effectively out of reach.

The defining moment came in the 68th minute when the Broncos looked certain to score, only for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to intercept the ball and race 95 metres the other way. Ezra Mam gave chase in a desperate attempt to stop him, but the Warriors winger held on to score his second of the night.

The final ten minutes were scrappy from both sides, with fatigue and errors creeping into the contest, but the Warriors comfortably closed out a dominant 42-12 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, this game had a bit of everything: early adversity, dominance through the middle, and a few reminders that there’s still work to do despite the scoreline.

The biggest story coming out of it was the injury to Tanah Boyd. My heart sank when he went down, but the team didn’t let it derail them. They regrouped quickly, got back to work, and took control of the contest.

I’ve said before that clashes like this one against the Broncos and the upcoming game against the Panthers would be a real test of where this Warriors side is at. While this Broncos outfit was missing a few key players and didn’t quite provide the level of challenge I expected, it’s still a valuable win against a quality club in a big-stage environment.

Overall, it was a solid victory built on control and physicality, even if the performance wasn’t fully polished across the 80 minutes. The pack continues to grow in influence and is starting to push its way into the conversation for the best in the competition, and when they’re rolling forward like this, everything else falls into place. There were still moments where Brisbane were allowed back into the game, particularly late in the first half, and some of the execution close to the line could have been sharper. But compared to previous seasons, the difference is how they respond: no panic, no drop-off, just a return to what’s working. That’s becoming a real feature of this team, and it’s exactly the kind of habit that holds up under finals pressure.

From here, it’s about fine-tuning, cleaning up the edges, and continuing to build momentum. If they can do that, they’ll be in a strong position to really make noise this season.

And before wrapping up, credit has to go to the Warriors fans who turned up in huge numbers for Magic Round. Warrior Nation continues to grow into something special, and away games like this are starting to feel like home games. The colours were everywhere all weekend, and you could see how much they lifted the atmosphere, and, just as importantly, how much the players fed off them.

There was plenty to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors laid the platform for this win through their dominance in the middle third, consistently winning the ruck battle and putting Brisbane on the back foot. Erin Clark was outstanding, leading the side with 198 running metres through his direct carries and quick play-the-balls, while James Fisher-Harris added 156 metres and Mitchell Barnett contributed 131 in another powerful display through the middle. Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima both added 122 metres of their own, while Demitric Vaimauga continued his strong form with 103 metres off the bench. With the forward pack consistently rolling downfield, Wayde Egan took full advantage around the ruck, engaging markers and creating opportunities as the Warriors controlled possession, territory, and the overall tempo of the contest. While the injury to Tanah Boyd leaves uncertainty around the halfback role moving forward, performances like this from the forwards will make life much easier for whoever wears the No.7 jersey, giving them more time, space, and momentum to work with.

The Broncos’ ill-discipline played a major role in the contest, conceding 13 penalties and repeatedly handing the Warriors possession, field position, and momentum. To the Warriors’ credit, they fully capitalised on those opportunities instead of letting Brisbane off the hook, consistently building pressure and converting territory into points. Whether it was through repeat sets, quick shifts against a retreating defensive line, or exploiting tired middle defenders around the ruck, the Warriors stayed patient and clinical, making the Broncos pay for almost every lapse in discipline. While most sides won’t be this ill-disciplined in future matches, it was still encouraging to see the Warriors recognise the situation and actively put their foot down, showing intent to punish errors rather than simply sit back and accept the advantage.

The Warriors showed real composure in the wake of Tanah Boyd's injury, a setback that could easily have disrupted their rhythm so early in the match. Instead, they regrouped quickly and maintained control of the contest, with Te Maire Martin slotting straight into the structure and keeping the team moving in the right direction. His calmness and decision-making helped ensure there was no drop-off in execution, allowing the Warriors to stay on track and continue building pressure rather than losing momentum. It was also a timely boost to his chances of staking a claim on the role moving forward.

