NZ Warriors 2026 Round 9 Review: Too Strong Against Eels as Winning Run Hits Four

After a successful trip to Wellington, the Warriors travelled back to Australia to face the Eels, who went down 33-18 against the Sea Eagles in Round 8.

The Warriors absorbed an early blow but quickly flipped the script, capitalising on Parramatta errors to take control. While the Eels threatened to stay in the fight, the Warriors’ power and composure proved the difference, pulling away late to secure a convincing fourth straight win.

What Went Down

Parramatta struck first, with Ronald Volkman crossing in the 4th minute after back-to-back set restarts put the Warriors under early pressure. The hosts looked sharp with the ball in hand, but errors soon crept in, and the Warriors didn’t need a second invitation. Leka Halasima hit back in the 13th minute, slicing through as Parramatta’s discipline faltered, before Alofiana Khan-Pereira gave the Warriors the lead just five minutes later. The winger had too much pace out wide, finishing off another Eels mistake to make it 12-6.

The Warriors thought they had their third soon after in a moment of confusion around the “held” call. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck powered over, initially awarded by Gerard Sutton despite protests from Parramatta, who believed he’d been held. The bunker eventually overturned the try, not for the held call, but for a lost ball in the grounding. The Warriors kept the pressure on, and in the 24th minute, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished in the corner to extend the lead, although Tanah Boyd couldn’t convert. On the stroke of halftime, Boyd added a penalty goal in the 40th minute to give the Warriors a 16-6 advantage at the break.

Parramatta came out strong in the second half and struck quickly. Brian Kelly created the opportunity, with Will Penisini finishing in the 44th minute. Mitch Moses couldn’t add the extras, but the margin was back to six. A penalty then swung momentum back the Warriors’ way, and Boyd made no mistake from the tee in the 50th minute, pushing the lead out to 18-10. The game tightened again in the 59th minute when Volkman grabbed his second, beating Watene-Zelezniak to the ball to bring the Eels within four. Moses again missed the conversion, leaving the door slightly ajar.

From there, though, it was all Warriors.

Jackson Ford crashed over in the 63rd minute as the middle began to dominate, before Khan-Pereira picked off an intercept in the 69th to stretch the lead further. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck then put the finishing touches on the result in the 76th minute, capping off a strong performance. All three late tries were converted, sealing a convincing 36-14 win as the Warriors powered away in the final stages.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a rollercoaster of emotion. Until the final 15 minutes, it felt like anything could happen.

The Warriors didn’t get their own way early, conceding first and inviting pressure through a mix of errors and ill-discipline. But what stood out was how quickly they flipped the momentum. Once they settled, they looked dangerous, capitalising on Parramatta’s mistakes and striking with intent to take control before halftime.

It still wasn’t a complete performance. There were patches, particularly early and just after the break, where the Eels threatened to swing things back. But this time the Warriors had another gear. When the game tightened, they responded through the middle, took their chances, and then blew it open late. That’s the real takeaway: not just that they won, but how they finished it. In the past, this was the type of game that stayed close or even slipped away. Here, they turned it into a statement in the final 20 minutes. The combination of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Alofiana Khan-Pereira continues to grow, and it’s now at the point where that centre–wing pairing should be locked in. Up front, the pack continues to roll the side forward and consistently win the middle, making life much simpler for both Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita. They’re getting more time on the front foot, building pressure instead of chasing it.

It’s been a tremendous start to the 2026 campaign, and heading into the first bye with second place locked in is something I didn’t expect before the season started. That said, the upcoming matches against the Broncos and Panthers will be the real indicator of where this team sits. But that’s something to ponder in a few weeks. For now, it feels good to just sit in the moment.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors set the tone physically and never really let it go through the middle of the field, with their pack consistently winning the contact and generating momentum through strong carries and quick play-the-balls. That dominance was backed up on the stat sheet, with Erin Clark leading the way with 179 running metres, closely followed by Jackson Ford on 177 and James Fisher-Harris adding 138, while Kurt Capewell contributed 103 and Demetric Vaimauga made an impact off the bench with 91 metres and a couple of highlight-reel kick returns off the bounce. This kind of platform is exactly what the Warriors’ 2026 success is built on: the pack controlling the tempo and setting the terms of games, and so far this season, that’s been the case more often than not. As the match wore on, sustained physical pressure wore the Eels down, allowing the Warriors to build control and pull away late.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were both constant threats out wide, with their speed and finishing ability proving too much for the Eels’ edge defence at times. Khan-Pereira took full advantage of broken play and space, and his pace has been a much-needed boost for a Warriors side that has often lacked genuine speed out wide in recent seasons. At the same time, DWZ once again provided a strong finishing touch in the corner to reward their territorial dominance. Defensively, both also stood up well, applying pressure on Parramatta’s shifts and reading the play smartly, with each coming up with an intercept to shut down attacking opportunities. It gave the Warriors a genuine strike edge on both sides of the ball, helping turn pressure into points and stretch the Eels’ defensive line.

The Warriors’ strong finish in the final 15 minutes highlighted their growing ability to close out games once momentum is on their side. After a tight period where the Eels briefly stayed in touch, the Warriors lifted another gear, with Jackson Ford, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck all crossing in the late stages to seal the result. That late surge has become a welcome part of the Warriors’ DNA in 2026, shifting away from the old days when opposition teams could hang in for an hour and expect to outrun them late in the game. Instead, they now look like the stronger-finishing side, a clear sign of improved fitness and mental toughness. Once they got control, they didn’t release it, turning dominance into points and finishing the game convincingly.

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

Match Negatives

Even though the Warriors controlled large parts of the game, they still allowed Parramatta to swing momentum back their way at different stages. It wasn’t sustained dominance from start to finish, with the Eels able to respond whenever the Warriors’ intensity dipped slightly. While they remained in control overall, those momentum shifts meant the game never fully got away from Parramatta as early as it could have. The final piece for this Warriors side is developing a consistent killer instinct, the ability to shut games down completely once on top and remove any chance of a fightback. We’ve already seen glimpses of that, including in the win over the Storm, but if they can bring that same ruthlessness into every contest, this becomes a very difficult side to compete with.

Discipline was an issue at times, with the Warriors conceding three penalties and eight ruck infringements throughout the match. Those repeat set restarts and penalties, particularly early on, handed Parramatta valuable field position and allowed them to build momentum they didn’t fully earn. While the defensive effort generally held strong, the lack of discipline at key moments kept the Eels in the game longer than necessary and put extra pressure on the Warriors’ line. This has been a concern for me over the past couple of weeks, and it’s something they’ll need to tighten up quickly with big matchups coming up against the Broncos and Panthers, who are more than capable of punishing any lapses in discipline.

Handling errors at key moments also held the Warriors back from really putting the game to bed earlier. A few unforced mistakes, including one over the line, cost them potential points and stalled momentum at crucial stages. There were also moments when they came close to scoring but didn’t quite take the right option, holding onto the ball when an overlap or an extra pass was on. Inside the Eels’ 20, they created enough opportunities but didn’t always execute cleanly enough to fully capitalise on their field position. It’s not a major issue in isolation, but it does link back to that broader need to develop a stronger killer instinct. Turning those chances into points more consistently would allow them to close games out earlier and take complete control much sooner.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Erin Clark.

