NZ Warriors 2026 Round 20 Review: Warriors Stay on Track Despite Scrappy Showing

Fresh off their 32-6 win over the Wests Tigers, the Warriors returned to Auckland for the first time in five weeks to host a Dragons side coming off a bye.

The Warriors weren't at their best, but they found a way to grind out a hard-fought 20-12 victory over the Dragons. It was far from a perfect performance, but another two competition points keeps their momentum rolling.

What Went Down

The Warriors made the perfect start, opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute when Adam Pompey crossed in the corner. Initially ruled no try on the field, the Bunker overturned the decision after determining Pompey had grounded the ball.

The Dragons responded in the 13th minute, producing some slick second-phase play before Clint Gutherson crossed for their opening try. Valentine Holmes converted to give the visitors a 6-4 lead.

The Warriors levelled the scores in the 20th minute when Chanel Harris-Tavita slotted a penalty goal before regaining the lead in the 32nd minute. After building sustained pressure and forcing the Dragons to defend repeat sets, Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed to put the home side back in front on a nice solo effort after a Dragons goal-line drop-out.

The Dragons had the final say before the break, however. Just three minutes later, in the 35th minute, Hamish Stewart sold a superb dummy close to the line to slice through the Warriors' defence. Holmes converted to hand the visitors a narrow 12-10 lead heading into half-time.

The Warriors wasted little time responding after the interval, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finishing in the corner in the 44th minute to reclaim the lead from what appeared to be a forward pass. From there, the Warriors controlled much of the territory and possession, repeatedly forcing the Dragons to work their way out of their own end.

A key moment came in the 60th minute when Dragons winger Setu Tu appeared to break free down the sideline after referee Jarrod Cole called play on. However, the Bunker intervened and ruled Tu had been held, with replays showing his arm had contacted the ground while still in the tackle. The decision halted a promising attacking opportunity for the visitors, who had looked set to build momentum.

Chanel Harris-Tavita extended the Warriors' lead with a penalty goal in the 69th minute before adding another in the 78th minute to seal a hard-fought 20-12 victory. It wasn't the Warriors' most polished performance, but they did enough to secure the two competition points and continue their strong season.

My Thoughts

Well, this wasn't exactly the performance that had me jumping out of my seat, but it was another important two points banked, very vital with the Roosters breathing down the Warriors' necks on the ladder. After some of the more convincing performances we've seen this season, this was a reminder that not every game will be played at the same level. The Dragons, to their credit, made life difficult, and the Warriors had to find a way through a contest that was much tighter than many, including myself, expected. While it wasn't pretty, there is something to be said for a team that can still come away with the win when things aren't clicking.

One thing that continues to stand out to me about this Warriors side is their ability to find different ways to win. Earlier in the season, we saw them dominate teams with their power game and attacking confidence, but this was a different type of victory. They had to grind, stay patient and handle the pressure of a close contest right until the final stages. While they had some calls go their way and could be deemed very lucky, a match like this can be valuable, especially when the intensity rises during finals.

The challenge for the Warriors now is making sure performances like this don't become the standard. The Warriors have shown they are capable of playing some good footy this year, but the gap between a good team and a genuine premiership contender is being able to produce that level consistently. The next month will be important as they continue building towards finals, and with a run of very winnable games on the horizon, they need to find another gear and put in some complete 80-minute performances.

In the end, this was a win that the Warriors will take as a bit of a wake-up call. It wasn't their finest performance, but notching up those competition points is what matters most at this time of year; they just need to learn from this effort, continue to improve, and find that next level. 

If they sharpen up the small details while maintaining the belief they've built, they will give themselves every chance of making a serious impact when finals time arrives.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors were well below their best against the Dragons, but perhaps that's what made this win so important. Every team has games throughout the season where things just don't click, and this was one of those nights. The attack wasn't as sharp as we've become used to, and there were periods where they struggled to turn pressure into points. Despite that, they stayed patient, defended well when it mattered and found a way to get the job done. Premiership-winning teams don't just win when they're firing on all cylinders; they also find a way to win the ugly ones, and this felt like one of those performances.

After struggling with their ball control last week, it was encouraging to see the Warriors reduce their error count down to 10 against the Dragons. While that number is still higher than I would like, it was a step in the right direction after some costly mistakes in their previous match. The Warriors have built much of their success this season on their ability to complete sets and apply pressure, so improving their discipline with the ball will be important as they enter the back end of the season. There is still work to do, but seeing the number move in the right direction is a positive sign.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters on the ladder is getting the two competition points, and the Warriors did exactly that. While the performance wasn't as impressive as some of their efforts this season, they showed the maturity of a team with genuine finals ambitions by finding a way to win. Premiership contenders aren't judged only on their best performances; they are also judged on their ability to grind out victories when things don't go perfectly. This was one of those nights when the Warriors weren't at their best, but they still got the job done.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors got the result, but their attack never really reached the levels we saw earlier this season. Outside of a few individual moments, they struggled to build consistent pressure and looked a little clunky with the ball in hand. The timing and execution that has made them such a dangerous attacking side at times wasn't quite there, with too many opportunities going unfinished. Credit should go to the Dragons' defence, who made life difficult for them, but the Warriors will know they need to be sharper with the ball as they face tougher challenges later in the season.

Once again, the Warriors showed some vulnerability when defending against second-phase play. The Dragons' ability to generate offloads caused problems throughout the match, with Clint Gutherson's try coming after the Warriors struggled to deal with the extra attacking numbers created from broken play. Hamish Stewart's try was also a disappointing one from a defensive perspective, with the Warriors caught out by a simple dummy close to the line. This has become a recurring theme at times this season, and it is something they will need to improve before the finals. The better teams will punish those defensive lapses, and if the Warriors cannot clean up their defence against second-phase football, it could become a weakness opposing sides target.

The Warriors will be happy to come away with the two competition points, but they will know they made life harder for themselves than they needed to. The Dragons stayed in the contest for long periods and, despite the Warriors having opportunities to build pressure, they couldn't create the scoreboard separation that would have taken the game away from the visitors. Against a lower-ranked side at home, the Warriors would have liked to have been more clinical and put the result beyond doubt earlier. While they found a way to get the win, stronger opposition will make them pay if they allow games to remain this close.

Warrior of the Match

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

Fisher-Harris continued to show why he is such an important part of this Warriors side, producing another strong performance through the middle. The veteran forward was constantly involved, running for 189 metres, including 83 post-contact metres, as he repeatedly looked to bend the Dragons' defensive line and create momentum for his teammates. His effort was also evident in defence, making 24 tackles, although his five missed tackles is an area he will want to clean up. Despite that, his work rate and willingness to keep getting involved stood out, with JFH once again setting the standard through the middle.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve is Adam Pompey.

