NZ Warriors 2026 Finals Week 2 Review: A Frustrating End at Eden Park

After their disappointing loss to the Dolphins in week 1 of the finals, the Warriors remained at home, moving to Eden Park to host the Knights, who defeated the Rabbitohs 20-10 last week.

The Warriors led 6-0 early and fought back to within two points after Leka Halasima's second try, but they couldn't find the score they needed in the closing stages. In a tense and error-filled game at Eden Park, the Knights held on for a 12-10 win to end the Warriors' finals campaign, seeing them exit the Finals in straight sets.

Now, apologies in advance if I mix a few things up; it was a 6pm Sunday night game I went to live, and I didn't get back until late and couldn't stomach watching a full replay, so my thoughts are a bit hazy.

What Went Down

In a tense and error-filled finals battle, the Warriors struck first in the 12th minute. Leka Halasima, who had already appeared to be carrying a hamstring issue, showed plenty of determination to run around Dominic Young and power through Phoenix Crossland to score. Taine Tuaupiki added the extras to give the Warriors an early 6-0 lead.

The Knights thought they had hit back shortly after, but Fletcher Sharpe's try was ruled out after the Bunker found Francis Manuleleua had got a hand to the ball first and knocked it on.

Newcastle eventually got their try in the 28th minute. Bradman Best broke through and got past Jacob Laban before finding Sharpe, who went over under the posts. Sandon Smith converted to level things up at 6-6, and that was how it stayed at half-time. The Warriors had 54 per cent of possession and completed 80 per cent of their sets in the first half, but the Knights had the better of the penalty count, leading 3-0.

Newcastle came out strongly after the break and took the lead in the 44th minute. Young raced down the right side, beating Chanel Harris-Tavita to score in the corner. Smith added the conversion to make it 12-6. Things got worse for the Warriors shortly after, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leaving the field for a head injury assessment after being hurt in a tackle. He later failed the assessment.

The Warriors thought they had found a way back into the game when Ali Leiataua appeared to score in the 61st minute, but referee Ashley Klein ruled there had been obstruction involving Sharpe, and the Bunker agreed.

Both sides continued to create chances, with Kurt Capewell making a linebreak for the Warriors while Greg Marzhew and Kalyn Ponga threatened for Newcastle. But handling errors continued to hurt both teams and stop promising attacking opportunities from turning into points. By the 65th minute, the Knights had made 15 errors to the Warriors' 11.

The game turned again in the 69th minute when Halasima crossed for his second try of the night. The young forward was left in pain after appearing to be shoved by Young as he went over, but the try was awarded. Tuaupiki's conversion attempt missed, leaving Newcastle clinging to a 12-10 lead. Tuaupiki then left the field for his own head injury assessment, while Ponga would also leave for an assessment in the 74th minute.

The final stages became a real scramble, with reviews and challenges adding even more drama. The Warriors lost a challenge over a Marzhew strip after the Bunker ruled Te Maire Martin's fingers had changed into a stripping motion. With less than two minutes remaining, the Warriors had a decision to make. They needed a try to win the game, or they could settle for a two-point field goal or a penalty to force golden point. Then came the final big moment. With just 52 seconds left on the clock, Tyson Frizell appeared to take out Halasima in the kick chase. The clock stopped while officials reviewed the incident, but Klein and the Bunker found no penalty.

The Warriors felt they had been hard done by, but there was no time left to change it. They couldn't find a way through the Knights' defence, and Newcastle held on for a 12-10 win in a frantic and frustrating finals contest.

My Thoughts

Well, I honestly don't know what to make of that one. Coming into the game, I was confident the Warriors could get the job done, but I was also really nervous because I knew how important it was. After the disappointment of losing to the Dolphins, this was their chance to put that right and keep the season alive. For large parts of the game, I genuinely thought they were good enough to do it.

When Halasima scored his second try to make it 12-10, I thought the Warriors might be about to pull off one of those wins where they somehow find a way. But it just never quite happened. There was always another mistake, another missed opportunity or another moment where they couldn't turn pressure into points. Those final few minutes were incredibly frustrating because the game was there for the taking.

I also have to talk about the Bunker because I thought they got a few of those decisions completely wrong. It really soured the experience for me, especially at a stadium I don't particularly enjoy going to. Those calls could have changed the outcome; there's no doubt about that. But at the same time, there were plenty of other moments where the Warriors had the opportunity to take control of the contest and didn't.

I want the officiating to be better, like everyone else, but as they say in boxing, if you leave it to the judges, you only have yourself to blame. The Warriors had plenty of chances to make their moments count in front of that massive crowd, and unfortunately they didn't. That's what makes this loss so frustrating. They weren't completely outplayed, and they had enough opportunities to win the game, but they just couldn't make those moments count.

It's tough to process because the regular season was so good. Finishing second and earning two home finals put the Warriors in a fantastic position, and I genuinely believed this team could make a serious run at the premiership. Instead, the season ended after two finals losses, and I can't help but feel there was a much bigger opportunity for them.

I'm disappointed; there's no doubt about that, but I'm also proud of what the Warriors achieved this year. They gave their fans plenty of great moments and showed a level of consistency that hasn't always been there in recent years. It's a real shame the season ended before we could see how far this team could have gone. Now the team and coaching staff need to look at what went right, what needs to improve, and hopefully find another level in 2027.

 

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

Match Positives

One thing I can't fault the Warriors for was their defensive effort. For the past month, so much of the talk around the Warriors has been about their edges leaking far too many points, so to see them concede only two tries in such an important game was a real positive, even in such a disappointing loss. They held the Knights to just 12 points and, even when Newcastle got opportunities off Warriors errors, the defence often scrambled and recovered. There were some really good defensive sets throughout the game, particularly when Newcastle were putting pressure on their line. When the attack wasn't clicking, the defence kept them in the contest and gave them a genuine chance of winning. In the end, conceding only 12 points in a sudden-death final should normally give you a very good chance, and the Warriors' defence certainly did its job.

Losing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to a failed HIA disrupted the Warriors' backline, especially in such a tight finals game. Then, with the Knights already holding a 12-10 lead, Taine Tuaupiki also left the field for a head injury assessment, creating another late change when the Warriors were trying to find a way back into the game. Despite those setbacks, the Warriors kept competing and didn't let the disruption completely derail them. They kept working hard, created chances and fought their way back into the contest. In the end, they just needed to ice some of the opportunities they created, and they could have found themselves on the right side of a very tight game. Instead, they couldn't quite find that finishing touch, but they still gave themselves a chance right until the final siren.

The Warriors gave themselves a chance until the end, which matters in a game decided by just two points. They stayed within striking distance in the final minutes and had chances to turn the game around, rather than being comfortably beaten. After Newcastle went 12-6 ahead, the Warriors kept fighting and found a way back to within two points. They also had a few Bunker calls go against them that could have helped swing the momentum back their way, particularly the disallowed try and the late incidents that went against them. While you can't blame the officials for the result, those calls certainly didn't help the Warriors build pressure when they needed it most. They couldn't quite find the play they needed to ice their opportunities, but they were still in the contest right until the final siren. In a game this tight, one good attacking set, a better last-tackle option or one call going their way could have completely changed the result.

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

Match Negatives

The attack never really clicked for the Warriors, and they struggled to turn possession and field position into sustained pressure. They got into attacking territory, but too often came away without really putting Newcastle under pressure. Their last-tackle options were also a real concern, with some poor kicks and decisions letting the Knights off the hook. At times, it felt like the Warriors' only attacking option was to get the ball to an injured Leka Halasima and hope he could create something. While Halasima showed plenty of determination, you can't keep relying on one player, especially when he's clearly struggling physically. The Warriors created opportunities but couldn't consistently turn them into pressure or points, and in a tight finals game, that lack of attacking execution ultimately came back to bite them.

