NZ Warriors 2026 Round 26 Review: Warriors Overcome Nightmare Start to Move Top of the Ladder

After another impressive win over the Rabbitohs in Round 25, the Warriors returned home to take on the Knights, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 44-24 loss to the Sea Eagles.

The Warriors overcame a fast start from Newcastle, trailing 14-0 before turning things around to take a 22-20 lead into halftime. They extended their advantage to 34-20 early in the second half, but the Knights fought their way back to within two before the Warriors steadied late to secure a 46-32 victory.

What Went Down

The match got off to a flying start, with Newcastle coming out firing.

Fletcher Hunt opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing on the right edge before Francis Manuleleua crossed five minutes later after a sharp move through the middle. Sandon Smith converted the second try to give the Knights an early 10-0 lead.

The Warriors were given a huge opportunity in the 12th minute when Jacob Saifiti was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Luke Laulilii. Newcastle were suddenly down to 12 men, and the Warriors soon made the extra man count.

Before they could hit back, though, Jermaine McEwen crossed in the 14th minute to stretch the Knights' lead to 14-0. From there, the Warriors finally found their rhythm.

Jacob Laban powered over in the 18th minute before Wayde Egan crashed through the Newcastle defence four minutes later. Erin Clark then barged over from close range in the 26th minute to put the Warriors in front for the first time.

Newcastle suffered another blow when Francis Manuleleua left the field with a dislocated elbow, and Demitric Vaimauga crossed in the 35th minute to extend the Warriors' lead to 22-16 after Taine Tuaupiki's conversion. The Knights refused to go away, though. Fletcher Hunt grabbed his second try in the 39th minute after Newcastle earned repeat sets near the Warriors' line. Sandon Smith missed the conversion, meaning the Warriors went into the sheds with a narrow 22-20 lead.

The second half began with the Warriors taking control again.

Ali Leiataua scored in the 42nd minute after Jacob Laban won a high ball and produced a brilliant offload to keep the attack alive.

Adam Pompey then finished off a slick move in the 51st minute, taking a flick pass from Leiataua to extend the Warriors' lead to 34-20.

Just when it looked like the Warriors were starting to pull away, Newcastle hit back through Greg Marzhew in the 54th minute. It was one of the more bizarre moments of the match, with Marzhew's kick ahead rebounding off Taine Tuaupiki's head before the Knights winger regathered and scored.

Marzhew crossed again just three minutes later, bringing Newcastle right back into the contest at 34-32. What had looked like a comfortable Warriors lead had suddenly become a genuine arm wrestle.

The Warriors needed a response and got one in the 62nd minute when Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed after Leka Halasima's intercept shifted the momentum back in the Warriors' favour. Tuaupiki converted from the sideline to make it 40-32.

With rain beginning to fall and Newcastle still pushing hard, the Warriors had to dig deep in the closing stages. They finally put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Jacob Laban broke through multiple tackles to score his second try of the night under the posts. Tuaupiki added the extras to make it 46-32.

It wasn't always pretty, and Newcastle certainly made the Warriors work for it, but they showed plenty of composure to withstand the Knights' fightback and finish the job. The win lifts the Warriors to first place on the live ladder, adding another important victory to what has been an impressive season so far. However, there is still plenty of work to do, particularly after allowing the Knights back into the contest despite having a one-man advantage for most of the match.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a strange and nerve-racking game. The Warriors found themselves 14-0 down inside the opening 14 minutes, and it looked like Newcastle had all the momentum. Then Jacob Saifiti was sent off, and the game completely changed.

From there, the Warriors slowly worked their way back into the contest, took control and looked like they were going to run away with it. Of course, Newcastle had other ideas and made things interesting again, but thankfully the Warriors found a way to steady themselves and finish the job.

It wasn't the best showing we have seen from the Warriors this year, but I would take a less-than-stellar win over a disappointing loss any day of the week; the key is that they learn from this and keep building.

One thing I continue to love about this Warriors team is the variety in attack. We saw tries scored through the middle, out wide, from kicks, broken play and some really good individual skill. Eight tries from seven different players showed just how many different ways this team can hurt you, and that variety is going to be incredibly important once the finals arrive.

The forward pack remains one of this team's biggest strengths. They set the platform once again, with six players cracking my triple-digit target, and gave the Warriors plenty of momentum through the middle. That allowed the backs and halves to play with more freedom and put Newcastle under plenty of pressure.

