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Tackles and Tinnies - E34 - New Zealand Warriors 2025 Review & 2026 Preview
25 Plays3 months ago
The Warriors were right in the mix in 2025 — 6th with 14 wins — and “Up The Wahs” wasn’t just a meme, it was a weekly mood.
But 2026 is the real test: can they back it up when the comp tightens and the close games swing the other way? Because the data-led read we’re working off has them as a potential regression / faller — 6th → 9th territory — not because they’re bad, but because the NRL’s margin is filthy thin.
We get into:
- Why 2025 felt like a proper Warriors identity year (tough, emotional, loud)
- The 2026 outlook: what has to improve to stay in the 8
- Contract core chat (who’s locked in long-term and what that signals)
- The squad depth conversation + where the pressure sits
- Explicit ladder range: finals again… or just outside looking in?
Cap or Fact: the Warriors miss finals in 2026 — purely off variance and how tight the comp is. 👇
Warriors fans, talk to us: where do you have them finishing, and what’s the ONE thing that decides it?
Recommended
Transcript
Intro and Series Overview
00:00:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Welcome back, Tackles and Tinnies listeners. We're here for another episode of the mini-series, doing the 2025 review slash 2026 previews for each and every single team. We're going from bottom to the top besides a couple of teams. As you guys saw from our last episode, we did the Penrith Panthers. So go check that one out in our YouTube, Spotify, Apple podcast, or go check out the short forms on TikTok. You name it, we're on it. You know the deal.
00:00:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Anyway.
Warriors' 2025 Season Review
00:00:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Kia Ora, New Zealand fans, we are currently doing the Warriors team. And for me, tale of two stories. For them, I thought, my God, their attacking flair is really, really good on the eye test.
00:00:40
Tackles and Tinnies
And then i actually went through their ladder and then they scored 517 points, which was actually the 12th best attack. So that's probably one of the main reasons they struggled.
00:00:51
Tackles and Tinnies
overall in the final series, but let's just get through their entire 2025 snapshot for the New Zealand Warriors. So overall, they got six with 14 wins and 10 losses with a point differentiation of only 34.
00:01:06
Tackles and Tinnies
So 34 points with a point differentiation of 21 positive. Again, not very good, really. Again, defense, great with fourth in defense, which I mentioned earlier, and 12th best in attack.
00:01:18
Tackles and Tinnies
That's pretty surprising. And I think New Zealand fans or even NRL fans alike, you probably agree with me that that's quite shocking for a team that's normally known for its flamboyant style of play.
00:01:29
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe that's a little bit to do with a guy by the name of Lukey Metcalf going down. However, still surprising. It's also worthy to note that you'd think going to New Zealand, they would have sort of a fortress sort of vibe.
00:01:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Turns out not too much the case as well. Seven wins at home with five losses and seven wins away with five losses with a home stretch of two wins out last five.
00:01:55
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, pretty Pretty surprising, actually, overall, when I was going through all these statistics for the New Zealand Warriors in the 2025 season. I thought their attack would be significantly better.
00:02:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, probably some things to do with younger players coming through, instability in regards Luki Metcalf going out and then trialing some other players in those positions.
00:02:20
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, defense, New Zealand Warriors, I guess the tide has turned a little bit there. You guys, again, in the past have been known for your dynamic off-the-cuff offense. The tide's turned. You're now one of the best defensive teams. You're a top four defensive team in the comp. So hats off to you guys.
00:02:37
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, you guys got pretty lucky in regards to the final series, versing a rested Penrith Panthers team Again, what can you do about that? Those guys were extremely good and you lost to them 24 to eight at GoMedia in Auckland.
00:02:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, no Metcalf, no Michi Barnett, couple of other injuries. Panthers were red hot, ready to go. Can't do much about that. But overall, should be happy that you made the finals and you're only growing. You've so many young fellas coming through.
00:03:07
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, tale of two stories, defense elite, attack mediocre. Can that change for 2026? New Zealand Warriors fans, please let me know in the comments.
Warriors' 2026 Roster Insights
00:03:17
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, let's get straight into roster movements for the 2026 season. So I'm just going to go through all these names who are contracted. I might pronounce some of these wrong. so Sorry, New Zealand fans. I'll do my best, however.
