NZ Warriors 2026 Mid-Season Review: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

With the Warriors enjoying their second bye of the season in Round 14, I have no match to review, so I thought it was the best time to write my mid-season review.

I came into the 2026 season cautiously optimistic. In my season preview, I predicted the Warriors would finish sixth, believing that if they could pick up a few wins early, stay relatively healthy, and build momentum before Luke Metcalf returned, they would give themselves every chance of playing finals footy. What I didn't expect was for them to completely blow those expectations out of the water.

Rather than simply surviving without Metcalf, the Warriors flourished. Tanah Boyd grabbed his opportunity with both hands, made the No. 7 jersey his own, and helped steer the team through a remarkable run of form. Fourteen rounds into the season, the Warriors sit second on the ladder with nine wins from twelve matches, 22 competition points, and an impressive +154 points differential. It's not just that they're winning games; they're consistently proving they belong among the NRL's genuine premiership contenders.

One of the biggest differences between this year's side and the team we saw in 2025 has been their ability to score points. Last season, the Warriors won 13 games, but only five of those victories came by 13 points or more, with many of their wins turning into tense, grind-it-out affairs. This year, they've become far more ruthless when opportunities present themselves. Seven of thier nine wins have been by 13 points or more, highlighting a team that is not only creating chances but consistently converting them into scoreboard pressure. That improved attacking efficiency has allowed the Warriors to take control of games, build healthy margins, and ultimately put themselves in control of thier own destiny.

Sticking with the format I’ve used over the past few seasons, I’ll break this review down into the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Then I’ll wrap things up with a look ahead to the second half of the season, update my Player of the Year tally, and give my prediction for the Sharks clash in Round 15.

So, let's just get into it.

The Good

One of the biggest positives in the Warriors’ season so far has been their improved discipline and lower error rate. They currently lead the competition for the fewest errors (119) and sit top of the league with an 84% completion rate. That level of control has been key to building and sustaining momentum, especially in tight games where possession is crucial.

What really stands out is how that control is now translating on the field. In past seasons, high completion rates didn’t always lead to points, but this year there’s a much clearer link between completed sets and sustained pressure. The Warriors are turning possession into repeat sets, forcing mistakes, and consistently building scoreboard pressure. That discipline has also taken pressure off their defence, allowing them to defend from stronger, more controlled positions rather than constantly scrambling to recover from avoidable errors.

A key reason behind the Warriors’ success this season has been the strength of their forward pack. Their ability to consistently win the middle has set the platform for everything else, with the pack driving standards through effort, physicality, and high work rate. 

That effort has been led by Jackson Ford, who has run for 2,093 metres, including 872 post-contact metres, and made 514 tackles at 93.6% efficiency. James Fisher-Harris has been just as important, adding 1,728 running metres (670 post-contact) and 379 tackles at the same 93.6% efficiency, bringing strong leadership and real presence through the middle. Erin Clark has also been a standout, with 1,659 running metres (607 post-contact) and 328 tackles at an excellent 96.8% efficiency, underlining his consistency on both sides of the ball. Crucially, this dominance hasn’t just come from the established forwards. Younger players like Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, and Tanner Stowers-Smith have all contributed by doing the tough work and maintaining momentum when the starters rotate off. Their involvement has ensured there’s no drop in intensity, keeping the team moving forward at all times.

Together, this group has formed the backbone of the side, allowing the Warriors to consistently compete and often win the physical battle up front, which has been the foundation of their season.

One of the biggest success stories of the Warriors’ 2026 season has been the emergence of Tanah Boyd, whose outstanding campaign was unfortunately cut short by an ACL injury. In just 10 appearances, Boyd scored three tries, kicked 40 goals, averaged 486 kicking metres and 64 running metres per game, while also producing 10 try assists and nine line break assists. Although his goal-kicking accuracy of 70.2% left room for improvement, his overall impact on the team's attack was impossible to ignore.

What makes Boyd’s rise even more impressive is where he stood at the end of last season. After activating his player option despite being told he would likely spend most of the year in reserve grade unless injuries opened a door, many questioned the decision. When that opportunity finally came, Boyd made the most of it. He quickly established himself as the side’s chief organiser, helped guide the Warriors to a strong start to the season, and earned a new contract along the way. Boyd may not have the flashy highlights or natural flair of some of the halves the Warriors have relied on in recent years, but what he brought was arguably more important: consistency, composure, and control. Week after week, he directed the team around the park, made smart decisions, and allowed those around him to play their roles. After years of searching for the right combination in the halves, the Warriors may have discovered that steady and dependable is exactly what they needed.

