NZ Warriors 2025 Round 25 Review: Hoodoo Lifted As Warriors Conquer Titans

After their Round 24 win over the Dragons, the Warriors travelled to their home away from home on the Gold Coast to face the Titans, who went down 54-22 to the Sharks in Round 24.

It wasn’t always pretty, but the Warriors held control for most of the match, edging the Titans 32-18 to end their frustrating losing streak against Gold Coast and solidify their spot in the NRL top four.

What Went Down

The Titans struck first, capitalising on a James Fisher-Harris error, with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui powering through some soft defence in the 3rd minute to put the hosts 6-0 up. The Warriors responded quickly after a Titans error, and in the 6th minute, Marata Niukore forced his way over, keeping his hand off the ground to level the scores at 6-6. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck then took control for the Warriors, scoring twice in the 16th and 20th minutes. Both tries came almost untouched as the Titans struggled to organise their defence, giving the visitors an 18-6 lead by the end of a dominant first half.

The second half began cautiously, with the Warriors adding a penalty goal in the 43rd minute to extend their lead to 20-6. The next try came in the 58th minute after a clever set-piece. Chanel Harris-Tavita put up a perfectly timed kick, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tapped the ball back to Harris-Tavita, who flicked it to Adam Pompey to score. Just five minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava marked his first NRL try, diving under the posts to extend the lead to 32-6.

The Titans found some late consolation, with Beau Fermor scoring a spectacular try in the 73rd minute, grounding the ball just inside the dead-ball line. Brian Kelly added another in the 76th minute, converted by Jayden Campbell, to bring the final score to 32-18.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a less stressful watch, which is something we have not been used to this season. I was nervous coming into the match with the recent poor history against the Titans, and when they scored so quickly, I thought we were going to be in for a rough night, but the Warriors shook off that early setback and regained control of the contest. It still wasnt the prettiest match with some clunkiness still there, but there were patches where the side combined well and created some nice tries. Still plenty that needs to be worked on before finals if they want to make any impact and not just make up the numbers, but as long as they can build some momentum in these final few rounds, then my positivity may creep back up. Rocco Berry had a solid night in his first game back from injury, helping strengthen up that right edge defensively, although he did let one of those tries in at the end, and he appears to have got through the match without any major injuries despite taking a big knock with a minute to go. If he can bring more efforts like this and stay healthy, then my fears about those edge-leaking points may start to go away. If I could complain about anything, I would have liked to see Leka Halasima enter the game a bit earlier; it felt like they waited too long, and he didn't really get to make an impact.

Overall, it was a solid performance, even with a couple of soft tries making the scoreline closer than it should have been. Most importantly, the win keeps the Warriors in the top four; they just need to keep racking up victories.

Before moving on, I want to shout out to the Warriors fans who were absolutely phenomenal, turning up in huge numbers and making the stadium feel like a home ground. Their energy was relentless, chanting and cheering from start to finish, and they completely drowned out the Titans' supporters. It was the kind of support that lifts a team, pushing the Warriors on when the game got tense and creating an atmosphere that any opposition would find intimidating. The passion and loyalty on display reminded me why being a Warriors fan is so special and important to my way of life.

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

Match Positives

After conceding an early try in the 3rd minute, the Warriors quickly bounced back, refusing to let the Titans’ fast start take control. They set the pace of the game, kept possession, ran structured sets, and put the Titans under pressure. This quick response shifted momentum firmly in their favour and set the tone for the rest of the first half, helping them build a strong lead before halftime. It’s the kind of focus and composure they’ll need to maintain in the finals, being able to stay calm and not lose concentration when things don’t go their way.

The Warriors’ ball movement was the best it has been for some time. Smart passing and strong support play created space and scoring opportunities, evident in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s two first-half tries and Adam Pompey’s second-half try. Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita combined more effectively this week, helping the team maintain structure and continuity. Keeping this cohesion will be crucial in the finals to consistently break through even tough defences.

The Warriors’ young players continue to show real promise. Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, and Tanner Stowers-Smith brought energy, skill, and composure beyond their years. While they still have plenty of development ahead, their ability to step up in key moments and support the team shows the squad’s depth and points to a bright long-term future for the Warriors.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors got off to a less-than-ideal start, making a sloppy error that let the Titans score too easily. They managed to turn things around, but giving up points after setbacks is a concern. Against more formidable opponents, mistakes like this could quickly put the team under pressure, so tightening focus and reducing early errors will be essential.