00:03:30
Tackles and Tinnies
So Adam Pompey, mainstay within the team due to injuries. He's there till 2027. Ali Lee Atawa. ali leah tower he Also, he led 2027. I thought he was very, very good at the start of the season. Had a couple of injuries and then couldn't get back into the team.
00:03:44
Tackles and Tinnies
I would like to see him get another crack for the 2026 season, but guys have to wait for to see for the top 17, well, technically top 19, which hasn't been confirmed, but again, we'll get to that later on in the podcast.
00:03:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Lofi Kampereira, okay, he's come from the Gold Coast Titans. He's signed to 2028. That long-term contract does make me think he's going to get a starting position. However, your back line is looking really deadly and a lot of depth, really. Does he get a starting position? That's a conversation that we'll have later on in the podcast.
00:04:16
Tackles and Tinnies
But great pickup, great depth signing, huge, monumental upside with Lofi Kampereira. Chanel Harris-DeVita, he's there till the end of this season at 2026.
00:04:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he get that starting position? Few guys there now looking to get that 5'8 position, even the halfback position, Metcalf coming back. His position's definitely not safe, but I thought he was one of your better performing players, more consistent players in the 2026 season. I'm sorry, 2025 season.
00:04:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Chance, Nico Klockstead or CNK, which I'll refer to him throughout the podcast. He's there until the end 27. Old reliable, mystic consistent, one of the hardest workers in the room.
00:04:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Not necessarily anything flashy per se coming from the fullback position, which you would like to see. He's more of a probably a good comp would be like Clint Gutherson. However, i think C&K is still a very good player, very versatile. Fullback, center, 5'8", you name it, he can play it.
00:05:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he retain the fullback position in 2026? That is definitely a conversation we'll have later on because of the guy we're going talk about soon who might provide a little bit more upside in that position. But we'll talk about that shortly.
00:05:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Dalen Mutani-Zelezniak, he's there 2027. Similar to Lafayette Camperera, huge upside, probably the best finisher in the competition, particularly are diving for the corner.
00:05:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic hair, fantastic hair. But yeah, he's there 2027. Dmitryk Valmunga, he's there to 2028. Huge breakout year from him. Great middle rotation, that sort of that third man in after Mitchie Barnett and your captain,
00:05:53
Tackles and Tinnies
being on absolute mind blank here, but your captain coming from the Panthers, James Fisher-Harris, should know that. Apologies, guys. But Dimitri McMelga, yeah, could it easily start.
00:06:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Could easily start. Could get a sniff, potentially at a locked position if Aaron Clark was to go down. However, Aaron Clark's definitely a mainstay there. Aaron Clark, we just mentioned just then, here to 2027, amazing pickup.
00:06:17
Tackles and Tinnies
Went to an absolute another level when Dylan Walker went to the Parramatta Eels. We're going to talk about that very short shortly. Deleon medal winner at the lock position.
00:06:28
Tackles and Tinnies
All the flowers to him. Again, i'm going to give him a bit more praise later on in the podcast. Hasem Mellors, he's just got promoted to the top 30, got a contract extension to 2028. I was actually just watching some highlights,
Veteran Influence and Team Dynamics
00:06:39
Tackles and Tinnies
haven't seen too much of them for myself. But however, big body, formerly a basketball player, which is quite surprising as well. But he's there to 2028. Again, another outside back.
00:06:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Plays on the wing. Good aerial threat. Definitely a lot of competition in those outside back positions. However, definitely a chance for a smoky play if there are a few injuries and a bit of luck goes his way later on.
00:07:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Jackson Ford, he's there 2027. He was a mainstay throughout. Started on the edge, and now he's gone into the middle. Prefer him in the middle. Jacob Labem, he's signed until 2029, which makes me think if he's not getting much game time this year, he's definitely going to be getting a lot of game time in 2027.
00:07:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Huge. Okay. He's one of their longest signed players. So obviously that's a lot of faith from the office, front office and management from the New Zealand Warriors. But yeah, does he get a top 17 or the top 19? Again, we'll talk about that later in the podcast.
00:07:39
Tackles and Tinnies
James Fisher Harris. Again, we gave some roses to him just before. He's your captain. He's your dog. The culture guy, the aggro guy. The experience to all these young fellas is something that you can't teach.