My game of the year so far was the Warriors’ most recent match, the heartbreaking 20-18 loss to the Panthers. It was everything you could want from a clash between the top two teams on the ladder. The intensity was there from the opening whistle, the physical battle never let up, and it had all the hallmarks of a finals match despite being played in June. While the Warriors fell just short, the performance only strengthened my belief that this side belongs among the NRL’s elite. They matched Penrith across the park and created enough opportunities to come away with the win.

What made the contest so memorable was the quality of football on display. Every set carried weight, every defensive stand felt crucial, and there was almost nothing separating the two teams. The Warriors showed they can go toe-to-toe with a side many still view as the benchmark of the competition.

Despite the disappointment of the result, there should be plenty of confidence taken from the performance. The effort, intensity, and execution were all there, and the lessons learned from this defeat could prove invaluable when these sides meet again later in the season, particularly if they cross paths in the finals.

The Bad

One area where the Warriors can still improve is reducing their reliance on forward dominance. When the pack is winning the middle and generating quick play-the-balls, the Warriors look like one of the most dangerous teams in the competition. But when opposition forward packs have been able to match them physically or slow their momentum, the attack has sometimes struggled to find another gear.

The losses to the Tigers and Sharks highlighted this clearly. In both games, the Warriors were unable to consistently win the middle battle, and as a result, their attack became more predictable and struggled to build pressure or points.

While a strong forward platform is the foundation of any successful side, developing more variation and attacking threats when that platform isn’t there could be the key to taking this team to another level in the second half of the season.

Goal kicking is one area that hasn’t cost the Warriors a match yet, but it is becoming an ongoing concern that could prove costly in tighter contests later in the season. Overall, their goal-kicking has been inconsistent, with the main kickers producing mixed results.

Tanah Boyd has landed 40 goals at a 70.2% success rate, which is below his usual standard, while Chanel Harris-Tavita has kicked 5 from 8 at 62.5%. At the NRL level, where margins are often razor-thin, those numbers leave plenty of room for improvement.

There have, however, been some encouraging alternatives. Taine Tuaupiki has impressed with 6 goals at 85.7%, while Adam Pompey has been flawless so far, converting all 3 of his attempts. Both have shown they can provide greater reliability when turning four points into six, and as the season progresses, the Warriors may need to lean more on their higher-percentage options to avoid leaving points on the field in key moments.

One area the Warriors still need to tidy up is their defence against second-phase play. Their structured system is generally strong when set, but it can be exposed when opposition teams extend sets through offloads, broken play, or late-arriving support runners. In those moments, the defensive line can lose its shape, forcing players into reactive decisions rather than controlled reads.

This has shown up at different points this season, where strong initial contact hasn’t always resulted in completed tackles, allowing opponents to build extra metres and momentum. That said, it is fair to note this is partly nitpicking, as their scramble defence often does a good job of cleaning up and limiting damage. Still, when it breaks down, it can quickly shift momentum and put the Warriors under sustained pressure. Tightening up around the ruck and finishing defensive sets more cleanly will be important, particularly against top sides who are most dangerous when given extra space and time.

The Warriors’ Round 4 32-14 loss to the Wests Tigers was one of their more disappointing performances of the season so far. They started strongly, racing to an early 10-0 lead, but once momentum shifted, they struggled to regain control. From there, the game gradually slipped away, with errors creeping in, defensive structure breaking down, and the Tigers building confidence as the contest opened up. What made it particularly frustrating was that the match felt like it was there for the taking early on. The Warriors had built pressure and looked in control, but couldn’t manage the game once things began to swing. Instead of slowing the tempo and re-establishing their structure, the game sped up around them, allowing the Tigers to play with freedom and find space. In hindsight, it served as an important early-season reminder of the standards required each week. While the Warriors had started the year strongly, this performance highlighted the danger of lapses in concentration and the importance of maintaining control for the full 80 minutes, regardless of the scoreboard.

And now all that's left is the ugly.