Despite scoring the opening try, it was another frustrating night for Pompey, who has become a regular feature in the Warriors' "Players to Improve" section. The centre led the team with three errors and struggled to have a consistent impact, with the Dragons' defensive pressure keeping him on the back foot for much of the contest. A few poorly timed passes also saw the Warriors miss opportunities in attack and nearly gifted the Dragons points at the other end. While his effort can never be questioned, the execution has become a concern, and the pressure will continue to build. If Andrew Webster decides to revisit the Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad experiment at centre, it would not be a surprise, and it is an option worth considering as the Warriors look to find their strongest combination heading into the finals.

Round 21 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 21, the Warriors are back across the ditch to face the Bulldogs, who defeated the Wests Tigers 32-0 in Round 20.

As for the team I’d pick, the only change I would make is to bring Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in for Adam Pompey in that centre spot. 

The Bulldogs have not quite reached the heights many expected after an impressive 2025 campaign, but they showed signs of building some confidence with a convincing win over the Wests Tigers. While their performances this season have been inconsistent, this is still a side with plenty of quality and one the Warriors cannot afford to underestimate. Their biggest strengths remain their physical defence and their ability to make life difficult through the middle, while players like Matt Burton and Jacob Preston can produce game-changing moments. The Warriors will need to be much sharper with the ball and avoid giving the Bulldogs easy opportunities, because if they allow them to build momentum, this is a team capable of making them pay.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to be sharper with the ball and more clinical when opportunities present themselves. Reducing their errors against the Dragons was a positive step, but they will need to complete their sets and build pressure against a Bulldogs side that can punish mistakes. The middle battle will be crucial, with the Warriors needing their forwards to win the ruck while improving their defence around second-phase play and broken-field situations. If they can control field position, maintain their discipline and execute better in attack, they should have enough quality to get the job done. I'm expecting the Warriors to deliver a more complete performance and secure a 12-point victory.

So, that was a too close for comfort Round 20, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Are you happy with the two points, or did the performance leave you concerned?

Would you make any changes to the lineup this week?

What concerned you most about this performance?

What is your score prediction against the Bulldogs?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 19 Review: Warriors Run Riot at Campbelltown

After enjoying their final bye of the season last week, the Warriors once again found themselves across the ditch, this time in Sydney to face the Wests Tigers, who were coming off a 24-10 defeat to the Dragons in Round 18.

After the heartbreak of a tight loss against the Dolphins, the Warriors responded in emphatic fashion. James Fisher-Harris’ second-minute try set the tone as they cruised to a ruthless 32-6 victory over the Tigers, highlighted by 11 line breaks and one of their better attacking displays this season.

What Went Down

The Warriors couldn't have asked for a better start, capitalising almost immediately on a costly Adam Doueihi mistake. In just the 2nd minute, Doueihi committed the cardinal sin of failing to find touch from a penalty, and the Warriors made him pay. Erin Clark produced a brilliant short ball to isolate Terrell May, allowing James Fisher-Harris to crash over for the opening try.

Things got even better in the 12th minute when Bunty Afoa was sent to the sin bin for a late shot on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. With the Tigers down to 12 men, the Warriors wasted no time exploiting their vulnerable right edge. Just a minute later, slick hands created the overlap, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed in the 13th minute for the visitors' second try. The pressure didn't let up. Campbelltown was opening up all over the park, and in the 16th minute, Te Maire Martin fired a long pass that caught Heamasi Makasini out of position. Ali Leiataua hit the gap perfectly to score the Warriors' third try inside the opening quarter. Despite dominating possession, territory and creating chance after chance, the Warriors only held a 14-0 lead. It almost felt like they should have been further in front given how one-sided the contest had been.

The Tigers found a way back into the game in the 26th minute. Doueihi put through a well-weighted grubber that bounced awkwardly in the Warriors' in-goal, and this time the bounce favoured the home side. Samuela Fainu reacted quickest to ground the ball, giving the Tigers a much-needed try and cutting the deficit to eight points heading into halftime.

Even after producing nine line breaks by the 50-minute mark, the Warriors' lead still didn't feel completely safe. But when the tenth line break arrived in the 49th minute, the Tigers' defence finally cracked for good. Martin floated a perfect pass to Khan-Pereira, who stepped back inside Doueihi to score his second try of the afternoon and the 64th of his NRL career in just his 63rd game. Just three minutes later, the Warriors struck again. Martin's towering bomb was spilled by Jahream Bula, and Chanel Harris-Tavita somehow produced a remarkable flick pass from virtually a standing start for Wayde Egan to score in the 52nd minute, putting the result beyond doubt.

The Warriors weren't finished there either. They put the icing on a dominant performance in the 74th minute, breaking the Tigers open once again. Te Maire Martin claimed his fourth line-break assist of the afternoon before Sam Healey backed up through the middle to score the final try to see the Warriors return to the winners' circle with a 32-6 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, this was exactly the response the Warriors needed after that tough loss to the Dolphins. While the Tigers are currently sitting in a poor run of form and were without their key figure, Api Koroisau, you can only beat what is in front of you, and the Warriors undoubtedly did that. From the opening whistle, they were focused, composed and determined to make a statement. They were expected to win here, but we didn't want to see them squeak out a win; they needed a large margin, and they completed that goal.

What impressed me most was the confidence they played with. Over the past month, there have been moments where the Warriors have created opportunities but havent quite taken control of games when they had the chance. Against the Tigers, they were much more assertive, playing with freedom and backing themselves when chances presented themselves. It was a reminder of how dangerous this team can be when they are playing with confidence.

That being said, there are still areas that they will want to clean up. A performance like this can hide some of the small details, and against the better teams in the competition, those moments will be punished. The Warriors were dominant enough to win comfortably. However, they will know there is still another level they can reach if they want to make a serious impact in September, and that was the message coming across in all the post-match interviews from the players.

Something that has stood out for me is that this team continues to find contributors from across the squad. Young players are stepping up, the forwards continue to set the platform, and the spine is starting to build some much-needed consistency. Last year, we saw this side lean on magic moments from the likes of Leka Halasima to get themselves across the line, so the fact that this side is building a complete team effort with depth that is plugging any gaps will prove invaluable as we head into the final stages of the season.

In the end, this was a solid effort from the Warriors; they needed to respond after a frustrating loss, and they did. There are still some areas that need working on, and the challenge will be fine-tuning these performances and turning them into a consistent standard, because if they can maintain that level of intensity and execution, this is a side that can trouble anyone come finals time. 

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

Match Positives

The Warriors' middle forwards laid the platform for everything that followed. James Fisher-Harris made an immediate impact with his second-minute try, but his influence extended far beyond that. Alongside Erin Clark, he helped the Warriors win the ruck and generate quick play-the-balls, giving the halves the time and space to attack. Their dominance in the middle forced the Tigers to tighten their defence, creating opportunities on the edges. The running metres reflected that dominance, with Jacob Laban leading the way with 160 metres, followed by Erin Clark (159m), James Fisher-Harris (146m) and Tanner Stowers-Smith (132m). When your forwards are winning that battle, the rest of the team can play on the front foot, and that's exactly what the Warriors did.