There were several players I could have gone with for this one, but Erin Clark deserves recognition for another consistent, high-level performance. He hasn’t always grabbed the headlines compared to some of his teammates, but that’s largely because he keeps producing week in, week out without fuss. Clark played 50 minutes and was excellent on both sides of the ball. He ran for 179 metres, set up a line break and a try, and backed that up with 27 tackles, missing just one. What stood out just as much was his discipline, no errors, no penalties, and no ruck infringements. His passing game has also taken a real step forward this season. The short ball in particular is becoming a real weapon, regularly creating space and putting defenders under pressure. If he keeps this up, he’s right in the mix to go back-to-back for Dally M Lock of the Year.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Leka Halasima.

For the second week in a row, I've had to go with Halasima. He got on the scoresheet with a try and very nearly had a second, showing his knack for being in the right place when opportunities arise, but outside of that, his involvement was limited, with just 4 runs for 35 metres in 57 minutes. Defensively, he was solid, making 23 tackles with only one miss, although he did lead the side with 3 errors, which disrupted his overall impact. It all adds up to a mixed performance, some clear positives, but still not the consistent influence he’s capable of, and if his attacking output remains that low, there’s a case that a bench role might better suit him right now, allowing him to come on later and provide a sharper burst of impact in shorter minutes.

Bye Round and Round 11 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 10, the Warriors get their first bye of the season. It feels like it is coming at the right time, as a few players have niggles, and it's a good opportunity to get some extra time for R&R and to work on the issues I highlighted above as they prepare for the tough run of matches coming up. They are sitting in a good spot right now, but they can't get ahead of themselves and need to remain grounded as it's still very early days.

After the bye, the Warriors head to Brisbane for Magic Round, where they will face the Broncos, who went down 38-24 against the Roosters and will face the Sea Eagles in Round 10.

Regarding the team I’d pick, the only changes I'd make are to bring Ali Leiataua back for Adam Pompey and Mitchell Barnett back for Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. Wayde Egan took a head knock but will be fine for Magic Round.

The Brisbane Broncos haven’t quite delivered the dominant start many expected from the reigning premiers, sitting at five wins and four losses and just outside of the top eight, with injuries to key players disrupting their rhythm at times. Even so, the return of Reece Walsh adds a completely different dimension to their attack, and it’s clear this is a side that can score quickly when momentum swings their way. That was evident against the Sydney Roosters; despite a poor first half, they flipped the script after the break and looked dangerous whenever they got a sniff, nearly pulling off an unlikely comeback. Their ability to turn half-chances into points makes them a constant threat. Still, consistency and defensive lapses have been an issue, particularly when they’re forced to absorb sustained pressure or defend quick shifts out wide.

For the Warriors to get the job done here, it again starts through the middle; their forwards need to match the Broncos’ physicality, win the ruck, and generate quick play-the-balls to give their spine time and space to operate. Against a side with as much strike as the Broncos, defensive discipline is crucial; they can’t afford to invite pressure through errors or penalties, especially with players like Reece Walsh capable of turning broken play into points. The Warriors’ edge defence will need to stay tight and connected to handle the Broncos’ speed and shape out wide, while in attack, they should look to build pressure, stay patient, and pick the right moments to shift. If they can control possession, limit momentum swings, and keep the game in their terms, they’re every chance to grind this out. I’m backing the Warriors in a tight one, by 8.

So, that was a tense Round 9, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes for Magic Round?

How do you feel about the Warriors' playoff potential after 9 weeks?

What would you be doing with Halasima?

What is your score prediction against the Broncos?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 8 Review: Not Pretty but Wellington Trip a Success

After beating the Titans in Round 7, the Warriors stayed in New Zealand and headed to Wellington to host the Dolphins, who came off a 23–22 Golden Point loss to the Panthers.

In front of a big, loud home crowd, the Warriors started fast but were soon overpowered as the Dolphins built momentum and took control for long stretches. Despite fighting back before halftime, the game turned into a scrappy grind, with the Warriors holding firm late to secure a gritty win.

What Went Down

The Warriors couldn’t have asked for a better start, striking in just the 3rd minute when Alofiana Khan-Pereira finished in the corner after sharp work from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

The Dolphins hit back in the 10th minute through Herbie Farnworth, who grubbered ahead, regathered, and scored. Jamayne Isaako added the extras to level things up. The Warriors looked to have responded soon after, but a lead-up obstruction against Leka Halasima ruled the try out.

That moment proved costly. The Dolphins took control with back-to-back tries to Isaako in the 17th and 19th minutes, jumping out to an 18–6 lead.

To their credit, the Warriors fought their way back through pressure. After forcing repeat sets, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossed in the 25th minute, before Khan-Pereira grabbed his second in the 28th to close the gap.

There was more frustration before halftime. Leka Halasima was denied in the 36th minute after losing control over the line, and despite the Dolphins’ ill-discipline inviting pressure, the Warriors couldn’t capitalise. They went into the break trailing 18–14.

The second half was a completely different game. The flow disappeared, replaced by errors and broken sets from both sides. Things got tougher for the Warriors early, with Mitch Barnett ruled out after a Category 1 HIA following an accidental head clash.

The turning point came in the 61st minute when Taine Tuaupiki crossed to give the Warriors the lead. The drama didn’t stop there, with Tom Flegler sin-binned for an off-the-ball shot on Ali Leiataua in the aftermath.

From there, it turned into a test of nerve. The Dolphins pressed late and even had a two-point field goal attempt through Isaako, but it missed. The Warriors held firm to secure a gritty win in front of nearly 35,000 fans.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a grind. The start was exactly what you want: sharp, direct, and clinical, with the edges firing early and the attack looking dangerous. But just as quickly, it flipped. The Dolphins took control through the middle, momentum swung, and the Warriors found themselves on the back foot. At times, it honestly felt like I’d made the long drive down for nothing. Even getting back into the contest before halftime, it felt like a missed chance not to push on. The second half was scrappy, with errors and penalties killing any real flow. What stood out, though, was the defence. They spent long periods under pressure but held firm, going the entire half without conceding a point, something we haven’t always seen in games like this. That said, this is still a step forward. In years past, this was the kind of game they lost. This time, they found a way. It wasn’t pretty, but good teams win ugly, and the Warriors are starting to show they can do that, and it should help build their confidence for the remainder of the season, when sometimes you just need to grit your teeth and win by any means necessary. Now it’s about building on it, tightening the errors, maintaining control for longer, and turning gritty wins like this into complete 80-minute performances. It’s also their third straight win for the second time this season, with one more game before the bye, putting the Warriors in a strong position to really make their mark this year.

The atmosphere in Wellington deserves its own mention. The crowd was absolutely outstanding, and it genuinely felt like one of the best Warriors games I’ve attended away from Mount Smart. The noise, energy, and constant engagement from kickoff right through to the final whistle created a proper home-game feel, especially in those tense periods when the momentum swung. It’s becoming a real feature of any game the Warriors play, regardless of the location, and nights like this show just how strong and widespread Warriors support has become.