00:07:52
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, he signed to 2028. Huge. Great captain, especially why Mitchell Barnett's out. Jai Linan. Sorry if I pronounced that one wrong. Haven't heard too much about him. However, assuming he's coming from your New South Wales Cup team. He signed until 2028. Again, lot of faith shown from the management from there.
00:08:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Kurt Whitewell on his last year. So again, finishing at the end of 2026. Does he get another year? There's so many young fellas in this team.
00:08:23
Tackles and Tinnies
I think they should probably give him him another year. I think he's earned that. Played Queensland last year. So obviously he's still got a little bit of talent left in him. Super reliable, super consistent, great edge defender.
00:08:34
Tackles and Tinnies
If need be, can be shifted out to the centers. I hate him as center, but definitely can be shifted out there to do a job. Kirk Capewell, probably should get re-signed. Talk about that later on. Lekka Hallamassina, better known as Lekka the Wrecker. He signed until 2029, same as Jacob Labem.
00:08:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Lekka the Wrecker, unreal, fantastic, dominant ball runner, dominant ball at the back player. Great in contact, few game-winning positions and plays that he's done throughout the year. i remember the field goal attempt by Tanner Boyd, and then that got charged down, and Lekker, the record, just pretty much bars on past four guys, literally on the siren. What a performance from Lekker there.
00:09:15
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, he's a mainstay in that starting team. Lukey Metcalf, he signed to the end of 2028. He's your goal kicker. He's your hardback. He's your go-to man. He's your X Factor.
00:09:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Luke Metcalf, all the roses, wishing him a speedy recovery coming back from his ACL injury. Does he start at the start of the year? No. i predict him to probably take until about round four, but we'll talk about that later in the podcast with the ACL injuries.
00:09:42
Tackles and Tinnies
Matan Nidakore, signing to the end of this year, getting older in age, plays on the edge, plays in the middle, pretty good utility value in that regard, still pretty good ball runner.
00:09:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he get re-upped again? We'll see. That might be a salary cap squeeze there. Mitchell Barnett, Australian, New South Wales representative, had the ACL injury. He signed to the end of 2027. He should be back near the start of the year, which is good signs. We'll talk about that later in the podcast, but you certainly missed him in certain periods of time.
00:10:16
Tackles and Tinnies
Morgan Gannon, he signed to the end of 2028, young
Key Players and Predictions for 2026
00:10:18
Tackles and Tinnies
fella coming through. Potentially huge upside. Does he make a top 19 spot with that extended bench?
00:10:25
Tackles and Tinnies
We'll talk about that one later on the podcast. Rocco Berry, he's signed to the end of 2026 along with Roger Toole versus Sheck. Rocco Berry just can't stay healthy. can't stay stand in the park.
00:10:37
Tackles and Tinnies
He has one cracking game and all of a sudden does his shoulder or hurts his knee or has some other ailment. on On his day, he's very good and could be starting in most teams. Does he start in this very stacked outside backliner of the New Zealand Warriors?
00:10:54
Tackles and Tinnies
I don't know. That's a really tough call. to talk about that one later in the podcast. RTS, Roger Tullvastichek, again, I just mentioned, signed to the end of this year 2026.
00:11:03
Tackles and Tinnies
I predict him staying on the wing. Definitely could get that center position now that Lofi Kamperea is here. Obviously you can play fullback in a pinch. He did so for Samoa and did so admirably as well.
00:11:14
Tackles and Tinnies
Former Daliem, fullback of the year. Yeah, he's a gun. Absolutely gun. Prefer him on the wing. That's going to be an interesting conversation later on the podcast.
00:11:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, I probably want to hear from you in regards this one. Where do you see Roger Tull vs. Shek's position for the 2026 season? Do you more want him on the wing still? Do you reckon he shifts into the centers with DWZ and Lofey going to the wing? Or do you see him going to the fullback position to get a little bit more maybe attacking upside?
00:11:43
Tackles and Tinnies
You let me know in the comments. Sam Healy, he signed at the end of 2027. Smokey utility value there as well. A lot of faith, them obviously giving that extension as well.
00:11:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Great position there. This is probably the biggest talking point out of all these contracts. One, if he doesn't get re re-signed, does he leave?
00:12:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Two, if he does get that starting spot, do they re-up him? This man is the name of Tain Tuapiki. Has really struggled to crack this team, has had injuries when he's had the opportunity to actually get that position to come in.