The Warriors left too many opportunities out there, and this was a big reason they couldn't get themselves over the line. They had chances to score throughout the game but couldn't turn enough of them into points, whether it was the final pass, the last play, or simply making the right decision at the right time. Two moments that stand out involved Kurt Capewell, who made two big breaks but couldn't turn either into points. On the first, he probably should have passed to his outside; on the second, he broke through but had no support around him. Against a desperate Knights side, those small moments became costly. In a game decided by two points, making the most of just one or two more chances could have changed the result.

The Warriors went out in straight sets, and after such a strong regular season and securing a top-two finish, that's a really disappointing way to end the year. There was so much talk from the media, and even from me, about how big an advantage it was to have two home finals in New Zealand. The Warriors put themselves in a position to play both games in front of their home fans, but it feels like they've squandered that opportunity. They earned themselves a second chance after losing to the Dolphins in Week 1, but couldn't take it against the Knights. For all the positives of the regular season, the Warriors ultimately finished 2026 without winning a finals match. They never got the chance to play the preliminary final they had worked towards. After putting themselves in such a strong position, that's a tough way to finish the year.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Leka Halasima.

He was called into the side at the last minute despite still clearly being hampered by his hamstring injury, but even at less than 100%, he caused the Knights plenty of headaches all night. He scored both of the Warriors' tries and was one of the few players who consistently looked capable of breaking the game open. He finished with 189 metres, three line breaks and nine tackle breaks, while also making 16 tackles without missing one. Those numbers are even more impressive considering he was carrying an injury and had only been brought into the team late. He did have three errors, but given the circumstances, I thought his effort and impact deserved recognition.

His fitness is one of the biggest what-ifs coming out of this game. If this is what he can do while clearly hampered, how much more dangerous could he have been at 100%? And you can't help but wonder whether, if he hadn't picked up that hamstring issue in the warm-up last week, he could have been the difference the Warriors needed against the Dolphins and perhaps avoided having to play this second-week finals game.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Chanel Harris-Tavita.

He's been really good for the Warriors this season, but I thought both of his finals performances were well below the level I had come to expect. He did have a try assist and made 22 tackles, but he also led the Warriors with 10 missed tackles, made an error and gave away a penalty.

His last-tackle options were also a real concern and played a big part in the Warriors struggling to get their attack into gear. Too often the sets ended without putting Newcastle under enough pressure, and CHT is one of the players I look to when it comes to making those decisions. This doesn't take away from what has been a very good season for him, but when the big games came around, I expected more from CHT and, unfortunately, he didn't quite deliver.

Seasons done; What's Next for me?

So that’s a wrap on the 2026 season, and what a year it’s been for the Warriors. I came into the season with plenty of hope after what was a pretty inconsistent 2025, but I don’t think many of us expected the Warriors to put together the regular season they did. A top-two finish, plenty of big wins and some really impressive performances showed just how much this team had improved, although there were still some frustrating moments and plenty of what-ifs along the way. The finals campaign didn’t go the way we would have hoped, but that shouldn’t take away from what was a really strong regular season and a year that has given Warriors fans plenty to be excited about. Before we turn our attention fully to 2027, I’ll be back with my 2026 season review, where I’ll unpack the entire year, look at some of the key players and moments, and discuss what comes next for this team.

Then I will take a little break, maybe writing a few articles about the Warriors if the inspiration hits me, and maybe some stuff around the World Cup. I did have an offseason idea last year to compile my favourite players from each season since 1995 and discuss what I liked about them and how they performed in the year they earned the honour of being my favourite player, but I didn't get round to it. However, my partner will be expecting me to give her a bit more attention, with the Warriors not consuming my day-to-day for a few months.

Last but not least, my show, The Stand-Off, will continue to stream live on YouTube and delayed on Facebook every Wednesday at 8pm NZ time; we haven't decided on a season finale time yet, as we will be covering the rest of the NRL season and the World Cup, so come join us there as we discuss the footy.

So, that was a heartbreaking Finals Week 2, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

What changes does Andrew Webster need to make with this team to take it to the next level in 2027?

Does exiting the Finals in straight sets dampen your feelings about the Warriors' 2026 season?

Who has been your biggest surprise from the squad?

Who do you think is going to win the 2026 premiership?

NZ Warriors 2026 Finals Week 1 Review: Warriors' Attack Comes Up Short Against Dolphins

After a stressful win over the Sea Eagles in Round 27, the Warriors remained at home to host the Dolphins in the first week of finals.

The Warriors looked in control after building a 16-8 lead early in the second half, but the Dolphins fought their way back and took an 18-16 lead with 14 minutes remaining. The Warriors couldn't find a response, scoring just one try as the Dolphins ran away with a 26-16 win.

What Went Down

The Warriors started the stronger side, with Taine Tuaupiki opening the scoring with a penalty goal in the 8th minute. The Dolphins hit back just four minutes later through Jamayne Isaako, who levelled things up at 2-2. The Warriors regained the lead in the 15th minute when Tuaupiki finished off a break of his own, before adding the extras to make it 8-2. Another Tuaupiki penalty in the 20th minute stretched the lead to 10-2, but the Dolphins hit back five minutes later when Selwyn Cobbo crossed out wide after some good work from Herbie Farnworth. Isaako's conversion made it 10-8.

The game then got a bit heated. Adam Pompey was sin-binned in the 28th minute, before Kurt Capewell and Cobbo were both sent to the sin bin five minutes later after a heated melee.

Despite the disruption, the Warriors kept finding points through the boot. Tuaupiki kicked another penalty in the 40th minute to give the Warriors a 12-8 lead at halftime.

The ill-discipline continued after the break, with Tuaupiki converting penalties in the 50th and 52nd minutes to push the Warriors out to a 16-8 lead. For a while, it looked like the Warriors might be able to grind their way to the win. But the Dolphins started to find their rhythm as the half went on. Farnworth broke through to score in the 60th minute, and Isaako's conversion brought the visitors back to within two points at 16-14. Then came the turning point. A slick backline move in the 66th minute put Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow over, giving the Dolphins the lead for the first time at 18-16.

The Warriors couldn't respond, and the Dolphins put the game beyond doubt in the 74th minute. A strip on Chanel Harris-Tavita after a Alofiana Khan-Pereira mistimed catch off a kick by Jack Bostock, who forced his way over after a lengthy bunker review confirmed the grounding. Isaako added the extras to seal a 26-16 win for the Dolphins.

My Thoughts

Well, that wasn't how I expected the Warriors' finals campaign to start.

I came into this match feeling confident in the team, but I was also very nervous. The Dolphins are a dangerous attacking side and can rip teams to shreds if you give them the chance. After the season the Warriors have had and the position they put themselves in, there was a real feeling that this could finally be the year they made a serious run deep into September. Instead, they now find themselves having to fight their way through the finals after letting an opportunity slip.

What makes this one hurt is that I don't think the Warriors were completely outplayed. There were periods when they looked like the better side and had the game they wanted, but something just seemed missing. They never really looked like the team we've watched for most of 2026, and when the game started to swing, they couldn't find that response we've become so used to seeing from them.

I think that's probably what disappointed me most. This team has spent the entire season building a reputation for being hard to beat, finding different ways to win and handling whatever gets thrown at them. We've seen them come from behind, defend leads, win tight games and put teams away when they get on top. But when they needed that bit of composure and belief in the final stages, it just wasn't there.

