NZ Warriors 2026 Round 23 Review: Warriors Send Premiership Message

After their big win over the Titans in Round 22, the Warriors returned to Mt Smart to host the Panthers, who also looked impressive last weekend with a 42-18 victory over the Raiders.

The Warriors produced a statement performance, defeating the Panthers 28-12 at Go Media Stadium. They dominated the opening half and held on despite a late Penrith fightback to secure a memorable victory in front of a capacity crowd.

What Went Down

The night began with a historic and goosebump-inducing moment as the Warriors unveiled their Haka, Ngā Tamatoa ("The Warriors"). Led by co-captain James Fisher-Harris in front of a sold-out Go Media Stadium crowd, the Haka was a powerful celebration of culture during the NRL's Indigenous Round. It was a moment that captivated players, fans and viewers alike, setting the stage for one of the biggest games of the season.

The Warriors could not have asked for a better start, dominating possession and field position from the opening whistle. Their early pressure paid off in the 4th minute when Erin Clark stepped past Moses Leota with a simple piece of footwork before powering over for the opening try. The home side continued to control proceedings and doubled their lead in the 11th minute. Luke Metcalf took advantage of a missed tackle from Nathan Cleary and sliced through the line before putting Kurt Capewell into a huge gap. The veteran back-rower linked up with Metcalf, who backed up on the inside to finish off a superb team try.

Penrith's problems deepened in the 23rd minute when Paul Alamoti was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous throw on Leka Halasima. The Panthers initially handled the numerical disadvantage well, but Halasima soon began causing havoc. After busting through multiple tackle attempts across consecutive carries, he produced a brilliant offload to Chanel Harris-Tavita, who crossed in the 30th minute to extend the Warriors' lead. The Warriors looked set to take an even bigger advantage into halftime after a Harris-Tavita bomb caused chaos in the Panthers' in-goal area. The ball bounced kindly for Leka Halasima, but a knock-on denied the Warriors another four-pointer as they headed to the sheds leading 18-0.

The second half started much like the first. Just three minutes after the restart, Metcalf launched a cross-field kick towards Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. The winger outleapt Tom Jenkins, regathered the ball and brilliantly offloaded to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who scored in the 43rd minute to push the lead beyond three converted tries.

Penrith finally found some reward for their efforts in the 67th minute. Izack Tago burst through the Warriors' defensive line on the left edge before linking up with Tom Jenkins, who found Nathan Cleary backing up on the inside for the Panthers' first try of the night.

The visitors suddenly found some momentum and struck again just three minutes later. After producing a crucial 40/20, Cleary took control of the attack and helped create space for Jaxen Edgar, who crossed in the 70th minute to give Penrith a glimmer of hope.

The Panthers thought they had another try shortly afterwards when a bomb was allowed to bounce by Nicoll-Klokstad and Paul Alamoti raced through to score. However, the Bunker ruled Liam Martin offside in the lead-up, denying Penrith a potentially game-changing four-pointer.

Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 76th minute. After weathering Penrith's late surge, Luke Metcalf produced a moment of individual brilliance, stepping off his left foot and then his right before slicing through the defence for a sensational solo try that sealed an impressive Warriors victory.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a statement. Coming into this game, there were plenty of questions about whether the Warriors could genuinely compete with the best teams in the competition when the pressure was on, and I don't think they could have answered those questions much better. I had plenty of hope that the Warriors could get the job done, but I predicted a Panthers win in my review last week. I have never been happier to be wrong.

Beating the Panthers is one thing, but the way the Warriors went about it was what impressed me most. They didn't just scrape past Penrith; they took control of the game, dictated the tempo and looked like the better team for large parts of the contest. Against a side that has set the standard in the NRL for so long, that is a pretty significant statement.

The night kicked off with the debut of the Warriors Haka, and being there live, almost right in front of the team as they performed it, was something I will never forget. It was an awesome sight, and you could see just how locked in the team was. There was a real feeling that this wasn't going to be just another game.

That belief carried straight into the opening exchanges. There was no hesitation, no feeling their way into the contest and no waiting for Penrith to make the first move. The Warriors backed themselves from the opening whistle and played with the confidence of a team that genuinely believes it belongs at the top end of the competition. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the season, but doing it against the Panthers, on a night with so much riding on it, makes this result feel different.