Discipline continues to be an issue, with the Warriors giving away seven penalties, plus a ruck infringement and one inside-the-10-metre call. They got away with it against the Titans, but handing over so much possession and field position is risky. Against stronger sides, poor discipline could easily swing the momentum and undo their hard work. The key is learning to adjust to the referee on the day and not letting repeated calls put them under pressure.

The Warriors dropped their intensity in the final 10 minutes, letting the Titans in for two soft tries. Even with the result already secure, there’s no excuse for easing up and giving momentum back. If they want to be taken seriously in the finals, they need to keep the pressure on and finish teams off, not let them back into the contest.

Warrior of the Match

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

For the second time in a row, I have given RTS the nod and his 3rd selection in the past 4 games.

He was simply outstanding, delivering a vintage performance that highlighted his class. He scored two tries, led the match with 245 running metres, and had two line breaks, more than anyone else on the field. He also broke six tackles, made no errors, and played a key role in setting up Adam Pompey’s second-half try. When he’s in this kind of mood, he lifts the players around him as well. It was a complete display that set the tone for the Warriors’ win and continued his impressive run of form.

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 they simply 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 26, the Warriors return home for the final time this regular season to host the Eels, who scored a massive 30-10 upset win over the Roosters in Round 25.

For the team I'd pick, I am sticking with the same 17 that played here. The only change I would contemplate is swapping Te Maire Martin for Sam Healey, as I think he could provide good impact off the bench; however, TMM's ability to cover multiple positions makes him a solid option, so I get it.

The Eels have been tough competitors this year and are starting to string together some solid performances, winning three of their last five matches. While they are still in the early stages of a rebuild, coach Jason Ryles has already instilled a sense of resilience in the side. They can’t be taken lightly, as their effort against the Roosters showed this week. With X-Factor players capable of creating opportunities and using their pace effectively, the Eels could cause problems for the Warriors, making this a challenging matchup.

For the Warriors to come out on top, they’ll need to start strong and maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes. Controlling the middle, moving the ball well, and playing their pressure game, kicking deep, chasing hard, and keeping Mitch Moses under pressure, will be key. It won’t be an easy game, but I’m backing the Warriors to get the job done, with a predicted win by 12 points.

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

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What do the Warriors need to improve on the most before the finals?

Would you make any changes to the 17?

What is your score prediction against the Eels?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 24 Review: Warriors edge Dragons in Unconvincing but Crucial Victory

After their Round 23 defeat to the Bulldogs, the Warriors returned home to face the Dragons, who defeated the Sharks 22-14 in Round 23.

It was far from convincing, with the Dragons left cruelly short-handed after losing three forwards to concussion inside the first half hour. The Warriors edged back into the top four with a scrappy 14-10 victory.

What Went Down

Before kickoff, the Warriors delivered a powerful Māori challenge for Indigenous Round, a goosebump-inducing moment for the Go Media Stadium crowd.

However, the early chances went the Dragons’ way. In the 5th minute, Mathew Feagai broke through the Warriors’ shaky right edge. He had support on either side but blew the chance, losing the ball while trying to link with Lyhkan King-Togia.

James Fisher-Harris made an error and then moments later conceded a penalty, which gave the Dragons the opportunity to strike first in the 10th minute when Kyle Flanagan sent Feagai into space, and this time he finished cleanly down the right. Only minutes later, disaster hit the Dragons’ forward pack. In the 14th minute, both Jack de Belin and Hamish Stewart were forced from the field for head injury assessments, and neither returned. Despite being short-handed, the Dragons kept pressing. 

In the 20th minute, Feagai again exposed the Warriors’ right edge, beating Adam Pompey to cross for his second try and stretch the margin to 10-0.

Their night got even tougher in the 29th minute when Hame Sele was knocked out in a heavy collision and failed his HIA, leaving the Dragons with just one fit forward on the bench.

The Warriors looked desperate for points, their best early chance wasted when Jackson Ford spilled the ball over the line. But the weight of possession finally told just before halftime. In the 32nd minute, rookie forward Leka Halasima powered through on the left edge before linking with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who somehow got a pass away to Chanel Harris-Tavita. His try cut the Dragons’ lead to 10-6 at the break.