At the same time, I'm not going to suddenly write this team off because of one bad finals performance. This has still been an outstanding regular season from the Warriors, and they earned their place in the top two. They've given themselves another chance, and now it's about what they do with it.

The Knights are a completely different challenge, but the Warriors have already beaten them this season. I also think there is something to be said for the fact that this team has now experienced the disappointment of a finals loss. Nobody in that dressing room can pretend they don't know what the pressure feels like anymore. Hopefully they take that feeling into the next game and use it rather than letting it hang over them.

Finals footy is about responding, and now we get to see what this Warriors team is really made of. I'm still confident they can make a run at this. Maybe that's the optimist in me, but I don't think one poor night should erase everything they've done over the past six months. They have earned another opportunity; they just need to make the most of it.

But make no mistake, the margin for error is gone now. Lose this one and the season is over. Win it, and suddenly we're talking about a preliminary final and another chance to keep this incredible season alive. That's what makes next week so exciting, and a little nerve-racking at the same time.

The regular season gave us plenty of reasons to believe this Warriors side could do something special. Now they have to show they can handle the other side of finals footy too. The first chance didn't go their way, but they've got one more shot.

Let's see what they can do with it.

One thing I do want to mention before moving on is the atmosphere. Getting tickets for this game was frustrating, and I know plenty of members missed out. Watching from the top of the South Stand was a new experience for me, but the crowd were absolutely up for this one all night. You could feel how much everyone wanted this team to make a run in September. The Warriors are going to need that and even more this week when they move to Eden Park, because this season is now on the line.

 

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

Match Positives

The forward effort was solid, and once again it was the platform that gave the Warriors a chance to win. In fact, the work of this forward pack is a big reason the Warriors have made it to the finals in the first place, so it was good to see them continue to do their job when the pressure was on. The Warriors ran for 1,598 metres and made 561 post-contact metres, both better than the Dolphins, who finished with 1,561 metres and 506 post-contact metres. James Fisher-Harris led the way with 168 metres, followed by Mitch Barnett with 136 and Erin Clark with 105, while the team continued to make good ground and keep the Dolphins honest through the middle defensively. They gave the Warriors a solid platform to build from and, for large parts of the game, the forwards were winning their battle. Unfortunately, the Warriors just couldn't turn that hard work into enough attacking pressure or tries when it mattered most.

The Warriors did a good job of handling the Dolphins' attack for long periods, which is no easy task considering how dangerous they can be with the ball in hand. Keeping them to just eight points in the first half was a really positive part of the performance, and the Warriors did a good job limiting their attacking opportunities for large chunks of the game. That was even more impressive when they found themselves down a man, with the defensive line having to work harder and cover more ground. For all the talk about how the game got away from the Warriors in the second half, their defence did a pretty good job for much of the night and gave the team every chance to get the result.

As disappointing as the loss was, the Warriors do still have a second chance in these finals. Obviously, having the week off and fast-tracking their way into a preliminary final would have been the preferred option, but finishing in the top two means this loss hasn't ended their season, and they can go again in another home match. Instead, they now have to take the longer road to a grand final, which isn't ideal, but it does give them another life. Hopefully, this loss serves as the wake-up call they need to refocus, fix what went wrong, and make sure they don't waste their second chance. They are still in the hunt, and that's the important thing.

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

Match Negatives

The attack never really showed up in this game. Even when the Warriors were leading 16-8, they weren't exactly carving the Dolphins up and creating a heap of genuine try-scoring opportunities. The 83% completion rate looks good on paper, but they put too much emphasis on completing sets rather than asking questions of the Dolphins' defence. The game plan wasn't really working, yet the Warriors didn't do enough to change it up. They continued kicking to the Dolphins' back three without enough pressure from the chase, which regularly left the Warriors starting their defensive sets on the back foot. Once the Dolphins started to build momentum, the Warriors needed to find something different and put them under real pressure, but they kept using much the same approach. You can't expect to win a finals game by simply completing your sets and hoping something eventually opens up, and scoring just one try was a pretty clear indication that the attack wasn't good enough. They need to fix this quickly if they don't want to go out in straight sets in this finals series.

The Warriors also struggled to contain the Dolphins when they kept the ball alive and, more importantly, when they put up attacking kicks. The Dolphins created extra opportunities through second-phase play when the Warriors really needed to shut the game down, and those little moments started to build pressure. The attacking kicks were particularly damaging in the final 15 minutes, with almost every one putting the Warriors under pressure and allowing the Dolphins to keep the Warriors starting their own sets deep in their own half. The Warriors needed to handle those situations better and take some of that pressure away, but the Dolphins kept finding ways to turn their kicks into attacking opportunities. In a tight finals game, those little moments can be the difference, and in the end they helped the Dolphins put the game beyond doubt.

The Warriors led 16-8 early in the second half and put themselves in a position to control the game, but they couldn't close it out. With 10 minutes to go, they weren't protecting a lead they had built themselves. They were chasing the game after allowing the Dolphins to turn the momentum around. They had enough possession, field position and opportunities throughout the night to win this game, but when it came down to the big moments, they couldn't find a way to wrestle control back. This is the sort of game where a team with genuine finals aspirations needs to find a way to get the job done, and the Warriors simply couldn't do it. It's a tough lesson, but hopefully one they learn from quickly because they won't get many more chances like this in the finals.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Taine Tuaupiki.

Tuaupiki stood above the rest of his team in this match, and considering he scored all 16 of their points, you could argue he couldn't have done much more for the cause. He finished with a team-high 227 metres, along with two line breaks and nine tackle breaks, while constantly trying to involve himself in attack. He was also good under pressure at the back, making some nice defusals and coming up clutch with some last-line defensive plays. His kicking kept the scoreboard ticking over and gave the Warriors their 16-8 lead, and while the team ultimately couldn't hold on, Tuaupiki certainly wasn't the reason they came up short.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to pretty much everyone else.

Apart from a select handful, with Taine Tuaupiki, James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett probably the obvious standouts, the rest of the team simply didn't deliver at the level we've come to expect from them this season. There were too many little things that added up, from some silly errors from Wayde Egan to the brain snaps that saw Kurt Capewell and Adam Pompey spend time in the sin bin. Both centres also had moments where they seemed to forget their wingers were outside them and opted to go it alone, while Alofiana Khan-Pereira was repeatedly caught out of position defending kicks into his corner. Then there were the halves, who couldn't make enough use of the momentum and field position the forwards were giving them, with some pretty pedestrian last-tackle options when the Warriors needed to be asking more questions. Individually, a few players did their jobs, but as a team the performance was well below the standard we've come to expect, and it needs to change quickly if they are going to make a serious run through these finals.

Finals Week 2 Thoughts and Prediction

In the Second week of finals, the Warriors remain at home, moving to Eden Park to host the Knights, who defeated the Rabbitohs 20-10 this week.

As for the team I'd pick, Leka Halasima going down in the warm-up wasn't ideal, but if he's fit to return, he comes straight back in for Adam Pompey. With Jackson Ford looking likely to miss the rest of the season, Eddie Ieremia-Toeva also gets his spot back in the team. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is expected to return for the finals, and this could be his final chance to get back into the side, so I'd bring him in as well. I'd either replace Alofiana Khan-Pereira or Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, as neither really impressed me this week. If Halasima isn't fit to return, then DWZ comes in, and CNK moves into the centres.