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

Match Negatives

The biggest and most immediate concern from the match was the injury to Tanah Boyd, which overshadowed much of the Warriors’ strong performance. Suffering a suspected ACL injury so early in the contest, it not only disrupted the game plan but also potentially created a major blow to the club’s halves depth and rotation moving forward. If the diagnosis is confirmed, it could have long-term implications for how the Warriors structure their spine for the remainder of the season. It also marks the second straight year the Warriors have lost a half with a suspected ACL injury at Suncorp, adding an unfortunate layer of déjà vu to the setback. Boyd had been enjoying a genuine breakout year, making his absence even harder to take, and it’s a stark reminder of how cruel and unforgiving this sport can be. Whether the coaching staff turns to Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, or another option in the halves, they’ll be supported by a forward pack that’s setting a strong platform, helping whoever wears the jersey to keep the team moving in the right direction.

At 22-0 and with Brisbane down to 12 men, the Warriors had a real opportunity to put the contest to bed right after halftime and completely shut the Broncos out of the game. With momentum firmly on their side and the opposition struggling with discipline and structure, it felt like the ideal moment to really drive the dagger in and remove any doubt from the result. Instead, a lapse in concentration and a shift in momentum allowed Brisbane to claw their way back into the contest with a try right from the start of the second half, giving them a small but important lifeline heading into the break. While the Warriors were still firmly in control, it was a reminder that against stronger opposition, those missed chances to close out games early can prove far more costly than they were on this occasion.

Despite the commanding scoreline, the Warriors left a few points out on the field due to sloppy execution in attacking situations. There were several moments close to the try line where passes didn’t quite stick, timing was slightly off, or the last-play options lacked the same polish seen elsewhere in their game. At times, they overplayed instead of sticking to the simpler, more direct approach that had been generating their best results in the middle, stalling momentum and allowing Brisbane to reset their line. Against a stronger defensive outfit, those missed opportunities could have proved costly and shifted pressure back onto the Warriors. Still, on this occasion, they were largely covered by the overall dominance in possession and territory they controlled throughout the match.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark.

Clark delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, setting the tone through the middle with relentless effort and physicality. He led the pack with 198 metres from 20 carries, including 74 post-contact metres that consistently got the Warriors rolling forward and on the front foot. His impact went beyond just yardage, adding a line break and two tackle busts that highlighted his ability to break through contact when opportunities opened up.

Defensively, Clark was just as reliable, finishing with 27 tackles and only one miss, underlining both his work rate and consistency in the middle of the park. Week by week, he continues to find another level in his game, and performances like this are quickly establishing him as a cornerstone of this Warriors forward pack.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

AKP endured a night he’ll be keen to put behind him after a strong run of form in recent weeks, built on confidence and highlight-reel finishing. He was restricted to just 85 metres and struggled to find his rhythm, with six errors disrupting his involvement and stalling the Warriors’ attacking momentum at key moments. The most costly of those came with a bobbled ball that looked like a certain try, while a sin bin further compounded a frustrating outing.

While the decision to send him off felt somewhat harsh, and his aggression in contact is something that will be viewed positively in the long run, the moment still proved pivotal, swinging momentum back in Brisbane’s favour just before halftime. It was a rare off night for a player who has been one of the Warriors’ most dangerous attacking weapons, and while Magic Round didn’t go his way, Khan-Pereira has shown enough quality to suggest he’ll bounce back strongly from this setback.

Round 12 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 12, the Warriors remain in Australia to face the Dragons, who went down 28-6 to the Panthers at Magic Round.

Regarding the team I’d pick, there are a few forced changes this week with Tanah Boyd ruled out, Luke Metcalf unlikely to be available after missing sessions while sorting his contract situation, and both Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell unavailable due to State of Origin duties. With that in mind, I’d stick with Te Maire Martin to start in the halves, given he slotted in seamlessly and kept the team moving in the right direction when called upon.