Even when the Knights started to find some momentum, the forwards kept taking the ball forward and helped the Warriors regain control. It's becoming a bit of a theme with this team — when the game gets tough, the pack keeps turning up.

There are obviously still things that need to improve. The start was poor, the edge defence was shaky at times, and allowing a 12-man Newcastle side to get back to within two points isn't something the team will be happy with.

But I'd much rather see those issues now, while the Warriors are still finding ways to win and missing a few big names who will return, than have them exposed for the first time in a finals game. They know what they need to work on, and there's still time to clean things up.

The biggest thing for me, though, is the position this team has put itself in. The Warriors are currently sitting in first place, and this win has pretty much secured a top-two finish, a position I never imagined at the start of the season.

That top two spot is a massive advantage heading into the finals. It gives the Warriors a second chance if they lose their opening finals match and, just as importantly, allows them to play two home finals, which could be the key to getting to the big dance.

There is still one regular-season game to go, so the Warriors need to stay focused on the job in front of them. But after everything this team has dealt with this season, to be sitting at the top of the ladder with a top-two finish all but secured is a fantastic position to be in. Now it's about making the most of it.

The Warriors have shown they can win in different ways, deal with adversity and find solutions when things don't go to plan. If they can clean up the defensive lapses, start games with the same intensity they show later on, and keep building on the attacking football we've seen, they'll head into the finals with plenty of confidence. The minor premiership is still there to be won, and the Warriors have put themselves in the perfect position to go after it. They've earned this opportunity. Now they need to take it with both hands.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors couldn't have asked for a worse start, with Newcastle racing to a 14-0 lead inside 14 minutes and looking dangerous in attack. The game changed dramatically when Jacob Saifiti was sent off in the 12th minute, leaving the Knights with 12 men for the remaining 67 minutes.

Who knows what would have happened if Newcastle had stayed at 13 players, especially given how well they started. The opening 14 minutes should certainly ring some alarm bells, but the Warriors deserve plenty of credit for making the most of the opportunity they were given. They settled down, scored four tries between the 18th and 35th minutes and completely turned the game around to take a 22-20 lead into halftime. The slow start is something they will need to address, but the composure they showed to fight their way back and regain control will be a nice confidence booster heading into the finals.

After building a 34-20 lead, the Warriors suddenly found themselves under pressure when Greg Marzhew scored twice in just three minutes to bring Newcastle back to 34-32. After doing so well to turn the game around earlier, it would have been easy for the Warriors to lose their composure and let the Knights take control again. Instead, they steadied themselves when it mattered. Alofiana Khan-Pereira's try in the 62nd minute restored some breathing room before Jacob Laban's second try in the 76th minute finally put the result beyond doubt. The Warriors won't be happy with allowing the Knights back into the contest, but their ability to remain composed and regain control when the pressure was on is another positive they can take into the finals.

Jett Cleary and Luke Hanson handled the pressure of a huge game remarkably well. Cleary was making his NRL debut, while Hanson was only playing his third NRL game, yet both looked composed and showed plenty of promise in the halves. Cleary was particularly impressive, setting up three tries on debut, while Hanson provided a steady hand alongside him. Credit also needs to go to Andrew Webster and his coaching staff. This was yet another brand-new halves pairing in first grade, but the changes didn't make the Warriors look any weaker. Webster's game plan gave the young halves the structure and confidence to do their jobs, and the Warriors once again found a way to secure another vital win. With both players set to move on at the end of the season, it was great to see them step up when the Warriors needed them. For Cleary in particular, making his NRL debut in such an important game and playing a key role in the win is something he'll certainly remember.

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

Match Negatives

The start was nowhere near good enough. The Warriors conceded tries in the 4th, 9th and 14th minutes to find themselves 14-0 down, and while Jacob Saifiti's send-off changed the game, the Warriors were already on the back foot before Newcastle were reduced to 12 men. You simply can't give a team that kind of start, particularly against a side you're expected to beat. The response was excellent and showed plenty of composure, but the Warriors made life much harder for themselves than they needed to. Against a full-strength side in the finals, a start like that could put them in a hole they might not be able to climb out of.