What also stood out was the way the Warriors pack approached the game. It felt like they made it their mission to manhandle Penrith and win the middle of the field. For so long, the Panthers have been the team that physically dominates opponents, but on this occasion the Warriors matched them and, at times, got the better of them. The forwards laid the platform, bent the defensive line and gave the spine the space they needed to play their game. It was exactly the sort of performance you want to see from a Warriors pack when the intensity of the game goes up a level.

Luke Metcalf also deserves plenty of credit. Stepping into such an important role in a game of this magnitude could easily have disrupted the team's rhythm, but he slotted in like he had been there the whole time. There was no obvious drop-off, and the Warriors were able to continue playing their game without missing a beat. To me, that says just as much about Andrew Webster and his coaching staff as it does about Metcalf himself. They have built a system and a game plan that allows players to step into key positions without the whole team having to change the way it plays. That's a sign of a well-coached side with a clear identity, and it is becoming one of this team's biggest strengths.

There are still things that need cleaning up, and that 10-minute period where Penrith scored twice showed that this team isn't quite the finished product yet. But I'd much rather be looking at how the Warriors can improve from a performance like this than trying to work out where the confidence has gone. They showed they can handle adversity, they showed they can go toe-to-toe with one of the competition's benchmark teams and, perhaps most importantly, they showed they have players capable of producing something special when the game is on the line.

The timing of this performance couldn't be much better. We're getting to the point of the season where every game starts to carry more weight, and the Warriors now have a genuine opportunity to control their own destiny. The challenge is making sure this isn't just one great night. The best teams find a level and stay there, and that's what I want to see from this group over the next few weeks.

If they can take the confidence from this win, clean up the lapses and continue building, there's no reason why the Warriors can't be right in the premiership conversation when September arrives. For me, this was more than just another two competition points. It was a reminder of just how good this Warriors side can be when everything clicks. Penrith came to Go Media Stadium as the benchmark, and for large parts of the night, the Warriors looked like the benchmark instead.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors could not have asked for a better start, coming out with plenty of energy and immediately putting the Panthers under pressure. They won the early field-position battle, forced Penrith to defend repeat sets and made the most of their opportunities when they came. Against a side as experienced and disciplined as the Panthers, getting on the front foot early was always going to be crucial, and the Warriors did exactly that. Starting hard and fast will need to become a non-negotiable for the remainder of the regular season and into the finals. If the Warriors want to control their own fate and give themselves the best possible chance of making a deep finals run, they need to bring this level of intensity from the opening whistle every week.

The Warriors' forward pack laid the foundation for the win, winning the physical battle through the middle and giving the backs plenty of room to work with. Mitch Barnett led the way with 163 metres, followed by James Fisher-Harris (160m) and Erin Clark (138m), while Tanner Stowers-Smith (109m), Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (108m) and Kurt Capewell (101m) all made valuable contributions. Against a Penrith pack that prides itself on winning the middle, the Warriors not only matched them physically but got on top early, setting the platform for the rest of the side. When the forwards are producing numbers like this, it gives the Warriors the go-forward and field position needed to let their attack flourish.

Holding Penrith scoreless in the first half is an achievement few teams can claim, and the Warriors' defensive effort was one of the biggest positives to come out of the game. For the majority of the contest, they were right in the Panthers' faces, constantly making them work for every metre and rarely allowing them to build any real momentum. Even when Penrith did manage to make inroads, the Warriors scrambled extremely well and showed plenty of desperation to shut down opportunities. My highlight was James Fisher-Harris producing a massive effort to stop the Panthers when they looked certain to break away. There was one brief 10-minute period where the Warriors switched off and allowed Penrith back into the contest. Still, outside of that spell, the defensive effort was outstanding against one of the competition's best attacking sides.

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

Match Negatives

At 24-0, the Warriors had the game firmly in their control and looked on track for a comfortable finish, but they allowed Penrith back into the contest with two tries in the space of three minutes. Suddenly, a game that had looked all but over had some pressure attached to it, and the Panthers were starting to believe they could fight their way back. It was a timely reminder for the Warriors that you simply cannot give finals-bound sides a sniff, because they have the quality and experience to make you pay. It also reinforces just how important that fast start will be for the Warriors over the remainder of the season. Building a lead is one thing, but maintaining that intensity and putting teams away is going to be just as important come finals time.