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

Match Positives

The edge combinations continue to be a real weapon for the Warriors, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck linking well with Chanel Harris-Tavita on the left, giving Alofiana Khan-Pereira the space to do what he does best. On the right edge, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remains a constant threat, and back in strong try-scoring form, he adds another layer of finishing power. When the forwards do their job up front and lay a platform through the middle, it allows the Warriors to shift the ball wide with purpose, and they’re starting to punish teams that struggle to drift and scramble in defence. Both edges clicking at the same time makes them far harder to contain when they get momentum.

When the game tightened late, the Warriors showed real defensive resilience, holding firm through repeated sets on their own line without breaking. They stayed connected under pressure, scrambled when needed, and absorbed everything the Dolphins threw at them, going the entire second half without conceding a point. If they can carry that level of defensive resolve across the full 80 minutes rather than just in patches, this becomes a team that’s a legitimate scary proposition for anyone in the competition.

This is exactly the kind of game the Warriors have historically let slip, and even this season, they’ve been in similar positions in their two losses, letting momentum slip and failing to fight their way back. But this time, they found a way to win ugly, and that’s a genuine step forward. When the pressure ramped up in the final 10 minutes, they didn’t panic; instead, they managed field position, controlled the clock, and made smarter decisions with the ball when it mattered most. It wasn’t flashy, but it was composed, and good sides find a way to win those kinds of games, so it’s encouraging to see the Warriors starting to join that trend.

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

Match Negatives

Errors and discipline were a real concern for the Warriors. They finished with 11 errors, and while too many of those came at crucial times in attacking zones when pressure was building, it’s worth noting their error counts have been in single digits more often than not this season, so this could be more of an anomaly than a trend. That said, 7 penalties and a ruck infringement repeatedly handed the Dolphins easy exits and fresh sets, stopping the Warriors from ever fully taking control of the game. You could also argue that the timing of the ANZAC festivities may have played a part, as that period has historically disrupted the club. Still, regardless, it’s an area they’ll know needs tightening up quickly.

Edge defence still showed some vulnerability at times, with the Dolphins finding space out wide on a few occasions when the Warriors’ sliding defence was a step late. That said, there has been a clear improvement over the past few weeks, with better line connections and greater urgency in their movement across the field. They’re heading in the right direction, but there’s still a bit more to go before those lapses are fully eliminated. Against sharper attacking teams, those moments will need to be cleaned up quickly, with stronger communication and quicker decisions crucial to shutting down shifts before they become dangerous.

The Warriors lacked that killer instinct to put the game away. At several key moments, they had chances to break the match open but couldn’t land the final punch, which kept the Dolphins in the contest longer than they should’ve been. Even in broken-field situations, they didn’t fully capitalise, either taking the wrong option or with support not quite in the right place. Those are the moments that turn tight wins into dominant ones, and it’s an area they’ll want to sharpen moving forward.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Taine Tuaupiki.

I thought Tuaupiki was outstanding here, leading the side with 236 running metres and topping the team with 2 linebreaks in a performance full of energy and intent. He handled constant pressure from the Dolphins really well, finishing with just 1 error in a composed display despite how heavily involved he was at the back. He showed all the traits you want from a tough, instinctive fullback, brave in contact, full of effort, and always looking to inject himself when opportunities arose. There were a couple of moments where he chose to go himself in attack rather than pass, which didn’t always come off, but one of those instincts also led to the match-winning moment, so it’s hard to fault the intent. Overall, he looks to be growing into the role each week and really starting to make the fullback spot his own.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Leka Halasima.

Leka Halasima had a quieter and tougher outing this week, and it wasn’t the impact performance we’ve come to expect from him. He ran only 9 times for 67 metres and struggled to really get into the rhythm of the game, while also leading the side with 6 missed tackles, along with 3 penalties and 3 errors in a messy overall performance. Defensively, he was made to work hard and didn’t quite have his usual control or timing, and with the ball, he never really looked like his normal self. That said, it’s clearly an off night rather than a trend; he’s shown enough quality and consistency already this season to suggest he’ll bounce back quickly, and games like this are part of the learning curve for a young forward still developing at this level.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 9 sees the Warriors head back to Australia to face the Eels, who went down 33-18 against the Sea Eagles in Round 8.

Regarding the team I’d pick, Andrew Webster confirmed in his post-match interview that Mitch Barnett and Ali Leiataua will both miss this match due to head knocks. With that in mind, the only changes I’d make are bringing Adam Pompey in to replace Leiataua and Marata Niukore coming in for Barnett.

The Eels haven’t quite hit their stride this season and have been bitten by the injury bug with multiple top-line players being unavailable, but they’re a side that’s always capable of putting points on the board when things click. They’ve got enough strike across the park to trouble teams, particularly when they generate quick ruck speed and get their spine playing direct. When they’re on, they can build pressure quickly and turn momentum into points, so lapses in discipline or defensive lapses can be punished. That said, consistency has been an issue, and they’ve shown defensive vulnerability at times, especially when forced to defend repeat sets or handle quick shifts to the edges, where there’s an opportunity to exploit them.

For the Warriors to get the win, it starts through the middle. Their forwards need to lay a strong platform, win the ruck, and generate quick play-the-balls to put the team on the front foot. When that happens, it gives the spine time and space to play, allowing them to shift the ball and really test the edges. Discipline will also be key, keeping errors and penalties low so they don't hand over easy field position. Defensively, they need to stay connected, handle the Eels’ attacking shape, and prevent their key playmakers from settling into their rhythm, especially when building pressure. In the past, this was the type of game that could’ve tripped the Warriors up, but after grinding out a tight win last week, they should come in focused and ready to make a statement. I’m backing them to get the job done and win well, Warriors by 18.

So, that was a tense Round 8, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Errors and penalties are they a concern or just a blip?

Is Tuaupiki now your No.1 fullback?

Who are you bringing in for Leiataua and Barnett?

What is your score prediction against the Eels?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 7 Review: A Game of Two Halves, But Points in the Bank

After an amazing victory over the Storm in Round 6, the Warriors returned to Go Media Stadium to host the Titans, who also impressed in Round 6 with a 52-10 blowout over the Eels.

The Warriors did the damage early, and a dominant first half built a commanding lead, but a second-half lapse invited the Titans back into the contest. What looked comfortable quickly turned tense, yet the Warriors steadied when it mattered to secure a 28–20 win.

What Went Down

The Warriors came out in control and made that early dominance count. Alofiana Khan-Pereira opened the scoring in the 5th minute, finishing a slick left-edge shift in the corner. The Titans struggled to settle and kept handing over possession, allowing the Warriors to build pressure.

That pressure told again in the 22nd minute, with Khan-Pereira grabbing his second, after another sharp attacking movement. Tanah Boyd nailed the sideline conversion to push the lead out to 10-0.

The Warriors continued to dictate terms through the middle, and in the 29th minute, Chanel Harris-Tavita crossed next to the posts after the ball was kept alive. Boyd converted for a 16-0 advantage.

The Titans had a brief window, forcing a dropout through Jayden Campbell and thinking they’d hit back through Kurtis Morrin, only for the bunker to overturn it. Instead, it was the Warriors who struck again, going the length and finishing through Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the 34th minute to extend the lead.

Boyd then added a penalty goal in the 39th minute to cap off a dominant first half, sending the Warriors into the break with a commanding 22-0 lead.