The defensive lapses continue to creep into the Warriors' game. Newcastle scored 32 points and made 11 line breaks, with the two Greg Marzhew tries in particular highlighting some of the issues in the Warriors' defensive line. What was even more concerning was how easily the Knights found inroads down both edges, despite playing with just 12 men for most of the game. Once Newcastle started throwing the ball around, the Warriors struggled to shut the door and allowed the Knights to find gaps far too easily. At times, the defensive line looked disconnected, and while the Warriors eventually regained control, those lapses are a real concern heading into the finals. Against a top-four side with a full complement of players, they could be punished much more severely.

This is probably my biggest concern from the game. Newcastle played with just 12 men for the vast majority of the match, yet the Warriors still allowed the Knights to score six tries and get back to within two points at 34-32. The Warriors eventually won by 14 points, but the final score doesn't completely tell the story. With a one-man advantage for so long, they should have been able to control the game much more comfortably and put Newcastle away earlier. It is great that the Warriors found a way to win, but against a full-strength side in the finals, they can't afford to let an opposition team hang around like that, especially after being given such a significant advantage.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jacob Laban.

Laban was once again a constant threat and played a huge role in the Warriors' win. He finished with a double, a try assist and two line breaks, while running for 102 metres and producing three offloads. Defensively, he was just as impressive, making 26 tackles with only one miss. He was a constant danger whenever a kick came his way and looked capable of making something happen every time he got his hands on the ball. He did make three errors, which is something he'll want to clean up this week, but overall it was another strong performance from Laban. He continues to grow in confidence and looks like a player who can be a real handful for opposition teams heading into the finals. It's been a great season from him so far, and performances like this show just how important he's becoming to this Warriors side.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to call out for this week. While there were some concerns around the edge defence, I'm not convinced it was simply an Adam Pompey and Alofiana Khan-Pereira issue. With another brand-new halves pairing, the changes may have disrupted the flow and communication of the defensive line. Beyond that, everyone who took the field played their role and contributed to the win, making it hard to single anyone out for an off night.

Round 27 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 27, the Warriors remain at home to host the Sea Eagles, who defeated the Dragons 44-10 this Round.

As for the team I'd pick, if Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin are fit, then I am bringing them back in; if they need another week, then I'm sticking with Cleary and Hanson. I would also bring Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back onto the wing in my only other change.

The Sea Eagles have started to find some form late in the season after a difficult few months. They snapped a six-game losing streak with an impressive 44-24 win over Newcastle in Round 25 before backing it up with another big performance against the Dragons in Round 26, running out 44-10 winners. With their finals hopes already gone, Manly are now playing for pride and looking to finish the season on a positive note. They'll come into this game with plenty of confidence after putting 88 points on the board across their last two matches, and the Warriors certainly can't afford to take them lightly. With nothing to lose, the Sea Eagles have shown they can be dangerous, and the Warriors will need to be switched on from the opening whistle.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they will need to start much better than they did against Newcastle. Manly have found plenty of attacking form in recent weeks, so the Warriors need to control the middle, limit the Sea Eagles' second-phase play and, most importantly, tighten up their edge defence. As always, the Warriors will need their forwards to dictate the tempo of the contest and give the attack plenty of opportunities to build pressure. With the finals just around the corner, this is a chance for the Warriors to put together a more complete performance and show they can maintain their intensity for the full 80 minutes. If they can do that and take their opportunities in attack, I think they have too much class for Manly, winning by 18.

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

Do you have a Warrior to improve?

What did you think of Jett's debut?

Does that start worry you for finals?

What is your score prediction against the Sea Eagles?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 25 Review: Warriors Survive Souths Scare to Storm Into Top Spot

After another strong win over the Broncos in Round 24, the Warriors remained in Australia, heading to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs, who looked impressive in their 22-6  win over the Bulldogs last round.

The Warriors made a blistering start against South Sydney, racing to a 12-0 lead before taking a 26-8 advantage into halftime. The Rabbitohs fought their way back into the contest in the second half, but the Warriors regained control late to secure a 45-26 victory.

What Went Down

The Warriors exploded out of the blocks against the Rabbitohs, scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes to take an early 12-0 lead.

James Fisher-Harris opened the scoring in the 5th minute, with the Warriors applying pressure early before their forward pack eventually created the opening for the veteran prop to cross.

Just two minutes later, Leka Halasima doubled the advantage in the 7th minute, with the Warriors again making the most of their early attacking pressure. Taine Tuaupiki converted both tries to put the visitors in complete control of the opening exchanges.

South Sydney responded in the 13th minute, with Jack Wighton getting the Rabbitohs on the scoreboard and giving the home side some momentum after the Warriors' fast start.