While the Warriors' defence was outstanding for the majority of the night, there were still a few moments that will give Andrew Webster something to work on. Penrith's first try came after a strong break from Izack Tago on the left edge, with the Warriors struggling to contain the damage once he got through the initial line. Their second try also came from a defensive lapse, with Leka Halasima caught out in the lead-up. It was a rare mistake from Halasima, who was otherwise outstanding throughout the night and one of the Warriors' best performers. Against a team like the Panthers, you can't afford to give their strike players those opportunities because they have the quality to turn half a chance into points. It was a good reminder that while the Warriors have made huge strides defensively, their edge defence will continue to be tested as they come up against the competition's best attacking sides.

The Warriors had enough attacking pressure throughout the game to put even more points on Penrith. The disallowed try was unlucky, but there were other opportunities where better execution could have added to the scoreboard. Against a side like Penrith, you don't always get many chances, so when you earn field position and put their defence under pressure, you need to make those opportunities count. The Warriors will be happy with the 28 points they put on the Panthers, but there was certainly a chance to make the scoreline even more convincing.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Luke Metcalf.

After being called into the side at the last minute, Metcalf delivered the type of performance that will have Dragons fans licking their lips for 2027. He was at the heart of many of the Warriors' best attacking moments, finishing the night with two tries, a line break, a line break assist and a try assist. 

He only had 6 runs, but he picked his moments perfectly, keeping the Panthers defence on their toes and capitalising when opportunities presented themselves. He did the lion's share of the kicking, and most of it was on point, helping the Warriors win the territory battle. It was simply a great night for Metcalf, and if this type of performance becomes his standard, that jersey should be his for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to call out this week. Every player who took the field played their role, and those with limited minutes simply weren't on the park long enough to be judged fairly. From one to seventeen, everyone contributed in some way, making it impossible to single out a player who had an off night.

Round 24 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 24, the Warriors find themselves heading back across the ditch to face the Broncos at Suncorp for the second time this season. The Broncos squandered a 24-0 lead before going down 40-32 against the Dolphins this Round.

As for the team I'd pick, I wouldn't change a thing. This group has earned the opportunity to build on this performance, continue developing combinations and see if they can find another gear heading into the business end of the season.

The Broncos' 2026 season has fallen well short of expectations. After entering the year with plenty of hype, they have struggled to find any real consistency and have managed just six wins all season. Injuries and poor performances have contributed to a disappointing campaign, leaving them well outside the finals race. However, the Warriors would be foolish to take them lightly. The Broncos still possess plenty of X-factor across the park, with players like Reece Walsh capable of turning a game on its head in an instant. If Brisbane are in the right mood and their stars click into gear, they have more than enough talent to beat any team in the competition on their day.

For the Warriors to get the win here, the blueprint should be fairly simple. They need to bring the same intensity and physicality that helped them knock off Penrith, starting fast and winning the battle through the middle. If Mitch Barnett, James Fisher-Harris, Erin Clark and the rest of the forward pack can lay a strong platform, it will allow the likes of Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita to control the game with their kicking and create opportunities on the edges. Defensively, the Warriors must remain disciplined and avoid giving Brisbane's dangerous playmakers, particularly Reece Walsh, time and space to work with. If they can dominate possession, complete their sets and maintain the defensive standards they showed for most of last week, they should have too much class for a Broncos side that has struggled throughout the season. I'm backing the Warriors to get the job done, with my prediction being a Warriors win by 16 points.

So, that was an amazing Round 23, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

After beating the Panthers, do you now see the Warriors as genuine premiership contenders?

Are there any changes you would make to the squad?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What is your score prediction against the Broncos?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 22 Review: Warriors Back in Business After Titans Thrashing

After their embarrassing defeat to the Bulldogs in Round 21, the Warriors remained across the ditch, heading to the Gold Coast to face a Titans side who defeated the Dragons 38-18 that same weekend.

The Warriors produced one of their most complete performances of the season, overpowering the Titans 42-6 at CBUS Super Stadium. Scoring eight tries to one, Andrew Webster's side controlled the contest from the outset and never looked threatened on their way to a dominant victory.

