Warriors mid-season report card: In-depth review rating the players during rollercoaster campaign
Do we dare say it? Could this, in fact, be the Warriors’ year?
At the midway point of the season, they sit second on the ladder and boast the second-best attack and defence in the competition, underlining their credentials as genuine premiership contenders.
Their 9-3 record is identical to where Andrew Webster’s men stood at the same stage last year, but this campaign feels different.
The Warriors have been far more dominant on both sides of the ball. After 13 rounds in 2025 they had scored 251 points and conceded 246. This year, they have piled on 368 points while allowing just 214.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side many pundits tipped to miss the top eight. Instead, they have emerged as one of the competition’s benchmark teams and are firmly in the premiership conversation.
Fun fact: Since the start of last season, the Warriors have spent 31 of 39 weeks inside the NRL’s top four – more than any other club. This year alone, they have occupied a top-four position at the end of 12 of the first 13 rounds.
Yet while the results on the field have been impressive, it has hardly been smooth sailing off it.
Before a ball was kicked, co-captain Mitch Barnett dropped a bombshell by announcing he would leave the club on compassionate grounds to prioritise family needs, including medical care for his child, with a move to the Brisbane Broncos awaiting.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck revealed via YouTube he would join Wakefield in the Super League, Marata Niukore signed with the Newcastle Knights, and Luke Metcalf sought a release and will join the Dragons, despite re-signing with the club in November after slipping down the halfback pecking order.
Tuivasa-Sheck has already played his final game for the Warriors after suffering a season-ending ACL injury, while Tanah Boyd’s campaign is also over with the same setback.
In response, the Warriors have recruited winger Will Warbrick from the Melbourne Storm and utility back Grant Anderson from the Broncos as part of the Barnett deal, while also securing several key re-signings. However, Kurt Capewell, Te Maire Martin and Rocco Berry remain off contract.
To mark the halfway point of the season, we’ve handed out mid-season report cards to every Warriors player, with ratings rounded to the nearest whole number. The season score indicates their total combined score from Herald player ratings of all their matches played.
The Warriors have used 26 players so far in 2026, and that number is likely to grow as fresh faces push for opportunities in the second half of the season.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - 5
Fullback. Appearances: 5, season score: 25
It has been one of the toughest seasons of Nicoll-Klokstad’s Warriors career, with injuries and inconsistent form disrupting his campaign. The veteran fullback produced a series of solid displays early on before shifting to the centres, but a neck issue has sidelined him since round seven. He is expected to return after the bye, although where he fits into Webster’s side remains uncertain.
Taine Tuaupiki - 7
Fullback. Appearances: 10, season score: 72
The injury to Nicoll-Klokstad opened the door for Tuaupiki to establish himself as the Warriors’ first-choice fullback, and he has taken the opportunity with both hands. Before a ball was kicked, he declared his ambition to make the No 1 jersey his own after re-signing with the club, and he is making it increasingly difficult to dislodge him. Tuaupiki has brought genuine X-factor to the side in attack, while continuing to improve with each passing week.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - 6
Winger. Appearances: 12, season score: 73
The former Kiwis captain has enjoyed something of a resurgence this season, going from zero to hero. After struggling with form and injury last year, calls for Watene-Zelezniak to be dropped grew increasingly loud. Instead, he has rediscovered his try-scoring touch, leading the Warriors with 14 tries, tied for third in the NRL. There has also been a noticeable improvement in his defensive work.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira - 6
Winger. Appearances: 7, season score: 44
The Warriors needed more speed in their backline, and the arrival of off-season recruit Khan-Pereira has added a new dimension to their attack. He initially had to bide his time in reserve grade, but since breaking into the side he’s not looked like giving up his spot. Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in seven games, including four doubles, and has quickly become a key attacking weapon.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 6
Winger. Appearances: 10, season score: 61
After starting the season on the wing, Tuivasa-Sheck found himself back in the centres, where he brought plenty of stability and produced some of his best football since returning to the club in 2024. Sadly, an ACL injury has brought his season, and Warriors career, to a premature end. It is a cruel way for the chapter to close for a player who will be remembered as one of the club’s great servants. While he will not take the field again, Tuivasa-Sheck is expected to continue providing valuable leadership throughout the second half of the campaign.
Adam Pompey - 4
Centre. Appearances; 7, season score: 32
After a breakout campaign last season, Pompey has struggled to hit the same heights in 2026, although several factors have played a part, including suspension and moving in and out of the side. He has scored just one try this season and will likely need to lift his performance to retain his place in the team, with a number of players back in contention for selection.
