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?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 3 Review: Warriors Power Past Knights in Newcastle

After a dominant display in Round 2 against the Raiders, the Warriors made their first trip across the ditch to face the Knights, who also looked impressive with a 36-16 victory over the Sea Eagles in Round 2, but lost Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown in the process.

The Knights started strong, but the Warriors took control around the 10th minute and never looked back, outscoring the Knights six tries to two and extending their record to 3-0, moving to the top of the ladder with a 38-12 victory.

What Went Down

Despite missing Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown, the Knights started strongly and struck first in the 3rd minute. Tyson Gamble launched a bomb near the try line that allowed Fletcher Hunt to leap above the defence and score.

The Warriors responded well after the early setback, even after losing debutant Morgan Gannon due to a concussion. In the 12th minute, Erin Clark charged through a gap to score his first try for the club.

As the Knights’ discipline began to unravel, the Warriors took control. Tanah Boyd added a penalty goal in the 25th minute, before Jackson Ford celebrated his 100th NRL appearance by scoring in the 29th minute, after receiving a nice short ball from the returning Mitchell Barnett.

Newcastle’s problems worsened in the 32nd minute when Hunt was sent to the sin bin. The Warriors made the most of the extra man just before halftime when debutant Luke Hanson produced a sharp pass for Leka Halasima to crash over in the 38th minute, giving the visitors an 18–6 lead at the break.

The Warriors continued their attacking momentum in the second half. Boyd sparked the next try in the 51st minute, breaking the defensive line before putting James Fisher-Harris over near the posts. Boyd then backed it up himself just three minutes later, slicing through the defence to score in the 54th minute.

The Knights briefly threatened a comeback when Greg Marzhew crossed in the 65th minute, but their discipline again cost them dearly. Trey Mooney was sent to the sin bin in the 75th minute for contact with Boyd’s kicking leg, allowing the Warriors to extend their lead through a 76th-minute penalty goal from Taine Tuaupiki.

The final play summed up Newcastle’s frustrating afternoon. Tyson Frizell attempted a chip kick on the last play, only for Tuaupiki to gather it and unselfishly set up Hanson for a try in the 80th minute, which was converted by Ford to extend his 100th match celebration, sealing a comprehensive 38–12 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, another week, another win for the Warriors. After last year, when it felt like every match ended with edge-of-your-seat moments that either brought joy or heartbreak, I can admit it feels weird to enter the 70th minute of a match and feel comfortable. I came into this match confident with the massive outs the Knights had; however, in the back of my mind, I was worried, as in the past, these kinds of matches were banana-skin games, and the Knights showed early on that they were not going to make it easy.

The opening stages were a bit concerning, for the second week in a row, the Warriors conceded points within the first few minutes and lost a player for the match when Morgan Gannon went off for a head-knock, which was a big shame as I was looking forward to seeing him strut his stuff in the NRL. The first half felt like a fairly even contest, but as the game progressed, the Warriors took control and never looked back. Once again, the forward pack laid the foundation. Time and time again, they rolled down the field, generating momentum and giving the halves the space they needed to operate, and when the pack keeps things rolling, it makes life much easier for the rest of the team. The team's fitness shone through, with them looking just as fresh in the final quarter as in the first, allowing them to maintain pressure and capitalise on scoring opportunities late in the match.

It wasn't a perfect performance, with the slow starts still something to address, but overall, there was a lot to like. The Warriors are continuing to build nicely, and with some player returns just around the corner, there is every reason to believe this team still has higher levels to reach; they just need to keep their heads in check and not buy into thier own hype, which is an issue we have seen derail several NRL clubs in the past.

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

Match Positives

In what has seemingly become part of the 2026 Warriors' DNA, the forwards impressed again. Laying the foundations for the halves to exploit the Knights' defence. Four players hit my target of over 100 metres, with Jackson Ford leading the way with a massive 236 metres, followed by James Fisher-Harris (162m), Erin Clark (138m) and Mitch Barnett (121). Marata Niukore (94m) and Jacob Laban (93m) were not far off either. It's been awesome to watch this pack get to work and refuse to take a back step. If they can keep this level up, then the Warriors could find themselves a genuine title contender.

