It’s a great lesson in happiness to remember what would have made you happy five years ago.

Think of the marriage that’s hit a rocky patch. In the heat of an argument with the partner you now take for granted, you forget the version of yourself from five years back—the one who would have given anything just for her to make eye contact across a room, or for a simple, returned text.

In 2022, the New Zealand Warriors were that lonely guy, drifting in a state of permanent longing.

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Note: Mick Crawley is a former attack coach for the Canberra Raiders.

Before they were the ‘Wahs’—before the sell-outs, the Dally M accolades, and the tribal drums of a rejuvenated nation—the Warriors were a club in survival mode. They weren’t just losing; they were set adrift.

For over 1,000 days, they lived out of suitcases across Australia, playing ‘home’ games to borrowed crowds while their soul was lost somewhere in transit.

When Nathan Brown departed mid-season and the team slumped to 15th on the ladder, leaking over 700 points, the club didn’t just need a coach; they needed a ‘Wilson’ moment, a reason to believe.

Andrew Webster’s arrival from the Penrith system wasn’t just a tactical appointment; it was the ultimate gift to New Zealand rugby league. He took a roster that had been begging for a ‘text back’ from its own fan base and transformed them into a trans-Tasman juggernaut.

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THE DATA

The 2025 campaign was a masterclass in clinical efficiency that ultimately hit a ceiling of bad luck.

The Warriors finished as a top five defensive unit, powered by a league-leading 81% completion rate. They were disciplined, professional, and sat comfortably in the top four for much of the year.

However, the season fractured when Luke Metcalf went down late. Without his creative spark, the attack grew static. A heartbreaking elimination final loss to Penrith served as a cold reminder that while discipline builds the foundation, it’s the ‘moments of chaos’ that hoist trophies.

ROSTER

The current roster is built for a power game.

The grunt is provided by a middle-third rotation featuring James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, and Marata Niukore. The defensive toughness is further bolstered by the veteran head of Kurt Capewell and the grit of Erin Clark. This is a pack designed to win the advantage line, full stop.

Then there is the future. The ‘Wah’ uprising is being built around a terrifying crop of youth—Tanner Stowers-Smith, Zyon Maiu’u, Leka Halasima, and Jacob Laban. They are no longer just prospects; they are the physical presence that allows the veterans to take a breath.

When the game breaks open, Webster relies on a spine with genuine silk.

Wayde Egan remains the competition’s most deceptive hooker, while Luke Metcalf, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chanel Harris-Tavita provide the ball-playing polish.

Out wide, the addition of Alofiana Khan-Pereira adds genuine Olympic-level speed to a backline that already dominates the dirty work.

The kick-return meters generated by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, DWZ, and Demitric Vaimauga ensure the Warriors start every set on the front foot.

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THE MAN

Andrew Webster operates with an Ivan Cleary nature: unassuming, no ego, and zero bullcrap.’ He enjoys a rare trifecta of stability with owner Mark Robinson and CEO Cameron George.

Perhaps his smartest play, however, was returning Andrew McFadden to head up pathways. McFadden’s influence is the reason the Warriors are currently hoarding the best young talent in the game, ensuring this isn’t a one-hit wonder, but a decade-long dynasty.

THE FINAL 5%

So, what does success look like in 2026?

Webster has the discipline and the data. The 2025 Warriors became so disciplined they almost became predictable, ranking in the bottom half of the league for offloads.

That final 5% of growth—the piece that bridges the gap between a top four finish and a Grand Final—might lie in yet another look back to that ‘happy place’.

Rediscovering that classic ‘Warriors Footy’: the offload game.

If Fisher-Harris and Barnett & the young bloods can marry Webster’s clinical structures with the chaotic, second-phase play that once defined New Zealand rugby league, the Juggernaut won’t just be rolling—it will be unstoppable.

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THE BIG BREAKDOWN – ANNIKA LEGG

STRENGTH

New recruits and returning stars. The Warriors had a promising year in 2025, appearing poised for a top four finish for most of the season until they lost two of their biggest stars in Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf to injury. However, with both set to make a return and the side making some key recruits over the off-season, the Warriors are well positioned for another finals run. During the pre-season, the Warriors picked up English Super League star, Morgan Gannon as well as Titans Alofiana Khan-Pereira who is sure to ignite the backline. With Khan-Pereira set to control the backline, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will likely shift to the wings, adding more versatility and depth to the side’s defence. In the absence of bigger names last season, 2025 gave way for break-out seasons for Dally M Lock of the Year Erin Clark and Rookie of the Year nominee Leka Halasima. With a pool of new talent mixed with the returns of their two biggest stars, the Warriors are a side with a lot of talent and if they can develop a good team chemistry they could make a deep run.

