NZ Warriors 2025 Round 21 Review: Warriors Fall Flat As Titans Curse Lives On

After their Round 20 victory over the Knights, the Warriors returned home to face the Titans, who lost 21-20 to the Wests Tigers in Round 20.

The Warriors burst out to a 10-0 lead in the opening ten minutes, but they let a determined Titans side back into the contest. Refusing to give up, the Titans fought hard and came away with a 24-16 upset win in Des Hasler’s 500th game as a first-grade head coach.

What Went Down

The Warriors got off to a flying start, opening the scoring with a 4th-minute try to Adam Pompey. Just minutes later, last week’s hero Leka Halasima powered over in the 8th minute for his ninth try of the season, giving the home side a 10-0 lead.

But things quickly turned when hooker Wayde Egan was ruled out after failing a head injury assessment. The Titans took full advantage, hitting back with tries to Jojo Fifita (11th minute) and Phillip Sami (15th minute) to level the scores at 10-all.

A penalty goal from Jayden Campbell gave the Titans a narrow lead late in the first half, and a desperate defensive play from AJ Brimson to stop a flying Roger Tuivasa-Sheck helped them go into the break with an unlikely 12-10 advantage.

The Titans carried that momentum into the second half. Kieran Foran, playing his 50th game for the club, threw a brilliant cutout pass to send Sami in for his second try in the 47th minute.

The Warriors were then reduced to 12 men when DWZ was sin-binned for an off-the-ball tackle on Brian Kelly near the line. The Titans made the most of it, with Fifita crossing again in the 56th minute to stretch the lead to 24-10.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gave the Warriors a late spark with a sharp run and try in the 61st minute, but despite Sean Mullany being sent to the bin in the dying minutes, the Titans dug deep to hold on for a 24-16 upset win in Des Hasler’s 500th NRL game as head coach.

My Thoughts

Well, that wasn't pretty. I came into the match confident, but I had lingering fears due to the recent history against the Titans. With the Warriors now sitting with only one win from their past seven clashes against the Gold Coast, the curse is well and truly in play. The Warriors started well and looked ready to put a cricket score on, but the Titans refused to quit and, despite missing key players, swung momentum in their favour, and like we have seen several times this season, the Warriors struggled to get that momentum back and as time was running out they kept trying to take shortcuts and were undone by their own errors and poor discipline. They just looked flat, and the same issues that I had last week were still present here. It was a real letdown in what should have been a layup game against a struggling team, but perhaps the Warriors came in with the same attitude, and it cost them. Andrew Webster is saying all the right things in his press conferences, but the Warriors need to start seeing some positive changes if they wish to be competitive in the finals, and the first step is not to let games like this slip again.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors started really well against the Titans, scoring twice in the first ten minutes and playing with good energy, strong carries, and clear intent. They looked focused and ready to take control of the game. But after that, things started to slip. Their intensity dropped, the attack lost direction, and the defence became too soft. The Titans didn’t do anything special; they just stuck with it and capitalised on the Warriors' faltering. It’s something we’ve seen too often this season. If the Warriors want to make a serious push for the finals, they need to play with that same effort and energy for the full 80 minutes. The opening ten showed what they can do; now they have to back it up for the whole game.

There were some really solid individual efforts from the Warriors, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck constantly looking dangerous with the ball, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad putting in a big shift at the back, Leka Halasima making strong carries, and James Fisher-Harris leading the way through the middle. Each of them had moments where they tried to lift the team, but as a group, it just didn’t click. The combinations felt off, support play was lacking, and at times, it looked like players were trying to make something happen on their own. That disconnect made it easier for the Titans to shut them down in key moments. The talent is clearly there, but until they start playing more connected footy, wins like this will keep slipping away.