What Went Down

The Warriors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossing in the 6th minute before former Titan Alofiana Khan-Pereira added another just four minutes later to give the Warriors an early 10-0 advantage. The points continued to flow in the 16th minute when Khan-Pereira burst clear from inside his own half and linked up with Chanel Harris-Tavita, who finished the movement to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Titans briefly gave their supporters something to cheer about when Arama Hau crossed in the 23rd minute, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly shut down by the Warriors. Leka Halasima, rewarded with a starting role in the centres after originally being named on the bench, repaid Andrew Webster's faith by scoring in the 28th minute following a Khan-Pereira tap back. The Warriors finished the opening half emphatically when Jacob Laban crashed over in the 36th minute, sending the visitors to the sheds with a commanding 26-6 lead.

Any thoughts of a second-half fightback were quickly erased after the break. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava ran onto a superb Mitchell Barnett pass to score in the 47th minute as the Warriors picked up where they left off. The visitors thought they had another shortly afterwards when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad crossed the line, only for the bunker to rule an obstruction in the lead-up and deny the fullback a four-pointer. With AJ Brimson spending time in the sin bin, the Warriors took full advantage of their extra man. Te Maire Martin added his name to the scoresheet in the 63rd minute before producing a classy show-and-go to grab his second try in the 69th minute and put the finishing touches on a comprehensive 42-6 victory.

There was also a memorable moment late in the contest when Riley Price made his club debut in the 67th minute. In doing so, he became part of the first father-son combination to represent the Warriors, following in the footsteps of his father Steve Price, who played 91 matches for the club between 2005 and 2009.

My Thoughts

Well, that was exactly the response we were hoping to see. After last week's disappointing loss to the Bulldogs, there were plenty of questions surrounding the Warriors and how they would bounce back, especially with a huge clash against the Panthers looming. While the Titans have struggled for consistency this season, you can only beat the team in front of you, and the Warriors undoubtedly did that. From the opening whistle, they looked focused, determined and eager to make a statement, racing out to an early lead and never allowing the Titans a way back into the contest.

What impressed me most was the mental response. One poor performance can happen to any team, but the real test is how you react the following week. After the Bulldogs' defeat, there were concerns that the performance might be a sign of deeper issues. Instead, the Warriors answered those questions in the best possible way. Good teams aren't defined by never having a bad game; they're defined by how they respond when things don't go their way. Throughout this season, the Warriors have consistently shown an ability to bounce back, and this was another strong example of that resilience.

The forward pack returned to its dominant best, laying the platform for everything that followed. The young players also stood tall, further proving that the future of this club is incredibly bright. More importantly, they showed they aren't just players for the future; they are already making valuable contributions at NRL level. With the pack winning the middle, the halves looked far more dangerous and controlled the game well. That said, I still have some concerns about how the Warriors will handle finals football if they come up against a pack capable of matching or beating them through the middle. Hopefully, the coaching staff are continuing to develop a Plan B for those situations because they are likely to arise later in the season.

The challenge now is backing this performance up. As impressive as a 42-6 victory is, the Panthers will present a completely different test and won't hesitate to expose any weaknesses. The positive is that this win should provide a significant confidence boost and serve as a reminder of what this team is capable of when they play with intensity, confidence and belief. The Warriors remain firmly in the premiership conversation and showed once again why they are one of the competition's most dangerous teams. However, the Panthers and Roosters also produced impressive performances this round, and the biggest tests are still ahead. If the Warriors want to be genuine title contenders, they now need to show they can produce this level of football against the competition's elite sides when it matters most.

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

Match Positives

The Warriors’ forward pack laid the perfect platform for the dominant victory, delivering the response they needed after being bullied through the middle in last week’s loss to the Bulldogs. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava led the way with 191 metres. At the same time, Tanner Stowers-Smith (177m), Mitch Barnett (146m), Jacob Laban (146m), Erin Clark (141m) and Kurt Capewell (118m) all made valuable contributions through the middle. Their ability to win the battle for territory and consistently get the team on the front foot created the space and time for the halves and outside backs to shine, proving once again that when this Warriors pack is rolling, they are extremely difficult to contain.