The Newcastle Knights showed in their 20-10 win over South Sydney that they are going to be a tough side to deal with. They are a physical team through the middle, have plenty of attacking strike out wide and are more than happy to play an up-tempo style when they get some momentum. They have plenty of speed and attacking talent across the park, with players capable of creating something from nothing, while their forwards can lay a good platform for that attack. Defensively, they also showed plenty of commitment against the Rabbitohs and did a good job of limiting their opportunities for long periods. They aren't unbeatable, though, and their willingness to play an expansive style can sometimes lead them to force things or give teams opportunities. The Warriors have already beaten them this season, so there is certainly a familiarity between the two sides heading into this one.

For the Warriors to get the win here, this game has to be about getting back to the basics and playing the footy that got them into the top two in the first place. They need to win the battle through the middle, build pressure and give their halves better opportunities to attack off the back of that work. The biggest thing, though, is they simply have to be more dangerous with the ball. Against the Dolphins, they completed well enough but didn't ask enough questions, and they can't afford to do the same again. They also need to be smarter with their kicking game and make sure they aren't handing the Knights easy field position. Defensively, they need to stay connected and be ready for the Knights' attacking threats out wide, because any missed tackles or poor reads could be punished. Their record at Eden Park isn't exactly great either, but if the Warriors fans turn up in big numbers and get behind the team, that home support could give them the boost they need to get across the line. Most importantly, they need to show more composure when they get into a winning position and find a way to close it out. I think the Warriors will bounce back from last week's disappointment and get their season back on track, winning by 8.

So, that was a frustrating Finals Week 1, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes to the 17?

Do you think playing at Eden Park will make it harder for the Warriors?

Can you still see the Warriors going all the way this season?

What is your score prediction against the Knights?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 27 Review: Warriors Survive Manly Scare in One-Point Win

After a tense win over the Knights in Round 26, the Warriors remained at home to take on the Sea Eagles, who were coming off their second strong win in a row, beating the Dragons 44-10.

The Warriors looked in control at 24-12 early in the second half, only for Manly to fight their way back and take a 30-24 lead with 15 minutes remaining. A frantic finish followed, with Taine Tuaupiki completing his hat-trick before Chanel Harris-Tavita slotted the 77th-minute field goal to seal a dramatic 31-30 win.

What Went Down

Manly struck first in the fourth minute when Reuben Garrick finished off a slick edge move started by Tom Trbojevic to give the Sea Eagles an early 6-0 lead. The Warriors hit back in the 11th minute through Adam Pompey, who found himself on the end of an Eddie Ieremia-Toeava offload to level the scores. Manly responded just five minutes later, with Lehi Hopoate crossing in the 16th minute after Jason Saab picked off an intercept to create the chance.

From there, the Warriors began to take control, with Taine Tuaupiki starting to cause all sorts of problems for the Sea Eagles. The fullback crossed twice in the space of five minutes, scoring in the 20th and 25th minutes to put the Warriors in front. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad then extended the lead in the 30th minute, finishing off a gorgeous cutout pass from Te Maire Martin as the Warriors went into halftime with a 20-12 lead.

The second half was where the game really opened up.

Nicoll-Klokstad grabbed his second try of the night in the 45th minute after chasing down a floating kick from Te Maire Martin, stretching the Warriors' lead to 12 points.

Manly refused to fold, though, and hit back quickly. Josh Feledy crossed in the 48th minute before Hopoate grabbed his second three minutes later to bring the Sea Eagles level at 24-24, with Jamal Fogarty converting both tries. The Sea Eagles then hit the front for the first time since the opening stages when Garrick scored his second in the 64th minute. It was a fitting way for Garrick to finish his final game for the club, with another Trbojevic line break setting up the simple finish.

Just when Manly looked like they were going to complete the upset, Tuaupiki stepped up again.

The fullback completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute, bulldozing his way through several defenders to score under the posts and bring the scores level at 30-30.

What followed was a frantic finish, with both sides having tries ruled out following multiple Bunker reviews. Manly thought they had snatched the lead through Hopoate, only for a Trbojevic obstruction to rule the try out. The Warriors then had a chance of their own when Chanel Harris-Tavita crossed, but an earlier knock-on saw the try chalked off.

Tanner Stowers-Smith then looked to have barrelled over for what could have been the match-winning try, only for the bunker to rule that he had made a triple movement. With the scores locked and time running out, the Warriors finally got the break they needed. A Manly error gave the Warriors possession, with a Captain's Challenge confirming they had the ball.

That allowed Harris-Tavita to step up in the 77th minute, and he made no mistake from 15 metres out, calmly slotting the field goal to put the Warriors ahead 31-30.

Manly's short kick-off attempt failed to go the required distance, and the Warriors were able to close out the remaining seconds to secure a thrilling one-point victory. It was far from comfortable, but the Warriors found a way to get the job done when it mattered most.

My Thoughts

Well, that was one hell of a way to finish the regular season for the Warriors. They looked in firm control at the halfway mark, only for Manly to swing momentum and almost steal it, but thankfully the Warriors held their nerve and got the job done. It wasn't enough to secure the club's second-ever Minor Premiership, but the consolation prize of two home finals more than makes up for that disappointment.

It certainly wasn't the performance I was expecting going into this game. Manly had nothing to lose after falling out of finals contention, and they played like a team with plenty of freedom, but the Warriors should have been able to handle them better than they did. There were too many times when Manly found space and got the Warriors scrambling, and that is something that will need plenty of attention over the next couple of weeks.

At the same time, I don't want to be too negative about a team that has just won its sixth game in a row and finished the regular season with one of the best records in the competition. This Warriors side has spent most of the year finding ways to win, and while this one was far more difficult than it needed to be, they still managed to get the job done when the game was on the line.

Andrew Webster rested Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell and limited the minutes of James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett and Erin Clark, and you could notice the difference. Sam Healey did plenty of good things, but the attack didn't look quite as smooth without Egan controlling things around the ruck. There were periods where the Warriors had good field position but couldn't quite turn it into the sort of sustained pressure we've become used to seeing from them. That's less a criticism of Healey than a reminder of how important Egan has become to the way this team plays. However, the confidence the younger players should get from this performance could prove vital in a few weeks; they found themselves in trouble and without those leaders out there, they had to dig deep and get it done themselves. That's exactly the sort of experience that could prove useful in the finals, because things aren't always going to go according to plan once the pressure really starts building.

That was really my key takeaway from this match as I made the long walk from the stadium to my car: the Warriors have now had a taste of the sort of pressure they are going to face in the finals. They were in a game that was there to be lost; the momentum had completely shifted, and they still found a way to get themselves back into it and win. You obviously don't want to make a habit of putting yourself in those situations, but having experienced it now could be valuable when the games actually start to matter.

There is still plenty to clean up. The defensive performance was nowhere near good enough, particularly on the edges, and the Warriors will need to be much more consistent with the ball if they want to control games against finals opposition. But that's what the next couple of weeks are for. They have already done the hard work over the regular season by putting themselves in this position.

Now the regular season is done, and the real stuff is about to begin. The Warriors have earned the right to go into the finals with plenty of confidence, but this game was also a reminder that nothing is going to come easy from here. They have shown throughout 2026 that they can handle adversity, win in different ways, and have plenty of attacking weapons. If they can tighten up the areas that let them down against Manly, there's no reason they can't be a serious threat in the Finals.

For now, though, I'll take the win. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't comfortable, and it certainly wasn't the way I expected the regular season to finish, but six straight wins and a trip into the finals with the Warriors sitting where they are is a pretty damn good place to be. Now it's time to see what they can do with it.