Te Maire Martin was outstanding in attack and controlled the game from start to finish. This was arguably his best performance of the season, finishing with four line-break assists while constantly keeping the Tigers' defence guessing. His ability to engage the defensive line before passing created space for those around him, while his long passing game and well-timed kicks continued to put pressure on the Tigers. With Martin controlling the attack, the Warriors looked far more dangerous and unpredictable with the ball. At this point in the season, talk of bringing Luke Metcalf back into the side needs to be put aside. Martin has shown he can lead this team around the park, and Metcalf should be considered only if an injury forces a change.

The Warriors' support play was one of the biggest positives from the performance. Players were constantly pushing through the middle, staying alive for offloads and backing up line breaks, creating extra opportunities and keeping the Tigers' defence under pressure. Wayde Egan and Sam Healey both benefited from this effort, scoring tries by being in the right place at the right time. It’s an area the Warriors haven't consistently produced this season, so seeing players continuing to chase and support the ball carrier throughout the 80 minutes was a great sign. If they can make this a regular part of their game plan, it adds another dimension to their attack and could be a key factor in helping them go deep into the finals.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors still left points on the field despite producing one of their best attacking displays of the season. For a team that created 11 line breaks, six tries almost feels like a missed opportunity, especially when you consider they also finished the game with 16 errors. They were able to overcome those mistakes against the Tigers, but stronger opposition will make them pay if they give away that many chances. The challenge for the Warriors now is turning this attacking dominance into an even more clinical performance, because in finals football, every opportunity matters.

This flows on from the previous point, with the Warriors still having periods where they drifted out of the contest. After an explosive opening 20 minutes in which they raced to a 14-0 lead, the intensity dropped slightly, and the Tigers found their way back into the game before halftime. The Warriors regained control in the second half and eventually ran away with the result, but those small lapses are something they will want to clean up. Against stronger opposition, allowing a team back into the contest after building momentum can completely change the flow of a game. The next step for the Warriors is turning those dominant patches into a complete 80-minute performance.

The Warriors also had periods where they appeared to take their foot off the pedal once the result was beyond doubt. After building a comfortable lead, the intensity naturally dropped, and while the game was never in danger, the best teams continue applying pressure for the full 80 minutes. This is where the Warriors can still improve, because finals football often comes down to maintaining standards even when the result looks secure. Continuing to build pressure, rather than simply managing the game, will be important if they want to compete with the best sides in the competition.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jacob Laban.

Laban continues to go from strength to strength, earning his second straight Warrior of the Match award from me. As mentioned earlier, he led the forward pack with 160 running metres, but his impact went well beyond his work carrying the ball. Laban produced two line breaks, a try assist and six tackle breaks, while also making 35 tackles with only three misses. The two errors are something he will want to clean up, but they don't take away from another outstanding performance. His growth throughout this season has been impressive, and the confidence he is playing with is clear to see. What started as a player pushing for regular minutes has quickly turned into a player who looks like a must-have in the Warriors' starting lineup moving forward.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out this week because none of the 17 who 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.

Round 20 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 20, the Warriors return home to Go Media Stadium to host the Dragons, who had a Bye in Round 19.

As for the team I’d pick, I wouldn't change much, only bringing in Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell.

Capewell into the starting second row and Barnett into the starting front row. This will see Leka Halasima and Tanner Stowers-Smith move to the bench, and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and Marata Niukore move out of the 17.

The Dragons may be stuck at the bottom of the ladder, but there have been some signs of improvement in recent weeks. Their attack has started to show more life, highlighted by their 24-10 victory over the Wests Tigers in Round 18, just their second win of the season. While their position on the ladder tells one story, the Dragons have some promising young forwards who are continuing to develop and build confidence. Add in experienced players like Valentine Holmes and Clint Gutherson, who can still produce match-winning moments when they are at their best, and this is a side the Warriors cannot afford to underestimate. If the Warriors aren't switched on, the Dragons have enough attacking weapons to make them pay.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to bring the same intensity and attacking intent that was on display against the Tigers. The middle battle will be crucial, with the Warriors needing to win the ruck, control field position and avoid allowing the Dragons' young forwards to build confidence early. They also need to be switched on defensively around Valentine Holmes and Clint Gutherson, as both players have the experience and skill to punish any mistakes. If the Warriors can complete their sets, maintain their discipline and continue playing with the confidence they showed last week, they should have too much quality across the park. I’m expecting the Warriors to keep their momentum rolling and secure the win, with my prediction being a Warriors win by 18 points.

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

What still needs improvement before finals football?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

Would you make any changes to the lineup this week?

What is your score prediction against the Dragons?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 17 Review: Warriors Edged by Dolphins in Top-Four Clash

Fresh off an entertaining 38-20 victory over the Cowboys in Round 16, the Warriors returned to Suncorp Stadium to take on an in-form Dolphins side riding a seven-game winning streak. The Dolphins entered the clash full of confidence after a convincing 36-22 win over the Wests Tigers the previous week.

The Warriors pushed the Dolphins all the way in a tense 30-28 contest at Suncorp Stadium, fighting back repeatedly to stay within reach deep into the second half. A late Sam Healey try in the 74th minute looked to have given the Warriors a chance to steal it late. However, Selwyn Cobbo’s 77th-minute finish saw the Dolphins snatch a narrow victory.

What Went Down

The Dolphins opened the scoring in the 4th minute after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow produced a brilliant defensive play to deny Kurt Capewell at one end. From their first attacking set, the hosts went to the air, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak couldn't come up with the catch. Quick hands found Selwyn Cobbo, who outpaced the cover defence to score in the corner.

The Warriors responded almost immediately. The Dolphins made a mess of the ensuing kick-off, gifting the visitors excellent field position. Chanel Harris-Tavita produced a perfectly weighted kick to the corner, where Jacob Laban leapt above everyone to score in the 7th minute and level the contest. After Isaiya Katoa left the field with an arm injury, the Dolphins were forced into a reshuffle. They nearly hit back straight away when terrific work from Herbie Farnworth sent Kodi Nikorima bursting through the line, but Tanner Stowers-Smith somehow chased him down with a remarkable try-saving tackle. The missed opportunity proved costly. Following a poor end to a Dolphins set, the Warriors again turned to the boot of Harris-Tavita. Another pinpoint kick found Laban, who brilliantly batted the ball back for Watene-Zelezniak to dive over in the corner in the 17th minute. 

The Dolphins responded in the 23rd minute after earning repeat sets inside the Warriors’ red zone. Nikorima’s short ball put Farnworth through a huge gap, and the centre crashed over to cut the deficit.