00:12:22
Tackles and Tinnies
He signed to the end of 2026. I think he should start at fullback, personally. I think he should start at fullback. He has more attacking upside. I'm gonna talk about the comps and in regards to similar-esque players later on the podcast, why I think he could be a start at fullback.
00:12:39
Tackles and Tinnies
hear from you guys in the comments. That's a big talking point. Tane Torpiki, should he start at fullback over Chance Nicol Cloxted slash RTS? Let me know in the comments. Tanner Boyd's on to the end of this year as well.
00:12:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Plays 5'8", plays halfback. yeah He was a former Gold Coast Tide and so I know all too well what Tanner Boyd provides. He's like steady.
00:13:16
Tackles and Tinnies
Is he a top four halfback? Probably not. Is he a top eight halfback?
00:13:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe. Maybe. It's pretty tough. Tanner Boyd's a tricky guy to sort of give an analysis on. He's steady. He's safe. I'd like a little bit longer of a kicking game from him. Again, that can I guess it could improve with strength and conditioning and off-season reps.
00:13:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he start at the start of the year with Metcalf most likely being out? Not sure. Probably not sure. le me know in the comments, guys. Really tough one with Tanner Boyd. Tanner Stowers-Smith, hope I pronounced that right, but he signed until the end of 2028. I'm assuming he's also a New South Wales Cup guy, probably won that New South Wales Cup premiership with the Warriors like a few of the other boys.
00:14:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Obviously, a lot of our faith shown by management and leadership, as I spoke about, for some of the other guys who are similar position. Do I see him getting a crack this year? Probably not. But again, he'll be a bit of a depth piece there.
00:14:18
Tackles and Tinnies
Tamari Martin, similar in regards to Tanner Boyd. I prefer Tamari Martin, personally. i think he's a very good chance of even starting at 5'8", alongside Lukey Metcalf when Metcalf is back. Tamari Martin has really good upside in regards to attacking potential.
00:14:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Probably a little bit more controlling of the ball, which might actually help Metcalf a little bit. Obviously, he's played a lot of our utility for the New Zealand Warriors in the back half of the season. He can play one, which he did several times. He played six and seven. can also play nine.
Defensive Analysis and Tactical Adjustments
00:14:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, great utility value there. I kind of like him starting at 5'8", personally, but we will see at the end the podcast. And Wade Egan, super safe.
00:15:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Probably like top five hooker. i mentioned with a couple other guys in previous podcasts. He's probably in the same sort of realm as a Jerry Marshall King sort of vibe in regards to talent.
00:15:15
Tackles and Tinnies
He's invaluable though for this team. You really need him on the park and he's had so many sort of head knock slash soft tissue sort of injuries. You need him on the park to be a top 14. But he's signed to the end of 2027.
00:15:28
Tackles and Tinnies
But in regards to the 2025 season, you obviously lost AFB. You lost Jaz Tavanga. You lost Bontia Fowar, who left at the end of the 2025 season, but was confirmed gone.
00:15:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Tavanga thought was a pretty big loss as well. He obviously went to Manly and AFB went to the Sharks on a big dollar deal there. As I mentioned, I'll quickly rattle off the games again.
00:15:51
Tackles and Tinnies
So 2026, you've got Lafayette Camperia from the Titans, Jaili Linan, hopefully pronounced that right, from the Knights. Morgan Gannon's come from Leeds and Hazen Mellors come from the Rabideaus. He was that basketball prodigy sort of coming through. Now he's transitioned to rugby league.
00:16:08
Tackles and Tinnies
Big body. Go check him out. Your 2026 losses. So Graham Tafua, he's gone to the Rabbitohs. Ed Cossie, he went to the Rabbitohs. Freddie Lussick, the Panthers.
00:16:19
Tackles and Tinnies
Banti Afowa, just mentioned, he's gone to the West Tigers. Tom Alley, he's gone the Panthers. And Kalani Going, also gone to the Panthers. They're probably the main guys to talk about.
00:16:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Panthers are poaching a lot of your younger fellas. How do you feel about that, Warriors fans? Panthers have been copying this for many, many years. and you've just won the New South Wales Cup championship, and you have so much depth already, losing a few gun guys coming through, like Kalani going as an example, let me know how you feel in the comments.