The Warriors continue to receive strong contributions from players outside their regular 17, highlighting the depth they have built throughout the squad. Leka Halasima rewarded Andrew Webster’s faith after being shifted into the centres, producing a strong performance capped off with a try. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava was outstanding off the bench, making an immediate impact with 191 metres and plenty of damaging carries. Tanner Stowers-Smith also continued his impressive rise with another strong showing, while Riley Price’s debut provided a memorable moment as he became the first father-son combination to represent the Warriors alongside his father Steve. With injuries and Origin disruptions testing the squad throughout the year, having players ready to step up when called upon could prove invaluable heading into the back end of the season.

While the eight tries will grab the headlines, the Warriors’ defensive effort was just as impressive. Despite building a commanding lead, they didn’t switch off after conceding to Arama Hau in the 23rd minute, shutting the Titans out for the remainder of the match. They scrambled well when opportunities opened up for the Titans, maintained their intensity for the full 80 minutes and limited Gold Coast to just one try. After some periods this season where their defensive focus has wavered, this was a timely reminder of the resilience and discipline required from a genuine premiership contender.

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

Match Negatives

While a 42-6 scoreline makes it easy to overlook, the Warriors’ goal-kicking remains an area that needs improvement. A conversion rate in the mid-70% range will get you across the line more often than not, but the margin for error becomes much smaller in tight finals matches where every point matters. With strike weapons on both wings, the Warriors are regularly scoring tries from wider positions, meaning many of their kicks are coming from difficult angles near the sideline. Finding greater consistency with the kicking tee will be important, and perhaps a few extra sessions each week for Chanel Harris-Tavita could help turn those missed opportunities into valuable points.

Despite the big scoreline, and this is probably a case of nitpicking from me, there were still moments where the Warriors left opportunities on the field. The disallowed Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad try was certainly unlucky, with the bunker ruling an obstruction in the lead-up. Still, there were other occasions where better execution could have resulted in an even bigger scoreline. The Warriors were dominant for long periods, and this didn’t affect the result, but against the competition’s top sides they will need to be more clinical when opportunities present themselves.

This was a brilliant performance from the Warriors, but it is important to acknowledge the opposition they were up against. The Titans entered the match sitting 13th and have struggled defensively throughout the season, so while the Warriors deserve full credit for taking care of business in such a dominant fashion, the biggest challenge will be carrying this level of execution into matches against the competition’s top sides. The signs are extremely encouraging, but the Warriors will need to replicate this intensity and consistency when the pressure of the finals arrives.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Wayde Egan.

This was hard to pick this week with so many players putting thier hands up with impressive performances, but I thought Egan was outstanding here, once again showing why he is such an important part of the Warriors’ success. The hooker did a fantastic job of targeting lazy defenders around the ruck, repeatedly catching the Titans’ markers off guard and earning the Warriors crucial six-agains and penalties that allowed them to build pressure and turn the screws. Egan finished with 85 running metres, a line break assist and 29 tackles with just one miss, but it was his football IQ and ability to control the momentum of the game that stood out most. His understanding of when to attack and how to exploit defensive weaknesses is a huge asset, and his performances could be vital in determining how far the Warriors can go this season.

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 23 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 23, the Warriors return home for the much-anticipated clash against the Panthers, who defeated the Raiders 42-18 in Round 22.

As for the team I’d pick, I'd keep it the same, with the only change being bringing Demetric Vaimauga back for Riley Price if he has recovered from his rib injury. I liked having Halasima out at centre combining with Khan-Pereira, so that combination stays for me; it is just such an attacking threat that will trouble defenders with Halasima's tackle-breaking ability and AKP's pace. Either one can punish the opposition if they are too focused on the other.

The Panthers may not be as intimidating as they have been in years past, but they continue to be the benchmark that all NRL teams strive to reach. Their defensive structures, ability to control the middle and discipline without the ball continue to be their biggest strengths, while their experience in big moments means they rarely beat themselves. However, this Penrith side does have some weaknesses, with their attack not always looking as dangerous as in previous seasons and their reliance on winning the middle battle creating opportunities for teams that can withstand their early pressure and challenge them on the edges. Their previous clash with the Warriors this season was arguably the game of the year so far, with both sides producing a thrilling contest that showcased the quality of the two teams. While the Panthers’ composure saw them escape with the win, the Warriors proved they can match it with the best, and this rematch will provide another opportunity to show they belong among the competition’s elite.