The loss to the Titans was tough to watch and highlighted a few problems the Warriors still need to address. But the good news is they still have a bit of breathing room between them and fifth place. That gap helps for now, but they can’t rely on it. With the finals approaching, the team needs to elevate their game and find more consistency in their play. The top four is still theirs now, but if they want to be a real threat in the finals, the effort and execution need to improve starting now.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors’ discipline cost them throughout the game, continually putting themselves under pressure. They gave away four penalties, four ruck infringements, and were offside twice inside their own 10. This made it much harder for them to gain momentum or come back into the match. Some of the referee’s calls were a bit tough, but the Warriors still need to adapt quickly to how the game is being officiated. These mistakes gave the Titans extra chances and space to control the game. If the Warriors want to improve, they must clean up their discipline moving forward.

The Warriors’ defence was off in this game, struggling to keep up with the speed of the Titans’ backs. They often failed to slide and get back in position, especially on their right side, leaving gaps open. Players like Sami and Fifita capitalised on these overlaps created by poor reads. A big part of the problem was poor communication, which left some players isolated and exposed. To fix this, the Warriors need to talk more on the field and work better as a team to cover each other and close those gaps.

The Warriors’ attack fell apart after Wayde Egan left the field early. Te Maire Martin is a handy player to have on the bench for backline injuries, but not having a solid backup hooker really hurt the team. Without someone steady to control the ruck and direct the attack, their game plan became messy, and they lost momentum. Looking back, it’s clear that having a reliable backup hooker on the bench would have helped keep their attack going.

Warrior of the Match

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

It was a tough night for many of the players, but there were a few who could keep their heads up, and I am going with the Skipper here. He ran hard for 151 metres, consistently making good ground. Defensively, he was solid, making 46 tackles with only one missed, showing great effort and dependability. He also played a clean game with no errors or penalties, setting a strong example for the team. As the leader, he now needs to find a way to lift the rest of the squad to his level if the Warriors want to bounce back. His effort really stood out on an otherwise tough night for the team.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Kurt Capewell.

There were a few players I could pick here, but I have gone with Capewell. He still looks like he’s not quite at full fitness, and it showed in his performance. He made 2 errors, missed 6 tackles, and missed some significant chances to get the ball to his winger. While a lot of the focus has been on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for his poor defence, which is fair, some of those mistakes happened because it looked like DWZ was trying to cover for Capewell on his inside. On the plus side, Capewell did make 4 tackle breaks, showing glimpses of his strength and skill. Maybe the Warriors need to rethink their backline choices and let Capewell move back to the pack, where he can be more effective and ease the pressure on the edges.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 22, the Warriors remain at home to host the Dolphins, who had the Bye in Round 21.

For my team selection, Egan will miss this week because he failed his HIA, so I’d bring in Sam Healey. The centre position is a bit trickier since Ali Leiataua is injured again. So I’d move Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to centre and bring Taine Tuaupiki in at fullback. I know Webster doesn’t like that kind of change, but I think it’s the best option at this time. As for DWZ, I’d give him one more chance to bounce back since there aren’t many quality alternatives available at the moment.

The Dolphins started the season slowly but have built up momentum and are now in the top eight. They’re one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the NRL, known for creating chances and striking quickly. For the Warriors to win, they need to start strong and put pressure on the Dolphins right away, making sure their key players don’t get any space to break free. The Warriors also need to minimise errors and remain disciplined to prevent giving the Dolphins easy scoring opportunities. Stopping their main threats will be crucial to slowing their attack and controlling the game. While I want to see the Warriors learn from their mistakes and return to winning ways, I think the Dolphins’ speed will be too much, and they’ll take the win by 12 points.

So, that was a deflating Round 21, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

What’s the most significant area the Warriors need to improve?

What changes would you make to the lineup?

Who impressed you and who didn't?

What is your score prediction against the Dolphins?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 20 Review: Halasima Magic Seals Last Second Win for Warriors

After their Round 19 victory over the Wests Tigers, the Warriors made the trip to Newcastle to face the Knights, who went down 32-14 to the Storm in Round 19.

