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?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 23 Review: Warriors Send Premiership Message

After their big win over the Titans in Round 22, the Warriors returned to Mt Smart to host the Panthers, who also looked impressive last weekend with a 42-18 victory over the Raiders.

The Warriors produced a statement performance, defeating the Panthers 28-12 at Go Media Stadium. They dominated the opening half and held on despite a late Penrith fightback to secure a memorable victory in front of a capacity crowd.

What Went Down

The night began with a historic and goosebump-inducing moment as the Warriors unveiled their Haka, Ngā Tamatoa ("The Warriors"). Led by co-captain James Fisher-Harris in front of a sold-out Go Media Stadium crowd, the Haka was a powerful celebration of culture during the NRL's Indigenous Round. It was a moment that captivated players, fans and viewers alike, setting the stage for one of the biggest games of the season.

The Warriors could not have asked for a better start, dominating possession and field position from the opening whistle. Their early pressure paid off in the 4th minute when Erin Clark stepped past Moses Leota with a simple piece of footwork before powering over for the opening try. The home side continued to control proceedings and doubled their lead in the 11th minute. Luke Metcalf took advantage of a missed tackle from Nathan Cleary and sliced through the line before putting Kurt Capewell into a huge gap. The veteran back-rower linked up with Metcalf, who backed up on the inside to finish off a superb team try.

Penrith's problems deepened in the 23rd minute when Paul Alamoti was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous throw on Leka Halasima. The Panthers initially handled the numerical disadvantage well, but Halasima soon began causing havoc. After busting through multiple tackle attempts across consecutive carries, he produced a brilliant offload to Chanel Harris-Tavita, who crossed in the 30th minute to extend the Warriors' lead. The Warriors looked set to take an even bigger advantage into halftime after a Harris-Tavita bomb caused chaos in the Panthers' in-goal area. The ball bounced kindly for Leka Halasima, but a knock-on denied the Warriors another four-pointer as they headed to the sheds leading 18-0.

The second half started much like the first. Just three minutes after the restart, Metcalf launched a cross-field kick towards Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. The winger outleapt Tom Jenkins, regathered the ball and brilliantly offloaded to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who scored in the 43rd minute to push the lead beyond three converted tries.

Penrith finally found some reward for their efforts in the 67th minute. Izack Tago burst through the Warriors' defensive line on the left edge before linking up with Tom Jenkins, who found Nathan Cleary backing up on the inside for the Panthers' first try of the night.

The visitors suddenly found some momentum and struck again just three minutes later. After producing a crucial 40/20, Cleary took control of the attack and helped create space for Jaxen Edgar, who crossed in the 70th minute to give Penrith a glimmer of hope.

The Panthers thought they had another try shortly afterwards when a bomb was allowed to bounce by Nicoll-Klokstad and Paul Alamoti raced through to score. However, the Bunker ruled Liam Martin offside in the lead-up, denying Penrith a potentially game-changing four-pointer.

Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 76th minute. After weathering Penrith's late surge, Luke Metcalf produced a moment of individual brilliance, stepping off his left foot and then his right before slicing through the defence for a sensational solo try that sealed an impressive Warriors victory.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a statement. Coming into this game, there were plenty of questions about whether the Warriors could genuinely compete with the best teams in the competition when the pressure was on, and I don't think they could have answered those questions much better. I had plenty of hope that the Warriors could get the job done, but I predicted a Panthers win in my review last week. I have never been happier to be wrong.

Beating the Panthers is one thing, but the way the Warriors went about it was what impressed me most. They didn't just scrape past Penrith; they took control of the game, dictated the tempo and looked like the better team for large parts of the contest. Against a side that has set the standard in the NRL for so long, that is a pretty significant statement.

The night kicked off with the debut of the Warriors Haka, and being there live, almost right in front of the team as they performed it, was something I will never forget. It was an awesome sight, and you could see just how locked in the team was. There was a real feeling that this wasn't going to be just another game.