The Titans came out of the sheds with far more intent and were rewarded in the 50th minute, with Jojo Fifita finishing strongly in the corner. Campbell couldn’t convert in the tough conditions, but momentum had started to shift.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly checked. From the ensuing set, the Titans made an error, and the Warriors capitalised almost immediately. In the 52nd minute, Erin Clark crashed over beside the posts after a short offload from James Fisher-Harris, with Boyd converting to make it 28-4.

From there, the Titans began to find success on the edges. Sialetili Faeamani crossed in the 68th minute after a lengthy bunker review confirmed the grounding, though the conversion was missed.

The pressure kept building, and in the 72nd minute, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui came up with a big aerial take before offloading to Arama Hau, who dummied his way over under the posts. Campbell converted to close the gap to 28-14.

The late surge continued in the 78th minute, with Kurtis Morrin scoring beside the posts off a short-side play. Campbell added the extras to bring it back to 28-20 with just minutes remaining.

But despite the momentum swinging hard against them, the Warriors held firm. They defended the final set and took the last tackle as the siren sounded, closing out a match they had effectively won with their dominant first-half performance.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a strange one. The first half was just about everything you could ask for. The attack had flow, the timing looked right, and the edges were lethal. Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak caused constant problems out wide, and it all came off the back of a forward pack that laid a strong, direct platform through the middle. It genuinely felt like they were building towards one of those statement performances.

Then, halftime hit, and it was like a different team came out. The tempo dropped, the polish disappeared, and suddenly everything looked harder than it needed to be. The Titans weren’t doing anything overly special, but they didn’t need to; the Warriors invited them back into the contest with loose carries, softer defensive contact, and a noticeable dip in urgency. Where last week’s performance was built on sustained intensity, this one drifted away from that standard pretty quickly.

What stands out most is how quickly momentum can swing in this competition. The Warriors didn’t just take their foot off the gas; they lost control of the game, and against better sides, that’s the sort of lapse that costs you two points, not just makes things uncomfortable late. There’s a difference between managing a game and letting it drift, and this felt a lot like the latter.

In saying that, good teams still find ways to win when they’re not at their best, and that’s exactly what they did here. The first-half effort gave them enough of a buffer, and they showed just enough composure late to close it out. It’s far from a performance to hang your hat on, but it’s a result you take every day of the week.

If anything, this feels like a timely reminder rather than a warning sign. The standards they hit against the Storm are clearly there, but they’re not automatic. If this side wants to stay near the top of the ladder, it’s going to come down to maintaining that level for the full 80 minutes, not just when everything’s clicking early.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors set the tone from the outset, turning early dominance into points on the board. Rather than letting that control go to waste, they executed well and took their chances, capitalising on the Titans’ slow start. That forced the Titans onto the back foot straight away, chasing the game instead of settling into it. It also allowed the Warriors to control the tempo early and build a platform that ultimately proved decisive. They seem to have found the secret to starting well after being slow starters for the first few rounds; now it’s about turning that mindset into a full 80-minute performance.

The Warriors’ edge attack looked dangerous throughout, with both sides of the field creating genuine opportunities. Their shape and ball movement stretched the Titans’ defence, allowing them to find space out wide and capitalise. When those chances came, the finishing was strong, turning half-opportunities into points. With genuine strike finishers on both wings who need very little room to score in the corners, the Warriors become a real threat whenever they enter the opposition's red zone. It added another dimension to their attack and made them difficult to contain, particularly in the first half when everything was clicking.

The forwards impressed again, laying a strong platform through the middle and consistently winning the yardage battle. Their work rate and go-forward allowed the Warriors to play on the front foot, particularly in the opening stages. That effort is reflected in the numbers, with five members of the pack hitting triple digits, Jackson Ford leading the way with a massive 239 metres, followed by Mitchell Barnett (165m), James Fisher-Harris (131m), Erin Clark (119m), and Leka Halasima (104m). It’s that kind of output from the middle that gives the backs space and time to do their job, and when this pack delivers like that, it makes winning that much easier.

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

Match Negatives

The second-half drop-off is the biggest concern to come out of this performance. After controlling the game early, the Warriors lost their grip after halftime and let the momentum swing. There was a clear drop in energy and urgency compared to the first half, with intensity slipping on both sides of the ball. What had been a dominant performance quickly turned into a nervy finish, and while they held on this time, good teams put those games away long before it gets to that point. It’s hard to tell whether they simply put the cue in the rack after such a one-sided first half or whether the Titans genuinely hit the ground running after the break, but either way, the shift in momentum was too significant to ignore.

The Warriors’ ill-discipline started to creep in at key moments, with small errors and six-agains giving the Titans extra opportunities and field position. Instead of easing pressure when they needed to settle, those moments only added to it, keeping the game alive longer than it should have been. While none of it was catastrophic on its own, the accumulation allowed the Titans back into the contest and contributed to the nervy finish. When things start to slip away like that, they need to refocus and keep doing the little things right to stop momentum shifting so quickly.

The Warriors struggled to deal with the Titans’ offloads and short passing game, with 19 offloads helping the visitors keep the ball alive. The Titans also mixed up their angles well, shifting the point of attack and forcing the Warriors into slow lateral defensive movements. Once that rhythm was established, it allowed the Titans to exploit the edges and use their pace more effectively, particularly in the second half, when momentum was already swinging. Defending second-phase football has been a weakness for the Warriors this season, and they’ll need to get better at wrapping up the ball carrier to stop teams from generating that extra momentum.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jackson Ford.

Ford was outstanding once again, leading the side with a massive 239 running metres and backing it up with 49 tackles in another full 80-minute performance. He added real impact with 5 tackle breaks, while keeping his defensive work largely solid with just 3 missed tackles. Importantly, he stayed controlled throughout, finishing the match with no errors and only one ruck infringement. While there’s an argument for managing his minutes so he can consistently produce this level of output each week, he’s currently showing no signs of slowing down in what has been a genuine breakout season to date. Performances like this also ease some of my concerns around Mitchell Barnett’s departure at the end of the year, with Ford clearly making his mark in the middle and stepping into a bigger role with confidence.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out this week because none of the 17 that featured let the team down, or they simply didn’t play enough minutes to be judged fairly. They weren’t all perfect, and a few did fade a bit in the second half, but by that stage they had already done enough damage in the first to build a healthy buffer. Every player still gave it everything in their own way, and ultimately, that’s all you can really ask for in a performance like this.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 8 sees the Warriors remain in New Zealand, heading down to Wellington to host the Dolphins, who went down 23-22 in Golden Point against the Panthers in Round 7.

Regarding the team I’d pick, just like I said last week (although Andrew Webster didn't listen), I would stick with the same squad. I know Adam Pompey will be back from suspension, but I'm liking the Chanel Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Alofiana Khan-Pereira combination on the left edge. The pack is pretty solid, too, so just leave it as is.

The Dolphins haven't really lived up to their potential yet this season, sitting at 2-4, but aside from their heavy loss to the Sea Eagles, they’ve been in the fight every week. What makes them dangerous, though, is their ability to create scoring opportunities from anywhere on the field. With strike weapons across the park, they can shift the ball, play with speed, and generate chances left, right and centre, meaning even the smallest lapse in defence can quickly turn into points. However, they have struggled to defend this season, so there is potential to punish their edges.