The Warriors quickly answered back, with Mitch Barnett crossing to restore their 12-point advantage. The Rabbitohs refused to go away, however, and Alex Johnston added another try in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit.

The Warriors continued to apply pressure and extended their lead with a penalty goal before producing another attacking play in the 32nd minute.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava broke through the South Sydney defensive line, creating space for the Warriors to attack. Chanel Harris-Tavita was on hand to finish the movement, crossing for the Warriors' fourth try of the night. Tuaupiki added the conversion, taking his tally to 5/5 with the boot.

The Warriors headed into halftime with a 26-8 lead.

The visitors continued their strong start after the break, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossing in the 44th minute to extend the lead.

However, DWZ suffered a shoulder injury during the scoring play and was forced from the field, leaving the Warriors without one of their key attacking options.

The Rabbitohs immediately began to find opportunities on that side of the field. Tallis Duncan crossed in the 48th minute, cutting into the Warriors' advantage.

Alex Johnston then grabbed his second try of the night in the 53rd minute, keeping the Rabbitohs' comeback alive.

South Sydney continued to build pressure, and Cody Walker crossed in the 60th minute, completing a run of three tries in 12 minutes.

With Jayden Sullivan adding the conversions, the Rabbitohs had turned a 32-8 deficit into a 32-26 contest with almost 20 minutes still to play.

The Warriors finally stopped the South Sydney surge in the 68th minute when Jacob Laban crossed on the right edge. The try gave the visitors some much-needed breathing room and shifted the momentum back in their favour.

Five minutes later, Alofiana Khan-Pereira finished another Warriors attacking movement in the corner, crossing in the 73rd minute. Tuaupiki continued his perfect night with the boot, adding the conversion.

With the result effectively secured, Luke Hanson added the finishing touch in the 79th minute, slotting a field goal to complete the scoring.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a much more interesting game than it probably needed to be. The Warriors looked like they were going to run away with it early, racing to a 12-0 lead before taking a 26-8 advantage into halftime. South Sydney had other ideas, though, and suddenly what looked like a comfortable win became a real contest. Thankfully, the Warriors settled things down and finished the job.

I liked the variety we saw in attack. The Warriors weren't relying on one particular way of scoring, with tries coming through the forwards, out wide, from broken play and some really good individual skill. That makes them much harder to defend because they can hurt you in so many different ways.

The Warriors' pack continues to control the middle and provide the platform for the rest of the team. Even when Souths started throwing everything at them, the forwards kept taking the ball forward and kept the team moving in the right direction. When the middle is winning that battle, it makes life so much easier for everyone outside them.

That flows into how impressed I was with the way Chanel Harris-Tavita handled the move to halfback. This was the sixth different halves combination the Warriors have used this season, so there were plenty of questions about how the reshuffled spine would work. CHT slotted into the No.7 role really well, got involved in attack and didn't try to overplay his hand.

Luke Hanson also deserves plenty of credit. There were some defensive issues, but I thought he and CHT worked well together in the halves. Hanson showed plenty of promise and can certainly go home with his head held high. He also showed some composure late in the game by slotting the field goal to put the result beyond doubt and give the Warriors a one-point advantage over the Panthers on differential.

The Warriors also showed they can adapt when things don't go according to plan. DWZ's injury forced changes to the backline, Souths had all the momentum, and suddenly the game was in the balance, but the Warriors found a way to regain control. That experience will be valuable heading into the finals, where games can change very quickly.

There is still work to do. The defence was a concern at times, particularly during Souths' second-half comeback, and there were a few attacking opportunities the Warriors probably should have taken. But the important thing is that this team knows it isn't the finished product and continues to grow.

The Warriors now find themselves sitting in first place with two home games left in the regular season, and the opportunity to claim the minor premiership is right there in front of them. It's a fantastic position to be in, but this is where they need to stay focused and not get ahead of themselves. As cliché as it sounds, it's about taking it one game at a time. Win both of those home games, and they give themselves every chance of finishing the regular season on top, but there is no point looking beyond the next challenge.