Ali Leiataua - 5
Centre. Appearances: 9, season score: 44
After battling injuries over the past few years, it has been encouraging to see Leiataua put together an extended run of games, with his nine appearances already the most he has managed in an NRL season. While there have been some quieter performances, Leiataua has generally held his own defensively and shown plenty of promise with the ball in hand. At his best, Leiataua remains one of the most damaging young outside backs at the club.
Chanel Harris-Tavita - 6
Five-eighth. Appearances: 9, season score: 55
Harris-Tavita has been a model of consistency throughout the season, with his playmaking and defensive work proving crucial to the Warriors’ success. His value to the side was highlighted when the Warriors suffered back-to-back defeats during his absence. Harris-Tavita has recorded seven try assists and assumed much of the kicking responsibility in the absence of Boyd.
Luke Hanson - 6
Five-eighth. Appearances: 1, season score: 6
After a halves injury crisis struck, the 22-year-old was called on to make his NRL debut against the Knights, where he acquitted himself well and looked comfortable at the highest level. He has emerged as the Warriors’ primary back-up playmaker, having been named on the interchange bench four times without taking the field. His form in reserve grade has also caught the eye and suggests he could have a bigger role to play in the future.
Te Maire Martin - 7
Halfback. Appearances 3, season score: 22
Having missed a large chunk of the season with a broken leg, Martin has made a seamless return to the Warriors side with a series of commanding performances in the No 7 jersey. You have to go back to 2024 for the last time he played consecutive games at halfback, yet he has looked a natural in the role. Martin already has three tries and four try assists to his name and appears well placed to enjoy a strong second half of the season.
Tanah Boyd - 7
Halfback. Appearances 10, season score: 66
It is heartbreaking that his season is already over after Boyd picked up an ACL injury against the Broncos. He had been in career-best form, helping drive the Warriors to their strongest start in years, with three tries and 10 assists before going down.
Luke Metcalf - 4
Halfback. Appearances 2, season score: 8
This campaign has been a fall from grace for Metcalf, who has gone from being viewed as the Warriors’ premier playmaker to heading out the door. He missed the start of the season with an ACL injury and may have returned too early, looking off the pace in two defeats before suffering another hamstring setback. Once Boyd was backed as the club’s long-term halfback, Metcalf’s management quickly negotiated a deal with the Dragons. He could still have a role to play in the second half of the season, but the Warriors have looked a more settled side without him in the team.
Jackson Ford - 8
Prop. Appearances: 12, season score: 96
After his strong finish to the 2025 season, Ford has hit a new level and is on track to surpass his previous season bests across multiple statistical categories. He has become an important player for the Warriors, with the ability to play big minutes through the middle. It will be interesting to see whether he can maintain that form for the remainder of the season, but he deserves the many accolades that have come his way.
Mitch Barnett - 7
Prop. Appearances: 5, season score: 33
Since returning from an ACL injury, Barnett has slotted straight back into the side, although there have been minor setbacks along the way with injury niggles. His form earned him State of Origin selection for the season opener, although he appeared underdone in that match. He continues to produce big numbers, and his leadership will be vital to the Warriors’ success in the back half of the campaign, in what is also his final season at the club.
James Fisher-Harris - 7
Prop. Appearances 12, season score: 88
The skipper has taken his game to another level this year and is proving his value to the Warriors. Last season, he struggled to adapt to life in New Zealand alongside the demands of the captaincy, but he has since embraced the responsibility and returned to his best form. If Fisher-Harris remains fit, the Warriors will remain genuine contenders in the title race.
Tanner Stowers-Smith - 7
Prop. Appearances: 7, season score: 47
The Christchurch native has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the season and is among the most improved players in the NRL. His leg speed and ability to generate quick play-the-balls have been crucial for the Warriors and help explain why he has earned a long-term deal. Despite spending time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, he has seen an increase in his minutes and is making the most of the opportunity.
Demitric Vaimauga - 5
Prop. Appearances: 11, season score: 60
The young forward is developing into a genuine impact player off the bench, bringing strong physicality and energy to the Warriors’ forward pack. Some of those runs off the back fence are reminiscent of some past Warriors cult heroes. While there is still clear room for growth, his early-season contributions have been highly encouraging.
Wayde Egan - 6
Hooker. Appearances: 12, season score 72
The hooker has enjoyed a relatively injury-free start to the season and is on track for his best campaign to date in the NRL. A reduced workload has helped, with his role allowing him to remain consistent without having to overextend himself. He has been steady and reliable.