For the Warriors to get the win here, it starts through the middle. Their forwards need to lay a strong platform, win the ruck, and build momentum early to get the team on the front foot. If they can do that, it gives their spine the chance to shift the ball and create opportunities out wide, where they can really test the Dolphins on the edges. Defensively, it’s all about control and discipline, wrapping up the ball carrier, limiting second-phase play, and, most importantly, denying Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth any time or space. Give those two even a half chance, and they can turn a game in an instant. Playing in Wellington has been kind to the Warriors in recent years, and I’m not making the trip down there expecting a loss, so I’m backing the Warriors to get it done by 12.

So, that was a nerve-racking Round 7, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

What did you think of Alofiana Khan-Pereira's performance?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

Was the second-half drop-off a concern for you, or was the game already done?

What is your score prediction against the Dolphins?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 6 Review: Warriors Break Storm Streak in Statement Win

After a disappointing Round 5 loss to the Sharks, the Warriors stayed in Australia to take on a Storm side reeling from a 50–10 thrashing by the Panthers and riding a three-game losing streak.

The Warriors struck early, and unlike the past couple of weeks, they stayed in the contest. They built pressure, took control, and eventually ran away with a dominant 38–14 win, their biggest ever over the Storm, snapping a 17-game losing streak vs Melbourne and getting their season back on track.

What Went Down

Before kickoff, the Warriors announced a rejigged lineup with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moving to the centres to join Ali Leiataua. This saw Leka Halsima move back to the second row, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira make his debut for the club.

An early penalty goal in the 3rd minute gave the Storm an early lead, but it didn't last long. The Warriors quickly targeted the right edge, and it paid off with back-to-back tries to Ali Leiataua in the 9th minute and Marata Niukore in the 14th, handing the Warriors a 12-2 lead. An error from Jackson Ford gave the Storm the chance they needed to get back into the contest, and they took it with both hands. Cooper Clarke, after being exposed defensively when Niukore scored, responded in style, powering his way over in the 16th minute for his first NRL try. The Storm didn't stop there with Jack Howarth scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing off a lively passage of second-phase footy to see the home side reclaim the lead following Meaney's conversion.

Ill-discipline then hurt the Storm, and the Warriors made them pay. A cut-out pass from Tanah Boyd took a fortunate bounce straight into the hands of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who crossed in the 30th minute, which saw the Warriors back in front before Boyd added a penalty goal in the 39th minute to give the Warriors an 18-14 lead as they went into the sheds at halftime.

The second half was all one-way traffic. The Warriors hit the Storm hard and fast with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck crossing in the 43rd minute, followed by Jackson Ford in the 47th minute and Watene-Zelezniak grabbing his second in the 51st minute, blowing the game wide open and leaving the Storm with no answers. Boyd added another penalty goal in the 58th minute to extend the lead even further.

From there, the Warriors tightened their grip, dominating even without the ball. A heavy shot from Chanel Harris-Tavita on Josh King, which sparked a late scuffle, but by then, the result was beyond doubt. However, the Warriors' attitude in defence did not relent, with the performance capped off by a desperate defensive effort from Tuivasa-Sheck, who denied future Warrior Will Warbrick near the line to seal the Warriors' biggest win over the Storm and finally ending the longest active losing streak against a club.

My Thoughts

What a bounce back. I came into this one hopeful but expecting the worst. The Storm looked vulnerable, but given the last 11 years between these sides, it felt safer tipping Melbourne. Thankfully, that call couldn’t have been more wrong. The Warriors delivered a statement performance to finally snap that losing streak, and did it in style.

They started fast with two early tries, but a Jackson Ford error let the Storm back into the contest and brought back some nerves. The difference this time, though, was how they responded. Instead of letting things unravel as in previous weeks, they reset, stuck to what had worked in those first three weeks, and gradually took control. From there, they squeezed the life out of Melbourne and made them look well off the pace.

The forward pack set the tone, returning to their bullying best. Jackson Ford and Demitric Vaimauga stood out, laying a strong platform that gave Tanah Boyd time to control the game. His combination with Chanel Harris-Tavita clicked nicely, with CHT showing why he’s such a good fit at six, not overplaying his hand, just doing his job and letting Boyd steer things around. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s move to the centres had its question marks, but he slotted in seamlessly, while the inclusion of Alofiana Khan-Pereira added a new dimension out wide. We didn’t see him fully open up, but the glimpses of his pace were enough to show what he can bring.

The standout for me, though, was the defence. It was physical, aggressive, and committed all night. Even after conceding back-to-back tries, the Warriors didn’t drop their intensity. Their line speed stayed high, they kept turning Melbourne back, and whenever the Storm looked threatening, the scramble defence shut it down. What really impressed was that even with the game in hand, they didn’t switch off; they kept landing big shots and held Melbourne scoreless in the second half. That kind of defensive effort comes down to attitude, and it was clear everyone was locked in. Hearing the Warriors fans take over AAMI Park just made it even better.

After two tough weeks, this was a much-needed reminder of what this team is capable of. When they’re in sync, they look like a genuinely dangerous side. Now it’s about turning that level of performance into the standard if they want to be taken seriously as contenders.

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

Match Positives

Defensive resilience and attitude were a major highlight. Holding the Storm to just two tries and keeping them scoreless in the second half is no small feat. When Melbourne pushed late, the Warriors’ goal-line defence stood strong, especially in the final 15 minutes when you could argue that the win was already in the bag. They scrambled well, made key tackles, and showed real desperation under pressure. It wasn’t just structure, it was effort and commitment, the kind you need to beat top sides.

Composure after conceding points was a big improvement. In recent weeks, back-to-back tries have rattled them, but this time they reset quickly and stayed in control of the game. Instead of panicking or forcing plays, they stuck to their structure and worked their way back into the contest. They didn’t let momentum swing too far, which shows real growth in their confidence and mental resilience.

The clunkiness from the past fortnight looked to be gone, with Chanel Harris-Tavita appearing to fit in much more naturally. The attack had better flow and cohesion, and his presence brought more control and balance to the side. It certainly helped that the forwards returned to being dominant, giving the halves time and space to operate. It all felt less forced and more connected, which is a really encouraging sign moving forward, but it does create a new headache around Luke Metcalf and what his role looks like in this team right now, as I would be sticking with the Boyd and CHT combo.

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

Match Negatives

The mid-game lapse in the first half is still a concern. After building a 12–2 lead, the Warriors allowed Melbourne to hit back with two quick tries in the space of seven minutes, swinging momentum back the other way. It’s a pattern we’ve seen before: when things start to slip, they can unravel quickly. Tied into that was discipline, which, while improved, still wasn’t perfect, with errors and small lapses inviting pressure and giving the Storm a way back into the contest. Thankfully, the team were able to reset, get back into their groove, and take control again, but against stronger or more clinical sides, those swings can be far more costly.

They did let a few opportunities slip, which is something that could’ve really blown the game wide open earlier. The most obvious moment was when Taine Tuaupiki chose not to send Dallin Watene-Zelezniak over in the corner for what looked like a simple hat-trick try. Instead of taking the clear option, the chance went begging, and it’s those small moments that can make a big difference. While it didn’t cost them on the day, against top sides, you need to be clinical and take those opportunities when they’re right in front of you.

