The New Zealand Warriors’ trajectory under Andrew Webster has become clear. Since his arrival in 2023, the club has shifted toward a defined identity built on defence, patience, and work ethic.
That approach delivered a preliminary final in 2023, followed by a disappointing 2024 where the Warriors struggled to close games and fell out of finals contention.
In 2025, the Warriors responded. After a poor start to the season and heavy criticism following their Las Vegas loss to Canberra, they steadied. Defence tightened. Effort areas improved. For long stretches they sat inside the top four and looked every bit a finals side. Injuries ultimately told the story. Season ending injuries to Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett, combined with ongoing disruption to key forwards, saw the Warriors limp into the finals and exit early against Penrith.
Behind the scenes, the club’s pathways system continued to deliver. The Warriors won the NSW Cup in 2025 and followed it up by claiming the Interstate Championship. They also claimed the Harold Matthews Cup in both 2024 and 2025, reinforcing the club’s commitment to youth development and long term sustainability. Competition for spots is increasing, and that makes 2026 a defining season for several established players.
These are the five Warriors who must lift again if the club is to turn progress into genuine contention.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Why his role is important?
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will embark on his fourth season with the Warriors in 2026 and remains one of the most experienced members of their spine. His professionalism, effort, and durability set standards across the squad. He has been trusted to play both fullback and centre, often shifting roles to balance injuries and team needs.
At his best, Nicoll-Klokstad is a high work rate fullback who consistently generates metres, supports through the middle, and brings physical resilience to the backfield. His experience is vital for a Warriors side increasingly built around young forwards and emerging backs.
What must improve?
After an injury interrupted 2024 season, Nicoll-Klokstad completed 22 matches in 2025 but his attacking output declined. He scored just two tries across the season and produced far fewer line breaks and try assists compared to previous years. While his metres remained solid, his influence in attacking moments dropped noticeably.
The Warriors need more assertiveness with ball in hand. That does not mean overplaying, but choosing moments to inject himself into the game when momentum stalls.
Why his improvement matters?
With younger backs pushing through and competition increasing across the backline, Nicoll-Klokstad’s attacking contribution will be under scrutiny. If he can rediscover his attacking presence while maintaining his defensive reliability, he remains a key figure. If not, the next generation will close the gap quickly.
2. Marata Niukore
Why his role is important?
Marata Niukore is the Warriors’ starting right edge second rower and one of their primary enforcers. In 2025, he played all 25 matches, providing rare durability in a season disrupted by injuries elsewhere. His defensive workload was immense, recording career high tackle counts and setting the physical tone on the edge.
At 29 years old and off contract, Niukore is one of the club’s highest paid forwards. His leadership on the right edge is crucial, particularly as younger edge forwards such as Jacob Laban and Heka Halasima continue developing beneath him.
What must improve?
While his defensive output remains strong, Niukore’s attacking involvement has not matched his size or capability. Averaging under 80 metres per game, his impact with the ball has been limited. He rarely offloads and too often serves as a decoy rather than a genuine line bending option.
Discipline also remains an area to manage. His aggression is valuable, but poorly timed penalties can undo sustained defensive pressure.
Why his improvement matters?
If Niukore can increase his carries, post contact metres, and attacking involvement without losing defensive intensity, the Warriors gain a far more balanced edge. With younger forwards pushing for opportunity, this is a defining year for his role at the club.
3. Luke Metcalf
Why his role is important?
Luke Metcalf established himself as the Warriors’ long term halfback during the first half of the 2025 season. Partnering Chanel Harris-Tavita, Metcalf helped guide the Warriors into the top three after 15 rounds, with only three losses across that stretch.
His ability to challenge the line, engage defenders, and play late created opportunities across the park. Metcalf showed composure under pressure and a willingness to own key moments in tight matches.
What must improve?
Metcalf’s season ended in the 66th minute against Brisbane with a serious injury, forcing him into an extended rehabilitation. Returning from injury will be his greatest challenge. Timing, confidence, and rhythm are often the last elements to return for halves.
He will also need to continue developing his kicking consistency and game management as opposition teams prepare more thoroughly for his strengths.
Why his improvement matters?
If Metcalf returns at his pre injury level, the Warriors’ attack immediately lifts. His recovery timeline and ability to regain sharpness will shape how quickly the Warriors can re establish themselves as a top four contender in 2026.
4. Tane Tuaupiki
Why his role is important?
Tane Tuaupiki remains one of the most exciting players on the Warriors’ roster. In 2025, he played 14 matches for 10 wins and 4 losses. When given the fullback role early in the season, the Warriors won all three matches, with Tuaupiki producing strong metre counts, line breaks, and tackle breaks, including a 180 metre performance against Brisbane.
His speed, footwork, and willingness to back himself give the Warriors an attacking element few others can replicate.
What must improve?
Consistency and physical development remain the key areas. At 26 years old, Tuaupiki is entering his prime but must continue to add strength to handle week to week NRL football. Defensive positioning and repeat effort also need refinement.
Competition for backline spots is fierce, and maintaining a starting role will require sustained performance.
Why his improvement matters?
If Tuaupiki continues his upward trajectory, he has the potential to become a genuine top tier NRL fullback. His development could reshape the Warriors’ backline and provide a long term attacking weapon capable of changing games.
5. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Why his role is important?
Chanel Harris-Tavita provides balance and control within the Warriors’ spine. Through the opening half of 2025, his partnership with Luke Metcalf delivered stability, patience, and structure. He defends strongly, manages field position well, and ensures the side plays to plan. He is an aggressive defender and is growing in confidence.
His value lies in decision making and composure rather than dominating possession.
What must improve?
The next step is assertiveness in decisive moments. While his consistency is attack and aggressive defence is strong, there are times where the Warriors need him to demand the ball and dictate tempo late in games. His running game can also be used more selectively to keep defensive lines honest.
Why his improvement matters?
With Metcalf returning from injury, Harris-Tavita’s leadership becomes even more important. If he lifts his influence without losing control, the Warriors’ spine becomes harder to defend and better equipped to handle pressure matches in 2026.
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