It was another strong second half. After building a solid 12-point lead in the first 40, the Warriors came out strong in the 2nd outscoring the Knights 20-6. their ability to keep up pressure, support each other in attack and defence while their opposition tires highlights not only their physical preparation but also their mental focus. These second-half performances have become a hallmark of the Warriors in 2026, and the days of old, where teams knew they only had to worry about the Warriors for 60 minutes before outrunning them in the final 20, appear to be a thing of the past. 

Lastly, man, how great was it to see Mitch Barnett back. He brought energy, aggression and experience to the forward pack. His carries were strong, as mentioned above, running for 121 metres and also showing some nice touches, including putting Ford over for his try. Defensively, he was just as impressive, making crucial tackles. While he will be leaving the club at the end of this season, he clearly has not put his cue in the rack and intends to leave on a high note. His presence adds stability and leadership, and the Warriors should build to the next level with him back on the pitch.

However, I did have a concern, which brings me to my negative from the game.

Match Negatives

The only real concern I had was the Warriors' start to the match. For the second game in a row, they conceded points within the first five minutes. While the team quickly settles into the game and dominates for the next 75 minutes, as they did against the Raiders, giving up early points puts unnecessary pressure on the side and could prove costly against stronger opponents. Tightening up those opening sets and showing sharper focus from the first whistle will be key if the Warriors want to keep adding to thier winning streak.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Tanah Boyd.

Boyd continues to impress me week after week and once again played a key role in controlling the game from start to finish. He constantly challenged the defensive line, running 13 times for 125 metres, scoring a try, and breaking the line twice. His playmaking was just as impressive, finishing with a line-break assist and two try assists, as his running game created opportunities and opened space for his teammates. Boyd’s kicking game was also a major weapon, racking up 653 kicking metres to keep the Knights pinned in their own half, and he managed all of this while making just one error. Performances like this highlight just how confident and composed he is becoming in the halves. If he continues playing at this level, it will give Andrew Webster a real selection headache when Luke Metcalf returns from injury.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out for the second week in a row 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, but every player gave it their all, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 4 sees the Warriors return home to host the Wests Tigers, who went down 20-16 to the Rabbitohs this Round, and also could make the trip to Auckland without Adam Doueihi and Jarome Luai after both picked up injuries in the defeat.

Regarding the team I would pick, I would bring Chanel Harris-Tavita back in for Luke Hanson. I am not sure what you do with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, as I think Taine Tuaupiki has been playing too well to lose the fullback spot, so perhaps I would go with CNK coming in at centre for Leiataua (although I think Ali has picked his game up since that Round 1 effort, so it would be a tough call). The pack stays the same, Gannon will be out, but Halasima will move back into that spot.

The Tigers have come into 2026 with a new mindset and seem to have embraced playing "Benji Ball", which makes for an entertaining matchup as they are willing to move the ball and take risks in attack. However, consistency remains a key challenge, and the absence of Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi raises questions about how effectively they can execute that style.

For the Warriors to get the win here, it's a rinse-and-repeat of what has been working for them in the first three weeks: control the middle, apply pressure, and execute their opportunities when they come.  Wrap the Tigers up to stop their second-phase footy, which can rip teams' defensive lines to shreds. If the Warriors stay disciplined defensively and take their opportunities when they arise, the Warriors should put themselves in the driver's seat for a 4-0 start to their campaign, which is what I am backing, so the Warriors to win by 20.

So, that was a satisfying Round 3, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

What would you do with Tuaupiki and CNK?

Which area of the Warriors game do you think needs the most improvement?

Who was your player of the match? 

What is your score prediction against the Tigers?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 2 Review: Warriors’ Second-Half Surge Sinks Raiders

After their strong Round 1 victory over the Roosters, the Warriors stayed at home to host the Raiders, who were coming off a Golden Point win against the Sea Eagles in Round 1.

Played in wet conditions, the Warriors proved far too strong. They ran in 40 unanswered points, including 34 in the second half, to cruise to a 40–6 victory and improve their record to 2–0.