To get the job done against the Panthers, the Warriors will need to bring the same level of physicality and intensity that they showed against the Titans, particularly through the middle of the field. Winning the forward battle will be crucial, as Penrith thrive when they can control the ruck and build pressure through repeat sets. The Warriors will also need to be disciplined, limit their errors and complete their sets, because giving the Panthers cheap possession is a recipe for trouble. In attack, they need to continue using the width of the field and challenge Penrith’s edges, while defensively they must remain connected and shut down their dangerous ball runners. This is a huge test of where this Warriors side sits among the competition’s best, and while I believe they are more than capable of pushing the Panthers all the way, I’m predicting Penrith to get the job done by 6 points. Hopefully, I’m wrong, and the Warriors can deliver another statement victory. 

So, that was a much-improved Round 22, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

What was the biggest positive you took out of the Warriors' performance?

Do you see the Warriors back as a premiership contender?

Did you have a Warrior to improve?

What is your score prediction against the Panthers?

NZ Warriors 2026 Round 21 Review: Reality Check for the Warriors

After their tense victory over the Dragons, the Warriors returned to Australia to face a Bulldogs side coming off an impressive 32-0 win over the Tigers.

The Warriors were nowhere near their best, suffering an embarrassing 18-6 defeat to the Bulldogs. A disastrous opening 11 minutes left them chasing the game, and despite creating a handful of opportunities, they lacked the execution to ever seriously threaten Canterbury.

What Went Down

The Bulldogs made the perfect start, opening the scoring in the 5th minute. Viliame Kikau somehow kept the ball alive with an offload that initially looked to be heading one way before flicking it back inside, allowing Stephen Crichton to gather and score. The hosts doubled their advantage just six minutes later. After initially looking to attack down the left edge, the Bulldogs shifted back through the middle, where Jacob Preston sliced through untouched to score in the 11th minute. Crichton added the extras to give the Bulldogs a 12-0 lead.

Lachlan Galvin almost created another try just four minutes later, breaking through the Warriors' defensive line, but with no support around him, the opportunity went begging. Despite both sides enjoying periods of possession for the remainder of the half, neither could add to the scoreboard as the Bulldogs took a 12-0 lead into the break.

The Bulldogs thought they had made the perfect start to the second half when Josh Curran crossed just three minutes after the restart, but the Bunker intervened. Wyatt Raymond overturned the on-field decision after replays showed Matt Burton had made contact with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the air without making a genuine attempt to contest the ball. The home side eventually did extend their lead in the 46th minute when a well-executed scrum play sent Jacob Kiraz over in the corner. Crichton was unable to convert, leaving the score at 16-0.

It was a frustrating night for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who was denied on multiple occasions. He was first bundled into touch, then slipped while trying to ground the ball as the Bulldogs' cover defence arrived. His third attempt looked to have finally broken the deadlock for the Warriors, only for the try to be ruled out because of a forward pass earlier in the movement. Moments later, another attacking shift to the right also ended with a forward pass, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitors. The Bulldogs effectively sealed the contest in the 71st minute when Stephen Crichton slotted a penalty goal to stretch the lead to 18-0. 

The Warriors finally got on the scoreboard three minutes later in bizarre fashion. Mitch Barnett produced an unexpected chip kick over the defensive line, which Chanel Harris-Tavita gathered before grounding the ball. Harris-Tavita converted his own try in the 74th minute to reduce the margin to 18-6. Any hopes of a late comeback were short-lived, with the Bulldogs comfortably seeing out the final minutes to secure a deserved 18-6 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, that was a tough watch. Coming into this match, I was already a little concerned after last week's performance. While the Warriors got the two competition points against the Dragons, they were far from convincing, so I was expecting a much sharper response against the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, this felt like a significant step backwards. From the opening whistle, the Bulldogs controlled the middle, won the territory battle and dictated the tempo of the game, leaving the Warriors chasing the contest after just 11 minutes.

Plenty of credit needs to go to the Bulldogs; they seem to have found a blueprint for disrupting the Warriors' style of play. Their aggressive line speed, physicality through the middle and ability to keep the ball alive through second-phase football made it extremely difficult for the Warriors to build any rhythm. Interestingly, Canterbury are also the only team to defeat both the Warriors and Panthers this season, showing they have a game plan that can trouble teams built around power and possession.