The second half became a grinding arm-wrestle, both teams trading sets, but were struggling to execute in attack. The deadlock finally broke in the 62nd minute when Tanah Boyd’s running game put the Warriors on the front foot. The ball shifted right, and despite a collision in the lead-up, Adam Pompey finished off the move to score. Boyd converted to lock the scores at 10-all.

The decisive blow came in the 72nd minute. With Lyhkan King-Togia caught out in defence, Taine Tuaupiki moved the ball quickly for Pompey to dive over for his second try, putting the Warriors ahead 14-10. The Dragons had one last chance in the 75th minute when the activated 18th man, Tyrell Sloan, burst through a gap, but the final pass went to ground. The Warriors held on to claim a gritty, uninspiring win that snapped their three-game losing streak and saw them regain the 4th spot on the ladder.

My Thoughts

Well, that was another stressful watch. This season is definitely aging me. I predicted a six-point win, so I was ready for a tight contest, but man, that was ugly. The Warriors struggled all night and never really looked in control. Honestly, if the Dragons hadn’t lost three players to failed HIAs, this could’ve easily been their fourth straight loss. Luckily, the Warriors took advantage once the Dragons ran out of steam and scraped together a much-needed win. It puts them back in the top four and back in charge of their own destiny. Now they just need to shake off this funk and string together three solid performances to close out the regular season. Ugly win or not, I’ll take that any day over a “pretty” loss.

It’s a strange feeling, though. I always try to keep my reviews honest but with a positive slant, and even though the Warriors sit in 4th, it feels like seasons past where they were battling near the bottom. The difference is that they did the hard work early this year to give themselves this platform. With a few winnable games ahead, they can still build some momentum; they just need to tidy up the basics. Worst-case scenario, even if they slip up once or twice, a top-six finish still looks likely. The key now is focus, discipline, and finishing the regular season on a high.

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

Match Positives

Even after missing earlier chances to take control of the match, the Warriors stayed calm and focused. They trusted their defensive structure, communicated well across the field, and refused to quit under sustained pressure. Rather than panic or force risky plays, they waited for the right moments to strike, piled on the pressure and stuck when they saw an advantage out wide. That patience and composure were vital to getting the much-needed win, even if it gave my nerves a workout.

The Warriors had a few defensive missteps, but they made up for them with strong goal-line stands and excellent scrambling efforts. The team communicated well, covered for each other, and limited the Dragons’ opportunities, aside from the first 20 minutes, when they conceded two soft tries. Their organisation and discipline under pressure were key in keeping the Dragons to just 10 points. The reduced Dragons bench also helped, as tired forwards were forced to play more minutes than expected, giving the Warriors’ defence an edge in the later stages. Even in a messy game, their defensive structure proved they could hold firm when the attack wasn’t firing, but they will need to find another level or two come finals time.

It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but the Warriors got the job done. The win moves them back into the top four and brings them closer to securing a finals spot. Just as importantly, it gives the squad a confidence boost after morale took a hit over the past three weeks. Sometimes a hard-fought, messy victory can be just as meaningful as a dominant display, and this result gives the Warriors some self-belief as they head into the final rounds of the season, still not good enough for a finals side right now but with some focus and improvement around the basics they coud build some momentum in the final few rounds.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors often made things harder for themselves, committing 10 errors, many of them unforced. Early on, these mistakes allowed the Dragons to take control of the match, and even after the Warriors began to assert themselves, the errors left the door open for the Dragons to threaten a comeback. These lapses disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm and could have been costly if the Dragons had capitalised. The team simply needs to show more respect for the ball, as better sides will punish them if they are this sloppy again. While the win was important, cleaning up their attack will be crucial in the final rounds.

The Warriors’ attack was often flat, with sets lacking creativity and fluidity for much of the match. Early opportunities went begging, and ball movement was predictable. Things started to improve when Tanah Boyd began attacking the line, forcing the Dragons to adjust and creating gaps in their defensive line. This flatness in attack has become a recurring problem since the injury to Luke Metcalf, who was the attacking lightning rod of this Warriors side. While Boyd’s efforts brought some spark late in the game, the team still needs to find more consistency in attack to fully capitalise on their chances.

