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.
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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I think you are harsh on Metcalf.
If he can recover from injury to be anywhere near last year’s performance, then there is nothing to complain about.
Improvement is not necessarily a bad thing. All need to play better but some are more critical to the scoreboard and outcomes. After reading the write up it’s more about Metcalfe getting to full fitness to play close to his best with a bit more improvement in his kicking game. He’s a huge talent and if he gets it right, the Warriors are right in the mix.