18. Adam Pompey – 3
A late inclusion after three weeks as an unused substitute, with Ali Leiataua ruled out hours before kickoff with illness, but it was a move that didn’t really work. His combination with Watene-Zelezniak didn’t gel defensively. Finished the game on the wing and he did have some nice runs among his 12 carries, but it wasn’t a performance that inspires confidence.
4. Leka Halasima – 7
He is becoming more settled in the centre position with each game. He carried the ball strongly, and the Rabbitohs’ defenders found him hard to contain. Scored a nice try in the first half and late in the match, switched to right centre which proved to be a masterstroke by the coaching staff.
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 4
Getting a lot of ball his way, however, he did get his 15th try in as many games this season. The biggest concern will be the seven missed tackles against his name.
Luke Hanson celebrates his field goal against the Rabbitohs. Photo / Photosport
6. Luke Hanson – 5
In his second NRL appearance, he was very quiet with ball in hand as he let Chanel Harris-Tavita take control. The Rabbitohs’ attack threw everything his way and, while the edge did struggle, Hanson made 23 tackles without a miss, although he was seen shooting out of the line a few times, which put pressure on the outside defenders. He capped off the night by kicking the field goal that lifted the Warriors to the top of the table.
7. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 9
His first start at halfback was excellent, as he took control of the game and guided them well around the park. He continued his great try-scoring run, having crossed the line in five straight games, while also claiming two try assists and kicking for 512m from 17 attempts. One of those assists came from a wayward kick he regathered, helping the Warriors regain momentum after the Rabbitohs’ fightback.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 7
A steady performance by the co-captain, where he claimed 130m from 15 runs. Brings plenty of aggression and leadership and is excelling in his role. Was an unlikely first try-scorer with a powerful carry close to the line.
9. Wayde Egan – 7
Continues to be a master around the ruck and plays a key role in laying the platform for the Warriors’ strong starts. Claimed two try assists and now has 14 for the season. If he wasn’t already part of the conversation, he should be spoken about as the best dummy half in the NRL.
10. Mitch Barnett – 8
Leaving at the end of the season, Barnett played with the venom and determination of a man desperate to win the Warriors a title before departing. He led the way with 182m from 20 carries and 33 tackles without a miss.
11. Kurt Capewell – 6
Was involved in plenty of dirty work and finished with a team-high 37 tackles.
12. Jacob Laban – 7
Was kept very busy during the contest. Scored in the second half and has three tries in his last four games.
13. Erin Clark – 5
The lock was quiet by his usual standards, although he has set the bar incredibly high this year. Hopefully, it was just a one-off before the finals.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 4
His 29 minutes are the second most he’s played this season and he was forced to defend for most of it, making 19 tackles.
15. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 5
Was well contained by the Rabbitohs defenders but still managed to claim over 100m with the ball, and his play-the-ball speed continues to be a class above the rest.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 8
After being out of the side for the past three weeks, Vaimauga made an impact on his return where his ball-playing and defensive work were both outstanding.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava looks to offload. Photo / Photosport
17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava – 8
Another great performance, where he played big minutes and really stood up. Claimed 152m from just 14 carries to go along with two try assists and two offloads. One of those breaks that led to an offload for Harris-Tavita’s try will go down as one of the best tries the Warriors have scored this season.
Interchange players not used: Ali Leiataua, Jett Cleary.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.