00:16:51
Tackles and Tinnies
So how did 2025 feel? Again, I mentioned the defense was pretty elite. okay They scrambled really well. The middles were hardworking, lot of upside in regard to the edge forwards as well. I thought they did well to...
00:17:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Replace AFB's attacking upside with a steady hand of Fisher-Harris and Mitchell Barnett obviously take another step forward. Very tough to be in Auckland, but their record didn't really prove otherwise. like Again, they won seven out of five at home.
00:17:21
Tackles and Tinnies
Their attack is probably their biggest talking point for the 2025 season. Flashes. It was definitely flashes of greatness, flashes of osttin offensive upside. i just remember more bashing Lukey Metcalfe at the start of season. He shouldn't be a half-back. He'd be playing 5-8, and then all of a sudden popped off the next week, and he's telling all the fans, let me hear you, let me hear you. Like, I love that.
00:17:43
Tackles and Tinnies
But they're halves combination. So Metcalfe. with Harris DeVita was a mainstay. Then when Metcalf went down, you had Tanner Boyd and Tamari Martin helping out with Harris DeVita.
00:17:56
Tackles and Tinnies
What is the right combination? Okay, so obviously Metcalf's going to be there, but what of the other three boys who are all signed for one season only, Where do they... Oh, sorry, Harris DeVita. He's... Yeah, no, he's like always 2026 as well. All three.
00:18:13
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, I'll restate that. All three boys being Tamari Martin, Tanner Boyd, and Harris DeVita, all fighting essentially for the next man up for 5'8".
00:18:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Will they feel more settled once Metcalf is back? Time will tell. You obviously got Jet Cleary coming through the ranks. He's definitely probably not ready... for first grade just yet, but he's pushing up the rear.
00:18:38
Tackles and Tinnies
That's another one to look at. Attack, attack, attack. Need more points. Charns was safe, but not gun-ho. They tried Roger a couple of times back there.
00:18:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Probably need more ball playing. Maybe super well at bringing Yardage back, but again, another conversation point. Their attack is something that they need to work on significantly. But their identity was their defense. They're a top four bully. They looked like the some of their better sides in more recent years, particularly like their 2023 season when Sean Johnson was popping off.
00:19:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Good defense overall. Attack was lacking. That was probably their 2025 vibe overall So this is where we're going to start giving some roses to some of these guys. So they're over-performers or underachievers who we thought could potentially to do better or worse. We're going to talk about both ends of the spectrum right now.
00:19:30
Tackles and Tinnies
So in my opinion, the overachievers, CNK or Charles Nigel-Clockstead, still elite from the backfield, high effort energy player. He's the heart and soul, one of the hearts and soul of this team.
00:19:42
Tackles and Tinnies
He's a local New Zealand boy as well, which I think means a lot to you guys as New Zealand fans. yeah you're always getting a minimum an 8 out of 10 in regards to effort from chance.
00:19:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he have the attacking upside of some of the other fullbacks who are in the top six? Probably not. Does that mean he needs a position change for this particular unit of players?
00:20:06
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe, Two other boys who sort of broke out this year, particularly one being Lekka Halasima or Lekka the Wrecker, Again, I mentioned that one where, or one of those moments where Tanner Boyd did the field goal, got charged down, and Lekker just popped off, jumped jumped like two guys, popped off another one, and crashed over the trial line to win you a game. That was amazing.
00:20:29
Tackles and Tinnies
Monumental upside. He's 500K on Supercoach. Could be a smoky to get in for a lot of you Supercoaches out there.
00:20:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Can he be a consistent 80-minute playoff? I think so, Definitely. But yeah, all the roses to lack up, huge breakout sort of rookie season.
00:20:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Dimitri Vimunga, another young fellow who's come through the ranks, local boy. and you Obviously, you love your local boys there. Can play edge, definitely better in the middle.
00:20:57
Tackles and Tinnies
Love the energy that he brings off the bench. Could definitely start if Barnett or Fisher-Harris is out. Does he project to start long-term for you guys? Certainly. He's signed long enough.
00:21:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Both potential represent players for the foreseeable future as well. As we mentioned before, James Fisher-Harris, I thought he was fantastic in the first year at the Warriors. Obviously left the Panthers on but compassionate grounds to go back home to New Zealand.