The Warriors used 7 of their 8 interchanges, but the timing and deployment raised some questions. Jackson Ford stayed on the field too long, which began to affect his performance, while Sam Healey wasn’t brought on early enough to make an impact. Perhaps taking Ford off earlier, shifting Marata Niukore into the middle, and bringing Leka Halasima back on could have maintained intensity and added more punch in the forwards. I’ve long had concerns about Andrew Webster’s use of the bench, and while missing players like Mitch Barnett makes rotations more challenging, better management of interchanges could have helped the team control the game more effectively.

Warrior of the Match

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

I was tempted to give the nod to Adam Pompey this week, given his two tries, but he also had a hand in the Dragons’ tries, so I went with RTS. He was a constant attacking threat with 24 runs for 267 metres, including 103 post-contact metres, and consistently threatening to break the line. With the Warriors’ attack struggling overall, he remains one of the few players capable of creating opportunities, highlighted by a spectacular try assist off an offload while pinned against the sideline. Aside from one handling error, his performance was excellent, blending smart decision-making with moments of individual brilliance that helped keep the Warriors in the fight.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to James Fisher-Harris.

It was hard to pick JFH as he had some solid contributions, running 119 metres, breaking 2 tackles, and ending the match with no missed tackles. However, his 2 errors and 2 penalties were avoidable and put the Warriors under unnecessary pressure. As Captain and leader of the side, I hold him to a higher standard, and in a close game like this, those lapses stood out. While his work rate and defence were strong, greater discipline and control would have helped the team maintain momentum throughout the match.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 25, the Warriors head back to Australia to face the Titans, who went down 54-22 to the Sharks in Round 24.

For my team selection, Jackson Ford looks set to be out for at least 3 weeks due to suspension, as I assume the Warriors won't try to fight the charge, which would risk a 4-week ban. So I would move Marata Niukore to the front row and bring Kurt Capewell back into the second row. Ali Leiataua, Rocco Berry and Te Maire Martin are all slated to be available, but I would most likely stick with the team that was named this round and give the two centres a game in the cup first. Te Maire could return at 14, but I like Sam Healey on the bench, so I'm keeping him.

The Titans had a bit of a performance bump after defeating the Warriors in Round 21, taking the Panthers to the limit in Round 22 and narrowly losing to the Rabbitohs before the severe beating handed to them by the Sharks this Round. However, as we all know, their form doesn't matter when they face the Warriors, as they also pull out their best performances, winning 6 of the past seven clashes between the sides, so it will be another tough match.

For the Warriors to beat the Titans, they need to control the ruck and keep their sets tidy. Strong defence through the middle and quick line speed will stop the Titans from playing their fast, unpredictable style. In attack, the Warriors should look to win the middle first, then shift the ball wide to test the Titans’ edges, which are often exposed. Staying patient and turning pressure into points will give them the best chance of coming out on top. I think the Warriors will end the Titans' curse here and get revenge for their embarrassing 66-6 loss on the Gold Coast last season, so I am picking the Warriors to win by 10.

So, that was a stressful Round 24, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Is this win a turning point, or just a short-term relief?

Which player needs to lift this week?

Do you think the interchange was managed well this week?

What is your score prediction against the Titans?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 23 Review: Warriors Washed Out as Bulldogs Dominate in the Wet

After their Round 22 defeat to the Dolphins, the Warriors made the trip back across the ditch to face the Bulldogs, who lost to the Wests Tigers 28-14 in Round 22.

After scoring the first points via a penalty goal, the Warriors were barely in the contest as injuries and the weather played their part in keeping the visitors on the back foot, seeing the Bulldogs break their rain curse with a 32-14 victory, handing the Warriors their third loss in a row.

What Went Down

The Warriors struck first in the third minute when Adam Pompey slotted a penalty goal, but the Bulldogs quickly replied through Stephen Crichton. Ten minutes later, Crichton added another penalty to give Canterbury the lead.

Sloppy discipline from the Warriors kept handing the Bulldogs easy metres, and it finally bit them in the 21st minute. Viliame Kikau attacked down the left short side, slid over the line despite being tackled short, and opened the try-scoring. Crichton couldn’t convert from out wide.