The home side then reclaimed the lead just before half-time. A clever steal from Nikorima handed the Dolphins valuable field position, and some slick right-edge play involving Tabuai-Fidow and Jack Bostock sent Jamayne Isaako racing down the touchline to score in the 38th minute, giving the hosts a 16-12 advantage at the break.

The Dolphins extended their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Bostock stepped inside Adam Pompey before putting a grubber through. The ball ricocheted off Taine Tuaupiki and sat up perfectly for Isaako to collect and score his second of the afternoon.

The Warriors refused to go away and struck back in the 60th minute. Off a well-executed scrum play, Harris-Tavita took the line on before Eddie Ieremia-Toeava delivered a sharp final pass to send Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over untouched for his fifth try in the past two weeks.

With the Warriors chasing the game, the Dolphins’ defence continued to stand tall before finally falling to a decisive blow. After a Cobbo error handed the Warriors good field position, the visitors capitalised. The Warriors marched downfield off the back of strong carries and repeated pressure, and in the 74th minute, Sam Healey darted from dummy-half, powering through several defenders to hand the visitors the lead.

The hosts then all but sealed the result when they successfully regathered the short kick-off. The Dolphins immediately applied pressure inside the Warriors’ 20 metres, and after a bouncing ball sat up perfectly for Selwyn Cobbo, the winger crashed through two defenders to score in the 77th minute. Jamayne Isaako calmly converted from the sideline to secure a hard-fought 30-28 victory for the Dolphins.

My Thoughts

Well, this was another one that got away in what has been a frustrating pattern in the past month. The Warriors were in this one the whole way, but once again, when it came down to execution in the key moments, the Dolphins were just a touch better when it mattered most.

It's not like they didn't have control at times; there were periods where it looked like they could really take the game by the throat, however they just didnt build enough pressure when they got on top, letting the Dolphins off the hook with errors or poor options and against any side let alone a time riding high like them you cant leave the door open as they will make you pay.

Defensively, they had their moments, forcing the Dolphins into errors of their own, but too often the Dolphins found space a bit too easily, especially on the edges, and the Warriors looked just a step behind when the game shifted side to side, which, to be fair, they are not the only team that the Dolphins have done that to.

With the ball in hand, it was a similar story to recent weeks, patches of good footy, but not enough composure or polish to take full control when the game was there for the taking. There were a few moments where they had momentum and good field position, but just didn't pick the right option, and in games this close, it's all about icing those opportunites.

The forced changes in the forward pack can't be ignored either. I was worried about how the pack would fare with both James Fisher-Harris and Jackson Ford out, but there were some solid individual efforts and plenty of work through the middle; they just couldn't get the same consistent go-forward or control that they have built their 2026 game on.

Don't get me wrong, I thought this was a great game to watch, it's just unfortunate that both this game and the loss to the Panthers saw the Warriors on the wrong side of the result in one of the better matches of the season.

In the end, it's another match that falls into the "could have, should have" category; they weren't outplayed but more out-executed in the moments that mattered, and until they start nailing those key moments consistently, these tight results are going to keep slipping away. The ladder is tight, and they are still in a good spot; however, if they don't sharpen up those small details, they do run the risk of slipping out of the top four, so the fine-tuning needs to start now. It's not all doom and gloom, though. This side and the coaching staff have the ability to find another level, and the welcome return of some key players, plus a handy run over the next month, should give them the right opportunity to go up another level.

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

Match Positives

The forward effort in a physical contest was still a positive for the Warriors, especially with the pre-game concerns I had around the absence of James Fisher-Harris and Jackson Ford. They didn’t always get their own way through the middle against a strong Dolphins pack, but they stayed in the fight and held their own in a high-intensity top-four style game. The load was spread across the pack rather than coming from one or two dominant players, which helped them stay in the contest without over-relying on anyone. Mitchell Barnett (154m) led the way, with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (114m) also getting over the 100-metre mark, but it was more of a shared effort across the group to keep them in the arm wrestle. That spread probably made sense given who they were missing, but it also shows how important Fisher-Harris and Ford are to this side. After the bye, they’ll need Fish to hit the ground running again and re-establish that real front-foot punch through the middle.

The ability to absorb pressure and respond was another positive in the Warriors’ performance, even with the Dolphins enjoying long periods of territorial dominance. There were times they were under sustained pressure in their own half, but they stayed connected and kept turning up rather than letting the game blow out. Plenty of times, the Dolphins looked to build a gap; the Warriors found a way to stay in touch, either through defensive effort or by punishing small errors when they came. It wasn’t perfect, but there was a clear refusal to drop off even when momentum was against them. In a game that swung back and forth, that resilience kept them in it right until the end and gave them a chance to still strike late; they just need to learn to convert that resilience into winning moments.

The young forwards in the pack continue to impress. Jacob Laban, Tanner Stowers-Smith and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava all made strong contributions in a high-pressure top-four contest and didn’t look out of place at this level.

Laban was involved around the ball in key attacking moments and had a couple of defensive plays that helped swing momentum the Warriors’ way. Stowers-Smith produced one of the defensive plays of the match with a crucial try-saving effort, while Ieremia-Toeava showed real composure and maturity in his minutes, even when pushed out to the centres late in the game. All three continue to put their hands up and make a strong case that they belong in this side week to week, highlighting the depth building in the squad and the positive signs for the club moving forward.

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

Match Negatives

After taking the lead late through Sam Healey, the Warriors still couldn’t find a way to close it out. They failed to control the restart and then couldn’t get through the ensuing defensive set, which has been a recurring issue in these tight finishes.

There were a couple of moments in the final 15 minutes where they had good field position and probably didn’t quite go to the right option. A grubber into the in-goal looked like the smarter play on a couple of sets, either to force a repeat set or put real pressure on the Dolphins’ goal line defence, but they instead came away empty-handed and released that pressure far too easily.

It’s now the third two-point loss in their last four games, and it’s starting to become a pattern. In these tight-tussle games, it’s more about game management and composure than anything else, and that’s where they’ll feel this one got away again. If they can learn to turn these narrow defeats into wins, the ability to go all the way this season increases tenfold.

The edge defence was a real issue again, with the Dolphins consistently finding space when they shifted quickly through Kodi Nikorima and Herbie Farnworth. Too often, the reads weren’t quite there, and it left the Warriors exposed out wide at key moments in the game. It’s an area that’s been a long-term concern for the club, particularly in the centres, and the recent injury disruptions haven’t helped matters either. With combinations being reshuffled and players coming in and out, there’s been a lack of cohesion defensively, and that showed here against a quality attacking side. To be fair, the Dolphins are one of the hardest teams in the competition to defend on the edges when they get their rhythm, but if the Warriors are serious about being a genuine premiership contender, this is an area they’ll need to tighten up and get right quickly.