In the pack, I’d shift Jackson Ford back into the starting forward rotation. At the same time, Jacob Laban earns a starting spot in the second row with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava taking his bench spot to help cover the Origin outs. That combination keeps the middle rotation strong while still maintaining mobility and effort through the edges. I would still have Luke Metcalf on the bench as cover, providing utility value if needed and giving the Warriors another option to inject pace or cover the spine late in the game.

Now, anyone who has been reading my reviews or watching my show knows that I have a deep-seated hatred for the Dragons, so it's hard to look at these clashes with an unbiased mindset, but I will try.

The Dragons have had a tough season so far, sitting at 0-10, but despite their struggles, they’ve still shown moments of fight. As poor as their record is, the Warriors can’t afford to turn up expecting an easy win. They need to stick to what’s been working: dominate through the middle, build pressure with the pack, and then unleash their strike weapons out wide. If they approach it with the right mindset and execute their game plan, I’m backing the Warriors to win comfortably by around 20 points.

So, that was an impressive Magic Round, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who would you be looking at making halfback with Boyd out?

Are the Warriors genuine contenders, or still a tier below the elite teams?

After Magic Round, what impressed you most about the Warriors’ performance & what worries you?

What is your score prediction against the Dragons?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 9 Review: Too Strong Against Eels as Winning Run Hits Four

After a successful trip to Wellington, the Warriors travelled back to Australia to face the Eels, who went down 33-18 against the Sea Eagles in Round 8.

The Warriors absorbed an early blow but quickly flipped the script, capitalising on Parramatta errors to take control. While the Eels threatened to stay in the fight, the Warriors’ power and composure proved the difference, pulling away late to secure a convincing fourth straight win.

What Went Down

Parramatta struck first, with Ronald Volkman crossing in the 4th minute after back-to-back set restarts put the Warriors under early pressure. The hosts looked sharp with the ball in hand, but errors soon crept in, and the Warriors didn’t need a second invitation. Leka Halasima hit back in the 13th minute, slicing through as Parramatta’s discipline faltered, before Alofiana Khan-Pereira gave the Warriors the lead just five minutes later. The winger had too much pace out wide, finishing off another Eels mistake to make it 12-6.

The Warriors thought they had their third soon after in a moment of confusion around the “held” call. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck powered over, initially awarded by Gerard Sutton despite protests from Parramatta, who believed he’d been held. The bunker eventually overturned the try, not for the held call, but for a lost ball in the grounding. The Warriors kept the pressure on, and in the 24th minute, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished in the corner to extend the lead, although Tanah Boyd couldn’t convert. On the stroke of halftime, Boyd added a penalty goal in the 40th minute to give the Warriors a 16-6 advantage at the break.

Parramatta came out strong in the second half and struck quickly. Brian Kelly created the opportunity, with Will Penisini finishing in the 44th minute. Mitch Moses couldn’t add the extras, but the margin was back to six. A penalty then swung momentum back the Warriors’ way, and Boyd made no mistake from the tee in the 50th minute, pushing the lead out to 18-10. The game tightened again in the 59th minute when Volkman grabbed his second, beating Watene-Zelezniak to the ball to bring the Eels within four. Moses again missed the conversion, leaving the door slightly ajar.

From there, though, it was all Warriors.

Jackson Ford crashed over in the 63rd minute as the middle began to dominate, before Khan-Pereira picked off an intercept in the 69th to stretch the lead further. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck then put the finishing touches on the result in the 76th minute, capping off a strong performance. All three late tries were converted, sealing a convincing 36-14 win as the Warriors powered away in the final stages.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a rollercoaster of emotion. Until the final 15 minutes, it felt like anything could happen.

The Warriors didn’t get their own way early, conceding first and inviting pressure through a mix of errors and ill-discipline. But what stood out was how quickly they flipped the momentum. Once they settled, they looked dangerous, capitalising on Parramatta’s mistakes and striking with intent to take control before halftime.