Things got worse for the Warriors when Te Maire Martin left with a concussion in the 26th minute, followed moments later by Leka Halasima after a head clash with Lachlan Galvin (though Halasima was later cleared). The Bulldogs kept rolling after some great defence from the Warriors when Matt Burton kicked early in the tackle deep in his own half to nail a 40/20. A quick shift from right to left moments later in the 31st minute set up Jethro Rinakama to score in the corner, and Crichton nailed the extras. Just before halftime, Crichton broke through and sent Enari Tuala over untouched. Another sideline special from Crichton made it 20-2 at the break.

Ten minutes after the restart, Crichton went himself, taking the ball from a scrum, double-dummying, and muscling through Adam Pompey for a solo try. Crichton took the kick but hit the upright.

The Warriors finally hit back in the 54th minute thanks to some persistence from Samuel Healey. His grubber was blocked, but he regathered, kicked again into the in-goal, and chased through to score. Pompey converted.

Any momentum was short-lived. From the restart, James Fisher-Harris gave away a penalty, and Crichton added another two points. Then, with 12 minutes to go, Jacob Kiraz produced a beauty, juggling a low pass, stepping inside, and splitting two defenders for a try. Crichton converted from the sideline. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gave Warriors fans something to cheer about late, snapping up an intercept and sprinting away to score in the 77th. Pompey added the extras, but the Bulldogs were well in control, sealing a 32-14 win in heavy rain.

My Thoughts

That was a tough watch, and probably one of the hardest reviews to write this season. I went into the week expecting a loss, but as game day got closer, I started to believe the Warriors could bounce back and grind out a win. For the first 20 minutes, they were right in the fight. Then came the one-two blow: a huge Matt Burton 40/20, followed by Te Maire Martin failing his HIA. From that point on, the Warriors were on the ropes and barely landed a punch.

As a fan watching from home, it felt like nothing was going their way. They were starved of possession for most of the 20 minutes before halftime, and the Bulldogs made them pay by building a comfortable lead. In the second half, the possession evened out, but the damage was done. The Warriors looked either out of gas or lacked the right halves combination to dig themselves out of the hole. I think Andrew Webster’s lineup gamble didn’t work. Personally, I would have stuck with Boyd; he’s got the best kicking game of the available halves, which could have been valuable in the wet conditions. Still, maybe it would have worked if TMM had stayed on the field.

In the end, it was a disappointing loss, made worse by the fact that it drops the Warriors out of the top four. With the ladder so tight, more defeats could see them miss the finals altogether, which would be a nightmare ending to what had been a promising season. That said, I still think they can steady the ship and fight for a finish between fourth and sixth. The fight isn’t over. They just need to dust themselves off and get back to work.

There wasn't much to smile about, but I found a few, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors began with plenty of energy, earning early field position and taking the lead through a penalty goal. For the first 20 minutes, they matched the Bulldogs physically and defensively, holding their own in the middle and forcing a few mistakes. They looked organised and capable of building pressure, showing signs of the discipline and structure needed to trouble a top side. However, as the half wore on, the Bulldogs began to take control, and the momentum slowly slipped away.

I'm clutching at straws, really, but even with the game slipping away, the Warriors kept working hard right to the final whistle. They chased kicks, fought for every tackle, and kept looking for ways to break the Bulldogs’ line. A few late attacking chances showed their pride was still there, and they weren’t willing to simply give up, no matter what the scoreboard said. I still want to see them play better and win, but there's nothing worse than watching a team just throw in the towel, so at least that didn't happen.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors made life hard for themselves with too many mistakes and lapses in discipline. Eight errors, seven penalties, and five ruck infringements gave the Bulldogs a steady stream of possession and field position. While a few of the officials’ calls could be labelled questionable, the reality is the Warriors have no one to blame but themselves. Their own mistakes stalled their momentum and stopped them from building pressure, letting the Bulldogs control the game’s tempo.

The Warriors’ defence struggled at key moments, letting the Bulldogs break through more often than they should have. Missed tackles and slow line speed gave the Bulldogs space to make breaks and score. These mistakes put extra pressure on the Warriors’ forwards and made it harder for the team to reset and control the ruck. Because of this, the Bulldogs were able to build momentum, making it tough for the Warriors to get back into the game. Fixing these defensive issues will be crucial if the Warriors want to compete with strong teams consistently and avoid slipping out of the top eight.

