My Five Warriors That Must Improve In 2025

After last week's list of players to stand out in 2025, it's time for me to offer my opinion on the five Warriors with the most to prove this season. Some of the players I mentioned in last year's season review have since left the club, so I have included a few players I haven't touched on before who may struggle to make the 17 or need a big lift to deliver on their potential. Once again, the rankings are in no particular order.

1. Adam Pompey

The first man on my list is no surprise to anyone who reads my game reviews, but Adam Pompey finds himself in an interesting position in 2025.

In 2024, Pompey played 14 games, scoring 2 tries and kicking 24 goals. He also averaged 80 running metres with 2 line breaks and 1 try assist. While his attacking numbers may have gone down, he did improve his defensive output, increasing to a career-high 89.10% tackle efficiency. However, errors and penalties disrupted key moments that limited his overall impact.

Depending on how Andrew Webster sets up his team, I think Pompey will struggle to find a spot in the 17 and may have to bide his time and wait for either a dip in form or an injury to earn his chance in first grade. If or when that happens, Pompey must focus on reducing handling errors and becoming a more dynamic threat in attack. Addressing these areas will help him contribute more effectively to the Warriors' success and ensure he can maintain his spot in the lineup.

2. Jackson Ford

After a stellar 2023 season, Jackson Ford was one of several players who struggled to duplicate his form in 2024. He played in 19 games, averaging 103 running metres, and made 710 tackles with a tackle efficiency of 93.54%. However, his discipline and hands were a massive concern. He committed 14 penalties and made 16 errors.

While his effort and work rate are evident, Ford must focus most of his time on reducing errors and maintaining composure in critical moments. Plenty of youngsters are pushing for spots in the 17, so a more polished and disciplined approach in 2025 is required if Ford wants to be a regular in the Warrior's forwards rotation.

3. Marata Niukore

Injuries limited Marata Niukore's influence on the Warriors' 2024 season, restricting him to 14 games. He averaged 77 running metres and made 347 tackles at a 92.53% efficiency. However, like Jackson Ford, his discipline and handling were issues, conceding 6 penalties and making 9 errors.

Marata must sharpen his discipline and decision-making to maximize his impact in 2025. His aggression is an asset, but cutting penalties and staying on the field will boost the Warriors' chances at success. Improving ball-handling, defensive reads, and work rate, especially in post-contact meters, will make him a more consistent force. He can be a game-changer if he stays fit and focused for 80 minutes.

4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

This may be a controversial pick, which is valid; however, Roger's return felt flat to me last year, I expected him to hit the ground running as a centre, but he struggled to make much of an impact. He wasn't helped with his position, switching between Centre, Fullback and Wing. He played 18 games, scoring 5 tries, averaging 182 running metres and making 7 linebreaks. He also missed 40 tackles for an 82.14% tackle efficiency, conceded 6 penalties and made 18 errors.

For Roger to get back to his best, the Warriors must lock in his position and back him there. I've got my own take on where that should be, but I'll save that for my season preview. Once that's settled, his focus has to be on cutting out the errors and making himself a constant threat in attack. I have no doubt he'll do just that, and when he does, he'll be a game-breaker for the Warriors once again.

5. Te Maire Martin

Te Maire Martin began 2024 in reserve grade, but when Luke Metcalf went down injured, he stepped up to first grade and played 16 games. He racked up 16 try assists and averaged 161 kicking metres per match, showing glimpses of brilliance that made him look like Shaun Johnson's natural successor. However, his tendency to drift out of games raises questions about whether he can be the Warriors' chief playmaker in 2025.

If Martin secures a halves spot in 2025, he needs to stay involved and make his presence felt - no fading in and out of games. Sharpening his kicking game will be key to gaining better field position and unlocking the attack. If he steps up in these areas, TMM has the potential to be a more consistent and game-changing force for the Warriors.

So those were my picks for the Warriors players who need a big 2025. Next up is my season preview, but that will have to wait until the preseason games have been completed. In that, I will cover the preseason news, the current roster, who my gameday 17 would be, and how I think the Warriors will fare in 2025. Until then, let me know what you think about my choice and who you think needs to improve the most in 2025.