Newcastle hasn’t been a cheerful searching floor – and the Knights already look a distinct proposition – whereas the Wests Tigers are usually sharper early within the season, earlier than they fall away.
Warriors begin: Roosters (h) Raiders (h) Knights (a) Tigers (h) Sharks (a) Storm (a)
How will Leka Halasima deal with the hype?
It received’t be straightforward, given his incredible deeds last season, with the brilliant tries and stunning plays. It’s laborious to recollect many higher Warriors’ rookie seasons, virtually comparable with Shaun Johnson (2011) or Stacey Jones (1995).
Expectations will go sky-high, whereas he’ll command extra consideration from opposition groups.
But Halasima is a grounded, easy-going kind and the coaches will work to maintain it that means.
It might be a tricky ask to copy 2025 however there isn’t a cause why his progress can’t proceed, particularly because the Warriors are prone to be much less reliant on the game-breaker this season.
Does spherical one matter as a lot as we expect?
Yes and no. It all the time feels vital however as Warriors historian Will Evans pointed our just lately, the facet have a poor document with simply 9 wins from 29 season-openers. But the workforce will wish to make an announcement to begin the marketing campaign, like they did with the gritty win in Wellington in Webster’s first game in charge, which set a tone for the season. It was the identical in 2024, as a detailed loss to the Sharks could be a precursor of what was to return, as they have been on the unsuitable facet of quite a few tight scorelines.
Can Chanel Harris-Tavita take the subsequent step?
This is his season to push on. Much of the halves focus has been on Luke Metcalf and Tanah Boyd however the output of Harris-Tavita is vital. He was good final 12 months – generally excellent – discovering his groove once more after a troublesome return in 2024, with eight tries, 18 assists and loads of robust defence.
But there’s extra to return; Harris-Tavita isn’t a child anymore (26) and has performed near 100 video games (95). But there’s a lingering sense that he wants to completely unlock his self-belief and ambition in an effort to impose himself extra absolutely on every match.
How does Erin Clark make one other bounce?
It received’t be straightforward. Clark was the 2025 buy of the season and was unfortunate to overlook out on the Simon Mannering medal, shaded by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. There might be extra on his shoulders however equally, he has confirmed he’s a top-tier ahead – to observers, to teammates and to himself. Clark belongs among the many elite and we will stay up for extra superlative deeds this 12 months, together with an extension of his ball-playing involvement.
Who is below essentially the most strain to carry out?
James Fisher-Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Fisher-Harris was all the time going to take time to settle final season – after a decade with the Penrith Panthers – and co-captaincy was an additional layer. The Kiwis skipper carried out properly, however to not the terribly excessive requirements he set at Penrith. As one of many top three earners on the membership, he’ll demand extra of himself, although the approaching return of Mitch Barnett will assist.
Another former Panther – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – is taking part in for a brand new contract, after shedding his means in 2025 and turning into a focus for a annoyed fan base.
Who is prepared for an enormous breakthrough?
After Halasima and Demetric Vaimuaga stole the present final season, look for Jacob Laban as the most recent tyro. The 21-year-old will not be a rookie – with 19 appearances since his 2024 debut – however this Friday’s match might be solely his fifth begin.
Laban was sorely missed within the ultimate quarter of final season after the leg harm suffered towards the Redcliffe Dolphins and is coming off an enormous pre-season, the place he impressed insiders and teammates alike. One to look at, together with the extremely rated Manurewa product Kayliss Fatialofa.
What would be the key level of the season?
The month of May. The Warriors face 4 consecutive video games in Australia, with visits to the Parramatta Eels, the St George-Illawarra Dragons and Penrith, together with the Magic Round conflict with the champions, the Brisbane Broncos. If they will emerge from that interval with at the least two wins, they are going to be arrange properly for the second half of the 12 months.
Is this Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s farewell season?
It could possibly be. The veteran was in rare form last year, setting a regular along with his consistency , affect and vitality. Sometimes it seems like Tuivasa-Sheck – the final word skilled – might go on perpetually however time all the time catches up with exterior backs. The membership would possibly supply a one-year extension however the participant could hope for two.
Who could possibly be the key weapon?
Ali Leiataua. Since his eye-catching debut in 2023 at Canberra, the highly effective centre has been a gradual burn, with solely 14 appearances, not helped by a succession of niggling accidents. Of all of the Warriors’ centre contenders, the 23-year-old has the very best ceiling and might grow to be the homegrown star followers have been craving for.
Where will the Warriors end?
Seventh. They have the workforce to push for a top-four spot once more however will probably be laborious to dislodge the likes of Penrith, Melbourne and Brisbane from the top quartet.
But they’ll function in September footy once more, turning into the primary Warriors squad since 2011 to make the finals in consecutive seasons. They received’t be capable to match final 12 months’s unbelievable 10-3 begin however will come house stronger. Their a lot vaunted connection and camaraderie – together with first rate depth in most positions – might be their particular sauce.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, protecting the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