The Ugly

The injury to Tanah Boyd was one of the defining low points of the Warriors’ season and a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the NRL can be. After a career-best start and finally locking down the role of chief organiser, his momentum was cut short by an ACL injury that ended his campaign just as he was taking full control of the team’s attack. His form had also helped shape the club’s wider direction, influencing key roster decisions, most notably Luke Metcalf choosing to move on rather than compete for the halfback role Boyd had made his own. In many ways, Boyd wasn’t just performing well; he was actively reshaping the future of the Warriors’ spine. Seeing that progress halted so suddenly only adds to the frustration, especially given the club’s recent run of serious injuries. Just when stability in the halves looked like it had finally been found, the game once again delivered a reminder that both momentum and long-term planning can be taken away in an instant.

The season-ending ACL injury to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was another major setback for the Warriors, coming not long after the loss of Tanah Boyd for the year. In what was meant to be his final season in the famous jersey, RTS deserved a far better farewell than this.

A true club great, he leaves behind a legacy few can match, a Dally M Medal winner, a four-time Simon Mannering Medallist, and one of the most influential players in Warriors history. Beyond the accolades, his impact both on and off the field helped define an era of the club.

His final chapter had also started to take shape after his move into the centres, where he was finding his rhythm and building a strong partnership with Alofiana Khan-Pereira on the left edge. That combination was growing in confidence each week and adding a dangerous new attacking outlet at an important point in the season. Instead, injury has cut it short, ending his campaign prematurely and denying both him and fans the ending he deserved. It’s another reminder that in rugby league, while the stories are often romantic in hindsight, you rarely get to choose how they finish.

This is admittedly a bit of a selfish one, but I’ve really missed having the Warriors at Mount Smart recently. The team is just at the end of seven straight weeks without playing at their true home ground. Even allowing for “home” games in Wellington and Brisbane, plus two byes, it just feels like a very long wait between games in Auckland, and they had a similar situation last season, too. I completely understand why the club takes games on the road. It helps grow the game, reaches different fan bases, and events like Magic Round come with clear benefits. But as someone who enjoys getting to games whenever possible, it’s hard not to wish there had been a few more opportunities to watch the team at home.

The Season so far and what's next

Overall, the Warriors have exceeded my expectations this season to date. The Ladder is still tight, like it is most years, but the Warriors are sitting second place with 9 wins and 3 losses, but are only two points ahead of the third-place Roosters and four points ahead of the fourth-place Sea Eagles, so that spot is not guaranteed and the Warriors will have to keep their foot down and keep those wins coming. 

While there are still areas for improvement, particularly around defending second-phase play, goal-kicking consistency, and turning periods of dominance into points, the Warriors have built a strong platform through the first half of the season. Their forward pack has been among the best in the competition, while players such as Jackson Ford and Chanel Harris-Tavita are producing some of the finest football of their careers. Even with the season-ending injuries to Tanah Boyd and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the side has shown it has the depth, resilience, and belief needed to overcome adversity.

More importantly, the Warriors have proven they can match it with the NRL’s best. Their recent performance against Penrith reinforced that they belong in the premiership conversation. If they can continue building on their strengths while addressing the areas that need refining, there is every reason to believe this team can make a deep run into September.

Looking at the second half of the season, the Warriors have 12 matches remaining, along with one final bye. Sitting near the top of the ladder, they are in a strong position, but there is still plenty of work to do if they want to secure a top-two finish and put themselves in the best possible position for the finals. The Warriors have six home games left, although one of those will be played in Christchurch. The standout fixture is the Round 23 rematch against the Panthers, a game that could have a major impact on both the top-four race and the premiership picture. They also have six away games remaining, including a challenging trip to Suncorp Stadium in Round 24 for their second clash with the Broncos at that venue this season.

As of writing, their final 12 opponents are evenly split between six teams currently inside the top eight and six outside it. On paper, it looks like a balanced run home, but the NRL rarely offers easy games. Several lower-ranked teams have already shown they can upset quality opposition, and the Warriors experienced that firsthand against the Tigers earlier in the year.

If they can maintain the standards they have set through the first half of the season and continue building on their strong foundation, they will give themselves every chance of making a genuine push for the premiership.

Update on Brad's Player of the Year Standings

After every match, I award Dally M-style 3, 2, and 1 points to the Warriors' best performers, and with 14 rounds now in the books, the race for my Player of the Year award is beginning to take shape.

Sixteen different players have collected points so far this season, highlighting the contributions being made right across the squad. 