It was a clunky performance from the Warriors who struggled to match the Knights intensity for most of the contest, a series of missed field goals and penalty goals had Warriors fans lamenting missed chances and a costly defeat until Leka Halasima scooped up a charged down field goal attempt to run 40 metres to score the match winner after the siren blared, seeing the Warriors sneak away with a 20-15 win.

What Went Down

The Warriors opened the scoring after seven minutes, with back-up halfback Tanah Boyd continuing his strong form at NRL level. His well-placed grubber sat up perfectly for Adam Pompey to dive on and score the opening try.

Despite barely touching the ball and facing a lopsided 70/30 possession split, the Knights somehow avoided falling behind by 12 early on, a minor miracle. But eventually, the weight of possession told. Wayde Egan darted from dummy half and looked to have scored, only for the Bunker to rule a double movement and deny the try.

That decision turned the momentum. A penalty marched the Knights upfield, and a well-placed cross-field kick targeted Dom Young. The Warriors couldn’t clean it up, and Fletcher Hunt pounced to score Newcastle’s first points in the 21st minute.

Newcastle started building pressure, though they squandered several chances. Then, after an error by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, the Knights hit their favoured left edge. Greg Marzhew pulled off a brilliant offload to Dane Gagai, who sent the home side into the lead.

The Warriors then imploded. A simple yardage error by Jackson Ford handed Newcastle another opportunity, and they again went left. This time, after slick ball movement, Marzhew crossed for the try he’d fluffed earlier in the 30th minute. Desperate defence from both sides kept the margin to just six, with the Warriors going into the sheds trailing 12-6.

The Knights began the second half strongly but failed to capitalise with some poor execution. A relieving penalty gave the Warriors a rare attacking set, and Egan found Demitric Vaimauga close to the line for the levelling try in the 49th minute.

Newcastle hit back with a frantic attacking movement that went through at least nine pairs of hands before Gagai broke through and linked with Jayden Brailey. An attempted intercept by the Warriors was ruled a knock-on, and a scrum penalty allowed Gagai to slot a penalty goal and regain the lead in the 56th minute.

But it didn’t last. Watene-Zelezniak was hit high by Jack Cogger after a bomb was spilled, and Boyd stepped up to nail the penalty, tying the game with just over ten minutes to go.

With five minutes left, Cogger slotted a field goal that clipped the post on the way over, giving the Knights a 15–14 lead. Boyd tried a two-point field goal that missed, but a successful captain’s challenge gave the Warriors one more shot. Boyd couldn’t land the penalty goal, but the drama wasn’t over.

In the dying seconds, Boyd had another go at a two-point field goal. It was charged down, but the ball bounced straight into the arms of Leka Halasima, who sprinted 40 metres to snatch a dramatic win for the Warriors.

My Thoughts

Well, what do you even call that?

I went into this match feeling confident the Warriors would get the job done, but that belief started to slip away as the game wore on. That said, there were flashes where they dragged me back in, giving hope that they’d pull through. The final few minutes were among the most stressful I can recall. First came the heartbreak of Tanah Boyd’s field goal being charged down, then the pure elation of watching Leka Halasima pull off yet another miracle run to steal the win. It was a chaotic finish to a game that will be talked about for a long time.

As for the rest of the contest, if I’m being honest, the Warriors probably didn’t deserve to win. The Knights were the better side for most of the match. The Warriors blew several chances and struggled to defend their right edge. Some gutsy scrambling defence and a few questionable decisions from Newcastle kept the Warriors in the hunt, and luck definitely played a part.

