But they will feature in September [finals] footy again. They won’t be able to match last year’s incredible 10-3 start but will come home stronger. Their connection and camaraderie – along with decent depth – will be their special sauce.
Verdict: Nowhere near and far too pessimistic. They finished second in a remarkable regular season while the optimism about Melbourne and Brisbane was unfounded. And they did manage another superb start, with a 9-3 record. Correct about depth being critical though.
Have the Warriors faced a tougher first quarter of an NRL season?
We said:
Not in recent memory. It’s a daunting six-game run. The Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks are all top-four contenders, while three of those teams are traditional bogey sides.
Newcastle hasn’t been a happy hunting ground – and the Knights already look a different proposition – while the Wests Tigers are generally sharper early in the season, before they fall away.
Warriors start: Roosters (h) Raiders (h) Knights (a) Tigers (h) Sharks (a) Storm (a)
Verdict: Not quite.
Herald worries were unfounded. 4-2 was an impressive way to begin, highlighted by the historic Storm breakthrough and the Raiders demolition. The Tigers ambush happened but Newcastle weren’t as threatening as predicted, though that all changed by September.
How will Leka Halasima handle the hype?
We said:
It won’t be easy, given his incredible deeds in 2025. It’s hard to remember many better Warriors rookie seasons, almost comparable with Shaun Johnson (2011) or Stacey Jones (1995).
Leka Halasima makes a break against Newcastle. Photo / Photosport
Expectations will go sky-high, while he will command more attention from opposition teams. But Halasima is a grounded, easy-going type and the coaches will work to keep it that way.
It will be a tough ask to replicate 2025 but there is no reason why his growth can’t continue, especially as the Warriors are likely to be less reliant on the game-breaker.
Verdict:
Nearly. Halasima continued to excel. Scored four tries in opening three games but generally struggled for impact in first half of season, as he played big minutes. But was superb in the centres across the last six matches and the Warriors remain heavily reliant on him as an attacking weapon. More relaxed in media spotlight too.
Can Chanel Harris-Tavita take the next step?
We said:
This is his season to push on. Much of the halves focus has been on Luke Metcalf and Tanah Boyd but the output of Harris-Tavita is critical. He was good last year – finding his groove again after a difficult return in 2024.
But there is more to come; Harris-Tavita isn’t a kid anymore (26) and has played close to 100 games (95). But there is a lingering sense that he needs to fully unlock his self-belief and ambition in order to impose himself more.
Verdict:
It was a pivotal campaign for Harris-Tavita, who also had to deal with constant change at halfback. He was excellent for much of 2026, and contributed eight tries and 14 try assists, along with trademark strong defence. But fell away in September and had little impact in either playoff match. Some questions still remain.
How does Erin Clark make another jump?
We said:
It won’t be easy. Clark was the 2025 buy of the season. There will be more on his shoulders but he has proven he is a top-tier forward. Clark belongs among the elite and we can look forward to more superlative deeds this year, along with an extension of his ball-playing involvement.
Verdict:
His work with the ball was more prodigious – and impressive. Overall, an outstanding campaign but without the flourish in the finals that was expected.
Erin Clark impressed for most of the season. Photo / Alyse Wright
Who is under the most pressure to perform?
We said:
James Fisher-Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Fisher-Harris was always going to take time to settle last season and co-captaincy was an extra layer. The Kiwis skipper performed well, but not to the high standards he set at Penrith. He will demand more of himself, though Mitch Barnett’s return will help.
Watene-Zelezniak is playing for a new contract, after losing his way in 2025 and becoming a focal point for a frustrated fan base.
Verdict:
Fisher-Harris found himself as a Warriors co-captain again in 2026, partly by being more focused on his individual work. He was a popular choice for the Simon Mannering Medal as Player of the Year, after not being a finalist in 2025.
Verdict:
An impressive rebound for Watene-Zelezniak. Got his mojo back and confidence returned, with 20 tries in 22 games. Improved in almost every statistical category. Showed immense courage and spirit to return for Newcastle game.
Who is ready for a big breakthrough?
We said:
After Halasima and Demetric Vaimuaga stole the show last season, look for Jacob Laban as the latest tyro. Laban was sorely missed in the final quarter of last season through injury and is coming off a big pre-season. One to watch.
Verdict:
Immense campaign from the 22-year-old, who was honoured as player’s player of the year. A huge attacking threat, with a big engine. Unfortunately, missed critical tackles in both playoff defeats, as cumulative fatigue took its toll.
Jacob Laban was one of the biggest improvers of the 2026 season. Photo / Photosport
What will be the key point of the season?
We said:
The month of May. The Warriors face four consecutive games in Australia, with visits to the Parramatta Eels, the St George-Illawarra Dragons and Penrith, along with the Magic Round clash with the champions, the Brisbane Broncos. If they can emerge from that period with at least two wins, they will be set up well.
Verdict:
Not quite. The three wins in May were crucial, while the clash with the Broncos was a statement, albeit dampened by Tanah Boyd’s horrific injury. But the key point of the season turned out to be July and August, as they rebounded from a difficult run of three losses in four games to win eight of their last nine matches.
Is this Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s farewell season?
We said:
It could be. The veteran was in rare form last year, setting a standard with his consistency, impact and energy. Sometimes it feels like Tuivasa-Sheck could go on forever but time always catches up with outside backs. The club might offer a one-year extension but the player may hope for two.
Verdict:
Correct. The 32-year-old inked a deal with Wakefield Trinity in late March. He was in superb form, which made the subsequent season-ending ACL injury in May so catastrophic for player and club.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck celebrates with fans after a home win in 2026. Photo / Photosport
Who could be the secret weapon?
We said:
Ali Leiataua. Since his eye-catching debut in 2023 at Canberra, the powerful centre has been a slow burn, with only 14 appearances, not helped by a succession of injuries. Of all the Warriors’ centre contenders, the 23-year-old has the highest ceiling.
Verdict:
Not quite, as fullback Taine Tuaupiki probably deserved this accolade. Leiataua couldn’t maintain his promising early season form and is yet to fully cement his position, despite some exciting moments. Remains a work in progress.
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.