Jackson Ford currently leads the way on 13 points after a career-best campaign, while Taine Tuaupiki sits second on 9 points. Tanah Boyd, Erin Clark, and James Fisher-Harris are locked together on 8 points, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck close behind on 6 despite his season-ending injury. 

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak sits on 5 points, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jacob Laban have collected 3 points each. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Alofiana Khan-Pereira are next on 2 points, with Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Mitchell Barnett, and Te Maire Martin all picking up a point during the opening 14 rounds.

On the other side of the ledger, I also keep track of the players I select each week as needing to improve. Fortunately for the Warriors, that list has remained relatively short throughout the season. Just seven players have featured so far, with Leka Halasima and Ali Leiataua the only ones selected on multiple occasions, each receiving two selections.

The remaining players to make the list are Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marata Niukore, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and Demitric Vaimauga, who have all been selected once. Perhaps the most telling statistic, however, is that on three occasions this season I haven't been able to nominate anyone at all, reflecting the consistently high standards the Warriors have maintained through the opening 14 rounds.

Next Round's Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 15, the Warriors return home to face the Sharks, who defeated the Dragons 34-12 in Round 14.

As for the team I would pick, Sam Healey has been ruled out with a thumb injury, and with no further update on Leka Halasima's hamstring issue, I'm assuming he won't be available either.

I would bring Kurt Capewell into the starting side in place of Halasima and promote Makaia Tafua to replace Healey. The only other change I'd make is bringing Mitchell Barnett back onto the bench in place of Marata Niukore.

I know Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is ready to return, but it's impossible to leave Taine Tuaupiki out of the side based on his recent form. The Warriors also need Adam Pompey's goalkicking, which means the only realistic spot for CNK would be Ali Leiataua's. Personally, I'd rather give Leiataua a chance to bounce back after a tough outing and let CNK get a game in NSW Cup to regain match fitness before returning to first grade.

The Sharks have been one of the hardest teams to figure out this season. At their best, they can trouble anyone, as the Warriors found out in Round 5 and the Sea Eagles did in Round 13. However, they have also let several winnable games slip away, which is why I've often labelled them flat-track bullies. When they get on top, their attack can be dangerous, but they haven't always handled pressure well when games become a grind.

For the Warriors, the formula is fairly simple. They need to win the battle through the middle, control possession, and build sustained pressure. If their pack can dominate the ruck and create quick play-the-balls, it will give their spine every chance to take control. The return to Auckland should also provide a boost, with this being the team's first home game in seven weeks. I don't expect it to be easy, but if the Warriors bring the same intensity they've shown for most of the season, I think they can gain some revenge for the earlier loss and get the job done by at least 12 points.

So that was my mid-season review, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who has been your player of the year to date?

Who is your player that needs to improve the most?

Where do you see the Warriors finishing on the ladder?

What are your best and worst games for the Season so far?

What is your score prediction against the Sharks?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 13 Review: Warriors Rue Missed Chance Against Panthers

Fresh off their win over the Dragons in Round 12, the Warriors remained in Australia for their fourth match in a row to face the Panthers, who had a Bye in Round 12.

In a tight contest at CommBank Stadium, the Warriors pushed Penrith all the way but fell just short in a 20-18 thriller. After trailing 16-6 at halftime, the Warriors fought back strongly in the second half to briefly hit the lead, before the game turned into a tense arm-wrestle full of momentum swings, desperate defence and missed chances, with Penrith striking late to seal the win.

What Went Down

Penrith made the early running and were rewarded in the sixth minute. A penalty and set restart gave the Panthers field position, and Casey McLean crossed on the left edge after Ali Leiataua rushed in off his wing. Paul Alamoti missed the conversion, but Penrith continued to control territory and possession.

The Warriors worked their way back into the contest and struck in the 17th minute when Jacob Laban leapt above McLean to claim a perfectly placed kick. Adam Pompey's conversion gave the visitors a 6-4 lead.

The Panthers responded before halftime. McLean grabbed his second try in the 31st minute after another well-weighted kick found his wing, with Alamoti converting to restore Penrith's advantage at 10-6. The Warriors then lost a captain's challenge, and Penrith capitalised almost immediately. Slick hands to the right created space for Alamoti to score in the corner, and he added the difficult conversion to send the Panthers into the sheds leading 16-6.