Still, a win’s a win. The Warriors will know they got away with one, and there’s plenty to fix before next week. But with Andrew Webster at the helm, I’m confident those issues will be addressed sooner rather than later. It was ugly, but it was a vital two points, keeping a buffer between them and the Broncos and edging them one week closer to locking in a top-four finish. They just can’t afford any banana skin games from here on out.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

There’s no sugar-coating it; that was an ugly win. But it’s still another two points for the Warriors, and one they simply wouldn’t have pulled off last season. In a scrappy, see-sawing contest short on polish, the team dug deep and kept their composure, even as the game threatened to slip away. As the final minutes ticked down, they stayed focused and showed the kind of grit and resilience that comes from a side growing in confidence. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy, and in years past, that’s a game they would have lost. Not this time. What’s different now is the self-belief running through this group, belief in themselves and in each other. That trust, that unity, is what’s giving them a real shot, even when the odds are stacked against them.

The Warriors’ scrambling defence was key to their win. Although their defensive line struggled at times to hold up under pressure, their quick ability to scramble and close down dangerous breaks kept them in the game. They repeatedly threw themselves into the gap, stopping several breakaways that looked set to become match-winning tries. Without that defensive grit, the opposition could have easily taken control of the match. Going forward, the Warriors need to strengthen their frontline defence, but their resilience under pressure gave them the edge to secure a hard-fought victory.

Both the experienced players and the younger ones remained calm under pressure and didn’t let the game's intensity shake them. The veterans led by example when it mattered most, while the younger players stepped up, showing the same focus and determination. This mix of steady leadership and fresh energy helped the team keep their composure in the most challenging moments. It’s a strong sign that the Warriors are building confidence and resilience throughout the whole squad as they prepare for bigger challenges ahead.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors’ right edge defence was an evident weakness during the match, with gaps that the Knights repeatedly tried to exploit. The players on that side struggled to stop quick runs and sharp plays, which put extra pressure on the rest of the defence. This weakness presented the Knights with several dangerous opportunities and made it more difficult for the Warriors to maintain control. To improve, the Warriors will need to tighten their right edge defence and stop giving away easy yards and scoring chances in future games.

The Warriors kept their errors to single digits, making nine mistakes in total, but those errors proved costly. Several came at crucial moments, including mistakes right when they were about to score. These errors disrupted their momentum, allowing the Knights to stay close and making the game tighter than it needed to be. To close out games more comfortably in the future, the Warriors will need to reduce these costly mistakes and show more respect for the ball.

The Warriors’ attack struggled at times to make an impact. They spent long stretches inside the Knights’ red zone but often couldn’t turn that pressure into points. Their play sometimes felt out of sync, with miscommunication and hesitation breaking their momentum. Adding to their frustration, costly errors gave the ball back to the Knights just when the Warriors looked set to break through. To convert pressure into points in future games, the Warriors need to improve their communication and reduce mistakes.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Leka Halasima.

Halasima played 67 minutes, running 94 metres from just 8 carries, including that brilliant 40-metre match-winning run that sealed the game. He was always tough to bring down, finishing with 4 tackle breaks, and contributed strongly on defence with 31 tackles and only 3 misses. Additionally, he made no errors, delivering a powerful and well-rounded performance. At just 19 years old, the sky’s the limit for him; he truly has superstar written all over him.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

DWZ had a disappointing game, making 4 costly errors and often being out of sync in defence, which made him an easy target for the Knights. Although he was active in attack, running 15 times for 136 metres, his impact was limited. Without his usual spectacular finishes, he didn’t add much value to the team. He’ll need a big bounce-back in the coming games to regain his form and confidence.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 21, the Warriors return home to host the Titans, who went down 21-20 to the West Tigers in Round 20.

For my team selection, if Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is cleared to play this round, I’d bring him straight back in at fullback. I’d then shift Taine Tuaupiki to the wing, replacing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak — that would be my only other change. I don’t expect Webster to drop DWZ, but if he’s named, hopefully he delivers a big bounce-back performance.

The Titans have had a rough 2025, currently stuck in a four-game losing streak. But for whatever reason, they seem to lift when they face the Warriors, having won both meetings in 2024, including a humiliating 66-6 blowout on the Gold Coast.

