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)
How will Leka Halasima handle the hype?
It won’t be easy, given his incredible deeds last season, with the brilliant tries and stunning plays. It’s hard to remember many better Warriors’ rookie seasons, almost comparable with Shaun Johnson (2011) or Stacey Jones (1995).
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.
Leka Halasima was a sensation in 2025. Photo / Photosport
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 this season.
Does round one matter as much as we think?
Yes and no. It always feels important but as Warriors historian Will Evans pointed our recently, the side have a poor record with just nine wins from 29 season-openers. But the team will want to make a statement to start the campaign, like they did with the gritty win in Wellington in Webster’s first game in charge, which set a tone for the season. It was the same in 2024, as a close loss to the Sharks would be a precursor of what was to come, as they were on the wrong side of numerous tight scorelines.
Can Chanel Harris-Tavita take the next step?
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 – sometimes very good – finding his groove again after a difficult return in 2024, with eight tries, 18 assists and plenty of tough defence.
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 fully on each match.
How does Erin Clark make another jump?
It won’t be easy. Clark was the 2025 buy of the season and was unlucky to miss out on the Simon Mannering medal, shaded by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. There will be more on his shoulders but equally, he has proven he is a top-tier forward – to observers, to teammates and to himself. 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.
Erin Clark had a superb 2025 campaign. Photo / Photosport
Who is under the most pressure to perform?
James Fisher-Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Fisher-Harris was always going to take time to settle last season – after a decade with the Penrith Panthers – and co-captaincy was an extra layer. The Kiwis skipper performed well, but not to the extraordinarily high standards he set at Penrith. As one of the top three earners at the club, he will demand more of himself, though the impending return of Mitch Barnett will help.
Another former Panther – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – is playing for a new contract, after losing his way in 2025 and becoming a focal point for a frustrated fan base.
Who is ready for a big breakthrough?
After Halasima and Demetric Vaimuaga stole the show last season, look for Jacob Laban as the latest tyro. The 21-year-old is not a rookie – with 19 appearances since his 2024 debut – but this Friday’s match will be only his fifth start.
Laban was sorely missed in the final quarter of last season after the leg injury suffered against the Redcliffe Dolphins and is coming off a big pre-season, where he impressed insiders and teammates alike. One to watch, along with the highly rated Manurewa product Kayliss Fatialofa.
What will be the key point of the season?
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 for the second half of the year.
Is this Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s farewell season?
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 – the ultimate professional – 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.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck made a brilliant switch to the wing in 2025. Photo / Photosport
Who could be the secret weapon?
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 niggling injuries. Of all the Warriors’ centre contenders, the 23-year-old has the highest ceiling and could become the homegrown star fans have been yearning for.
Where will the Warriors finish?
Seventh. They have the team to push for a top-four spot again but it will be hard to dislodge the likes of Penrith, Melbourne and Brisbane from the top quartet.
But they will feature in September footy again, becoming the first Warriors squad since 2011 to make the finals in consecutive seasons. They won’t be able to match last year’s incredible 10-3 start but will come home stronger. Their much vaunted connection and camaraderie – along with decent depth in most positions – will be their special sauce.
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.