As the game tightened late, execution slipped, and a few errors crept in at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just one big moment; it was more a build-up of small mistakes that broke their rhythm when they needed to be composed. They were trying to hold on and stay in control, but under sustained pressure from the Dolphins, the handling just wasn’t clean enough. A couple of sets where they just needed to complete and build pressure instead ended in turnovers or rushed decisions, handing momentum straight back. It’s also been a bit of a trend over the past few rounds, with errors slowly creeping back into their game after earlier in the season, when they were one of the better sides in the competition at eliminating the silly errors. They’ll feel like that’s drifted away a little in recent weeks, and it’s something they need to tighten up again.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jacob Laban.

Laban had another strong performance and continues to really make a name for himself in this side. He scored a try and set one up, but just as importantly, he stayed heavily involved throughout the match with 10 runs for 69 metres and 49 tackles, which shows the work rate he’s bringing every week. He’s not always going to be the flashiest player on the field, especially compared to someone like Leka Halasima, but his consistency and reliability more than make up for that. He just keeps showing up in the right moments, both defensively and around the ball, and his involvement doesn’t drop off. Andrew Webster also singled him out in the post-match interview, saying he’s been one of their best performers over the past few weeks, and it’s hard to disagree with that based on what he’s producing right now. At this point, he’s doing more than enough to lock down that starting edge forward spot and should be the first name there moving forward based on what he’s bringing week to week.

Warrior to Improve

My Warriors to Improve goes to Adam Pompey.

Pompey had a tough night overall. He finished with 150 metres and was 100% at the kicking tee, but that doesn’t really tell the full story of how shaky things were in general play. He came up with four errors and was also exposed defensively at different stages, with the Dolphins finding space down his edge more than once. For a long time, Pompey has held his spot largely through reliability and doing the simple things consistently well, but that level is starting to dip a bit. When that base goes, the rest of his game becomes harder to justify at NRL level. In saying that, injuries across the squad and his goal-kicking value probably keep him in the side for now, but it’s getting to the point where you’d start asking the question. The issue is that, with the current injury situation, it’s hard to see an obvious replacement waiting in the wings, which makes it one of the bigger selection headaches moving forward.

Bye Round and Round 19 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 18, the Warriors take their final bye of the season before heading back to Australia to face the Wests Tigers in Round 19. 

It might feel like they’ve only just come off a bye, but this one comes at a perfect time, given how the squad is tracking. Injuries are starting to pile up, so the week off gives them a chance to get a few key players back on deck heading into the run home. It also provides a bit of space to reset and clean up some of the smaller issues in their game, turning a few of those “what if” moments from recent weeks into wins down the stretch.

As for the team I’d pick for the Tigers clash, James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima are expected to be available again, while there’s still no clear word on whether Dallin Watene-Zelezniak or Alofiana Khan-Pereira will be fit to return, so I’m working on the assumption that both are unavailable. 

Fisher-Harris comes straight back into the starting pack, with Tanner Stowers-Smith moving to the bench and Marata Niukore dropping off the bench to accommodate his return. In the backs, reports are linking the Warriors with a possible immediate move for Luke Laulilii from the Tigers. If that deal goes through, he would slot straight onto the wing. If not, I’d shift Adam Pompey out wide, bring Eddie Ieremia-Toeava into the centres, and move Halasima onto the bench.

The Wests Tigers have shown some improvement this season, but they’re still a side that can be up and down from week to week. They’ve had a few strong wins and look more competitive than in recent years, particularly through their middle defence and effort areas, but they’re still struggling to put together 80-minute performances. Their attack has been the main issue at times, with execution and last-tackle options breaking down in key moments, especially against the stronger sides. That’s kept them sitting around the middle-to-lower part of the ladder, even when the effort has been there. They’re not easy beats, though, and at home they do tend to lift, so the Warriors will still need to be sharp if they want to bank a much-needed win in Round 19.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they will need to get back to doing the simple things well if they want to get the job done against the Tigers. That starts with cleaning up the errors that have crept into their game over the past few rounds and ensuring they complete sets and build pressure rather than releasing it cheaply. Through the middle, they should look to re-establish dominance with Fisher-Harris back in the side, which will allow their edges to play off a stronger platform and limit the amount of scrambling they’ve been forced into defensively. If they can control field position and stay disciplined in their own end, they should have enough strike out wide to trouble a Tigers side that can leak points when under sustained pressure. On paper, it’s a game they should be targeting, and if they bring their best version of themselves, they’ll be hard to hold out. So if everything goes to plan, I am picking a Warriors win by 12.

So, that was a disappointing Round 17, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Are the narrow game losses becoming a worrying trend?

Would you drop Pompey, and if so, who replaces him?

Do the young forwards give you confidence about the club’s future?

What is your score prediction against the Tigers?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 16 Review: Warriors Outgun Cowboys in Christchurch Thriller

After their disappointing 10-8 loss to the Sharks in Round 15, the Warriors remained in New Zealand, heading down to Christchurch to host the Cowboys, who had their first bye of the season last round.

The Warriors produced a strong attacking performance in Christchurch to get the better of the Cowboys in an entertaining contest. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad led the way with four tries as the Warriors built early momentum and held on through a back-and-forth clash, winning 38-20.

What Went Down

The Warriors made a flying start, rolling downfield with ease and capitalising on the Cowboys' poor discipline. Their early pressure paid off in the 6th minute when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sliced through the defence to score close to the posts. Just three minutes later, he had his second, finishing out wide to give the Warriors an early advantage. The mood was dampened shortly after, when Jackson Ford left the field with a suspected pec injury. The Cowboys responded in the 22nd minute, when Scott Drinkwater fired a superb pass to Braidon Burns, who crossed in the corner. North Queensland levelled the scores four minutes later when Drinkwater backed up his earlier involvement by scoring himself in the 26th minute. The Warriors regained the lead in the 33rd minute when Nicoll-Klokstad completed his hat-trick. A slick shift to the left edge created the space he needed. The Warriors thought CNK had a fourth before halftime, but the touch judge ruled a pass forward in a decision that looked harsh on replay. This saw the Warriors go into the sheds with a 14-10 lead at the break.

When the sides returned to the pitch, it didn't take long for Nicoll-Klokstad to finally grab his fourth try, crossing in the 44th minute after another attacking raid down the left edge. The Cowboys suffered another blow in the 52nd minute when Jason Taumalolo was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous lifting tackle. The Warriors quickly made the extra man count, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finishing in the corner in the 54th minute. Despite being down to 12 men, the Cowboys remained dangerous and struck back in the 61st minute when Braidon Burns grabbed his second try of the afternoon following another strong attacking movement involving Drinkwater. The Warriors extended their lead in the 69th minute when Adam Pompey crossed after a kick contest. Replays showed Taine Tuaupiki challenging for the ball before Scott Drinkwater spilled it into Pompey's path. There was some uncertainty over whether Tuaupiki had got a touch on the ball, but after a review, the bunker ruled there was no contact and awarded the try. The result was put beyond doubt in the 73rd minute when Taine Tuaupiki sliced through the Cowboys' defence to score. Jeremiah Nanai grabbed a late consolation try in the 76th minute, but it did little to change the outcome as the Warriors secured an impressive victory, cementing their 2nd place spot on the ladder.