We've now seen the Warriors dominate games, grind out tight wins and respond when momentum swings against them. If they can keep improving and clean up those little areas, I genuinely think the sky is the limit for what this team can achieve.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors' forward pack once again laid the platform, with Mitchell Barnett leading the way with 183 metres, followed by Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (154m), James Fisher-Harris (131m), Tanner Stowers-Smith (118m) and Kurt Capewell (101m). The impact didn't drop when the bench forwards came on either, with Ieremia-Toeava in particular making a huge contribution and providing the line break that led to Chanel Harris-Tavita's try. That go-forward allowed the Warriors to play on the front foot and gave the halves and outside backs plenty of room to attack. This has become one of the keys to the Warriors' success this season, and if they can maintain this level of dominance through the middle, the sky really is the limit for what they can achieve this campaign.

Taine Tuaupiki was perfect with the boot, converting all of his opportunities in a game where every point mattered, particularly when South Sydney mounted their second-half comeback. After the goal-kicking concerns I've raised throughout the season, seeing Tuaupiki go 100% is a real positive and gives the Warriors another reliable option when they need it. His performance also gives Andrew Webster another selection headache to ponder when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns, with Tuaupiki showing he can offer plenty both with the ball in hand and from the kicking tee. If Tuaupiki can maintain this level of accuracy, it could well and truly be the final piece of the puzzle the Warriors need as they push for a premiership.

After leading 32-8, the Rabbitohs scored three tries in 12 minutes to reduce the deficit to just six points, but rather than panic, the Warriors regrouped and eventually regained control. Jacob Laban crossed in the 68th minute before Alofiana Khan-Pereira finished the job five minutes later, with Luke Hanson adding a field goal late to complete the scoring. The ability to stop the bleeding, absorb the pressure and re-establish control is another important string to the bow as the Warriors prepare for the finals. Having a side swing momentum against them and still finding the determination and composure not to collapse will be vital in the sudden-death arena, where every moment matters, and there is no room for a bad spell to end your season.

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

Match Negatives

My biggest concern was the number of defensive lapses, particularly once South Sydney found momentum in the second half. Conceding 26 points isn't a disaster when you score 45 yourself, but the way some of those tries came will be a concern. After Dallin Watene-Zelezniak left with his shoulder injury, Souths repeatedly targeted the Warriors' edge and scored three tries in 12 minutes, turning a 24-point deficit into a six-point game. There were too many occasions where the communication wasn't there, players were getting caught turning in, and the trust between defenders seemed to break down. The attack was good enough to cover those lapses on this occasion, but the Warriors won't be able to give sides that many opportunities in the finals and expect to get away with it.

At 32-8, the Warriors had the game firmly in their hands, but just 15 minutes later South Sydney had cut the lead to 32-26. The Rabbitohs deserve credit for the way they fought their way back, but the Warriors made life far more difficult for themselves than it needed to be. When you have a 24-point lead, you need to be able to control the game, manage the momentum and make the opposition work for every point. Against a stronger finals opponent, allowing a game to swing that dramatically could prove much more costly. The Warriors showed they could recover, but ideally this is a lesson they won't need to learn again when the stakes are even higher.

Lastly, it feels like it wouldn't be a Warriors game without another injury, and this time it was Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who came off second best, breaking his collarbone. To his credit, DWZ tried to fight through the pain and was making his way off the field when he saw the play was still on. He turned around, got himself back into position and finished the movement by crossing for the try. Andrew Webster has confirmed DWZ will require surgery, although there is still a chance he could return during the finals. The Warriors have truly lived by the "next one up" mentality this season, and I'm sure that will continue here, with whoever gets the opportunity expected to step up and do the job. But it still sucks to see DWZ potentially miss out on what could be a great end to the season. Hopefully the surgery goes well, and he can make his way back in time for the finals, because he has certainly earned the chance to be part of it.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.

EIT certainly made a statement here with another impressive performance off the bench. EIT ran for 154 metres from 14 carries, made 24 tackles without missing one, and was heavily involved in attack, breaking the line and producing a superb offload for Chanel Harris-Tavita's try. He was asked to move around after DWZ's injury and looked a little less comfortable at right centre, but once he shifted back to the left, he again showed his attacking threat by setting up Alofiana Khan-Pereira's try late in the game. Performances like this are also making the selection battle even more interesting when Jackson Ford is fit and ready to return, with the Warriors' bench forwards doing everything they can to make that decision a difficult one for Webster.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Adam Pompey.