Warrior of the Match

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

It’s been a shaky few weeks for RTS, so I’ll admit I had some concerns when he was named in the centres after the failed experiment in 2024. But he was outstanding here. He stayed heavily involved, running for 145 metres, grabbed a nice try, and held his own defensively, keeping his edge solid and coming up with a huge hit on Warbrick to stop what looked like a certain try.

He also showed a strong combination with Chanel Harris-Tavita, and while there’s still room to improve in getting his winger more involved, he looks like a solid centre option while Adam Pompey is suspended. It also allows the Warriors to bring in Alofiana Khan-Pereira and his pace out wide, which feels like a win-win. If RTS can stay in this kind of mindset and form, the Warriors will continue to find a lot of success with him in the side.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve was Marata Niukore.

It was hard to pick a player after such a strong team performance, but I’ve gone with Marata Niukore. He was moved into the starting side and made an immediate impact with a nice try, but as the game went on, he faded into the background while the rest of the pack lifted to another level. He finished with just 46 metres from 7 runs, which is fairly quiet given the platform the forwards had. Defensively, he was solid, making 16 tackles with only 2 misses, so it wasn’t a bad performance by any means. However, with a lot of experience missing from the pack, you probably expect a bit more impact from him, especially when some of the younger forwards ended up outshining him.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 7 sees the Warriors return to New Zealand to host the Titans, who looked impressive in their 52-10 victory over the Eels in Round 6.

Regarding the team I’d pick, I know players are coming back from injury, and Andrew Webster will likely be tempted to bring them straight back in. But if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it. We’ve already seen that approach cause issues earlier this season, so I’d be keeping the same side that took the field in this match.

The Titans have been an interesting watch this season. Outside of a 50–10 loss to the Sharks in Round 1, they’ve stayed competitive in all their defeats. On their day, they’re one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition, but their defence remains their main issue. While it has improved this year, there are still clear weaknesses to target. On top of that, they’ve had a knack for troubling the Warriors regardless of ladder position, so this is never a match you can go into too confidently.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to bring the same defensive intensity we saw against the Storm and wrap up ball carriers to stop the likes of Keano Kini, Jayden Campbell and Phillip Sami from getting into open space against a scrambling defensive line. With the ball in hand, they just need to stick with what has been working this year, roll up the middle, build pressure and target the Titans' edges. I think the Warriors will come into this match with the right mindset and will walk away with a 16-point victory.

So, that was a fantastic Round 6, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes to the lineup?

What did you think of Alofiana Khan-Pereira's Warriors debut?

What would you do with Metcalf?

What is your score prediction against the Titans?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 5 Review: Warriors Left Sinking by Sharks

After their first defeat of the season in Round 4 against the West Tigers, the Warriors returned and made the journey back over to Australia to face the Sharks, who defeated the Raiders 34-22 in Round 4.

The Warriors scored first but failed to convert opportunities, making too many errors and allowing the Sharks to control the tempo and ultimately cruise to a 36-22 victory, handing the Warriors their second straight loss.

What Went Down

The Warriors struck first in the 5th minute, spreading the ball quickly to the right edge where Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished nicely in the corner to give the visitors the early lead. Just three minutes later, the Warriors added more points when Jackson Ford was taken out off the ball during an attacking raid. Tanah Boyd stepped up in the 8th minute and calmly slotted the penalty goal to push the score out to 6–0.

Cronulla hit back soon after. In the 13th minute, William Kennedy showed his pace and footwork, slicing through the Warriors’ defensive line to score and bring the Sharks right back into the contest. The momentum continued to swing their way just four minutes later. Off a scrum in the 17th minute, Kennedy again proved too quick for the defence, racing through to grab his second try and hand the Sharks the lead. The Sharks kept building pressure, and in the 24th minute, they struck again. KL Iro helped spark the movement before linking with Sam Stonestreet, who returned the ball for Iro to finish the play and extend Cronulla’s advantage.

Needing a response, the Warriors found one just a few minutes later. In the 27th minute, Watene-Zelezniak read the play perfectly, plucking an intercept and racing away untouched to score his second try of the afternoon. However, the Sharks had the final say before halftime. In the 33rd minute, Nicho Hynes produced a clever short ball that sent Billy Burns crashing over, giving Cronulla a 24–10 lead heading into the break.

The Warriors came out with intent in the second half, and once again it was Watene-Zelezniak making an impact. In the 42nd minute, after a penalty, the visitors marched downfield, and the winger finished off another slick attacking shift in the corner to complete his hat-trick and keep the Warriors within striking distance. Cronulla responded again to maintain control. In the 50th minute, Blayke Brailey put a grubber through on the last tackle, and Teig Wilton was there to dive on the ball and extend the Sharks’ lead. The hosts pushed further ahead in the 63rd minute. With Jesse Ramien off the field injured, Siosifa Talakai shifted into the centres and finished off a smooth backline movement to add another try for the Sharks. The Warriors did manage a late consolation in the 76th minute. Interchange hooker Sam Healy grubbered into the in-goal for Erin Clark, who was unable to ground the ball. However, the bunker ruled that KL Iro had illegally pushed Clark in the contest, awarding the Warriors a penalty try to round out the scoring.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a tough watch. I came into the match confident the Warriors would bounce back after the slip-up against the Tigers, and for the first 10 minutes, things looked promising. They were playing with intent and seemed to have the upper hand. But after opting for a penalty goal rather than pushing for another try, the Warriors' momentum stalled, and once the Sharks hit their stride, the Warriors struggled to keep up.

What frustrated me most was that the game felt like it was theirs to control early on. When the Warriors needed to fight back, as we’ve seen at Shark Park many times before, instead of another fairytale comeback, errors started creeping in, the defensive line broke down, and the team looked a step slow and out of sync. Against a team like the Sharks, giving away extra sets and field position will always hurt.

Rather than slowing things down, resetting, and sticking to the game plan, the Warriors tried to force plays and do too much too quickly, which only increased the errors. A strong side knows how to manage those moments, complete sets, and make the opposition earn every point, but the Warriors just dug themselves a deeper hole.

I thought last week’s loss would serve as a wake-up call, but it clearly didn’t sink in. The players need to check their egos at the door, and the coaching staff need to rethink their lineup, because some of the gambles they’ve tried clearly aren’t working. It’s still early in the season, and the first three wins have given the Warriors a bit of a buffer; however, if they don’t start finding ways to win again soon, those early victories will feel like a distant memory.

There wasn't much to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors once again made a strong start, showing good energy and taking early control of the game. However, after about 10 minutes, they allowed the Sharks to work their way back into the contest, perhaps electing to go for the penalty goal in the 8th minute rather than pushing for another try, gave the Sharks the mental boost they needed to take control. It’s becoming a worrying trend: the Warriors show they can compete early but fail to sustain it for the full 80 minutes. Fitness shouldn’t be the issue, which raises questions about whether attitude or concentration is playing a role once momentum starts to shift. Turning these promising starts into complete performances will be key if they want to start winning games.

The Forward pack is not yet returned to the level they showed in the first three rounds, but there were still some strong individual efforts in the middle. Four forwards managed to hit my triple-digit target in running metres. Led by Jackson Ford and Tanner Stowers-Smith, who both got 143 metres, followed by Erin Clark (121m) and James Fisher-Harris (119m). Now, while it wasn’t quite the dominant platform we saw earlier in the season, those efforts still show the pack was willing to roll up their sleeves and take the tough carries. That said, the Warriors would benefit from a few more of their forwards getting more involved and sharing the workload to build stronger momentum through the middle. If they don't get the job done upfront, the halves will struggle, as we saw in this match.