New Zealand Warriors signing Morgan Gannon.Source: Supplied

WEAKNESS

Lack of forward depth. While injuries played a huge role in the way the Warriors last season ended, the lack of depth in their forward pack was ultimately why they could not close the deal. New Zealand relied on their biggest names in Barnett, Metcalf and James Fisher-Harris in 2025, however when they were absent they struggled to fill out their squad. Despite picking up new recruits, the forward pack is still relying on Barnett and ageing forwards in Fisher-Harris and Kurt Capewell, as well as newcomers in Leka Halasima and Erin Clark, but if injuries strike like last year their forward depth will again be tested.

Andrew Webster needs some luck with injuries in 2026.Source: Getty Images

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR

Mitch Barnett. The 31-year-old captain has hit his stride since joining the Warriors in 2023, yet an ACL injury during round 13 last year was a huge blow for the prop and for the New Zealand side. The loss of Barnett paired with Luke Metcalf who went down four weeks later, also tearing his ACL was a major factor in the Warriors 2025 season. The Warriors will be relying on Barnett to make some big moves in his opening weeks back with the club, which is set to be within the first few weeks of the season. Tanner Stowes-Smith is a chance to replace Barnett, especially while he is out, but the side will be hoping to see the Captain return to his best and guide the team back into the finals. A lot of the Warriors success will come down to how well Barnett is able to adjust back into the game, with another finals run dependent on his performance. At 31-years-old, this will be a huge year for Barnett to prove he can compete with the top teams while guiding the Warriors younger forwards.

Mitch Barnett returns from knee injury.Source: Supplied

WHO’S UNDER PRESSURE

Luke Metcalf. Metcalf was the major force behind the Warriors success in 2025, as he led the Dally M leaderboard and drove the Warriors to a finals finish before facing an ACL injury in round 17. Despite heading towards a top four finish, the loss of Metcalf saw the Warriors enter the finals in sixth before being quickly taken out in week one against the Panthers. Now, he is set to return in round seven with New Zealand’s hopes of a deep run resting on his shoulders. The Warriors will be hoping to perform right off the bat, but if they are relying on the five-eighth to turn around a slow early season, the pressure will be on for the returning forward.

Luke Metcalf returns from an ACL injury.Source: Getty Images

THE RISING STAR

Leka Halasima. This 20-year-old made a huge mark on the Warriors in 2025, where he was a Dally M Rookie of the Year nominee. He scored 13 tries during his rookie season, becoming the Warriors top try scorer in 2025 equalling Melbourne’s Eliesa Katoa’s record for the most tries scored by a forward in the NRL. With Metcalf and Barnett set to sit out the first few weeks of the season, Halasima will be one to watch on the forwards as he continues to cement his place as a Warriors fixture. The second rower will be hungry for another incredible season and is guaranteed to be a competition force.

Leka Halasima had a breakout year in 2025.Source: Getty Images

PREDICTED FINISH: 10th

BEST 19

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Rocco Berry

4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Luke Metcalf

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Leka Halasima

13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin

15. Jacob Laban

16. Morgan Gannon

17. Marata Niukore

18. Samuel Healey

19. Taine Tuaupiki

WARRIORS SQUAD

Top 30: Adam Pompey (2027), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (2028), Ali Leiataua (2027), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2026), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2027), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2026, 2027 MO), Demitric Sifakula (2028), Erin Clark (2027), Freddy Lussick (2026), Haizyn Mellars (2028), Jackson Ford (2027), Jacob Laban (2029), James Fisher-Harris (2028), Jye Linnane (2028), Kurt Capewell (2026), Leka Halasima (2029), Luke Metcalf (2028), Marata Niukore (2026), Mitchell Barnett (2027), Morgan Gannon (2028), Rocco Berry (2026), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2026), Sam Healey (2027), Selumiela Halasima (2027), Taine Tuaupiki (2026), Tanah Boyd (2026), Te Maire Martin (2026), Wayde Egan (2027)

Development players: Jett Cleary (2027)

2026 gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans), Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

2026 losses: Bunty Afoa (Tigers), Tom Ale (Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edward Kosi (Rabbitohs)

Coach: Andrew Webster (2028)