That said, this Warriors side is a much-improved version of last year’s team, and I’m expecting a different result this time around. To get the job done, the Warriors must avoid underestimating the Titans and sharpen up their edge defence, especially with the Titans boasting serious pace out wide.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is under an injury cloud and might not play, but even if he’s out, the Warriors forwards need to set the tone and control the tempo early. The backs, meanwhile, must play direct and make the most of their scoring chances.

The Warriors should come into this one with a point to prove. I’m tipping them to win by 16.

So, that was a stressful Round 20, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

What would you do with DWZ?

How confident are you that the Warriors are still a top 4 lock?

Do you have any concerns about this side come finals time?

What is your score prediction against the Titans?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 19 Review: Warriors muscle up and dominate Tigers

After their 3rd and final bye of the season, the Warriors were back at Go Media Stadium, hosting a Tigers side fresh off an upset win over the Roosters in Round 18.

All eyes were on Tanah Boyd, making his Warriors club debut, replacing the injured Luke Metcalf. 

Despite a slight wobble at the start of the contest where the Tigers capitalised, the Warriors quickly took over the match and never looked back, ending their losing streak with a dominant 34-14. 

What Went Down

The Tigers opened the scoring before the Warriors even touched the ball, capitalising on an early penalty that set up Jeral Skelton to dive over in the corner in just the 2nd minute.

The Warriors hit back quickly, with Rocco Berry slicing through the Tigers’ edge defence in the 8th minute and improving the position for the conversion. They then found their attacking rhythm, with a pinpoint pass from Erin Clark creating space for Chanel Harris-Tavita to stroll through untouched in the 18th minute, giving the home side a 12-4 lead.

The Tigers responded by building pressure on the Warriors' line, and it paid off when Adam Doueihi slid over in the 27th minute for his third try of the season.

Just before halftime, the Warriors executed a crisp scrum play that sent Dallin Watene-Zelezniak over in the 33rd minute, sending the teams to the sheds with the Warriors leading 16-8.

The hosts extended their lead early in the second half, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finishing in the corner after a sustained period of pressure on the Tigers’ line in the 49th minute.

A successful captain’s challenge gave the Tigers a rare attacking opportunity, and Doueihi took full advantage in the 57th minute, stepping through some flimsy defence to keep the visitors in the game.

But the Tigers' hopes of a comeback were dashed by handling errors and a lack of polish. The Warriors sealed the result with two late tries, Harris-Tavita’s second in the 73rd minute and a last-minute effort from Leka Halasima in the 79th, closing out a dominant 34-14 victory.

My Thoughts

The Warriors needed a bounce-back win, and they delivered. It wasn’t a flawless performance by any means, and the Tigers aren’t exactly the most formidable opposition, but the Warriors applied constant pressure and wore them down.

I came into the match confident, though I had a few doubts when the Tigers scored early. Thankfully, the Warriors responded almost immediately and never looked back. After failing to show up against the Broncos, the forward pack came out firing, dominating the middle and largely shutting down Terrell May. That platform gave the halves time and space to create some sharp attacking sets.

This felt like a much-needed reset for the team. Everything that was missing in the Broncos' loss showed up here. That said, there's still room to improve. This needs to be a turning point, a line in the sand moment to build from as they head toward the finals. There's still a decent buffer between them and fifth place, but with the Broncos and Panthers gaining momentum, the Warriors can’t afford to ease off.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors forwards came out with purpose and didn’t take a backward step, bringing constant intensity that kept the Tigers under pressure from start to finish. Their dominance through the middle laid the platform for victory, with five players racking up over my triple-digit target. Jackson Ford led the way with a powerful 165 metres, Erin Clark was sharp out of dummy half with 119, and James Fisher-Harris brought his usual aggression to notch up 113. Leka Halasima added substantial impact with 108 metres, while Demitric Vaimauga chipped in with a relentless 105. It was a statement performance from the pack, and if the Warriors want to build momentum, this kind of physicality and work rate has to become the norm.