The Warriors emerged from halftime with far greater energy and intent. Chanel Harris-Tavita went close before Taine Tuaupiki finished off a sweeping attacking movement in the 54th minute. Pompey's conversion reduced the deficit to six points, and moments later the visitors struck again. Te Maire Martin's kick caused chaos when Alamoti slipped, allowing Alofiana Khan-Pereira to pounce on the loose ball and level the scores. Pompey's conversion put the Warriors in front 18-16 with 20 minutes remaining. From there, the match became a tense arm wrestle. Dylan Edwards produced a remarkable ankle tap on Laban to prevent a certain try, while Leiataua answered with a try-saving tackle on Edwards at the other end. Penrith continued to build pressure and eventually found a way through in the 70th minute, with Alamoti finishing a scrappy but effective shift to the right for his second try of the night. He missed the conversion, leaving the Panthers ahead by just two points.

The Warriors had opportunities to steal the game late. A potential try to Jackson Ford was ruled a double knock-on, and a high kick earned them a fresh set inside the final three minutes. However, Tuaupiki lost possession with 90 seconds remaining, allowing Penrith to see out the match and secure a hard-fought 20-18 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, this was always going to be a real measuring stick for the Warriors, and in many ways, it showed exactly where they sit against the NRL’s best. They didn’t get the win, but they also didn’t look out of place against Penrith, which feels like a step forward compared to previous meetings. It was a game shaped by momentum swings, fine margins, and moments where the Warriors were right in it but just couldn’t land the decisive blow.

They had me worried at half-time, but there was plenty of determination in the way they fought their way back into the contest. At one stage, they had real control and had Penrith on the ropes, which speaks to the belief and resilience building in this group. The frustration is that they had chances to push further ahead but weren’t quite clinical enough to put the game to bed. Both sides played the high-completion footy we’ve come to expect this season, with the Panthers finishing at 92% and the Warriors at 89%. That made it even tougher for the Warriors to capitalise on pressure, because Penrith simply didn’t hand over many errors.

There were moments where the Warriors could have really taken control, but they couldn’t quite execute in the red zone. A few questionable last-play options left plenty of what-ifs. The forward pack more than held its own through the middle and gave the backs a platform to create opportunities; they just needed to finish more of them. Against the top teams, those small margins are often the difference, and it showed here.

It’s also worth noting the context of both line-ups, which has come up a lot with the Pundits across the ditch. Penrith were without Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o, while the Warriors were missing their first-choice half in Tanah Boyd, along with Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. In that sense, the disruption probably evened itself out across both sides.

In the end, it’s frustrating because the Warriors were right there, but it's also another clear sign of progress. They’re no longer being overrun by Penrith; they’re matching them for long stretches and creating genuine chances to win. The next step is turning those moments into 80-minute performances and closing out games like this. 

Despite the loss, this should be a real confidence booster for the squad. They showed up and put in a huge effort in what felt like a finals-type matchup, and the lessons taken from this defeat should push them to another level when these two sides meet again in Round 23.

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

Match Positives

A lot of teams crumble against Penrith after conceding late tries before halftime, but the Warriors did the opposite here and completely flipped the momentum after the break. They came out with far more intent, lifted their physicality through the middle, and turned territory and pressure into points, scoring 12 unanswered to take an 18-16 lead. For a period, they didn’t just stay in the contest; they looked like the side in control and had Penrith scrambling to respond. However, there’s a lesson in what followed. They had a couple of chances to really ice the game and build scoreboard pressure, but weren’t quite clinical enough to put it away against a side like Penrith. Against the very best, those moments matter, and this game showed how quickly momentum can swing back when you don’t fully capitalise. Even so, the comeback itself highlighted real resilience and belief in this group.

A 89% completion rate against a Penrith side that thrives on forcing errors is no small achievement, and it really underpinned the Warriors’ ability to stay in this contest for as long as they did. They played with patience, built their sets properly, and avoided the sort of unforced errors that usually give Penrith easy field position and momentum. That discipline allowed them to apply pressure of their own and stick to a game plan that kept them right in the arm wrestle. Against a team like the Panthers, that level of control is exactly what you need to be competitive, even if it ultimately wasn’t quite enough to get the win.