What Went Down

The Raiders struck first in the 4th minute after an early penalty against Jacob Laban handed them excellent field position. Crisp ball-playing from Joe Tapine and Ethan Sanders opened up the defensive line, sending Kaeo Weekes through a yawning gap to score the opening try of the contest.

Despite losing Kurt Capewell in the warm-up and later Chanel Harris-Tavita to a Category 1 HIA after connecting with the hip of Noah Martin, the hosts managed to respond. The Raiders’ discipline began to slip, and the Warriors capitalised in the 13th minute. A smooth shift to the right edge created space for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who slid underneath the scrambling defence to score in the corner.

Points remained hard to come by in a grinding first half, but the Warriors managed to draw level in the 33rd minute when Tanah Boyd slotted a penalty goal after a late tackle from Hudson Young on replacement Taine Tuaupiki. The kick brought the scores even and ensured the sides went into the break locked together.

The second half began perfectly for the home side. Just after the restart, in the 41st minute, an ill-timed Raiders pass was picked off by Ali Leiataua, who intercepted the ball and raced away to score, handing the Warriors a lead they would never relinquish.

Momentum continued to build when Boyd produced a clever grubber in the 48th minute. The kick sat up perfectly for the chasing Leka Halasima, who won the race to the ball and grounded it in the in-goal to extend the advantage.

From there, the final twenty minutes belonged entirely to the Warriors. Their defensive pressure paid off just after the hour mark, forcing another Raiders error deep in their own end. In the 62nd minute, some terrific ball-playing from Erin Clark drew in the defence and created space for Jackson Ford, who powered over the line.

The match was effectively sealed in the 67th minute when Halasima grabbed his second. Receiving early ball on the edge, the young back-rower fended away from multiple defenders and stormed his way to the try line.

Boyd capped off an excellent individual performance in the 74th minute with a memorable solo effort. After a 40/20 turned the pressure back onto the Raiders, Boyd put a grubber through, which ricocheted off several legs before Clark kicked the ball back, straight into Boyd’s path for the halfback to slam down. The finishing touch came in the 77th minute. Boyd again targeted the edge with a well-placed cross-field kick toward Savelio Tamale. Watene-Zelezniak timed his leap perfectly, soaring above the contest to grab his second try of the night and cap off a dominant performance from the Warriors.

My Thoughts

Well, that was another unexpected surprise. I had predicted a Warriors victory; however, I was expecting a tight tussle. I came into this match nervous, as it was on my birthday, the Warriors had never won a match on the 13th of March before, and I could not be happier that they broke that hoodoo in such a big way.

For much of the first half, the contest was fairly even; both sides were battling the elements and struggling to build momentum. However, the second half is where the game truly opened up. The Warriors piled on 34 points after the break, turning this into a very one-sided match. The conditions were horrible, but the Warriors handled them better than the Raiders. Thier patience stood out as the match progressed; they resisted the urge to force plays and instead built pressure through solid sets and field position. Once that pressure became too much, the Raiders simply struggled to keep up.

Just like last week, the Warriors pack laid the platform, winning the middle consistently, all the more impressive given that James Fisher-Harris had to leave the field for an HIA test. This saw the spine take control of the match, with Taine Tuaupiki making the most of his opportunity after the early exit of Chanel Harris-Tavita. With Tanah Boyd stepping up once again, the points started to flow.

Defensively, there was also plenty to like. The Raiders are a hard team to keep to a low score. Besides a soft try in the early stages and some issues restricting thier offload game, the Warriors did a great job limiting thier opportunites and driving the Raiders' players back to keep them on the back foot.

It wasn't a flawless performance by any means, with plenty of areas for improvement, and with a few stars nearing a return soon, we should see the Warriors take another level, which is an exciting prospect for what 2026 could deliver.

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

Match Positives

The most impressive aspect of the performance was the Warriors’ second-half dominance. After heading into the break locked at 6–6, they returned with greater control and intent, eventually piling on 34 unanswered points. Their fitness and composure stood out as the game wore on, as they continued to build pressure before striking repeatedly once the momentum shifted in their favour.