My Thoughts

Well, this was a much more satisfying performance to watch compared to last week, and it felt like an important step forward after those narrow back-to-back defeats. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but they did enough in key moments to stay in control and never really let the Cowboys build sustained pressure when it mattered most.

The forwards were a clear positive. After the off-night against the Sharks, Webster saw what the pack looked like without its key leaders and brought Mitch Barnett into the starting lineup, a smart move, especially once Jackson Ford went down early. The pack stood up and laid a strong platform, which made life much easier for the spine and outer backs. Depending on the severity of Ford’s injury, the coming weeks could get interesting, especially with James Fisher-Harris still sidelined, but as we saw here, some of the younger players are starting to find their rhythm.

From that forward platform, the attack had moments where it really clicked, with tries looking almost too easy at times. There were still a few chances left out there, but importantly, they didn’t let those moments derail their performance and just got back to work.

There are still work-ons, of course. The edge defence was stretched at times, and the Cowboys scored a couple of tries a bit too easily. That could be a concern against stronger opposition over the next few weeks, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed on the training field.

This result puts the Warriors in a strong position on the ladder at a key stage of the season. A tough stretch of fixtures is now coming up, and they’ll need to find another level if they want to stay in the mix for a top-two finish. This win snaps the short losing streak and builds confidence, but it also serves as a reminder that the real tests are still ahead.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors came out firing and really set the tone early, getting on the front foot straight away. They built pressure through strong field position and didn’t waste time working out of their own end, consistently starting sets in good field position. The ruck speed was sharp, and that allowed them to play through the middle with confidence, rolling forward and keeping the Cowboys on the back foot. Starting well set the tone for the rest of the game and took a lot of pressure off the side when the Cowboys began converting some of their chances into points. Because of that early cushion, the Warriors never really had to worry about playing catch-up footy, which allowed them to stay composed and stick to their system even when momentum swung.

When the Cowboys started to work their way back into the contest, the Warriors showed real composure and didn’t get dragged into panic football. Even when momentum shifted and the scoreboard tightened, they stuck to their structure instead of chasing the game or forcing low-percentage plays. They trusted their system, worked back into good field position, and kept building pressure through repeat sets rather than rushing things. The “trust the process” line gets thrown around a lot and can feel overused, but it really does seem to fit this team Andrew Webster has built, with a clear belief in what they’re trying to do and a refusal to abandon their plan even when things get messy. That patience and discipline was evident in how they absorbed pressure, steadied the contest, and then found ways to wrestle momentum back at key stages.

The forward pack responded strongly after last week, even with the early setback of losing Jackson Ford early in the game. There was a clear lift in effort and intent through the middle, with Mitch Barnett leading the way, running for 191 metres and setting the tone with his work rate and carries. Tanner Stowers-Smith was excellent as well with 181 metres, consistently providing strong yardage whenever he got the ball, while Erin Clark added 133 metres and helped keep momentum building through the middle of the field. Jacob Laban continued his recent strong run of form, looking composed and effective throughout his minutes. At the same time, Marata Niukore showed more energy and involvement than in recent weeks, bringing a more physical and enthusiastic edge to his performance. Overall, it was a much more connected and improved showing from the pack, which gave the team a solid platform to work off.

Lastly, that crowd in Christchurch deserves some praise, with the new stadium looking incredible on TV and the atmosphere matching it perfectly. The noise and energy from those in attendance came through strongly and really lifted the feel of the match, with a packed house that had sold out months in advance showing just how much appetite there is for rugby league in the south. It was great to see a league-starved region getting a big-game experience like that, and the fans certainly didn’t disappoint with the way they got behind the contest from start to finish. Performances and atmospheres like that will only add to the ongoing conversation around Christchurch as a genuine rugby league destination, and it would have done no harm at all to the push for a permanent team based there.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors’ edge defence is still an area that needs tightening up, although the reshuffling of the side does make it a bit more understandable. Even so, the Cowboys found too much space when they shifted the ball wide. At times, the defensive line was caught off guard by structured shifts, with the timing and connection not quite holding under pressure. It wasn’t a constant issue, but in key moments, it did allow North Queensland to score too easily through those edge opportunities. There were also a couple of miscommunications on kick defence between Taine Tuaupiki and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, with both looking unsure at times over who was taking control at the back. It led to some hesitation under the high ball and in kick returns, and at times it looked like CNK was slipping back into fullback instincts despite not being in that role. It’s not a major issue when the side is winning and playing with momentum, but in a tighter game against stronger opposition, it could cause headaches if it isn’t cleaned up.

The Warriors had a few clunky moments on the last tackle, especially when they had chances to really put the foot on the throat. Instead of going for the killer play, they often chose the safer option, kicking for territory and resetting their defence. In fairness, it’s not necessarily the wrong choice, and there is some smartness in not overplaying your hand. But in a game where they had momentum, there were a few moments where a bit more ruthlessness could have put the Cowboys away earlier. Maybe I’m being a bit selfish, but I just want to see this side really pile on the points when they’ve got teams on the ropes, because I know they’ve got that in them. It’s a small area, but against stronger sides, taking those chances when they’re there could make a big difference.

Jackson Ford's early injury was one of the more concerning moments of the match, as he left the field with a suspected pec complaint. Any kind of chest or pec injury is never ideal for a middle forward, given how much their game relies on strength and contact through the ruck. He went off early and is now set to go for scans to determine the extent of the damage. There was at least a small positive in the fact that he wasn’t seen in a sling on the sideline, which may suggest it isn’t too serious, but it’s still very much a wait-and-see situation. For Ford personally, it’s a frustrating time given what has been a breakout season for him. He’s really grown into a key part of the forward rotation and taken his game to another level, so hopefully it turns out to be minor and doesn’t halt that momentum he’s built.

Warrior of the Match

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

CNK was outstanding in his first full game back since injury, and he really stole the show with a four-try performance that could have easily been five on another day. He ran for 187 metres, broke the line four times, missed just one tackle, and didn’t record a single error, which sums up how complete his performance was. Those couple of small miscommunications with Taine Tuaupiki when defusing kicks were really the only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect night.

He doesn’t have the raw speed of someone like Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and really, not many do, but he more than makes up for it with sheer effort, determination, and the ability to keep turning up in the right places. He just keeps working for everything he gets and makes the most of every opportunity. It’s also going to make things really interesting for Andrew Webster when AKP returns, because if CNK keeps producing like this, you can't drop him, and it’s hard to see a situation where Taine Tuaupiki loses that fullback spot. It’s a great problem to have, and one I’m glad I’m not the one trying to solve.