Pompey had a night he'd probably rather forget. Coming into the side late for Ali Leiataua, there were some bright moments in attack, including two line-break assists for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, but things became much more difficult once he moved to the wing following DWZ's injury. Pompey finished with 12 carries for 119 metres, but his defensive work was a major concern, with poor reads and positioning that helped South Sydney find plenty of success down that side during their second-half comeback. You can't pile all of the defensive blame on Pompey, as the Warriors' issues were a team problem, but he looked a step behind the rest of the side at times and struggled to adjust to the change in position. It's an area he'll need to tidy up, because against the better sides, those lapses can quickly turn into points.

Round 26 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 26, the Warriors return home to host the Newcastle Knights, who went down 44-24 to the Sea Eagles this round.

As for the team I'd pick, the only changes I'd make would be bringing Te Maire Martin back into the halves if he is cleared to play, with CHT moving back to No. 6. I'd also bring Luke Laulili onto the wing to replace DWZ, while Ali Leiataua would come back in for Adam Pompey.

The Knights have been in some really good form over the past month, putting together three straight wins before suffering a heavy loss to Manly this week. Newcastle picked up some impressive results during that run, beating the Broncos 30-6, the Raiders 30-24 and the Titans 36-26, while their attack has continued to look dangerous. The 44-24 loss to Manly was certainly a setback, particularly defensively, but it doesn't erase what had been a strong run of form. The Knights will now be looking to bounce back against the Warriors, and after the way they've been playing in recent weeks, they are certainly a side that can't be taken lightly heading into the final rounds.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to start this one with the same intensity we've seen from them in recent weeks and make the Knights work for everything through the middle. The forward pack will be crucial again, but the biggest focus has to be on their defence, particularly around the edges where they can't afford to give Newcastle easy opportunities. If they can win the battle through the middle, limit Kalyn Ponga's influence and keep their discipline, I think the Warriors have enough attacking firepower to put plenty of points on the board. The Knights will be desperate to bounce back from their loss to Manly, so this won't be an easy game, but I think the Warriors will be too strong, and I'm tipping them to win by 18 points.

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

Who would you bring in for DWZ?

Are you concerned with that defensive effort?

Does Taine Tuaupiki's perfect night with the boot change your thoughts on the goal-kicking situation?

What is your score prediction against the Knights?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 24 Review: Warriors Run Riot, Metcalf Injury Casts a Shadow

After their statement win over the Panthers in Round 23, the Warriors found themselves back across the ditch at Suncorp Stadium to face a Broncos side reeling from an embarrassing 40-32 defeat to the Dolphins, where they squandered a 24-0 lead.

The Warriors put on a dominant display in Brisbane, running out 40-6 winners in a performance that showcased just how dangerous this side can be heading into the finals. The only real sour note was another hamstring injury to Luke Metcalf, which took some of the shine off an otherwise outstanding night.

What Went Down

The Warriors made the most of their early field position, with Wayde Egan producing a brilliant pass to put Jacob Laban over in the eighth minute for the opening points. Chanel Harris-Tavita then continued his strong night, slicing through the Broncos' defence to stretch the lead to 10-0. Things took a turn when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle that ended Reece Walsh's night and could have an impact on his World Cup hopes. But being a man down didn't slow the Warriors down. In fact, they simply kept piling on the points, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira intercepting a pass in the 18th minute before racing 100 metres to score. The joy was short-lived, however, as Luke Metcalf appeared to reinjure his hamstring while converting Khan-Pereira's try. Harris-Tavita stepped up to take over the kicking and playmaking duties, adding two late penalty goals to give the Warriors a commanding 20-0 lead at halftime.

The second half was more of the same, with Nicoll-Klokstad returning from the sin bin and immediately making an impact. In the 46th minute, he soared above the Broncos to collect a Harris-Tavita bomb and score. Six minutes later, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak produced a contender for try of the year, pulling off an incredible acrobatic finish to extend the lead. Ali Leiataua then got in on the action in the 55th minute, doing it all himself with a brilliant solo effort.

The Broncos finally got on the scoreboard in the 61st minute when Xavier Willison powered his way through the Warriors' defence, but it did little to change the flow of the match. The Warriors were also denied a try to Sam Healey after Jaiyden Hunt was ruled to have been obstructed, creating the space for Nicoll-Klokstad to illegally capitalise.

Leka Halasima put the finishing touches on a memorable night with a try in the 77th minute, capping off a dominant performance in front of 38,916 supporters.

My Thoughts

Well, that was another statement.