What disappointed me most wasn't just the result, but the way the Warriors went about it. A win here would have kept them firmly in the top two and continued to put pressure on the Panthers in the race for the minor premiership, so there was plenty on the line. Because of that, I expected to see more fight and desperation from the Warriors. Losing games is part of every season, but you still want to see your side make the opposition earn the victory. Outside of a few attacking opportunities that went begging, the Warriors never really looked like troubling the Bulldogs. They had moments where they built pressure, but poor execution and a lack of composure meant those chances came to nothing. It was one of the rare occasions this season where the Warriors looked second best for the majority of the 80 minutes, and that is what made the performance so demoralising.

The good news is that this loss has come with time still available to fix the issues. Finals football is still a few weeks away, allowing the Warriors to address the problems exposed by the Bulldogs before the games become season-defining. Good teams don't ignore performances like this; they learn from them. The response this week is now the most important thing; every team has an off night, but the best teams make sure those performances are followed by a response. The Warriors have shown throughout the season that they are capable of competing with anyone, so now they have to show that this was simply a bump in the road rather than the beginning of a ladder slide like we saw from them last season.

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

Match Positives

Despite trailing 18-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining, the Warriors never completely threw in the towel. It would have been easy for heads to drop after such a frustrating night where very little went their way, but they continued to compete until the final whistle. That persistence was eventually rewarded when Mitch Barnett's clever chip kick created an opportunity for Chanel Harris-Tavita to score the Warriors' only try of the night. While it did little to change the result, it showed there was still some fight left in the side. On a night with very few positives, their willingness to keep battling until the end was one of them.

After a disastrous opening 11 minutes, where the Bulldogs crossed twice and put the Warriors under immediate pressure, the defensive effort improved significantly. The Warriors were able to settle into the contest and make Canterbury work much harder for the remainder of the night. The scramble defence was a real positive, with the Warriors repeatedly turning up in support and preventing the Bulldogs from adding further points despite spending plenty of time inside their attacking half. The one major exception was their inability to contain the Bulldogs' second-phase play, with Canterbury regularly finding success through offloads and keeping the Warriors' defence moving backwards. It doesn't take away from the poor start, but the ability to regroup and defend their line under pressure was one of the few positives to come from a disappointing performance.

While it certainly doesn't help in the moment, performances like this can prove valuable if the Warriors can learn from them. The Bulldogs exposed some clear issues in the Warriors' attack, particularly their execution when opportunities presented themselves and their inability to turn pressure into points. Too often, the Warriors worked hard to get themselves into attacking positions but couldn't find the final pass or the right option to trouble the Bulldogs' defensive line. These are the types of areas that need to be addressed quickly, especially with more top-eight opponents ahead. A loss like this can be a good reality check, highlighting the improvements needed before the finals race heats up.

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

Match Negatives

The Warriors couldn't have asked for a worse start, conceding tries in the 5th and 11th minutes to immediately find themselves chasing the game. Against a Bulldogs side that prides itself on its defensive effort and ability to control territory, handing them a 12-point advantage so early made the challenge significantly harder. The Warriors were forced to play catch-up from that point. While they were able to steady themselves defensively, they never looked comfortable trying to break down a Canterbury defence that was able to sit back and defend with confidence. A slow start has hurt the Warriors at times this season, but this was one of the worst examples, with the opening 11 minutes ultimately proving too costly.

Errors were a major reason the Warriors were unable to build any sustained pressure, with the side finishing the night with 14 mistakes and just a 71% completion rate. Against a Bulldogs team that is built around defence and forcing teams to work hard for points, giving away so much possession made life extremely difficult. Too often, the Warriors did the hard work to get themselves into attacking positions, only to undo that progress through poor execution, including forward passes and missed opportunities. Even when they managed to create space and break through the Bulldogs' defensive line, they lacked the composure needed to finish their chances. Against quality opposition, those small errors can quickly become the difference between winning and losing.

One of my biggest concerns, not only from this match but from this entire season, was the Warriors' continued struggles defending against second-phase football. The Bulldogs finished the night with 19 offloads, and every time Canterbury kept the ball alive, the Warriors' defensive line looked uncertain and struggled to reset. It has been an ongoing issue throughout the season, with teams finding success when they can create broken-field situations and force the Warriors to defend multiple phases. While their scramble defence often saves them, relying on desperation plays is not sustainable against the competition's best teams. This is an area that needs urgent attention before the finals, because if the Warriors cannot improve their defence against offloads, it could seriously derail their chances of making a deep run.

