The penultimate round could ultimately prove decisive in determining the final running order.<\/p>\n
On Friday, the Panthers face the Canterbury Bulldogs, who have already beaten them once this season and must do so again to keep their top-eight hopes alive.<\/p>\n
Then on Saturday, the Roosters host the fourth-placed Redcliffe Dolphins, who sit on 36 competition points, in another intriguing match-up. The Dolphins beat the Roosters 48-10 earlier this season when both sides were without several Origin stars.<\/p>\n
However, the Dolphins have never beaten the Roosters away from home, adding another layer of intrigue to a match that could have major implications in the race for the minor premiership.<\/p>\n
That means the Warriors will head into Sunday\u2019s clash against the Newcastle Knights \u2013 more on that later \u2013 knowing exactly what they need to do to protect their top-two spot.<\/p>\n
And if results fall their way, they could head into the final round in the box seat to claim the J.J. Giltinan Shield for just the second time.<\/p>\n
Jye Linnane (from left), Haizyn Mellars and Luke Laulilii are all in the mix to replace the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Warriors suffer another injury blow<\/p>\n
Leading tryscorer set for stint on sidelines.<\/p>\n
The Warriors will be without their leading tryscorer for the run towards the finals, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak set for surgery after breaking his right collarbon<\/a>e<\/a>.<\/p>\n The high-flying winger sustained the injury in the first half when he was ankle-tapped by Cody Walker while attempting to score a try.<\/p>\n Watene-Zelezniak played on despite the injury and even crossed for a try before eventually leaving the field.<\/p>\n His try early in the second half was his 79th for the club, drawing him level with Shaun Johnson for the second-most tries in Warriors history. It was also his 20th of the season, making him the first Warriors player to score 20 or more tries in multiple seasons for the club, having crossed 24 times in 2023.<\/p>\n Despite being likely to return at some stage during the finals, you would expect Watene-Zelezniak to fall short of breaking his own club record for the most tries in a season.<\/p>\n It is a tough blow for the Warriors, who are already relatively thin in the outside backs. There are several options for how they could line up against the Knights, although any reshuffle is likely to be a short-term solution, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad due back from suspension for the final regular-season match.<\/p>\n The most likely option would be to shift Adam Pompey to the wing, allowing Ali Leiataua \u2013 who missed the Rabbitohs clash through illness \u2013 to return at centre.<\/p>\n However, there are also three rookies who could make the step up. <\/p>\n Mid-season recruit Luke Laulilii<\/a> appears the most likely. Since arriving at the Warriors, he has scored six tries in eight New South Wales Cup games while averaging 185m per game \u2013 a particularly important statistic if he is being asked to replace one of the side\u2019s premier yardage carriers in Watene-Zelezniak.<\/p>\n Haizyn Mellars<\/a> is another option, having scored 14 tries in 15 games for the reserves. However, he may need another off-season before being ready for the demands of the NRL.<\/p>\n Alternatively, Leiataua could shift to the wing, opening the door for Jye Linnane<\/a> to make his NRL debut in the centres. Since returning from ACL injuries, the 20-year-old has scored 12 tries in 11 games and has been in excellent form.<\/p>\n However, it appears unlikely Webster would risk rushing a young player he clearly holds in high regard while he is still working his way back from such a serious injury.<\/p>\n Whatever option the Warriors choose, Webster will no doubt back whoever steps up, with the club\u2019s \u201cnext man up\u201d mentality continuing to thrive throughout the season.<\/p>\n History beckons for Warriors<\/p>\n Warriors one win away from matching feats of 2002<\/p>\n Victory for the Warriors<\/a> was their fourth straight and their 16th of the season.<\/p>\n In a remarkable statistic, 13 of those wins have come by 16 points or more, while their other three victories were by eight points or less.<\/p>\n They have also scored more than 40 points on six occasions this season.<\/p>\n The result keeps the Warriors in the hunt to complete the most successful regular season in club history. Back in 2002, they recorded 17 wins.<\/p>\n A victory over the Knights on Sunday would see the Warriors equal that record and give themselves the opportunity to make history the following week against the Manly Sea Eagles.<\/p>\n That 2002 side finished top of the table, aided by the Canterbury Bulldogs\u2019 salary-cap scandal, before going on to reach the NRL grand final.<\/p>\n They finished the regular season with the competition\u2019s third-best attack and second-best defence.<\/p>\n As things stand, this year\u2019s Warriors have the best attack in the competition and the second-best defence. The 2002 season also holds several other club records that could soon fall.