After the way the Warriors dismantled Brisbane, it is getting harder to dismiss this team as simply having a good season. There were plenty of expectations heading into this game, but they still had a job to do, and they couldn't have been much more convincing. A 40-6 win away from home against a side with plenty of attacking weapons is exactly the sort of result you want to see with the finals getting closer.

What I liked most was how quickly the Warriors took control. They won the early field-position battle, put Brisbane under pressure and kept the points coming. Even when things didn't go their way, they responded without letting the Broncos back into the contest. Brisbane may have had a season to forget, and the Warriors were expected to win, but we have seen this team in previous years make these sorts of games far harder than they needed to be. This time, they did exactly what a genuine premiership contender should do.

Another thing that continues to impress me is the team's ability to adapt. Chanel Harris-Tavita stepped up to take over the kicking duties, while Nicoll-Klokstad moved into the halves after Metcalf's injury. There was no panic and, importantly, no obvious drop-off in the way the Warriors played. That is a huge credit to the players, but also to Andrew Webster and his coaching staff for building a system that allows players to step into different roles without the entire game plan falling apart.

I also loved that the Warriors didn't take their foot off the pedal once the result was effectively beyond doubt. There was no sitting back and waiting for the clock to run down. They kept attacking, defended with intent and continued looking for more points. That mentality matters because this team shouldn't be thinking about securing a top-two finish anymore. They need to be thinking about what they can do once the finals arrive.

There are still things to clean up, and I'm probably nitpicking after a 40-6 win, but eight errors and 32 missed tackles are areas the Warriors will want to improve. Those numbers probably won't hurt you against a team like Brisbane, but the best sides in the competition will punish those lapses, particularly in a finals game where one mistake can completely change the momentum.

The biggest concern, of course, is Metcalf. It feels strange to be talking about a 40-6 win and still have an injury hanging over it, but another hamstring problem is the last thing the Warriors needed at this point of the season. Hopefully it isn't as serious as it first looked, but with Te Maire Martin still out for a few more weeks, losing another option in the halves is a significant blow.

Even with that concern, it is hard not to be excited about where this team is heading. The forwards are laying a huge platform and continue to make a case for being one of the best packs in the competition. The attack is finding different ways to score, the defence is holding up, and the depth continues to shine whenever players are asked to step into unfamiliar roles. There is a lot to like about this Warriors side right now.

The challenge now is making sure this becomes the standard rather than just another great performance. The Warriors have put themselves in a fantastic position heading into the final few rounds with a top two finish still on the cards, and they are starting to look like a team that genuinely believes they can go all the way. For me, this was more than just another two competition points. It was another reminder of just how good this Warriors side can be when everything clicks. They aren't just hoping to make the finals anymore. They are starting to look like a team that could do some serious damage once they get there.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors' forward pack once again laid the platform, running for 1,655 metres with 525 post-contact metres. Mitchell Barnett led the way with 160 metres, while Erin Clark (127m), James Fisher-Harris (117m), Jacob Laban (117m), Tanner Stowers-Smith (114m) and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (110m) all made valuable contributions. That go-forward allowed Harris-Tavita, Metcalf and, after his injury, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to play on the front foot and gave the outside backs plenty of room to work. It also helped create the variety we saw in attack, with the Warriors scoring through the middle, off an intercept, from a kick and through individual brilliance. Seven tries and 40 points strongly indicate how well the platform worked. If the Warriors are serious about going all the way this year, this is the level their forward pack needs to maintain every week. When the middle dominates like this, the rest of the team becomes a completely different proposition.

The defence was outstanding for large parts of the night, especially considering Brisbane had 52% possession but could only manage one try. The Warriors made 327 tackles and, despite missing 32, continually scrambled and worked hard for each other to keep the Broncos from turning possession into points. After conceding to Xavier Willison in the 61st minute, they shut Brisbane out for the rest of the game. There are still areas to tidy up, particularly the missed tackles, but the resilience and effort in defence was a big positive. If the Warriors can maintain that defensive intensity while cleaning up those missed tackles, they will be a very difficult team to crack come finals time.

The Warriors handled adversity brilliantly, and this might have been one of my favourite parts of the performance. Losing Luke Metcalf to another hamstring injury was a huge blow, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's sin bin left them with 12 men, yet neither situation managed to derail them. In fact, with 12 men, the Warriors not only kept the Broncos from taking advantage, but also managed to score themselves. Chanel Harris-Tavita also stepped up when needed, taking over the kicking duties and helping keep the scoreboard ticking over. It's another example of the depth and resilience this Warriors side has built, and that's going to be hugely important when the pressure ramps up in the finals.