 

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

Match Positives

This might sound like an obvious one, but in a game that swung back and forth all night, the Warriors kept finding answers whenever Manly landed a blow. They led 24-12 early in the second half, only for Manly to fight their way back and take a 30-24 lead, but the Warriors didn't let the game get away from them and managed to level the scores again. They kept competing right until the end and eventually found the two points they needed. It wasn't their best performance, but in finals football, staying in the fight and finding a way to win when things look rough can be vital to going all the way.

This flows on from the first point, but rather than simply finding a way to win, the Warriors showed good decision-making when the game was there to be won. With the scores locked at 30-30, they didn't panic or force something; instead, they took advantage of a Manly mistake, used their Captain's Challenge successfully, and created the opportunity for the field goal. Chanel Harris-Tavita still had to step up and nail the kick, but the way the Warriors handled those final few minutes was impressive given how much pressure they were under. Those are the sorts of moments they will need to handle if they want to make a deep finals run.

As frustrating as the performance was at times, this could prove a valuable reality check for the Warriors. They won't get away with conceding 30 points and allowing a 12-point lead to disappear against a finals side, so there are plenty of things for them to take away from this game. It also gave some of the younger forwards the chance to be in the thick of a pressure situation, with Andrew Webster giving James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett and Erin Clark more time on the bench than they would normally get. That meant the younger forwards had to take on more responsibility and help the team through a difficult period, which could prove valuable come finals time. The good thing is the Warriors still found a way to win, so they can learn those lessons without having to deal with the consequences of dropping the two points. I'd much rather the Warriors get this reality check now than have it happen in a finals game when the margin for error is much smaller.

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

Match Negatives

The defence was far too easy to break down, and that's my biggest concern. Conceding 30 points at home against a team outside the top eight isn't good enough, particularly with the finals just around the corner. The edges were massively exposed throughout the game, with Manly finding far too many holes and creating too many opportunities out wide. The defensive line didn't look anywhere near as organised as it has in some of their better performances this season, and that's a massive red flag heading into the finals, where so many teams can spread the ball wide and cause havoc. If the Warriors defend like this against those sides, they could find themselves in serious trouble.

They couldn't capitalise on their periods of dominance, and that was another frustrating part of the performance. There were stages where the Warriors had control of the game and looked capable of running away with it, but they didn't make enough of the opportunities they created. The 24-12 lead should have given them the platform to build scoreboard pressure and take control of the game, but Manly stayed within striking distance. The attack also looked a little clunky without Wayde Egan, particularly when the Warriors had good field position and chances to build pressure. They need to be more ruthless with those opportunities, because finals football won't always give them a second chance.

The performance wasn't at the standard you'd expect from a minor premiership contender, and this is probably the bigger-picture negative for me. The Warriors are putting together a fantastic season and have set a very high standard for themselves, but they didn't show the same level of consistency and control we've seen from them throughout much of 2026. There were too many periods where the game seemed to drift away from them, and they never really looked completely comfortable once Manly got back into the contest. It doesn't change how good this Warriors side has been this season, but with the finals approaching, they need to make sure performances like this are the exception, not the rule. They've worked hard to get to this point, and now they need to maintain those standards as the pressure increases.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Taine Tuaupiki.

After getting the late call-up to return to the starting lineup, Tuaupiki put in a mammoth display.

He led the team with 170 running metres, scored a brilliant hat-trick, made three line breaks and broke eight tackles, constantly giving Manly's defence problems whenever he got his hands on the ball. His third try was particularly important, coming when the Warriors needed someone to step up and get them back level at 30-30. It wasn't a perfect performance, though, with his goal-kicking letting him down at times and a few defensive misreads that will need to be worked on, but those issues shouldn't take away from what was a huge attacking performance. With the Warriors missing some experienced players, Tuaupiki really stepped up and showed he can be a genuine weapon heading into the finals.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to Improve goes to Jacob Laban.

This may be a bit harsh, but I thought Laban was probably a little below the standard I've come to expect from him, although he was by no means bad. He still put in plenty of work, leading the Warriors with 22 tackles while running for 114 metres, making a line break, a line-break assist and a try assist. The problem was that he also led the team with five missed tackles and made two errors, which made his overall performance a little more inconsistent than we've become used to seeing from him. He also seemed to be slipping over more than a few times throughout the game, so maybe it's time for some new boots. There was still plenty of effort and some important contributions, but given the standard Laban has set this season, I thought this was a little below par.

Finals Week 1 Thoughts and Prediction

In the first week of finals, the Warriors remain at home to host the Dolphins, who finished the regular season with a 24-20 win over the Titans.

As for the team I’d pick, Leka Halasima, Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell all return to their spots. Andrew Webster has hinted that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is ready for this match, so he comes onto the wing. At the same time, I’d move Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back to fullback ahead of Tuaupiki, simply to strengthen the defensive structure. Jackson Ford is also meant to be close to returning, but I honestly can’t decide who he replaces. For now, I’m going with Demitric Vaimauga, mainly because I’ve seen more from Tanner Stowers-Smith over the past few weeks. It’s a brutal decision, and one I’m very happy I don’t actually have to make. Jett Cleary and Tuaupiki take up the fifth and sixth spots on my bench, giving the Warriors some cover across the spine and outside backs.

The Dolphins are heading into their first-ever finals appearance with plenty of momentum, having won seven games in a row after suffering a brutal 66-0 loss to the Sharks in Round 19. They are one of the most explosive attacking teams in the competition, with the ability to turn half a chance into points, but they still have some question marks defensively. That 66-0 loss showed how badly things can unravel when their defence isn't functioning, and they've had other games where they've given opponents opportunities they shouldn't have. The seven-game winning streak shows they've found a way to overcome those issues, though, and they'll head into their first finals series full of confidence; for the Warriors, that makes them a very dangerous opponent.

For the Warriors to get the win here, it all starts with the forward pack taking control of the game. The Dolphins have plenty of explosive attacking players, so the Warriors need to win the battle through the middle, build a strong platform and give their halves and backs the space to attack. Defensively, communication will be just as important, particularly on the edges after the issues we saw against Manly. The Warriors can't afford to give the Dolphins easy opportunities out wide, so everyone needs to trust the players inside them and stay connected. If they can control the middle, limit the Dolphins' attacking opportunities and play to their strengths with the ball, I think they have enough experience and quality to get the job done, so I'm going with a Warriors win by four.

So, that was a stressful Round 27, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Are you concerned about that edge defence?

What changes would you make for Finals Week 1?

Do you have a Warrior to improve?

What is your score prediction against the Dolphins?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 26 Review: Warriors Overcome Nightmare Start to Move Top of the Ladder

After another impressive win over the Rabbitohs in Round 25, the Warriors returned home to take on the Knights, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 44-24 loss to the Sea Eagles.

The Warriors overcame a fast start from Newcastle, trailing 14-0 before turning things around to take a 22-20 lead into halftime. They extended their advantage to 34-20 early in the second half, but the Knights fought their way back to within two before the Warriors steadied late to secure a 46-32 victory.

What Went Down

The match got off to a flying start, with Newcastle coming out firing.

Fletcher Hunt opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing on the right edge before Francis Manuleleua crossed five minutes later after a sharp move through the middle. Sandon Smith converted the second try to give the Knights an early 10-0 lead.

The Warriors were given a huge opportunity in the 12th minute when Jacob Saifiti was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Luke Laulilii. Newcastle were suddenly down to 12 men, and the Warriors soon made the extra man count.

Before they could hit back, though, Jermaine McEwen crossed in the 14th minute to stretch the Knights' lead to 14-0. From there, the Warriors finally found their rhythm.