Losing Te Maire Martin was a tough blow that really disrupted the Warriors’ attack. Without his experience and creativity, their play became flat and struggled to gain any momentum. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad didn’t manage to step up and lead when it mattered most. Looking back as a Hindsight Hero, I wonder if dropping Tannah Boyd was the right move, since his experience might have helped steady the team in a difficult moment. It also feels like the Warriors have been hit by an injury curse lately, with key players going down at critical times, making it even harder for them to find consistency.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark. In a match where many of the Warriors were less than stellar, Clark once again provided a relentless work rate and all-round contribution. In 61 minutes, he topped all Warriors forwards with 111 metres gained, constantly taking tough carries to get the team moving. He broke two tackles, delivered an offload to keep the attack alive, and got through 32 tackles on defence. While he did miss five, he kept his game error-free with no penalties conceded. To top it off, he even threw in a surprise bomb, showing there’s more to his skill set than just the hard yards. In a match where the Warriors struggled to match the Bulldogs’ intensity, Clark’s effort stood out.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

There were plenty of players I could have picked here, but in the end, I went with CNK down to the fact that he disappeared. I couldn't even find a picture of him from the game to use for this segment. His influence faded after an unplanned shift into the halves, a role he likely hadn’t prepared for. Even so, the team needed him to step up and make an impact, but he finished with just 21 running metres, nine passes, and 14 tackles with three misses. He also conceded a penalty and didn’t put in a single kick, which left the Warriors short on attacking options, making their flat attack very predictable. Usually a spark of energy and creativity, this was a quiet performance in a position that required him to take control.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 24, the Warriors return home to host the Dragons, who defeated the Sharks 22-14 in Round 23.

For my team selection, Te Maire Martin is out after failing his HIA. In the press conference, Andrew Webster confirmed that Tanah Boyd would return, though there have been murmurs about Jett Cleary possibly making his debut. I still think Boyd is the smarter choice, Cleary doesn’t seem quite ready for first grade yet, and the Warriors need an experienced game-managing half right now.

Other than that, I’d keep the lineup the same, except for swapping Sam Healey and Freddy Lussick. If Wayde Egan is available, I’d start him, move Healey to the bench, and drop Lussick out.

The Dragons have been on a roll in recent weeks with back-to-back wins over the Raiders and Sharks, utilising their strike weapons and staying relatively error-free. They are a gritty side right now that isn't afraid of grinding out a win if necessary, with the experienced additions of Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook adding some dimension to their attack and a sense of calm when the side is under pressure. It's no secret that I am not a fan of the Dragons, and if there is any side I hate seeing beat the Warriors, it is them, so I really need to see the Warriors end their losing streak here.

For the Warriors to win, they need to improve their defence and stay disciplined to avoid giving away penalties. They should focus on controlling the middle of the field with strong forward runs and quick ball movement to break through the Dragons’ defence. It’s essential they create smarter set plays and reduce handling errors. Their playmakers must manage the game well and perform under pressure. Starting strong and maintaining intensity throughout the match will be key to beating the Dragons’ tough defence, as right now this Warriors side does not have the skill level needed to play catch-up footy. I think it will be tough, but I'm backing the Warriors to get out of their current funk, so I am picking a Warriors win by 6.

So, that was a dreadful Round 23, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Where do you think the Warriors will end up on the ladder at season's end?

What did you think of Websters last minute changes?

Would you bring Jett Cleary into first grade this week?

What is your score prediction against the Dragons?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 22 Review: Warriors Blow Late Lead as Dolphins Snatch Victory

After their Round 21 defeat to the Titans, the Warriors remained at home to face the Dolphins, who had the bye in Round 21.

The makeshift Warriors outfit looked set to enter the winners' circle in a tight clash after earning a lead with 20 minutes to play, but the Dolphins refused to quit and snatched the victory in the final stages, sneaking away with a 20-18 victory.

What Went Down

The Dolphins struck first after a string of penalties against the Warriors. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow threw a crisp short ball to Farnworth, who powered through defenders to open the scoring in the 4th minute.

All eyes were on the Warriors' reshuffled spine this week, and fullback Taine Tuaupiki made an immediate impact. His speed and timing on the edge created space for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to finish in the corner in the 9th minute. Farnworth continued to dominate early with three linebreaks and over 100 metres before his night ended abruptly. Bursting into the clear, he pulled up clutching his hamstring and had to be helped from the field.