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

Match Negatives

The attack was certainly effective for most of the night, but there were still points left out there. Seven tries is obviously a fantastic return, and at this point I’m probably nitpicking. Still, there were moments when the Warriors could have been more clinical and put the game completely beyond doubt earlier. The disallowed Sam Healey try is a good example, while 8 errors also showed there were still some opportunities being left on the table. Against Brisbane it didn't matter, but as we head towards the finals, the Warriors need to make sure they are taking every opportunity that comes their way because the better teams won't be as forgiving.

The goal-kicking situation remains a concern, with Metcalf's injury forcing Harris-Tavita to take over the kicking duties. To his credit, Chanel stepped up and handled the responsibility well, but it highlights how vulnerable the Warriors could be if they lose another established kicker at the wrong time. The Warriors finished with four conversions from seven tries, along with two penalty goals, so there are still points being left on the field. With finals football approaching, having a reliable goal kicker could prove crucial in those tight games where every point matters.

Luke Metcalf's injury is the massive cloud hanging over what was otherwise a fantastic win. This isn't technically a performance negative, but it's impossible to ignore, especially with Metcalf having another strong game before appearing to reinjure his hamstring while converting Khan-Pereira's try. The timing couldn't be worse with the finals just around the corner, and after everything Metcalf has been through this season, you can't help but feel for him. Hopefully the injury isn't as serious as it first looked, because losing him now would be a significant blow to the Warriors' chances of making a deep finals run, especially with Te Maire Martin still out for a few more weeks.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Mitchell Barnett.

It was another week where it was hard to single out an individual in such a dominant team performance, but Mitchell Barnett once again put in a seriously solid shift. He played 60 minutes, running for 160 metres with 67 of those coming post-contact, the most of any Warriors forward, while adding four tackle breaks and making 32 tackles with just one miss and no errors. With his exit from the club getting closer, you can see Barnett is determined to finish his time in New Zealand on a high, and he can never be accused of phoning it in. It will be tough seeing him in a Broncos jersey next year, but there are still plenty of games left for Barnett to be part of something special with the Warriors.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to call out for the third week in a row. Every player who took the field played their role, and those with limited minutes simply weren't on the park long enough to be judged fairly. From one to seventeen, everyone contributed in some way, making it impossible to single out a player who had an off night.

Round 25 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 25, the Warriors remain in Australia, heading to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs, who defeated the Bulldogs 22-6 this Round.

As for the team I'd pick, Luke Metcalf is out with that hamstring injury and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is looking at a 2-week ban for his hip-drop tackle (3 weeks if he fights it, which I don't see the club trying). So I would bring Taine Tuaupiki in for CNK; replacing Metcalf, I am struggling. As much of a story it would be to see Jett Cleary make his debut, the recent news of him requesting a release makes me less keen on picking him, so I would give Luke Hanson the nod at 6 and move Chanel Harris-Tavita to 7 until Te Maire Martin is back; everyone else stays the same.

The Rabbitohs' 2026 season probably hasn't gone the way they would have hoped, but they have managed to keep themselves in the finals hunt and currently sit seventh on the ladder. With the race for the top eight so tight, a couple of losses could quickly see them fall out of the playoff picture. Injuries to key players throughout the year haven't helped, disrupting combinations and at times leading to a lack of cohesion. Despite that, South Sydney have continued to find ways to get the job done and have shown they have enough attacking firepower to trouble any team when they get things right. With their finals hopes hanging in the balance, they will be desperate for wins over the remaining rounds, making this another game the Warriors simply can't afford to take lightly.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to bring the same intensity and physicality we saw against the Broncos, particularly through the middle. If the forwards can win the battle up front and give the halves plenty of time to work, the Warriors have enough attacking weapons to put plenty of points on the board. They also need to be smart with the ball and limit the errors, because South Sydney have enough strike across the park to make them pay for cheap possession. With the Rabbitohs desperate to keep their finals hopes alive, I’m expecting a competitive start, but if the Warriors can control the middle and maintain their defensive intensity, I think they will be too good. 

Warriors by 16.

So, that was an impressive Round 24, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who would you bring in for Metcalf?

Did the Warriors show enough to convince you they can go all the way this year?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What is your score prediction against the Rabbitohs?