Despite a rough performance, the New Zealand Warriors still managed to score 22 points, showing they can be dangerous even when things aren’t clicking. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak led the way with multiple tries, proving the Warriors have the firepower to score even on an off day. It wasn’t enough to win, but it’s a small positive to build on as they work to improve defence and consistency.

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

Match Negatives

Errors were a massive concern for the Warriors, ending this match with 12, admittedly the same amount that the Sharks made; however, the issue the Warriors had was that as the game went on, it looked like panic started to set in. Instead of sticking to their structures, they tried to force something from every play, which only made things worse. Those mistakes gave the Sharks extra opportunities and momentum, and the Warriors ended up digging themselves a deeper hole they couldn’t climb out of. Sticking to the game plan worked well in the first three weeks, and they just need to get back to that mindset to reduce errors and stay in control of matches.

The Warriors had some serious defensive issues on their right edge, with the combination looking completely out of sync for much of the game. There were too many poor reads and gaps in the line, which the Sharks were able to exploit. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, in particular, looked out of position at times and was caught drifting, which unfortunately turned him into a bit of a liability in defence. That becomes an even bigger concern when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is the winger outside him, given the question marks already surrounding his defensive decision-making. At this stage, the Nicoll-Klokstad centre experiment probably needs to come to an end. I was one of the people pushing for that move in the preseason, but it’s clear I was off the mark with that call, and coach Andrew Webster may need to rethink his lineup to fix that edge.

The halves combination of Tanah Boyd and Luke Metcalf still doesn’t appear to be clicking. At times, they appear to be playing as individuals rather than as a true partnership, which makes the attack feel disjointed. Part of the issue may be that both players look like they need to be “the guy” in the halves, the one leading the team around the field, and playing second fiddle doesn’t seem to suit either of them. Because of that, the direction and control you expect from a halves pairing haven’t really been there, especially when the Warriors needed someone to steady things. Right now, the combination just isn’t bringing the best out of the team, and Webster has a big decision to make, although a hamstring injury for Metcalf gives him some time before that call needs to be made.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

In a complete turnaround from last week, my Warrior to improve really stepped up when many others didn’t. DWZ led the Warriors in both running metres (188m) and linebreaks (2), scoring the fourth hat-trick of his career and his second at Shark Park. The highlight was a clutch long-range intercept try that breathed some life into the team, and every carry showed real intent. He was one of only a handful of Warriors who looked genuinely threatening, and while the right-edge defence was a mess all night, most of the problems came from the men inside him. It also looks like he’s working hard on his defensive issues and upping his game, especially with AKP breathing down his neck in NSW Cup.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve was Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. 

Also, another complete turnaround from last week, with Round four's Warrior of the match falling to my Warrior to improve. Unfortunately, my optimism about CNK becoming a full-time centre for the Warriors seemed like a pipe dream, as he looked way out of his depth defensively, being made to look like a rookie multiple times while the Sharks targeted him and made try-scoring look easy. He did have some nice touches with the ball in hand, playing a part in two of DWZ's tries and tried to stay involved with his running game. It's another tough decision for Webster, as I think if CNK is to be in this side, it needs to be at Fullback with Tuaupiki having to bide his time either on the bench or in reserve grade.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 6 sees the Warriors remain in Australia to face the Storm, who were soundly defeated 50-10 against the Panthers in Round 5.

Regarding the team I would pick, Luke Metcalf is out, so I would bring Chanel Harris-Tavita back in his place. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad may also be out, but even if he is fit, I'm still bringing Ali Leiataua back into the centres. Kurt Capewell is also expected to return this round, so if he is ready, I would bring him in for Leka Halasima, who I assume will go to centre, as it also looks like Adam Pompey will miss the match due to suspension

The Storm come into this match off the back of three straight losses, despite that, they are still a dangerous side with strike weapons all over the park. Another edge they have here is the 17 straight matches they have won over the Warriors, so even if they are in bad form, this gives them a mental edge. They have a solid pack, which will prove a challenge for the Warriors, and Jahrome Hughes loves to find another level in these clashes, so you can expect him to target the Warriors' problematic right edge.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to get back to the game plan that was working, target the young players in the pack, build that pressure, and, most importantly, hold on to the ball and not panic. Defensively, they just need to keep the talk up and stay on their man. If they tick all those boxes, then they give themselves a good shot at getting back in the winner's circle. Unfortuantely I just don't see a situation where the Storm lose four in a row so I am going with a Storm win by 20.

So, that was an embarrassing Round 5, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Where do you think the Warriors have gone wrong?

Should Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad move back to fullback?

What changes would you make to the lineup?

What is your score prediction against the Storm?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 4 Review: Tigers Hand Warriors Reality Check

After another strong display in Round 3 against the Knights, the Warriors returned home to host the Wests Tigers, who went down 20-16 to the Rabbitohs in an exciting contest in Round 3.

The Warriors started strong, with everyone excited to see Luke Metcalf return for the first time in 2026, however a lack of cohesion and a dip in overall team performance saw the Warriors suffer their first defeat of 2026, going down 32-14.

What Went Down

The Warriors capitalised on some early ill-discipline from the visitors to open the scoring in the 9th minute. The switch of Taine Tuaupiki to fullback immediately paid dividends, with his speed causing confusion in the Tigers’ defensive line. Taking advantage of his move to right centre, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad backed up the play and crossed for the first try of the contest.

The hosts struck again just six minutes later. In the 15th minute, a clever short pass from Tanah Boyd sent Jacob Laban crashing through Jock Madden and Heamasi Makasini to give the Warriors their second try and early control of the match.

The Tigers struggled to capitalise while Adam Pompey was in the sin bin for a professional foul, but they eventually found success down the right edge after the Warriors were back to 13 men. In the 32nd minute, Adam Doueihi sliced through some shaky defence from Pompey, fended away from Luke Metcalf and found debutant Faaletino Tavana, who crossed for a try in his maiden NRL appearance.

Momentum continued to swing the Tigers’ way soon after. After a terrific scramble to regain possession following a Warriors break, Kai Pearce-Paul looked to have levelled the scores in the 35th minute. A towering Jock Madden bomb was contested well by Tavana, who appeared to bat the ball back before quick hands sent the English international over. Following a lengthy bunker review, referee Chris Butler eventually awarded the try.

With the Warriors beginning to make errors, the Tigers finally made their field position count just before the break. In the 39th minute, Royce Hunt powered over beside the posts to give the visitors the lead, their first half-time advantage in New Zealand since 2005.

The second half began tightly, with both sides guilty of squandering attacking opportunities. Eventually, Doueihi again troubled the Warriors’ right edge defence with a sharp show-and-go. Breaking clear in the 59th minute, he linked up with Jahream Bula in support, who crossed next to the posts to extend the Tigers’ lead.

The Warriors were then held scoreless for nearly 50 minutes, a stark contrast to their strong start to the season. However, after spending long periods camped inside the Tigers’ 20-metre zone, they finally broke through. In the 68th minute, Nicoll-Klokstad powered across for his second try of the night, setting up a tense final ten minutes.