00:21:23
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought Fisher-Harris was fantastic. there The fundamentals and the stuff that you can't teach, he brought that to the youth of this team. He brought a lot of experience, winning pedigree. Fisher-Harris, all the roses to you, my friend.
00:21:37
Tackles and Tinnies
And Mitchell Barnett obviously had a devastating ACL season injury, but when he was playing, he was great. New South Wales representative, Australian representative.
00:21:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah. What more can we say? The one-two punch of James Luthor Harris and Mitchell Barnett rival any of the top teams in the comp. And obviously you got guys like Dimitric coming off the bench.
00:22:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic middle rotation. That only gets better by arguably your most influential, most important player, particularly when a certain guy left by the name of Dylan Walker is Aaron Clark.
00:22:11
Tackles and Tinnies
He's your Daliam Lock of the Year. As soon as Dylan Walker left to go to the Manly Seagulls, my God, Aaron Clark went to probably five levels, not even another. He went five levels higher. Aaron Clark, absolute gun workhorse.
00:22:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Finally, a coach and a system using him correctly. I'm a Gold Coast Titans fan for the people who were just starting to listen to my podcast. My God, it was frustrating. You always had talent. You always had energy and aggression, which you love to see from a middle forward.
00:22:42
Tackles and Tinnies
Desi Hasler played him at front row, came off the bench, played on the edge, just couldn't get consistency within him. Great to see the New Zealand management deciding to put him at lock, let him go.
00:22:58
Tackles and Tinnies
and my God, he was one of the best players in the comp. Again, Dallium Lock of the Year, fantastic. All the roses to him. Only going to get better with the more confidence and reps that he's going to have in a starting team.
00:23:09
Tackles and Tinnies
So guys who underperformed or had question marks. Again, we sort of talked about the half combinations. Who accompanies Lukey Metcalfe long-term? Do you prefer Lukey Metcalfe at halfback to prefer him at 5'8"? He certainly plays like a 5'8".
00:23:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Can he be like a Jaden Campbell-esque, Drom Hughes-esque type halfback? Certainly. Love it. But who compliments them the best for 2026? Is it Harris Tevita?
00:23:35
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he was very good. Is it Tamari Martin? probably has the most upside when he's healthy and playing well, or is it a guy as safe as houses like Tanner Boyd? Let me know, but there's question marks regarding the halves.
00:23:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Middle consistency, again, you got rid of Dylan Walker, which sort of made things a little bit more consistent. You had guys like Jacob Blayman trying to push into that team.
00:23:59
Tackles and Tinnies
Kurt Capewell had to play center for there a little bit. Didn't love that. Mitchell Barnett obviously went down. Bit of inconsistencies in regarding to who was where and what what roles they were having. However, your top four defense can't bash you too hard.
00:24:15
Tackles and Tinnies
And bench impact. Sort of inconsistent at times. No real game breakers per se. We had Tamari Martin there for a fair while. Very good player, more of a starting player in my eyes. He's not going to be really going gangbusters as like a Trey Fuller or like even like a Tane to a Peaky for more of you local
2026 Schedule and Challenges
00:24:35
Tackles and Tinnies
guys. Coming off the bench, certainly can fill a few positions which provides utility value. However, no real game breaker or charge off the off the pine.
00:24:47
Tackles and Tinnies
So next up, so for the people who don't know, I've gone through the Fox Sports strength of schedule, which gives you a number from 1 to 17 where you're ranked. So according to Fox Sports, your ranking difficulty for 2026 is 10th.
00:25:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Not good, not great. It's pretty neutral. So teams that you will play twice in 2026, New Zealand Warriors fans. You'll play the Dolphins twice. Should be better. Potentially top six in my eyes.
00:25:14
Tackles and Tinnies
Sharkies, they've been a mainstay in the top four-ish sort of area. They're four the six. They'll be a tough game. Panthers, top four team. probably going to be better than last year. Obviously, they countt will come last at one stage. Panthers will be a hard double game to play.
00:25:29
Tackles and Tinnies
Newcastle Knights, injuries galore. Culture was shocking at points. Yeah, they've surely got to be better. Dylan Brown's obviously got back there now, which is awesome.
00:25:40
Tackles and Tinnies
that'll be a tough game in my eyes. Broncos, They're the champions. They're the champs. They're obviously going to be a very hard game. Dragons, young forward pack, a little bit more consistency now in who their identity is.