Jacob Laban powered over in the 18th minute before Wayde Egan crashed through the Newcastle defence four minutes later. Erin Clark then barged over from close range in the 26th minute to put the Warriors in front for the first time.

Newcastle suffered another blow when Francis Manuleleua left the field with a dislocated elbow, and Demitric Vaimauga crossed in the 35th minute to extend the Warriors' lead to 22-16 after Taine Tuaupiki's conversion. The Knights refused to go away, though. Fletcher Hunt grabbed his second try in the 39th minute after Newcastle earned repeat sets near the Warriors' line. Sandon Smith missed the conversion, meaning the Warriors went into the sheds with a narrow 22-20 lead.

The second half began with the Warriors taking control again.

Ali Leiataua scored in the 42nd minute after Jacob Laban won a high ball and produced a brilliant offload to keep the attack alive.

Adam Pompey then finished off a slick move in the 51st minute, taking a flick pass from Leiataua to extend the Warriors' lead to 34-20.

Just when it looked like the Warriors were starting to pull away, Newcastle hit back through Greg Marzhew in the 54th minute. It was one of the more bizarre moments of the match, with Marzhew's kick ahead rebounding off Taine Tuaupiki's head before the Knights winger regathered and scored.

Marzhew crossed again just three minutes later, bringing Newcastle right back into the contest at 34-32. What had looked like a comfortable Warriors lead had suddenly become a genuine arm wrestle.

The Warriors needed a response and got one in the 62nd minute when Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed after Leka Halasima's intercept shifted the momentum back in the Warriors' favour. Tuaupiki converted from the sideline to make it 40-32.

With rain beginning to fall and Newcastle still pushing hard, the Warriors had to dig deep in the closing stages. They finally put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Jacob Laban broke through multiple tackles to score his second try of the night under the posts. Tuaupiki added the extras to make it 46-32.

It wasn't always pretty, and Newcastle certainly made the Warriors work for it, but they showed plenty of composure to withstand the Knights' fightback and finish the job. The win lifts the Warriors to first place on the live ladder, adding another important victory to what has been an impressive season so far. However, there is still plenty of work to do, particularly after allowing the Knights back into the contest despite having a one-man advantage for most of the match.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a strange and nerve-racking game. The Warriors found themselves 14-0 down inside the opening 14 minutes, and it looked like Newcastle had all the momentum. Then Jacob Saifiti was sent off, and the game completely changed.

From there, the Warriors slowly worked their way back into the contest, took control and looked like they were going to run away with it. Of course, Newcastle had other ideas and made things interesting again, but thankfully the Warriors found a way to steady themselves and finish the job.

It wasn't the best showing we have seen from the Warriors this year, but I would take a less-than-stellar win over a disappointing loss any day of the week; the key is that they learn from this and keep building.

One thing I continue to love about this Warriors team is the variety in attack. We saw tries scored through the middle, out wide, from kicks, broken play and some really good individual skill. Eight tries from seven different players showed just how many different ways this team can hurt you, and that variety is going to be incredibly important once the finals arrive.

The forward pack remains one of this team's biggest strengths. They set the platform once again, with six players cracking my triple-digit target, and gave the Warriors plenty of momentum through the middle. That allowed the backs and halves to play with more freedom and put Newcastle under plenty of pressure.

Even when the Knights started to find some momentum, the forwards kept taking the ball forward and helped the Warriors regain control. It's becoming a bit of a theme with this team — when the game gets tough, the pack keeps turning up.

There are obviously still things that need to improve. The start was poor, the edge defence was shaky at times, and allowing a 12-man Newcastle side to get back to within two points isn't something the team will be happy with.

But I'd much rather see those issues now, while the Warriors are still finding ways to win and missing a few big names who will return, than have them exposed for the first time in a finals game. They know what they need to work on, and there's still time to clean things up.

The biggest thing for me, though, is the position this team has put itself in. The Warriors are currently sitting in first place, and this win has pretty much secured a top-two finish, a position I never imagined at the start of the season.

That top two spot is a massive advantage heading into the finals. It gives the Warriors a second chance if they lose their opening finals match and, just as importantly, allows them to play two home finals, which could be the key to getting to the big dance.

There is still one regular-season game to go, so the Warriors need to stay focused on the job in front of them. But after everything this team has dealt with this season, to be sitting at the top of the ladder with a top-two finish all but secured is a fantastic position to be in. Now it's about making the most of it.

The Warriors have shown they can win in different ways, deal with adversity and find solutions when things don't go to plan. If they can clean up the defensive lapses, start games with the same intensity they show later on, and keep building on the attacking football we've seen, they'll head into the finals with plenty of confidence. The minor premiership is still there to be won, and the Warriors have put themselves in the perfect position to go after it. They've earned this opportunity. Now they need to take it with both hands.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors couldn't have asked for a worse start, with Newcastle racing to a 14-0 lead inside 14 minutes and looking dangerous in attack. The game changed dramatically when Jacob Saifiti was sent off in the 12th minute, leaving the Knights with 12 men for the remaining 67 minutes.

Who knows what would have happened if Newcastle had stayed at 13 players, especially given how well they started. The opening 14 minutes should certainly ring some alarm bells, but the Warriors deserve plenty of credit for making the most of the opportunity they were given. They settled down, scored four tries between the 18th and 35th minutes and completely turned the game around to take a 22-20 lead into halftime. The slow start is something they will need to address, but the composure they showed to fight their way back and regain control will be a nice confidence booster heading into the finals.

After building a 34-20 lead, the Warriors suddenly found themselves under pressure when Greg Marzhew scored twice in just three minutes to bring Newcastle back to 34-32. After doing so well to turn the game around earlier, it would have been easy for the Warriors to lose their composure and let the Knights take control again. Instead, they steadied themselves when it mattered. Alofiana Khan-Pereira's try in the 62nd minute restored some breathing room before Jacob Laban's second try in the 76th minute finally put the result beyond doubt. The Warriors won't be happy with allowing the Knights back into the contest, but their ability to remain composed and regain control when the pressure was on is another positive they can take into the finals.

Jett Cleary and Luke Hanson handled the pressure of a huge game remarkably well. Cleary was making his NRL debut, while Hanson was only playing his third NRL game, yet both looked composed and showed plenty of promise in the halves. Cleary was particularly impressive, setting up three tries on debut, while Hanson provided a steady hand alongside him. Credit also needs to go to Andrew Webster and his coaching staff. This was yet another brand-new halves pairing in first grade, but the changes didn't make the Warriors look any weaker. Webster's game plan gave the young halves the structure and confidence to do their jobs, and the Warriors once again found a way to secure another vital win. With both players set to move on at the end of the season, it was great to see them step up when the Warriors needed them. For Cleary in particular, making his NRL debut in such an important game and playing a key role in the win is something he'll certainly remember.

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

Match Negatives

The start was nowhere near good enough. The Warriors conceded tries in the 4th, 9th and 14th minutes to find themselves 14-0 down, and while Jacob Saifiti's send-off changed the game, the Warriors were already on the back foot before Newcastle were reduced to 12 men. You simply can't give a team that kind of start, particularly against a side you're expected to beat. The response was excellent and showed plenty of composure, but the Warriors made life much harder for themselves than they needed to. Against a full-strength side in the finals, a start like that could put them in a hole they might not be able to climb out of.