The Warriors' inability to break down the Bulldogs' defence was a massive letdown. Throughout the night, they repeatedly looked to move the ball wide, but Canterbury's edge defence handled the challenge comfortably, and the Warriors kept returning to the same approach. With the forward pack being bullied through the middle, looking to shift the ball before earning the right to go wide proved costly, as the Bulldogs were able to slide across and shut down their attacking opportunities. There was very little variation or creativity to challenge the defensive line or create uncertainty. The one moment of unpredictability came late in the game when Mitch Barnett put in a chip kick that led to Chanel Harris-Tavita's try, but by then the contest was already beyond reach. Against quality opposition, the Warriors need to be more patient and build pressure before looking to attack the edges.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Mitch Barnett.

In a game where very few Warriors stood out for the right reasons, Barnett was one of the clear positives. The experienced forward once again led from the front, finishing with a team-high 176 running metres while also making 28 tackles with just two misses in another tireless defensive effort. Barnett wasn't just effective through the middle either, showing his football IQ with the perfectly weighted chip kick that created Chanel Harris-Tavita's try, the Warriors' only points of the night. If the Warriors are to bounce back next week, they'll need more players to follow Barnett's lead. When the forward pack wins the middle and lays a platform, it makes life much easier for the halves to play direct, build pressure and create opportunities with the ball.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve is Te Maire Martin.

It was a tough choice between Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita for this section, but Martin ultimately gets the nod due to CHT scoring the Warriors' only try. To be fair to him, his job was made much harder by a forward pack that spent large periods of the night on the back foot, giving him little time or space to control the game. Even so, Martin looked unusually hesitant with the ball in hand. He ran just nine times for 74 metres and rarely threatened the Bulldogs' defensive line, while his kicking game was also quiet, putting boot to ball only four times compared to Harris-Tavita's 11. I've been vocal about sticking with TMM because, until now, I didn't think he had done much wrong. However, if this performance becomes the standard rather than the exception, the Warriors may have to make the tough call to bring Luke Metcalf back into the side before the finals begin.

Round 22 Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 22, the Warriors remain across the ditch to face the Titans, who defeated the Dragons 38-18 in Round 21.

As for the team I’d pick, we don't know the severity of Taine Tuaupiki's injury, so I would go with the idea that he needs a week off, so Charnze takes the fullback spot. Same goes for Wayde Egan; if he is out, Sam Healey takes the Hooker spot. Those would be the only changes for me; I'm backing TMM to bounce back, which may ruffle some people's feathers, but I would keep Metcalf on the bench if it looks dicey and the Warriors need to add an attacking spark.

The Titans have endured a difficult season so far, sitting on six wins and 12 losses, but they remain a team the Warriors cannot afford to take lightly. While consistency has been an issue, they have shown throughout the year that they are capable of troubling teams when they get their attacking game flowing. With plenty of speed and skill across the park, the Titans can be dangerous with the ball in hand and can punish teams that switch off defensively. Their biggest challenge has been putting together complete performances, but if they are given time and space, they have enough attacking weapons to make the Warriors pay. The Warriors will need to be switched on from the opening whistle and ensure they don't allow the Titans to build confidence.

For the Warriors to get the win here, they need to return to the areas that have made them so successful this season. After a disappointing performance against the Bulldogs, the response needs to start with their effort through the middle. The forwards need to win the ruck, generate quick play-the-balls and give the halves the time and space to control the game. Defensively, they will need to remain disciplined and limit the Titans' opportunities, because this is a side with plenty of attacking talent who can make teams pay if given momentum. With the ball, the Warriors need to be patient, complete their sets and take their chances when they come. If they can control possession, dominate field position and play with the intensity we know they are capable of, they should have enough quality to bounce back. I'm expecting a much-improved performance and tipping the Warriors to get the job done with an 18-point victory.

So, that was an embarrassing Round 21, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Should the Warriors stick with Te Maire Martin, or is it time to consider Luke Metcalf?

Did the Bulldogs expose a weakness in the Warriors' game plan?

Are the Warriors still genuine premiership contenders?

What is your score prediction against the Titans?

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?