It still wasn’t a complete performance. There were patches, particularly early and just after the break, where the Eels threatened to swing things back. But this time the Warriors had another gear. When the game tightened, they responded through the middle, took their chances, and then blew it open late. That’s the real takeaway: not just that they won, but how they finished it. In the past, this was the type of game that stayed close or even slipped away. Here, they turned it into a statement in the final 20 minutes. The combination of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Alofiana Khan-Pereira continues to grow, and it’s now at the point where that centre–wing pairing should be locked in. Up front, the pack continues to roll the side forward and consistently win the middle, making life much simpler for both Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita. They’re getting more time on the front foot, building pressure instead of chasing it.

It’s been a tremendous start to the 2026 campaign, and heading into the first bye with second place locked in is something I didn’t expect before the season started. That said, the upcoming matches against the Broncos and Panthers will be the real indicator of where this team sits. But that’s something to ponder in a few weeks. For now, it feels good to just sit in the moment.

There was plenty to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors set the tone physically and never really let it go through the middle of the field, with their pack consistently winning the contact and generating momentum through strong carries and quick play-the-balls. That dominance was backed up on the stat sheet, with Erin Clark leading the way with 179 running metres, closely followed by Jackson Ford on 177 and James Fisher-Harris adding 138, while Kurt Capewell contributed 103 and Demetric Vaimauga made an impact off the bench with 91 metres and a couple of highlight-reel kick returns off the bounce. This kind of platform is exactly what the Warriors’ 2026 success is built on: the pack controlling the tempo and setting the terms of games, and so far this season, that’s been the case more often than not. As the match wore on, sustained physical pressure wore the Eels down, allowing the Warriors to build control and pull away late.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were both constant threats out wide, with their speed and finishing ability proving too much for the Eels’ edge defence at times. Khan-Pereira took full advantage of broken play and space, and his pace has been a much-needed boost for a Warriors side that has often lacked genuine speed out wide in recent seasons. At the same time, DWZ once again provided a strong finishing touch in the corner to reward their territorial dominance. Defensively, both also stood up well, applying pressure on Parramatta’s shifts and reading the play smartly, with each coming up with an intercept to shut down attacking opportunities. It gave the Warriors a genuine strike edge on both sides of the ball, helping turn pressure into points and stretch the Eels’ defensive line.

The Warriors’ strong finish in the final 15 minutes highlighted their growing ability to close out games once momentum is on their side. After a tight period where the Eels briefly stayed in touch, the Warriors lifted another gear, with Jackson Ford, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck all crossing in the late stages to seal the result. That late surge has become a welcome part of the Warriors’ DNA in 2026, shifting away from the old days when opposition teams could hang in for an hour and expect to outrun them late in the game. Instead, they now look like the stronger-finishing side, a clear sign of improved fitness and mental toughness. Once they got control, they didn’t release it, turning dominance into points and finishing the game convincingly.

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

Match Negatives

Even though the Warriors controlled large parts of the game, they still allowed Parramatta to swing momentum back their way at different stages. It wasn’t sustained dominance from start to finish, with the Eels able to respond whenever the Warriors’ intensity dipped slightly. While they remained in control overall, those momentum shifts meant the game never fully got away from Parramatta as early as it could have. The final piece for this Warriors side is developing a consistent killer instinct, the ability to shut games down completely once on top and remove any chance of a fightback. We’ve already seen glimpses of that, including in the win over the Storm, but if they can bring that same ruthlessness into every contest, this becomes a very difficult side to compete with.

Discipline was an issue at times, with the Warriors conceding three penalties and eight ruck infringements throughout the match. Those repeat set restarts and penalties, particularly early on, handed Parramatta valuable field position and allowed them to build momentum they didn’t fully earn. While the defensive effort generally held strong, the lack of discipline at key moments kept the Eels in the game longer than necessary and put extra pressure on the Warriors’ line. This has been a concern for me over the past couple of weeks, and it’s something they’ll need to tighten up quickly with big matchups coming up against the Broncos and Panthers, who are more than capable of punishing any lapses in discipline.