The Tigers responded quickly to shut the door on any comeback hopes. In the 73rd minute, Doueihi again sparked the play, sending Luke Laulilii racing down the sideline before the ball was worked inside for Jock Madden to score the decisive try.

There was still time for one more blow, with Sunia Turuva crossing in the 79th minute to add the finishing touch to an emphatic 32-14 Tigers victory.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a humbling thump back to Earth. I came into the match brimming with confidence, believing that while the Wests Tigers had shown improvement this season, the absence of Jarome Luai would make it difficult for them to create enough attacking opportunities to stay in the contest. Unfortunately, it's possible the Warriors arrived with the same mindset. After racing out to a 10-0 lead in the first 15 minutes, they appeared to ease off the gas pedal. After three weeks of comfortably playing from in front, they didn't look ready to chase the game once momentum swung the other way. 

For me, what made the Warriors' performance frustrating was that the game felt like it was there to be controlled early. The Warriors started well, looked sharp with the ball, and built good pressure. Once the Tigers found their rhythm, the momentum shifted quickly. Errors crept in, the defensive line lost its shape, and suddenly the Warriors looked a step slow. Against a team that loves to attack, giving them that confidence and field position was always going to hurt them.

As the Tigers built pressure, the Warriors struggled to wrestle back control. Instead of steadying the ship, the game seemed to speed up around them. Good sides recognise those moments, slowing things down, completing their sets and forcing the opposition to earn their way back into the contest.

That said, putting my positivity hat on, this loss might not be the worst thing this early in the season. After three strong wins to start the year, expectations were beginning to rise quickly. Sometimes a defeat like this is the reminder a side needs that the competition is too tough to take any opponent lightly. If the Warriors learn the right lessons, it could be a valuable wake-up call rather than a defining setback.

There wasn't much to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors made their best start to a match this season and looked sharp with the ball in the early stages. They took advantage of a few Tigers errors and quickly turned that pressure into points, with tries from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jacob Laban giving them an early lead. It showed how dangerous their attack can be when they build pressure and finish their chances. While the Warriors have often produced their best football after slow starts this year, this game proved they can begin strongly as well. The key now is to ensure they maintain the same intensity and execution throughout the full 80 minutes.

I had been keen to see Tuaupiki at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moving to centre, and I thought this ploy largely worked. Tuaupiki added speed and unpredictability to the Warriors’ attack early in the match, helping create the opening try and showing he can inject himself effectively into attacking plays. While he did have a few shaky moments defensively, it’s clear he still has some work to do to round out his game if he wants to hold the fullback role long-term.

Even after being held scoreless for a long period, the Warriors didn’t completely drop their heads. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s second try gave them a brief lifeline and showed there was still some fight in the side. They just need to keep that resilience and make sure they capitalise on any opportunities they create in the future. The Warriors showed last year that they can pull off fightbacks, and they need to bring that back whenever the situation calls for it.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors’ pack didn’t control the middle of the field as they had in previous rounds, limiting their attacking opportunities. Four forwards still reached my triple-digit metre target: James Fisher-Harris (139m), Jacob Laban (112m), Jackson Ford (110m), and Tanner Stowers-Smith (101m),  but these totals were at the lower end compared to earlier weeks. They weren’t overpowered, but in the middle, they struggled all night to gain the upper hand. If the Warriors want to be consistently successful, their forwards need to become bullies in the middle again, and sooner rather than later, because so much of the team’s success depends on their go-forward.

The Warriors struggled at times to find cohesion with the changes made to the gameday squad, especially with the first-time halves pairing of Luke Metcalf and Tanah Boyd. Their combinations didn’t always click, and some attacking plays looked disjointed as they adjusted to each other’s timing. All the changes were the ones I suggested last week, and in the long run, I think they will make this team successful. A few teething problems are to be expected, but with time to gel, this squad has the potential to click and reach its best form.

Several of the Tigers’ tries came from defensive misreads, especially on the edges. Players often seemed unsure whether to jam in or slide across, leaving gaps that the Tigers’ playmakers could exploit. One moment stood out when Leka Halasima and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were completely out of position and were made to look foolish by Adam Doueihi. I know there are new combinations in the side, but the players need to trust the man on either side to do their job. With time and experience together, the defensive line will improve, and these kinds of lapses should become less frequent.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

CNK stepped up in a nig way after a late switch to the centres and delivered a strong performance. Despite playing out of his usual position, he was one of the Warriors' most dangerous attacking threats, scoring two tries and leading the side with two linebreaks and four tackle breaks. His ability to find space and inject himself into the attack gave the Warriors some much-needed spark. The move to centre limited some of the high-effort areas he usually excels in at fullback, and his defensive reads were a bit patchy, but he still did a very serviceable job in the centres when the team needed him. Performances like this show just how valuable CNK is to the side and his willingness to step up wherever he's required. I still like the idea of keeping both him and Tuaupiki on the field at the same time, but I have a feeling Andrew Webster will change back to the status quo after this defeat and move CNK back to fullback.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve was Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

DWZ worked hard coming out of yardage, finishing with 114 running metres, but his night was hurt by a team-high three errors. Those mistakes halted momentum at key moments and put extra pressure back on the Warriors. There were also a few shaky defensive reads on his edge. While some of that came from poor efforts and communication from the players inside him, he still needs to make better decisions in those situations. Watene-Zelzniak has been solid through the first three weeks of the season, but if he can't get those handling errors under control, he risks becoming more of a liability than the attacking weapon we know he can be. I have been on team Alofiana Khan-Pereira since preseason, but I think DWZ deserves the right to a redemption match in Round 5.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 5 sees the Warriors head back across the ditch for an Easter Sunday clash vs the Sharks, who defeated the Raiders 34-22 in Round 4.

Regarding the team I would pick, I would stick with the same side. While the loss was disappointing, I don’t think wholesale changes are the answer. The best way for this group to build cohesion and improve their combinations is to continue getting reps together, especially with some new partnerships in the backline. Some areas need tightening up, particularly defensive communication and handling errors, but those can be addressed without changing the lineup. Giving this group another week together should help them respond after a tough performance.

The Sharks have been a difficult team to predict this season. They’ve produced impressive wins over the Titans and Raiders, but also turned in disappointing performances against the Panthers and Dolphins. On their day, they’re a dangerous side to face. If Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall are clicking in the halves, they can cause plenty of headaches for the opposition by unleashing their dangerous backline. Up front, Addin Fonua-Blake will no doubt be highly motivated and eager to get one over his former club.

For the Warriors to get the win here, the formula is simple: stick with what has worked over the opening rounds. Control the middle, build pressure, and take their chances when the opportunities come. The Sharks have plenty of attacking weapons, so the Warriors must stay disciplined, communicate well in defence, and limit offloads to stop second-phase play from building momentum. If they can win the ruck, complete their sets, and maintain their defensive structure, they’ll give themselves every chance of securing the two points. I’m backing them to bounce back from this week’s effort, so I’m tipping the Warriors to win by 8.

So, that was a disappointing Round 4, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes to the lineup?

What were your thoughts on Metcalf's return?

Who was your player of the match?

What is your score prediction against the Sharks?