<\/p>\n The Warriors scored a club-record 688 points that year, a mark they are close to breaking after reaching 651 this season.<\/p>\n Their other grand final appearance, in 2011, remains the benchmark for their best defensive season. That year, the Warriors conceded just 393 points. This season, they have conceded only 356.<\/p>\n It sounds simple, but not making mistakes has laid the foundation for their success. In the win against the Rabbitohs, they had an 89% completion rate, the eighth time this season they have completed at better than 85%.<\/p>\n They have already matched the 16 wins achieved under Webster in 2023, when the Warriors fell one game short of the grand final, but this side are statistically stronger than both of the Warriors teams who reached grand finals in 2002 and 2011.<\/p>\n If they can turn those numbers into another deep finals run, 2026 could yet become the greatest season in club history.<\/p>\n Why Taine Tuaupiki must start<\/p>\n Perfect night off tee enhances star fullback\u2019s credentials<\/p>\n One thing the Warriors have been crying out for all season is a reliable goalkicker \u2013 and they may have found one in Taine Tuaupiki<\/a>.<\/p>\n The fullback slotted a perfect eight from eight off the tee, including several attempts from the sideline, as the Warriors posted their biggest score of the season and their highest since 2023.<\/p>\n Tuaupiki now has a remarkable 94.7% success rate in the NRL, having converted 18 of his 19 attempts across his career.<\/p>\n If a larger sample size is required, his numbers in New South Wales Cup are also impressive, with a 77.3% success rate after converting 58 of 75 attempts.<\/p>\n Compared with the other options in the squad, Tuaupiki is the clear standout.<\/p>\n Chanel Harris-Tavita<\/a> has the ability to kick goals, but it is a responsibility he would rather not have. He has a 68.8% success rate this season, converting 22 of 32 attempts.<\/p>\n Pompey is the Warriors\u2019 other fit option, with a 75% success rate after kicking 15 goals from 20 attempts. One of those misses came against the Cronulla Sharks in Auckland, when he skewed an attempt to send the game to golden point, while his place in the side is also not guaranteed.<\/p>\n At this time of year, when every point can prove vital, Tuaupiki\u2019s accuracy gives the Warriors another valuable option.<\/p>\n He has shown he can handle the pressure. One example came in the win over the Panthers at the Magic Round in 2024<\/a>, when his sideline conversion sealed the victory.<\/p>\n His perfect night against the Rabbitohs may also have given Webster plenty to think about when it comes to the make-up of his side, with a reliable goalkicker becoming increasingly valuable in the run towards the finals.<\/p>\n Can the Warriors extend win streak?<\/p>\n Warriors face intriguing challenge from determined Knights<\/p>\n The Warriors now return home for their final two regular-season games, starting with a clash against the finals-bound Knights.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s wooden spooners had the chance to remain in the fight for a top-four finish over the weekend, but suffered a shock 44-24 defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles.<\/p>\n It makes this their final chance to make a statement before the finals, with Newcastle having been allocated the bye in the final round \u2013 something that could prove a significant boost heading into the finals.<\/p>\n Earlier this season, the Warriors comfortably accounted for the Knights 38-12 in Newcastle<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the home side were missing several key players that afternoon, including Kalyn Ponga<\/a>, who is capable of breaking a game open in a single moment.<\/p>\n While Ponga will be back, the Knights remain without Kiwis five-eighth Dylan Brown and edge forward Dylan Lucas. They will also be without winger Dom Young and forward Tyson Frizell, who have been charged by the match-review committee.<\/p>\n The Knights play a high-risk, high-reward style that can be devastating when it clicks, but can also unravel when it does not. They are often involved in high-scoring contests and love launching attacks through the middle of the field, so expect the Warriors\u2019 edges to be severely tested.<\/p>\n However, with the Warriors\u2019 game built around completion rate and ball retention, Newcastle could find it difficult to break them down if they are denied opportunities in possession.<\/p>\n History is also on the Warriors\u2019 side, having won five of their last six matches against the Knights.<\/p>\n You have to go all the way back to 2019 for Newcastle\u2019s last victory in Auckland<\/a>.<\/p>\n Expect that trend to continue as the Warriors look to underline their credentials as one of the teams to beat heading into the finals.<\/p>\nThe Warriors celebrate Leka Halasima’s try against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Mitch Barnett in action against the Knights. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n