Sam Healey - 5
Hooker. Appearances: 12, season score: 56
Having been used sparingly last season, Healey has featured in every match this year, primarily playing the final 25 minutes where his speed from the ruck has proved a valuable weapon in attack. A fractured wrist against the Panthers has set him for a stint on the sidelines.
Leka Halasima - 5
Second row. Appearances: 12, season score: 65
Has played big minutes in the first half of the campaign, largely due to injuries in the pack. He has not produced the same level of flashiness as last season, with opposition sides increasingly finding ways to contain him. One notable statistic is that he has scored just once in his past nine games. Still young and with plenty of room to grow, it will be interesting to see whether he continues in a high-minute role or is instead used more as an impact X-factor off the bench.
Marata Niukore - 4
Second row. Appearances: 5, season score: 21
Has been used sparingly so far this season, with some mixed moments in his appearances. His experience could still prove valuable at the back end of the campaign, but it is difficult to see him featuring in the Warriors’ best side when everyone is fit. He is set to join the Knights at season’s end.
Kurt Capewell - 7
Second row. Appearances: 5, season score: 33
Continues to be a highly consistent presence in the Warriors pack, although he has been limited to just five appearances due to a calf injury and State of Origin selection. His work rate and competitive edge have been clear throughout, qualities the Warriors value as they look to progress. Still not signed beyond the season, he shapes as a strong candidate to be retained for at least another year.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava - 4
Second row. Appearances: 2, season score: 8
Been limited to just two appearances in the top side, but always brings plenty of effort and energy. Has put in big shifts for the Warriors’ reserves side.
Jacob Laban - 5
Second row. Appearances: 11, season score: 58
Injuries have helped the young Wellington-born forward emerge as a regular starter this season, with standout moments alongside quieter performances. He is growing into the role and continues to develop with each outing.
Morgan Gannon - N/R
Lock. Appearances: 1, season score: 1
It has been a mixed first season at the Warriors for the Englishman, with his campaign disrupted by two head knocks, a troubling issue given his concussion history. He made his NRL debut against the Knights but was forced off after five minutes due to a head knock. At reserve grade level, however, he has looked a class above at times, producing a number of strong performances.
Erin Clark - 7
Lock. Appearances: 12, season score: 85
Made a slow start to the season by the standards he set last year, but over the past six weeks he has taken his game to another level. He plays a key role in the Warriors’ attack and has become one of their most reliable defenders.
Looking ahead
If the first half of the season is anything to go by, the Warriors are genuine premiership contenders in 2026.
There will be those wary of a late-season collapse after what unfolded last year, but this side looks lethal in attack and rock-solid defensively, with little evidence to suggest a significant drop-off is imminent.
Injuries continue to test the Warriors’ depth, but if they can get players back on the park and maintain a top-two position to ensure their finals campaign runs through Auckland, they will be difficult to beat.
How the Warriors utilise Metcalf for the remainder of the season shapes as one of the biggest storylines, while Rocco Berry is expected to make his long-awaited return from a lingering shoulder injury. Edge forward Kayliss Fatialofa and young hooker Makaia Tafua are also firming to make their NRL debuts before season’s end.
The run home presents plenty of intrigue. Half of the Warriors’ remaining matches come against teams currently inside the top eight, including four in their final five games.
After this weekend’s bye, there will be a sense of normality with a return to home soil after an extended stretch of matches across the Tasman.
It begins with a clash against the unpredictable Sharks, who defeated the Warriors this season, with both sides likely to be affected by State of Origin commitments. They then meet the much-improved Cowboys in Christchurch, a side that would likely sit higher on the ladder if not for the effects of the bye system, before travelling to Brisbane for an Anzac Day rematch with the Dolphins ahead of their final bye.
The Warriors then face the Tigers, Dragons, Bulldogs and Titans in what shapes as a favourable four-game stretch before closing the regular season against the Panthers, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Knights and Sea Eagles.
The pieces are in place for the Warriors to mount a serious premiership challenge in 2026.
If they can stay healthy, maintain their standards and secure a top-two finish, there is every reason to believe this team can contend deep into September – and perhaps finally deliver the title Warriors fans have long dreamed of.
Top 30 squad members who haven’t played in 2026: Rocco Berry, Haizyn Mellars, Jye Linnane, Kayliss Fatialofa.
Ratings during the 2026 season
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.