Handling errors at key moments also held the Warriors back from really putting the game to bed earlier. A few unforced mistakes, including one over the line, cost them potential points and stalled momentum at crucial stages. There were also moments when they came close to scoring but didn’t quite take the right option, holding onto the ball when an overlap or an extra pass was on. Inside the Eels’ 20, they created enough opportunities but didn’t always execute cleanly enough to fully capitalise on their field position. It’s not a major issue in isolation, but it does link back to that broader need to develop a stronger killer instinct. Turning those chances into points more consistently would allow them to close games out earlier and take complete control much sooner.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark.

There were several players I could have gone with for this one, but Erin Clark deserves recognition for another consistent, high-level performance. He hasn’t always grabbed the headlines compared to some of his teammates, but that’s largely because he keeps producing week in, week out without fuss. Clark played 50 minutes and was excellent on both sides of the ball. He ran for 179 metres, set up a line break and a try, and backed that up with 27 tackles, missing just one. What stood out just as much was his discipline, no errors, no penalties, and no ruck infringements. His passing game has also taken a real step forward this season. The short ball in particular is becoming a real weapon, regularly creating space and putting defenders under pressure. If he keeps this up, he’s right in the mix to go back-to-back for Dally M Lock of the Year.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Leka Halasima.

For the second week in a row, I've had to go with Halasima. He got on the scoresheet with a try and very nearly had a second, showing his knack for being in the right place when opportunities arise, but outside of that, his involvement was limited, with just 4 runs for 35 metres in 57 minutes. Defensively, he was solid, making 23 tackles with only one miss, although he did lead the side with 3 errors, which disrupted his overall impact. It all adds up to a mixed performance, some clear positives, but still not the consistent influence he’s capable of, and if his attacking output remains that low, there’s a case that a bench role might better suit him right now, allowing him to come on later and provide a sharper burst of impact in shorter minutes.

Bye Round and Round 11 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 10, the Warriors get their first bye of the season. It feels like it is coming at the right time, as a few players have niggles, and it's a good opportunity to get some extra time for R&R and to work on the issues I highlighted above as they prepare for the tough run of matches coming up. They are sitting in a good spot right now, but they can't get ahead of themselves and need to remain grounded as it's still very early days.

After the bye, the Warriors head to Brisbane for Magic Round, where they will face the Broncos, who went down 38-24 against the Roosters and will face the Sea Eagles in Round 10.

Regarding the team I’d pick, the only changes I'd make are to bring Ali Leiataua back for Adam Pompey and Mitchell Barnett back for Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. Wayde Egan took a head knock but will be fine for Magic Round.

The Brisbane Broncos haven’t quite delivered the dominant start many expected from the reigning premiers, sitting at five wins and four losses and just outside of the top eight, with injuries to key players disrupting their rhythm at times. Even so, the return of Reece Walsh adds a completely different dimension to their attack, and it’s clear this is a side that can score quickly when momentum swings their way. That was evident against the Sydney Roosters; despite a poor first half, they flipped the script after the break and looked dangerous whenever they got a sniff, nearly pulling off an unlikely comeback. Their ability to turn half-chances into points makes them a constant threat. Still, consistency and defensive lapses have been an issue, particularly when they’re forced to absorb sustained pressure or defend quick shifts out wide.

For the Warriors to get the job done here, it again starts through the middle; their forwards need to match the Broncos’ physicality, win the ruck, and generate quick play-the-balls to give their spine time and space to operate. Against a side with as much strike as the Broncos, defensive discipline is crucial; they can’t afford to invite pressure through errors or penalties, especially with players like Reece Walsh capable of turning broken play into points. The Warriors’ edge defence will need to stay tight and connected to handle the Broncos’ speed and shape out wide, while in attack, they should look to build pressure, stay patient, and pick the right moments to shift. If they can control possession, limit momentum swings, and keep the game in their terms, they’re every chance to grind this out. I’m backing the Warriors in a tight one, by 8.

So, that was a tense Round 9, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes for Magic Round?

How do you feel about the Warriors' playoff potential after 9 weeks?

What would you be doing with Halasima?

What is your score prediction against the Broncos?