Even without Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell backing up, the Warriors more than held their own physically through the middle against one of the toughest packs in the competition. They stayed in the contest with Penrith’s forwards rather than being overrun, which is no small feat in a game of this intensity. Erin Clark led the way with 164 metres, while Jackson Ford was immense again with 135 metres and 51 tackles, underlining just how much work was being done in the middle. Jacob Laban also continued his breakout season with another strong contribution. Overall, the forward pack refused to be intimidated and consistently gave the spine and edge players a platform to compete right until the final whistle, and that was great to see in what was this pack’s toughest assignment of the season to date.

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

Match Negatives

My biggest concern was the Warriors' issues converting pressure into points, as this was probably the defining difference in the match. They had long periods where they looked the better side, but didn’t always come away with anything on the scoreboard. Against Penrith, those wasted opportunities almost always come back to hurt you, and this game was no exception. The match ultimately swung on a handful of key moments, including the lost captain’s challenge that led to a Panthers try, the Jackson Ford no-try, a late error from Taine Tuaupiki, and a couple of other missed attacking chances when the game was there to be taken. At this level, the margin between winning and losing is razor-thin, and the Warriors found out just how costly those small lapses can be against elite opposition.

Flowing on from that first concern around converting pressure into points, their red-zone efficiency was another key issue, as the Warriors worked themselves into strong attacking positions multiple times but didn’t always come away with points or even force repeat sets. Against a side like Penrith, those moments inside the 20 become crucial, and any hesitation or lack of execution is usually punished. There were also a few moments where a grubber into the in-goal looked like the right option but wasn’t used, which was slightly perplexing given it’s one of Te Maire Martin’s strengths and could have added another layer to their attacking threat in those situations. Too often, the set would end with a handling error, a last-tackle option that didn’t quite land, or a lack of pressure applied back onto the Panthers. In a game decided by just two points, those missed opportunities in the red zone ultimately became the difference between winning and losing.

This is kind of the same thing I’ve already mentioned in my first two negatives, but it really comes back to being more ruthless against the NRL’s best. And while it sounds harsh, given how well they played, premiership contenders take those chances when they come. The Warriors showed they absolutely belong in the same conversation as Penrith, pushing them right to the brink in a high-quality contest. However, the difference at this level is turning those strong performances into wins rather than brave losses. Games like this are often decided by a handful of moments, and the best sides consistently find a way to take control of them when it matters most.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Taine Tuaupiki.

Tuaupiki was a real standout for the Warriors, finishing with 228 running metres and consistently providing spark every time he touched the ball. He was dangerous on kick returns, including a massive break that swung momentum the Warriors' way, broke the line once, and produced 10 tackle breaks that kept Penrith’s defence under constant pressure. His footwork and energy made him one of the most threatening players on the field, especially when the Warriors were building momentum. That said, there were a couple of moments late where he went himself instead of passing with support available, and a costly error in the dying stages when the Warriors were chasing a match-winning play. Even so, he is clearly growing into the fullback role and finding real confidence there, and on current form, he should be trusted to hold that spot for the rest of the campaign.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Ali Leiataua.

Leiataua had a mixed night for the Warriors, with some strong moments in possession but also plenty to work on. He made 8 tackle breaks, showing his strength and ability to challenge the defence, but only ran for 70 metres overall, which suggests he wasn’t able to consistently turn that into meaningful yardage. Discipline was also an issue, with two penalties conceded, including one that cost the Warriors a try in a key attacking position. Defensively, he looked at sea in the first half against Casey McLean, struggling with positioning and reads as Penrith targeted his edge. To his credit, there was improvement after halftime, which is a positive sign of his ability to respond in-game, but overall it was a tough outing that highlighted both his potential and the areas he still needs to tighten up.

Bye Round Thoughts

In Round 14, the Warriors get their second Bye of the season, adding another vital two points, keeping them entrenched in the top four. It is also a chance for the squad to rest up from niggling injuries and use the week off to refocus and prepare for the Sharks in Round 15, their first game at Mount Smart since Round 7.

With no game next week, I’ll be putting together a mid-season review. I’ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2026 season so far, and also share my thoughts on the upcoming Round 14 match against the Sharks. It’ll be a good chance to reflect on what’s happened so far. Keep an eye out for it next Monday.

So, that was a heartbreaking Round 13, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who has been your Warrior of the season so far?

Did you have a player to improve?

Would you stick with Te Maire Martin at 7?

What grade would you give the Warriors' season so far?

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?