Tanah Boyd made a strong impression in his first game for the Warriors’ top side, bringing much-needed direction to their attack. His calm presence in the halves helped guide the team around the field, with smart decision-making and solid game management standing out right from the start. Boyd’s kicking game was especially effective, consistently putting the Tigers under pressure with well-placed kicks deep in Tigers territory.

While he may not have Luke Metcalf’s explosive running ability, Boyd’s skill in managing the game and controlling the tempo more than makes up for it. This balance keeps the Warriors a dangerous side to face. As a big fan of Boyd, who’s been eager to see him get a real chance in first grade, it was incredibly satisfying to watch him make the most of this opportunity. His composed and confident debut hints that he could become a key player in the Warriors’ spine going forward.

The Warriors’ win has solidified their spot in the top four, keeping a vital four-point gap between them and the Broncos. With no byes left to offer free points, every remaining game is even more critical. While many of their upcoming matches are winnable, the Warriors can’t afford to underestimate any opponent or let chances slip away. Staying consistent and focused will be crucial for them to finish the regular season strong and secure the best possible position for the finals.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors let themselves down a few times by switching off defensively, allowing the Tigers to score some soft tries. Although these lapses didn’t cost them the match this time, they revealed a weakness that can’t be ignored. To remain competitive against tougher opponents, the Warriors must eliminate these moments of complacency and stay focused for the full 80 minutes. Stronger teams will punish any defensive mistakes, so it’s vital they tighten up and fix these issues moving forward.

The Warriors made nine errors in the game, which was a bit too many for my liking. Although this was a slight improvement on their performance against the Broncos, it’s still concerning. Giving away that many extra sets to any top-eight team makes winning much tougher, as it gives the opposition more chances to attack and gain momentum. If the Warriors want to compete consistently with the best sides, they’ll need to improve their ball control and cut down on these costly mistakes.

Rocco Berry sustaining yet another injury is truly devastating for the kid; luck just hasn’t been on his side. He clearly has a lot of talent and potential, but if he can’t start putting together consistent games, the Warriors might have to make some hard choices about his future. It’s a harsh truth, but at this level, being durable and available regularly is just as important as skill.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

There were plenty of players I could have picked here, but I went with RTS. He was outstanding in this match, constantly putting the Tigers’ defence under pressure and creating numerous problems for them. He led the Warriors with an impressive 271 running metres, crossing for a try himself while also breaking the line twice and busting through four tackles. Although he did make two errors, Roger more than made up for them with his relentless effort and attacking threat, proving once again why he’s such a vital player for the team.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out this week because no one in the 17 let the team down or didn't play enough minutes to be judged fairly. They weren’t all perfect, but every player gave it their all, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 20, the Warriors head back across the ditch to face the Knights, who went down 32-14 against the Storm in Round 19.

The only change I’d make to the team is bringing Kurt Capewell in at centre to replace the injured Rocco Berry. The forward pack and bench all did a solid job, so there’s no reason to drop any of them to fit Capewell in. He’s filled in well at centre this season when needed, so to me, it’s the logical move

The Knights have had a disappointing 2025 season so far, currently sitting 13th on the ladder and coming off back-to-back losses. Consistency has been a major issue for them, and with Kalyn Ponga sidelined, they've lost some of their attacking spark. However, the return of Dominic Young has added a genuine threat out wide. Their unpredictability makes them dangerous; you never quite know which version of the Knights will show up.

For the Warriors to come away with the win, their forward pack needs to dominate the middle again, giving Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita the time and space to bring their outside backs into play. Defensively, the key will be wrapping up the ball carriers and putting pressure on the halves to shut down opportunities for the Knights’ lethal outside backs, who can punish teams when they’re switched on. Winning in Newcastle is never easy, but I’m backing the Warriors to get the job done. I’m tipping them to win by 12.

So, that was an improved Round 19, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

How did you think Tanah Boyd went?

Who would you bring in for Berry?

Do you think the Warriors will keep a top-four spot for the finals?

What is your score prediction against the Knights?