That belief carried straight into the opening exchanges. There was no hesitation, no feeling their way into the contest and no waiting for Penrith to make the first move. The Warriors backed themselves from the opening whistle and played with the confidence of a team that genuinely believes it belongs at the top end of the competition. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the season, but doing it against the Panthers, on a night with so much riding on it, makes this result feel different.

What also stood out was the way the Warriors pack approached the game. It felt like they made it their mission to manhandle Penrith and win the middle of the field. For so long, the Panthers have been the team that physically dominates opponents, but on this occasion the Warriors matched them and, at times, got the better of them. The forwards laid the platform, bent the defensive line and gave the spine the space they needed to play their game. It was exactly the sort of performance you want to see from a Warriors pack when the intensity of the game goes up a level.

Luke Metcalf also deserves plenty of credit. Stepping into such an important role in a game of this magnitude could easily have disrupted the team's rhythm, but he slotted in like he had been there the whole time. There was no obvious drop-off, and the Warriors were able to continue playing their game without missing a beat. To me, that says just as much about Andrew Webster and his coaching staff as it does about Metcalf himself. They have built a system and a game plan that allows players to step into key positions without the whole team having to change the way it plays. That's a sign of a well-coached side with a clear identity, and it is becoming one of this team's biggest strengths.

There are still things that need cleaning up, and that 10-minute period where Penrith scored twice showed that this team isn't quite the finished product yet. But I'd much rather be looking at how the Warriors can improve from a performance like this than trying to work out where the confidence has gone. They showed they can handle adversity, they showed they can go toe-to-toe with one of the competition's benchmark teams and, perhaps most importantly, they showed they have players capable of producing something special when the game is on the line.

The timing of this performance couldn't be much better. We're getting to the point of the season where every game starts to carry more weight, and the Warriors now have a genuine opportunity to control their own destiny. The challenge is making sure this isn't just one great night. The best teams find a level and stay there, and that's what I want to see from this group over the next few weeks.

If they can take the confidence from this win, clean up the lapses and continue building, there's no reason why the Warriors can't be right in the premiership conversation when September arrives. For me, this was more than just another two competition points. It was a reminder of just how good this Warriors side can be when everything clicks. Penrith came to Go Media Stadium as the benchmark, and for large parts of the night, the Warriors looked like the benchmark instead.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors could not have asked for a better start, coming out with plenty of energy and immediately putting the Panthers under pressure. They won the early field-position battle, forced Penrith to defend repeat sets and made the most of their opportunities when they came. Against a side as experienced and disciplined as the Panthers, getting on the front foot early was always going to be crucial, and the Warriors did exactly that. Starting hard and fast will need to become a non-negotiable for the remainder of the regular season and into the finals. If the Warriors want to control their own fate and give themselves the best possible chance of making a deep finals run, they need to bring this level of intensity from the opening whistle every week.

The Warriors' forward pack laid the foundation for the win, winning the physical battle through the middle and giving the backs plenty of room to work with. Mitch Barnett led the way with 163 metres, followed by James Fisher-Harris (160m) and Erin Clark (138m), while Tanner Stowers-Smith (109m), Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (108m) and Kurt Capewell (101m) all made valuable contributions. Against a Penrith pack that prides itself on winning the middle, the Warriors not only matched them physically but got on top early, setting the platform for the rest of the side. When the forwards are producing numbers like this, it gives the Warriors the go-forward and field position needed to let their attack flourish.

Holding Penrith scoreless in the first half is an achievement few teams can claim, and the Warriors' defensive effort was one of the biggest positives to come out of the game. For the majority of the contest, they were right in the Panthers' faces, constantly making them work for every metre and rarely allowing them to build any real momentum. Even when Penrith did manage to make inroads, the Warriors scrambled extremely well and showed plenty of desperation to shut down opportunities. My highlight was James Fisher-Harris producing a massive effort to stop the Panthers when they looked certain to break away. There was one brief 10-minute period where the Warriors switched off and allowed Penrith back into the contest. Still, outside of that spell, the defensive effort was outstanding against one of the competition's best attacking sides.