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.

Round 17 Thoughts and Predictions

In Round 17, the Warriors head back across the ditch to Suncorp Stadium to face the Dolphins, who defeated the Wests Tigers 36-22 in Round 16.

As for the team I’d pick, there isn't much to change, except for Jackson Ford, who will be out with that pec injury. Mitch Barnett and Tanner Stowers-Smith would become my starting front rowers, and I would move Marata Niukore into the prop rotation and bring Kurt Capewell back into the second row.

The Dolphins have been one of the form teams of the competition in recent weeks. Since their loss to the Warriors in Wellington, the Dolphins have won seven straight games and currently sit third on the ladder with a 9-5 record, just two competition points behind the Warriors. More impressively, they've done it while missing several Origin players throughout that stretch. Rather than using those absences as an excuse, they've continued to find ways to win and have shown they have genuine depth across their squad. Their attack has been one of the biggest reasons for that success. The Dolphins have consistently put points on the board against opponents, playing with plenty of confidence and punishing teams that give them opportunities. They aren't a perfect side, and there are still areas opponents can target, but they are playing with a lot of belief right now. If the Warriors aren't at their best this week, the Dolphins are more than capable of making them pay.

For the Warriors to get the win here, it all starts up front. The Dolphins have threats right across the park, so the Warriors need their forward pack to stand strong and lay a platform through the middle. If they can win the battle for field position and control possession, it will go a long way towards limiting the opportunities the Dolphins' dangerous backs get with the ball.

Defensively, the Warriors simply can't afford to give the Dolphins time or space. This side is full of confidence and has shown throughout its seven-game winning streak that it can make teams pay for even the smallest mistakes. The Warriors will need to be disciplined, connected in defence, and ready to match the Dolphins' intensity from the opening whistle.

It won't be an easy challenge against one of the competition's form teams, but I think the Warriors are up to it. I'm expecting a tough, hard-fought contest, but I'll give the Warriors a slight edge and back them to get the job done by 8 points.

So, that was an entertaining Round 16, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Did you have a player to improve?

Who would be your backline when AKP returns?

Would you like to see a 20th NRL team come from Christchurch?

What is your score prediction against the Dolphins?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 15 Review: Warriors Fall Short Again in Low-Scoring Grind

Fresh off their second bye of the year, the Warriors returned to Go Media Stadium for the first time in seven weeks to face the Sharks, who defeated the Dragons 34-12 in Round 14.

In a tight, low-scoring contest at Go Media Stadium, the Warriors were edged 10-8 by the Sharks in a game defined by defence, field position and late drama. After a slow start and trailing 8-0, the Warriors fought their way back into the contest and levelled the scores in a tense second half, with both sides locked in an arm-wrestle for momentum. Ultimately, a long-range Braydon Trindall field goal proved the difference, with Adam Pompey’s late penalty attempt drifting wide as the Sharks held on for a 10-8 victory.

What Went Down

The Sharks controlled the early stages and enjoyed most of the momentum, but despite opening the scoring through a penalty goal in the 20th minute after the Warriors failed to force a dropout before the shot clock expired, their attack lacked direction.

Cronulla extended their lead in the 24th minute after capitalising on a costly Warriors error. A loose offload from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak handed the Sharks possession in good field position, and they made the hosts pay when Jesse Ramien crossed for the opening try. Braydon Trindall added the extras to give the visitors an 8-0 advantage.

The momentum began to shift towards the Warriors, with Te Maire Martin producing a moment of individual brilliance in the 28th minute. Taking on the line himself, Martin sliced through to score, and Adam Pompey's conversion reduced the deficit to 8-6 at halftime.

The second half developed into a tense arm-wrestle, with both sides defending strongly and limiting attacking opportunities. Just after the hour mark, Pompey levelled the scores at 8-8 with a penalty goal after the Sharks were penalised for a late hit on the kicker. 

The Sharks looked set to regain control when a Warriors error handed them possession. A charged-down Trindall kick earned Cronulla another set, and a high tackle penalty soon had them deep in attacking territory. Trindall appeared ready to attempt a field goal, but an unexpected shift to Niwhai Puru ended the opportunity.

Both sides then squandered chances to break the deadlock. Trindall had a field goal attempt charged down, while Sifa Talakai threw an unnecessary offload that ricocheted off a teammate and went dead, gifting the Warriors a seven-tackle set. The Warriors threatened soon after, but the desperate Sharks' defence kept them out.

Will Kennedy then produced one of the plays of the match, diving to deny a Te Maire Martin field goal attempt. Moments later, with the Sharks' attack seemingly going nowhere, Trindall stepped up and nailed a 45-metre field goal to give Cronulla a 10-8 lead. 

The Warriors regained possession from the short kick-off and worked their way into attacking range. However, they were handed an even better opportunity when Sione Katoa gave away a penalty for hitting Chanel Harris-Tavita off the ball. Pompey had the chance to level the scores from the tee, but pushed the attempt wide, allowing the Sharks to hold on for a gritty 10-8 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, this one is going to sit in the frustrating category for the Warriors, because it was a game they were right in, but ultimately let slip in the smallest of margins. In a tight, low-scoring arm-wrestle, neither side really got on top for long periods, and it came down to execution in the key moments, and the Sharks were just a touch cleaner when it mattered most.

The Warriors had their chances to take control, but they just didn’t quite build enough pressure when they were on top. Defensively, they did enough to stay in the fight right through to the end, but in attack, they lacked that polish at crucial times, which meant they were often chasing the game rather than dictating it. In a match like this, those missed opportunities really stand out.

It wasn’t a lack of effort, though. Even when things weren’t flowing, they hung in there and gave themselves a real shot late, which says a lot about the competitiveness in this group. But against a Sharks side that’s more than happy to drag games into grinding contests, you can’t afford to be slightly off with your execution.

The context of the forward pack also has to be taken into account. Missing James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell and Leka Halasima proved a step too far in a game like this. The young guys who came in worked hard and competed, but it just wasn’t at the same level of experience, control, or go-forward that the side usually relies on.

There’ll be some noise around a couple of calls, but that’s not really where this game was decided. The Warriors had enough opportunities to take control themselves, but too often their handling let them down, and they couldn’t build sustained pressure when it mattered.

As bitter as this defeat tastes, and you know the team will be hurting after losing both meetings against the Sharks this season, they just need to take the lessons they were dealt here, learn from them, and get back on track. At the end of the day, it’s another reminder of how fine the margins are in the NRL. The Warriors weren’t outplayed, but they were just out-executed at the key moments, and that was the difference.