Another encouraging aspect of the performance was the Warriors’ resilience in the face of early disruption. With late injury concerns heading into the match and an early concussion forcing a reshuffle during the game, the side could easily have lost its structure. Instead, the Warriors adapted well, maintaining their composure and continuing to control the contest. The way they reorganised and stayed disciplined highlighted the group's leadership, belief in each other, and ability to manage the game despite setbacks.

Defensively, the Warriors grew into the match and became increasingly physical as it progressed. Their line speed and contact through the middle made it difficult for the Raiders to build any rhythm in attack. By consistently winning the collision and driving Canberra backwards, the Warriors were able to shut down their momentum and create the platform for their dominant second-half surge.

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

Match Negatives

Despite the convincing result, the Warriors’ edge defence still had a few shaky moments. The Raiders were able to create space out wide on several occasions and looked dangerous when shifting the ball. The wet conditions prevented some of those opportunities from turning into clean breaks or tries, but against stronger attacking teams in better conditions, those defensive gaps could be punished more consistently.

Another area the Warriors will want to tighten up is limiting second-phase play through the middle. At times, the Raiders kept the ball alive with offloads, allowing them to maintain momentum during certain sets. While it didn’t translate into many points, Canberra finished the match with 13 offloads to the Warriors’ 2, highlighting how often they extended their plays. Against stronger attacking teams, allowing that much second-phase football could put far more pressure on the defensive line.

Lastly, the Warriors have a growing injury toll. With Kurt Capewell and Chanel Harris-Tavita both ruled out and added to the casualty ward, the side is starting to feel the strain. The new extended bench has helped, allowing talents like Taine Tuaupiki to step into the contest and make an impact, but the Warriors will need a bit of luck in the injury department if they hope to remain genuine contenders later in the season. Managing the workload and keeping key players available will be crucial as the campaign progresses.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jackson Ford.

Ford could have easily been our selection last week, but I went with Tanah Boyd, and this week it was a toss-up between the two again. In the end, Ford’s performance was impossible to ignore. He played 76 minutes, leading the forwards with 154 metres from 16 carries, including six powerful tackle-breaks. He also topped the tackle count with 37 and scored a crucial try that helped swing momentum firmly in the Warriors’ favour. Ford has always been reliable to put in the hard yards, but in the past, silly errors and occasional lapses in discipline have held him back a little. It’s clear he has worked hard on eliminating those mistakes from his game, and the Warriors are reaping the rewards. His outstanding output has also helped reduce the hole left by Mitch Barnett’s current injury, giving the side greater stability through the middle.

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, but every player gave it their all, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

Round 3 sees the Warriors head across the ditch for the first time in 2026 to face the Knights, who defeated the Sea Eagles 36-16, but it was at a cost, with both Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown suffering injuries, which should see them miss this clash against the Warriors.

Regarding the team I would pick, both Kurt Capewell and Chanel Harris-Tavita will miss this match. Halasima keeps that starting second-row spot, and I would move Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad into five-eighth, as I prefer his experience to Luke Hanson's, plus it allows Taine Tuaupiki to play at fullback. The only other change depends on whether Mitch Barnett is available for selection. If he is ready to go, then Tanner Stowers-Smith gets dropped, despite his strong showing.

The Knights have looked good in thier back-to-back wins in the first two rounds, but the losses of Ponga and Brown take a lot of wind out of their sails. That does not make them easy beats, though, with strike weapons like Bradman Best, Dominic Young and Greg Marzhew all ready to break a game apart at will. 

For the Warriors to get the win here, it's not a surprise, it's the same plan we saw against the Raiders, they need their pack to control the middle of the field again, get those quick play the balls, and give thier halves as much time as possible to play thier pressure-based game. On the other side of the ball, they need to have a quick kick chase, communicate when the Knights shift the ball and wrap up the ball carrier to eliminate the offloads. If they can tick all those boxes, they should move to 3-0, which is what I am predicting, with the Warriors winning by 18.

So, that was a dominant Round 2, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Which Warriors player stood out to you the most?

With CHT missing this week, who would be your 6?

How confident are you that this is the Warriors' standard now?

What is your score prediction against the Knights?