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

Match Negatives

At 24-0, the Warriors had the game firmly in their control and looked on track for a comfortable finish, but they allowed Penrith back into the contest with two tries in the space of three minutes. Suddenly, a game that had looked all but over had some pressure attached to it, and the Panthers were starting to believe they could fight their way back. It was a timely reminder for the Warriors that you simply cannot give finals-bound sides a sniff, because they have the quality and experience to make you pay. It also reinforces just how important that fast start will be for the Warriors over the remainder of the season. Building a lead is one thing, but maintaining that intensity and putting teams away is going to be just as important come finals time.

While the Warriors' defence was outstanding for the majority of the night, there were still a few moments that will give Andrew Webster something to work on. Penrith's first try came after a strong break from Izack Tago on the left edge, with the Warriors struggling to contain the damage once he got through the initial line. Their second try also came from a defensive lapse, with Leka Halasima caught out in the lead-up. It was a rare mistake from Halasima, who was otherwise outstanding throughout the night and one of the Warriors' best performers. Against a team like the Panthers, you can't afford to give their strike players those opportunities because they have the quality to turn half a chance into points. It was a good reminder that while the Warriors have made huge strides defensively, their edge defence will continue to be tested as they come up against the competition's best attacking sides.

The Warriors had enough attacking pressure throughout the game to put even more points on Penrith. The disallowed try was unlucky, but there were other opportunities where better execution could have added to the scoreboard. Against a side like Penrith, you don't always get many chances, so when you earn field position and put their defence under pressure, you need to make those opportunities count. The Warriors will be happy with the 28 points they put on the Panthers, but there was certainly a chance to make the scoreline even more convincing.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Luke Metcalf.

After being called into the side at the last minute, Metcalf delivered the type of performance that will have Dragons fans licking their lips for 2027. He was at the heart of many of the Warriors' best attacking moments, finishing the night with two tries, a line break, a line break assist and a try assist. 

He only had 6 runs, but he picked his moments perfectly, keeping the Panthers defence on their toes and capitalising when opportunities presented themselves. He did the lion's share of the kicking, and most of it was on point, helping the Warriors win the territory battle. It was simply a great night for Metcalf, and if this type of performance becomes his standard, that jersey should be his for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to call out this week. 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 24 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 24, the Warriors find themselves heading back across the ditch to face the Broncos at Suncorp for the second time this season. The Broncos squandered a 24-0 lead before going down 40-32 against the Dolphins this Round.

As for the team I'd pick, I wouldn't change a thing. This group has earned the opportunity to build on this performance, continue developing combinations and see if they can find another gear heading into the business end of the season.

The Broncos' 2026 season has fallen well short of expectations. After entering the year with plenty of hype, they have struggled to find any real consistency and have managed just six wins all season. Injuries and poor performances have contributed to a disappointing campaign, leaving them well outside the finals race. However, the Warriors would be foolish to take them lightly. The Broncos still possess plenty of X-factor across the park, with players like Reece Walsh capable of turning a game on its head in an instant. If Brisbane are in the right mood and their stars click into gear, they have more than enough talent to beat any team in the competition on their day.

For the Warriors to get the win here, the blueprint should be fairly simple. They need to bring the same intensity and physicality that helped them knock off Penrith, starting fast and winning the battle through the middle. If Mitch Barnett, James Fisher-Harris, Erin Clark and the rest of the forward pack can lay a strong platform, it will allow the likes of Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita to control the game with their kicking and create opportunities on the edges. Defensively, the Warriors must remain disciplined and avoid giving Brisbane's dangerous playmakers, particularly Reece Walsh, time and space to work with. If they can dominate possession, complete their sets and maintain the defensive standards they showed for most of last week, they should have too much class for a Broncos side that has struggled throughout the season. I'm backing the Warriors to get the job done, with my prediction being a Warriors win by 16 points.

So, that was an amazing Round 23, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

After beating the Panthers, do you now see the Warriors as genuine premiership contenders?

Are there any changes you would make to the squad?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What is your score prediction against the Broncos?