The Warriors tried to take control after Farnworth’s departure, but the Dolphins held firm and capitalised on a Tuaupiki error. A strong carry from Kurt Donoghoe set up Jeremy Marshall-King, who made up for an earlier mistake to dive over and reclaim the lead in the 25th minute.

Discipline issues again hurt the Warriors. A crusher tackle from Sam Healey gifted the Dolphins field position, and Jake Averillo’s run across the grain pushed them into attacking range. A looping pass went to ground, but Oryn Keeley was quickest to react and scooped it up to score at the 29-minute mark.

Eventually, the Warriors' weight of possession near the Dolphins' line paid off. Using a similar play to their first try, Tuaupiki linked again with DWZ, who beat the cover defence to notch his second. Despite dominating territory, the Warriors couldn’t add to their tally and trailed by four at halftime.

The second half began as a tight grind, but the Warriors piled on pressure. Just before the hour mark, a powerful Jacob Laban run set the stage for Tanah Boyd’s crossfield kick, which found Leka Halasima. The rookie extended his try-scoring streak to five consecutive games in the 58th minute.

The Dolphins nearly hit back when Kodi Nikorima created an overlap, but a crucial DWZ intercept saved the day. A careless penalty while in possession gave the Dolphins another chance. Katoa’s unexpected grubber looked to prove fruitful with Nikorima appearing to score, but the on-field try was overturned after review.

The Warriors earned a penalty moments later after Felise Kaufusi was pinged for a hip drop tackle that saw him sent to the bin; they elected to not take a shot at goal to extend their lead and were unable to score points on the next set. 

Even with Kaufusi sent to the bin for a high shot, the Dolphins weren’t done. After earning a penalty for a high tackle, they went for the win instead of a draw. Spreading the ball through ten sets of hands, they eventually found Isaako on the right edge, who crossed in the final moments to steal the win.

My Thoughts

Well, this one really hurt. I went into the game with low expectations, already bracing for a loss, and seeing the team list on Tuesday only made things worse. By the time I walked into the stadium on Friday, I was expecting the worst. When the Dolphins scored within the first five minutes, it felt like they were going to blow the Warriors off the park. Herbie Farnworth was unstoppable early on, and the Warriors had no answer for him. His injury was unfortunate, but it evened things out a bit and allowed the Warriors to get back into the contest. The Warriors gradually found their feet. At times, the attack looked sharp and threatening, but it wasn’t consistent enough to take control of the game. By the closing stages, they looked exhausted, and that fatigue led to some costly errors, which opened the door for the Dolphins ' match-winning play. It was incredibly frustrating to watch the Warriors stand and wait on the Dolphins' final tackle instead of shutting it down. Maybe it was tired legs, or perhaps they were hesitant to rush up and risk creating a gap. Either way, the Dolphins shifted wide, seeing that the Warriors were bunched in the middle, and took full advantage.

It was another crucial game that slipped through their fingers. Yes, injuries have taken a toll, but the team needs to snap out of this slump and start stringing wins together. The ladder is so tight that a few more losses could see all the good work this season undone. My optimism has taken a hit over the past few weeks, but I still believe a top-four finish is within reach. That said, it’s going to be tough, especially with how competitive the bottom-half teams have been. Only one team in the top four won this week against so-called "weaker" opposition, so the Warriors’ run home will be anything but easy.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors’ reshuffled lineup did a solid enough job in their first outing together. With several key players missing, the new combinations still managed to create some good attacking chances, especially out wide. At times, the timing was off and things didn’t quite click, but that’s to be expected for a new combination. There were a few defensive lapses, but the effort was there. It wasn’t perfect, but there were enough positive signs to show they’ll improve as they get more games together.

After Herbie Farnworth, who was carving the Warriors up, left the field, the Warriors scrambled well in defence and showed plenty of grit to stay in the contest. They worked hard to cover for each other, shutting down several dangerous Dolphins sets close to the line. Their line speed and effort plays improved, with backs and forwards alike digging in to hold the middle and scrambling out wide when needed. While the Dolphins still found space at times, the Warriors’ desperation and scramble defence helped limit the damage and kept them in the fight. Unfortunately, they switched off in the final seconds, allowing the Dolphins to sneak through and steal the win right at the death.