The defensive lapses continue to creep into the Warriors' game. Newcastle scored 32 points and made 11 line breaks, with the two Greg Marzhew tries in particular highlighting some of the issues in the Warriors' defensive line. What was even more concerning was how easily the Knights found inroads down both edges, despite playing with just 12 men for most of the game. Once Newcastle started throwing the ball around, the Warriors struggled to shut the door and allowed the Knights to find gaps far too easily. At times, the defensive line looked disconnected, and while the Warriors eventually regained control, those lapses are a real concern heading into the finals. Against a top-four side with a full complement of players, they could be punished much more severely.

This is probably my biggest concern from the game. Newcastle played with just 12 men for the vast majority of the match, yet the Warriors still allowed the Knights to score six tries and get back to within two points at 34-32. The Warriors eventually won by 14 points, but the final score doesn't completely tell the story. With a one-man advantage for so long, they should have been able to control the game much more comfortably and put Newcastle away earlier. It is great that the Warriors found a way to win, but against a full-strength side in the finals, they can't afford to let an opposition team hang around like that, especially after being given such a significant advantage.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jacob Laban.

Laban was once again a constant threat and played a huge role in the Warriors' win. He finished with a double, a try assist and two line breaks, while running for 102 metres and producing three offloads. Defensively, he was just as impressive, making 26 tackles with only one miss. He was a constant danger whenever a kick came his way and looked capable of making something happen every time he got his hands on the ball. He did make three errors, which is something he'll want to clean up this week, but overall it was another strong performance from Laban. He continues to grow in confidence and looks like a player who can be a real handful for opposition teams heading into the finals. It's been a great season from him so far, and performances like this show just how important he's becoming to this Warriors side.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to call out for this week. While there were some concerns around the edge defence, I'm not convinced it was simply an Adam Pompey and Alofiana Khan-Pereira issue. With another brand-new halves pairing, the changes may have disrupted the flow and communication of the defensive line. Beyond that, everyone who took the field played their role and contributed to the win, making it hard to single anyone out for an off night.

Round 27 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 27, the Warriors remain at home to host the Sea Eagles, who defeated the Dragons 44-10 this Round.

As for the team I'd pick, if Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin are fit, then I am bringing them back in; if they need another week, then I'm sticking with Cleary and Hanson. I would also bring Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back onto the wing in my only other change.

The Sea Eagles have started to find some form late in the season after a difficult few months. They snapped a six-game losing streak with an impressive 44-24 win over Newcastle in Round 25 before backing it up with another big performance against the Dragons in Round 26, running out 44-10 winners. With their finals hopes already gone, Manly are now playing for pride and looking to finish the season on a positive note. They'll come into this game with plenty of confidence after putting 88 points on the board across their last two matches, and the Warriors certainly can't afford to take them lightly. With nothing to lose, the Sea Eagles have shown they can be dangerous, and the Warriors will need to be switched on from the opening whistle.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they will need to start much better than they did against Newcastle. Manly have found plenty of attacking form in recent weeks, so the Warriors need to control the middle, limit the Sea Eagles' second-phase play and, most importantly, tighten up their edge defence. As always, the Warriors will need their forwards to dictate the tempo of the contest and give the attack plenty of opportunities to build pressure. With the finals just around the corner, this is a chance for the Warriors to put together a more complete performance and show they can maintain their intensity for the full 80 minutes. If they can do that and take their opportunities in attack, I think they have too much class for Manly, winning by 18.

So, that was a tense Round 26, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Do you have a Warrior to improve?

What did you think of Jett's debut?

Does that start worry you for finals?

What is your score prediction against the Sea Eagles?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 25 Review: Warriors Survive Souths Scare to Storm Into Top Spot

After another strong win over the Broncos in Round 24, the Warriors remained in Australia, heading to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs, who looked impressive in their 22-6  win over the Bulldogs last round.

The Warriors made a blistering start against South Sydney, racing to a 12-0 lead before taking a 26-8 advantage into halftime. The Rabbitohs fought their way back into the contest in the second half, but the Warriors regained control late to secure a 45-26 victory.

What Went Down

The Warriors exploded out of the blocks against the Rabbitohs, scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes to take an early 12-0 lead.

James Fisher-Harris opened the scoring in the 5th minute, with the Warriors applying pressure early before their forward pack eventually created the opening for the veteran prop to cross.

Just two minutes later, Leka Halasima doubled the advantage in the 7th minute, with the Warriors again making the most of their early attacking pressure. Taine Tuaupiki converted both tries to put the visitors in complete control of the opening exchanges.

South Sydney responded in the 13th minute, with Jack Wighton getting the Rabbitohs on the scoreboard and giving the home side some momentum after the Warriors' fast start.

The Warriors quickly answered back, with Mitch Barnett crossing to restore their 12-point advantage. The Rabbitohs refused to go away, however, and Alex Johnston added another try in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit.

The Warriors continued to apply pressure and extended their lead with a penalty goal before producing another attacking play in the 32nd minute.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava broke through the South Sydney defensive line, creating space for the Warriors to attack. Chanel Harris-Tavita was on hand to finish the movement, crossing for the Warriors' fourth try of the night. Tuaupiki added the conversion, taking his tally to 5/5 with the boot.

The Warriors headed into halftime with a 26-8 lead.

The visitors continued their strong start after the break, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossing in the 44th minute to extend the lead.

However, DWZ suffered a shoulder injury during the scoring play and was forced from the field, leaving the Warriors without one of their key attacking options.

The Rabbitohs immediately began to find opportunities on that side of the field. Tallis Duncan crossed in the 48th minute, cutting into the Warriors' advantage.

Alex Johnston then grabbed his second try of the night in the 53rd minute, keeping the Rabbitohs' comeback alive.

South Sydney continued to build pressure, and Cody Walker crossed in the 60th minute, completing a run of three tries in 12 minutes.

With Jayden Sullivan adding the conversions, the Rabbitohs had turned a 32-8 deficit into a 32-26 contest with almost 20 minutes still to play.

The Warriors finally stopped the South Sydney surge in the 68th minute when Jacob Laban crossed on the right edge. The try gave the visitors some much-needed breathing room and shifted the momentum back in their favour.

Five minutes later, Alofiana Khan-Pereira finished another Warriors attacking movement in the corner, crossing in the 73rd minute. Tuaupiki continued his perfect night with the boot, adding the conversion.

With the result effectively secured, Luke Hanson added the finishing touch in the 79th minute, slotting a field goal to complete the scoring.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a much more interesting game than it probably needed to be. The Warriors looked like they were going to run away with it early, racing to a 12-0 lead before taking a 26-8 advantage into halftime. South Sydney had other ideas, though, and suddenly what looked like a comfortable win became a real contest. Thankfully, the Warriors settled things down and finished the job.

I liked the variety we saw in attack. The Warriors weren't relying on one particular way of scoring, with tries coming through the forwards, out wide, from broken play and some really good individual skill. That makes them much harder to defend because they can hurt you in so many different ways.

The Warriors' pack continues to control the middle and provide the platform for the rest of the team. Even when Souths started throwing everything at them, the forwards kept taking the ball forward and kept the team moving in the right direction. When the middle is winning that battle, it makes life so much easier for everyone outside them.

That flows into how impressed I was with the way Chanel Harris-Tavita handled the move to halfback. This was the sixth different halves combination the Warriors have used this season, so there were plenty of questions about how the reshuffled spine would work. CHT slotted into the No.7 role really well, got involved in attack and didn't try to overplay his hand.

Luke Hanson also deserves plenty of credit. There were some defensive issues, but I thought he and CHT worked well together in the halves. Hanson showed plenty of promise and can certainly go home with his head held high. He also showed some composure late in the game by slotting the field goal to put the result beyond doubt and give the Warriors a one-point advantage over the Panthers on differential.

