Their potential was on display again in Saturday’s 38-12 victory in Newcastle, as they dominated the ruck and gradually wore their opponents into submission. The ball-playing among the big men was another standout feature, leaving the Knights’ defensive line in disarray at times, while the prop rotation is particularly exciting.
Tanah turns it on (again)
In the 32-year history of the Warriors, only two halfbacks have piloted the Auckland team to a 3-0 start to a season. The first was Shaun Johnson in 2018 (Rabbitohs, Perth; Cowboys, Auckland; Raiders, Canberra;) and the second is Runway Bay Seagulls junior Tanah Boyd.
That was an unlikely scenario heading into this campaign, but the 25-year-old is in superb touch, showing the benefits of a full preseason with the first grade team. He is making good decisions with the ball, kicking well and tackling with intent.
Most importantly, Boyd is continually testing the defence, with multiple line breaks on Saturday, including one to create a memorable try for James Fisher-Harris.
“We’ve been confident in Tanah,” said Webster. “He’s really in charge of this team at the moment. He’s clear with his comms and then when you are clear, you run the ball more. We want him to run.”
Instead of being a stand in, his form has even prompted talk that Luke Metcalf may have to switch positions when he returns from his ACL injury.
“It’s a good headache but we don’t have to worry about it today,” said Webster. “At some stage we will have to address it.”
Tanah Boyd. / Photosport
Jumping Jack(son) Flash
When Jackson Ford was switched to prop during the 2024 season, it’s fair to say there were a few sceptics. He had done well in the second row but would he be suited to the middle?
There is no doubt now, as the 28-year-old continued his eye-catching start to 2026 with another phenomenal performance on Saturday. He reeled off 236 run metres, complemented by 44 tackles in a staggering 80-minute display, with a try and a conversion to boot.
“He’s getting a lot of praise at the moment and he deserves it but we have been celebrating him internally for a long time now,” said Webster. “I’m glad everyone is finally seeing it.”
Terrific Taine Tuaupiki
With every game that Taine Tuaupiki plays, he is edging closer to the Warriors’ No 1 jersey. It might not happen this season – or even next – given Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is locked in at Penrose until the end of 2027. But Tuaupiki is pressing his case. He gives the Warriors dimensions on attack that no one else can, with his acceleration and ability to ghost into space.
He’s also tough, shown with the hit to deny winger Greg Marzhew a try, while his 80th-minute gift for Luke Hanson was a beautiful moment. His lack of size is always talked about but it wasn’t apparent with some gutsy bomb defusals on Saturday. The feeling remains that Nicoll-Klokstad and Tuaupiki suit different opposition, on different days, but Tuaupiki’s game-breaking ability will be harder and harder to ignore.
Taine Tuaupiki and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are friends and rivals. Photo / Getty Images
Barnett back; Gannon gutted
Mitch Barnett clearly isn’t the type to ease back into work after a long time away. In his first match since last June, the co-captain gave an instant reminder of his value.
He added starch to the defensive effort, ran with typical intensity and had the awareness to send Ford over for a neat try. Given the impact of those around him, he’ll hopefully carry less of a burden in 2026.
That good news was contrasted with a big setback for English recruit Morgan Gannon, with a nasty concussion in the fifth minute. It’s a tough scenario for any player but even more so for the 22-year-old, who missed the entire 2024 Super League season after a series of head knocks in the preceding campaign.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.