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

Match Positives

Despite spending long periods under pressure, especially in the first half, the Warriors’ defensive resilience kept them in the contest. The Sharks recorded 38 tackles inside the Warriors’ 20-metre zone and consistently built pressure through repeat sets and strong field position, but the Warriors still limited them to just one try in the entire match. With so much time spent defending their own line, that resistance was a major reason they stayed in the game right through to the final minutes. It’s the kind of defensive effort the Warriors will need to keep building on if they want to regularly compete in tight, high-pressure matches like this one.

At 8-0 down and struggling for momentum, the Warriors could have easily let the game slip away. Instead, they worked their way back into the contest, clawing it back to 8-8 and giving themselves a real chance of winning. The effort and resilience were clear, even if the execution wasn’t always sharp. And if they had been able to ice a couple more chances at key moments, it’s a game they probably would have walked away with. Still, there’s a bit of a confidence boost in the fact that against a similarly matched side, they were able to fight their way back into the contest even when things weren’t quite clicking.

There was also a great moment off the bench with the NRL debut of Makaia Tafua. While his game time was limited to just 16 minutes, he still showed plenty of promise in his short stint on the field. He finished with one carry for 8 metres, but it was his defensive work that stood out, making 12 tackles and missing just one. He looked composed out of dummy half, delivering quick and accurate service out of the ruck and handling the tempo of the game without looking out of place. In a tight, high-pressure contest, he showed he could hold his own at NRL level and gave a solid glimpse of what he could offer moving forward. With a real logjam forming in the hooker role alongside Wayde Egan and Sam Healey, Tafua’s performance suggests the club’s future in that position is in good hands and should keep Healey on his toes as competition for minutes heats up.

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

Match Negatives

Errors proved costly for the Warriors throughout the match, with 14 in total and a completion rate of just 79%, their second-lowest of the season. In a game as tight as this, those mistakes had a real impact on the flow of the contest, taking away attacking opportunities and relieving pressure on the Sharks at key moments. Every error either stopped the Warriors from building momentum or gave Cronulla easy field position when they were starting to feel the squeeze, and in a match decided by just two points, those moments proved decisive. Hopefully, this is just a blip, and they can refocus quickly and return to the low-error style of footy that has been a key part of their success this season.

With several key forwards missing through Origin and injury, the Warriors’ pack didn’t quite have its usual experience or control. While the effort was there, they struggled to consistently win the middle and build sustained pressure against a strong Sharks forward rotation. Only three forwards ran for over 100 metres: Tanner Stowers-Smith (137m), Erin Clark (124m), and Jackson Ford (108m), which highlights both the workload on a small group and the lack of overall dominance through the middle. In a tight, low-scoring game, that lack of control made it difficult for the Warriors to play on the front foot or build sustained pressure, as they couldn’t fully take over the ruck or generate momentum for long periods. With the pack unable to roll forward through the middle, they struggled to consistently get out of their own half, and the lack of a deep-kicking game made it even harder, leaving them stuck under pressure for extended periods. They need the big dogs back to restore that middle-field dominance and give the side the platform to play on the front foot again.

The attack never really looked comfortable, which is the biggest concern from this performance. Across the match, the Warriors looked clunky, lacked direction, and struggled to consistently create genuine attacking opportunities. Outside of Martin’s try, clear-cut chances were hard to come by, and too often their sets broke down before they could build pressure on the Sharks’ line. It was a clear example of how difficult things become when they aren’t winning the middle, as without that forward platform, there simply wasn’t enough strike or game-breaking ability elsewhere in the side to take control or generate points when they were stuck on the back foot, which showed in this grinding contest where the attack never quite found rhythm.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Wayde Egan.

Egan was solid through the middle in a tough night for the Warriors, finishing with 5 runs for 66 metres, 1 line break and 2 tackle breaks, while also getting through a strong defensive workload of 43 tackles with just 3 misses. He didn’t record any errors or penalties, which helped keep things steady in a tight contest, and having an experienced head in the middle was important given the circumstances. If there’s a small area for improvement, it’s around the leadership side of his game, particularly his communication with the officials, as at times he struggled to get his point across to referee Gerard Sutton. However, that’s something he should grow into as he becomes more comfortable in the captaincy role when James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett are out.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Adam Pompey.

Despite the loss, I actually struggled to pick a player on my Warriors to improve this week, which probably says a lot about the team's overall effort. In the end, I landed on Adam Pompey, although not solely because of the missed penalty goal that could have forced golden point. His overall numbers were reasonable, finishing with 11 runs for 89 metres, 16 tackles, 3 misses, one error, and one penalty conceded. He certainly wasn't terrible, but from where I was sitting in the Stands, he just seemed a step behind those around him for much of the night. That may be a harsh assessment, and I could be completely off the mark. Still, with the Warriors currently dealing with injuries in the outside backs, they need experienced players like Pompey to find another level and help fill the void left by those missing from the side.

Round 16 Thoughts and Predictions

In Round 16, the Warriors head down to Christchurch to host the Cowboys, who had a bye in Round 15, in the new One NZ Stadium. 

As for the team I’d pick, the Warriors have confirmed that James Fisher-Harris won’t return until Round 19, while Alofiana Khan-Pereira’s injury doesn’t appear serious enough to keep him sidelined any longer. There’s still no update on Leka Halasima, though.

I know Andrew Webster usually gives Origin players a rest, but the forward pack needs reinforcement. I’d bring Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell straight back into the side. Barnett would start at prop, and Capewell would replace Marata Niukore in the back row. Those changes would mean reshuffling the bench, with either Kayliss Fatialofa or Jason Salalilo making way and Tanner Stowers-Smith moving back to the bench.

The Cowboys have been one of the bigger surprises of the season for me. Before the year began, I had them pegged as a team likely to battle for the wooden spoon, but they have exceeded those expectations and now sit just outside the top eight with an 8-6 record.

That said, their form heading into this match raises some questions. They are coming off back-to-back losses, falling 26-12 to the Raiders before losing 40-14 to the Dolphins. At their best, the Cowboys have shown they can compete with quality opposition, but defensive lapses and handling errors have hurt them throughout the season. While they have their flaws, they are still a dangerous side that can cause problems if given the opportunity, so the Warriors cannot afford to take them lightly.

For the Warriors to get the win here, the focus has to be on discipline and execution. They’ll need to cut out the silly errors that have cost them this week, build momentum through the middle with their forward pack, and then shift the ball out wide to exploit the Cowboys’ vulnerable edge defence. After back-to-back narrow two-point defeats, and with this being their first game at the new stadium in Christchurch, this is the perfect opportunity for a statement performance. The Warriors need to reassert themselves in the premiership conversation, and I expect them to rise to the occasion. I’m backing them to get the job done comfortably, winning by 18 points.

So, that was a disheartening Round 15, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Who stood out to you as the Warriors’ best player despite the defeat?

What did you think of Makia Tafua's debut?

Would you get the Origin players to back up this week?

What is your score prediction against the Cowboys?