The Warriors’ young players continue to impress, with Sam Healey, debutant Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, and Jacob Laban all standing out. Healey was strong at hooker, passing cleanly from dummy-half, defending well in the middle, and showing smart touches around the ruck. He played with great energy and confidence, making a strong case to be part of the game day 17 more often. Ieremia-Toeava had a solid debut, getting involved early and showing good effort in both attack and defence. Laban added impact off the bench with strong carries and tough tackles. All three looked comfortable in first grade and gave fans plenty to be excited about for the future.

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

Match Negatives

Errors and discipline let the Warriors down again. They made 9 handling errors, gave away 5 penalties, and were caught twice for ruck infringements. These mistakes often came at crucial times, either when they were building pressure or trying to get out of trouble, and gave the Dolphins an easy way back into the game. You can’t hand free sets to any team in the NRL, especially now when recent results have shown there’s no such thing as an easy win. If you let teams off the hook, they’ll make you pay. The effort was there, but the lack of control ultimately cost them. It’s something they’ll need to fix quickly if they want to turn close losses into wins and hold on to their top-four spot.

The Warriors missed a big chance to close out the game. With just under seven minutes left, they got a penalty right in front but chose not to take the easy two points that would’ve given them a four-point lead. It was a decision made by coach Andrew Webster, and looking back, it proved costly. Instead of building pressure and stretching the gap, they let the Dolphins stay in the contest, and it came back to bite them. The Warriors just didn’t show the killer instinct needed to put the game away, something they’ll need to work on if they want to win tight matches once again.

The Warriors have been hit hard by injuries again, adding to their list of worries. Jacob Laban looks like he’ll be out for a few weeks as he recovers from a hip-drop tackle. Meanwhile, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Leka Halasima, and Taine Tuaupiki all got knocks during the game that might keep them sidelined in the coming weeks. With key players already missing, the Warriors can’t afford to lose any more. These injuries put extra pressure on the squad and make it harder to build strong combinations on the field. Keeping players fit will be really important, and hopefully, the Warriors can catch a bit of luck soon.

Warrior of the Match

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

Another standout performance from RTS here, he led the match in running metres with a massive 335 metres and had 7 tackle breaks. He was full of energy and constantly put pressure on the Dolphins' defence. His ability to find space kept the Warriors moving forward, and he created plenty of chances for his teammates. Even when the team was under pressure, he kept working hard and led by example, giving 100% right until the end. If a few more of his teammates can get closer to his level, the wins will return.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Tanah Boyd.

It was hard to single anyone out with most players doing a balance of good and bad, but I have gone with Boyd here. He did some good things, like playing a significant role in DWZ tries and setting up a nice kick for Halasima's try. He also went 3/3 with his goalkicking. But overall, his game was a bit uneven. He made a few kicking errors, gave away a costly obstruction penalty, and showed some limits when it came to ball-playing. Defensively, he struggled too, missing eight tackles and often being targeted by the opposition, which made things tougher for the Warriors' defensive line. With cleaner execution and more consistency, Tanah could have a much bigger impact on the game, and I still think he is the best halfback option right now with Luek Metcalf out.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 23, the Warriors head back across the ditch to face the Bulldogs, who went down 28-14 to the Wests Tigers in Round 22.

For my team selection, the only definite return is Wayde Egan, who I’d slot back in at hooker. I’m working off the assumption that the knocks to CNK, Leka, and Taine were minor, so I’m keeping all three in the side. I’d drop Lussick, move Healey to the bench, and bring in Bunty Afoa to replace Laban.

The Bulldogs have been building nicely, and moving Lachlan Galvin into the starting halfback role has added a spark to their attack. Their defence has been solid for most of the season, but the recent loss to the Tigers exposed some areas of vulnerability. That defeat will have them fired up for a bounce-back performance, unfortunate timing for the Warriors, who need a win to stay in the top four with the Panthers closing in.

For the Warriors to get the job done, they need to shut Galvin down early and prevent him from settling into the game. If they can rattle him, the Bulldogs are more likely to make mistakes. From there, it’s about controlling the tempo and targeting the edges in attack, while staying switched on for the full 80. Do that, and they’re a real chance. But with key players still out, I think it might be a step too far. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 8.

So, that was a heartbreaking Round 22, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Are there any changes to the 17 you would make?

Do you think the Warriors will remain in the top four come finals time?

Would you have taken the penalty to push the lead out to four?

What is your score prediction against the Bulldogs?