The Warriors also showed they can adapt when things don't go according to plan. DWZ's injury forced changes to the backline, Souths had all the momentum, and suddenly the game was in the balance, but the Warriors found a way to regain control. That experience will be valuable heading into the finals, where games can change very quickly.

There is still work to do. The defence was a concern at times, particularly during Souths' second-half comeback, and there were a few attacking opportunities the Warriors probably should have taken. But the important thing is that this team knows it isn't the finished product and continues to grow.

The Warriors now find themselves sitting in first place with two home games left in the regular season, and the opportunity to claim the minor premiership is right there in front of them. It's a fantastic position to be in, but this is where they need to stay focused and not get ahead of themselves. As cliché as it sounds, it's about taking it one game at a time. Win both of those home games, and they give themselves every chance of finishing the regular season on top, but there is no point looking beyond the next challenge.

We've now seen the Warriors dominate games, grind out tight wins and respond when momentum swings against them. If they can keep improving and clean up those little areas, I genuinely think the sky is the limit for what this team can achieve.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors' forward pack once again laid the platform, with Mitchell Barnett leading the way with 183 metres, followed by Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (154m), James Fisher-Harris (131m), Tanner Stowers-Smith (118m) and Kurt Capewell (101m). The impact didn't drop when the bench forwards came on either, with Ieremia-Toeava in particular making a huge contribution and providing the line break that led to Chanel Harris-Tavita's try. That go-forward allowed the Warriors to play on the front foot and gave the halves and outside backs plenty of room to attack. This has become one of the keys to the Warriors' success this season, and if they can maintain this level of dominance through the middle, the sky really is the limit for what they can achieve this campaign.

Taine Tuaupiki was perfect with the boot, converting all of his opportunities in a game where every point mattered, particularly when South Sydney mounted their second-half comeback. After the goal-kicking concerns I've raised throughout the season, seeing Tuaupiki go 100% is a real positive and gives the Warriors another reliable option when they need it. His performance also gives Andrew Webster another selection headache to ponder when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns, with Tuaupiki showing he can offer plenty both with the ball in hand and from the kicking tee. If Tuaupiki can maintain this level of accuracy, it could well and truly be the final piece of the puzzle the Warriors need as they push for a premiership.

After leading 32-8, the Rabbitohs scored three tries in 12 minutes to reduce the deficit to just six points, but rather than panic, the Warriors regrouped and eventually regained control. Jacob Laban crossed in the 68th minute before Alofiana Khan-Pereira finished the job five minutes later, with Luke Hanson adding a field goal late to complete the scoring. The ability to stop the bleeding, absorb the pressure and re-establish control is another important string to the bow as the Warriors prepare for the finals. Having a side swing momentum against them and still finding the determination and composure not to collapse will be vital in the sudden-death arena, where every moment matters, and there is no room for a bad spell to end your season.

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

Match Negatives

My biggest concern was the number of defensive lapses, particularly once South Sydney found momentum in the second half. Conceding 26 points isn't a disaster when you score 45 yourself, but the way some of those tries came will be a concern. After Dallin Watene-Zelezniak left with his shoulder injury, Souths repeatedly targeted the Warriors' edge and scored three tries in 12 minutes, turning a 24-point deficit into a six-point game. There were too many occasions where the communication wasn't there, players were getting caught turning in, and the trust between defenders seemed to break down. The attack was good enough to cover those lapses on this occasion, but the Warriors won't be able to give sides that many opportunities in the finals and expect to get away with it.

At 32-8, the Warriors had the game firmly in their hands, but just 15 minutes later South Sydney had cut the lead to 32-26. The Rabbitohs deserve credit for the way they fought their way back, but the Warriors made life far more difficult for themselves than it needed to be. When you have a 24-point lead, you need to be able to control the game, manage the momentum and make the opposition work for every point. Against a stronger finals opponent, allowing a game to swing that dramatically could prove much more costly. The Warriors showed they could recover, but ideally this is a lesson they won't need to learn again when the stakes are even higher.

Lastly, it feels like it wouldn't be a Warriors game without another injury, and this time it was Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who came off second best, breaking his collarbone. To his credit, DWZ tried to fight through the pain and was making his way off the field when he saw the play was still on. He turned around, got himself back into position and finished the movement by crossing for the try. Andrew Webster has confirmed DWZ will require surgery, although there is still a chance he could return during the finals. The Warriors have truly lived by the "next one up" mentality this season, and I'm sure that will continue here, with whoever gets the opportunity expected to step up and do the job. But it still sucks to see DWZ potentially miss out on what could be a great end to the season. Hopefully the surgery goes well, and he can make his way back in time for the finals, because he has certainly earned the chance to be part of it.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.

EIT certainly made a statement here with another impressive performance off the bench. EIT ran for 154 metres from 14 carries, made 24 tackles without missing one, and was heavily involved in attack, breaking the line and producing a superb offload for Chanel Harris-Tavita's try. He was asked to move around after DWZ's injury and looked a little less comfortable at right centre, but once he shifted back to the left, he again showed his attacking threat by setting up Alofiana Khan-Pereira's try late in the game. Performances like this are also making the selection battle even more interesting when Jackson Ford is fit and ready to return, with the Warriors' bench forwards doing everything they can to make that decision a difficult one for Webster.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Adam Pompey.

Pompey had a night he'd probably rather forget. Coming into the side late for Ali Leiataua, there were some bright moments in attack, including two line-break assists for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, but things became much more difficult once he moved to the wing following DWZ's injury. Pompey finished with 12 carries for 119 metres, but his defensive work was a major concern, with poor reads and positioning that helped South Sydney find plenty of success down that side during their second-half comeback. You can't pile all of the defensive blame on Pompey, as the Warriors' issues were a team problem, but he looked a step behind the rest of the side at times and struggled to adjust to the change in position. It's an area he'll need to tidy up, because against the better sides, those lapses can quickly turn into points.

Round 26 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 26, the Warriors return home to host the Newcastle Knights, who went down 44-24 to the Sea Eagles this round.

As for the team I'd pick, the only changes I'd make would be bringing Te Maire Martin back into the halves if he is cleared to play, with CHT moving back to No. 6. I'd also bring Luke Laulili onto the wing to replace DWZ, while Ali Leiataua would come back in for Adam Pompey.

The Knights have been in some really good form over the past month, putting together three straight wins before suffering a heavy loss to Manly this week. Newcastle picked up some impressive results during that run, beating the Broncos 30-6, the Raiders 30-24 and the Titans 36-26, while their attack has continued to look dangerous. The 44-24 loss to Manly was certainly a setback, particularly defensively, but it doesn't erase what had been a strong run of form. The Knights will now be looking to bounce back against the Warriors, and after the way they've been playing in recent weeks, they are certainly a side that can't be taken lightly heading into the final rounds.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to start this one with the same intensity we've seen from them in recent weeks and make the Knights work for everything through the middle. The forward pack will be crucial again, but the biggest focus has to be on their defence, particularly around the edges where they can't afford to give Newcastle easy opportunities. If they can win the battle through the middle, limit Kalyn Ponga's influence and keep their discipline, I think the Warriors have enough attacking firepower to put plenty of points on the board. The Knights will be desperate to bounce back from their loss to Manly, so this won't be an easy game, but I think the Warriors will be too strong, and I'm tipping them to win by 18 points.

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

Who would you bring in for DWZ?

Are you concerned with that defensive effort?

Does Taine Tuaupiki's perfect night with the boot change your thoughts on the goal-kicking situation?

What is your score prediction against the Knights?