00:25:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Clint Guthers is another older, however. They've got Daniel Atkinson playing at halfback. Don't know. They're probably a bottom four team, but I don't think there'll be a walkover. West Tigers should be better. Again, Benji Marshall's got his claw into the r this team.
00:26:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Adam Dewey's now looking like the consistent halfback. Taylor May, my God, he was popping off in the last couple of games when he had the opportunity to start at center. They should be better. Kai Pierce-Paul now there.
00:26:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, I'm actually going to be doing that Tigers review tomorrow. So today's the 19th of January. I'm going to be filming that one with Chris. He's a diehard Tigers fan. It'd be good to have his input on the Tigers.
00:26:34
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, last one, who they play twice, is my beloved Gold Coast Titans. i go I'm a loyal member there, guys, and every single time the Warriors play the Titans, I reckon, honestly, it's 70% New Zealand Warriors fans and 30% Titans fans at Siva Stadium. What does that say about the demographic on the Gold Coast?
00:26:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Pretty self-explanatory. But we love you, Waz fans. You bring the energy, and I'll give you guys a bit more of a shout-out. At Magic Round for 2025, you guys were by far the best fans in the whole entire stadium. The energy, the singing, the banter, the patriotism that you have towards your team.
00:27:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Chef's kiss. Well done, Warriors fans. But yeah, back to the strength of schedule. Yeah, a few hard games there, guys. There's no walkovers in 2026 in my eyes. So games versus 2025 top eight teams, you got 10 of them. In games versus 2025 top four teams, you got five. In games versus bottom four teams, you got seven.
00:27:33
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, not the easiest draw, not the hardest draw. Again, you're ranked So it's pretty neutral. So pros in regards to your strength of schedule. You got three out of the first four games at Go Media in Auckland.
00:27:45
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, no excuse. You got a chance to start red hot. You need to be going red hot, particularly as you're getting Metcalf and Mitchie Barnett coming back. Post-origin, you guys play the Panthers and Cowboys. You might rest some of their rep stars. Cowboys have like five. I think Panthers have about five as well. It's really good opportunity to get wins against those guys, particularly the Panthers.
00:28:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, softest run home is a bit of a stretch. i don't think there's going to any easy games in 2026 personally, but you've got Rabideaus, Knights, Seagulls. Two of those are in New Zealand. Who knows where they're going to be Manly could have Tom Trabojevic injuries. Newcastle Knights could be a top four team going off their new recruits.
00:28:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Rabideaus, can they stay healthy? So many questions. So, yeah, there's so many questions to answer. Who knows, guys? Again, I'm going to say it one more time. The 2026 season, in my eyes, is going to be the closest comp we've had, even closer than 2025, which is fantastic as a viewer, fantastic as a podcaster, and everyone is a winner, including Mr. Volandi himself.
00:28:47
Tackles and Tinnies
And your cons in regards to your strength kit schedule, you only got one Origin buy. For you guys, you probably want to be playing. You haven't got really anyone playing Origin the top my head besides Mitch Barnett.
00:29:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, the top my head. Fantastic. Why are you complaining? You want to be playing every single game that people are resting players. So in my eyes, not the worst idea. Origin-affected games are Dragons and Sharks.
00:29:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Those guys aren't going to have many Origin players. Dragons, who would they have? Valentine Hones, maybe a Jadon Sua. That's the top my head there.
00:29:23
Tackles and Tinnies
And then Sharky's, probably not Nico Hines.
00:29:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, that's probably it. So yeah, not ideal because yeah, they're going to be pretty much full strength. And then you got trips to Storm at Amy Park and Broncos at Suncorp twice. Big tests, big tests.
00:29:40
Tackles and Tinnies
New New Zealand fans obviously get to Suncorp. You always do. But again, tough competition against two elite top four teams.
Projecting the 2026 Lineup
00:29:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Former grand final teams. I should die as well.
00:29:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, this is the projected 2026 top 17. But have all my other podcasts, guys, I've been doing the top 19 and it hasn't been confirmed. But essentially, if you haven't heard, there's potentially 19 players who will be selected each week.
00:30:08
Tackles and Tinnies
So six on the interchange, but only four out of the six of those players can be activated. So for example, let's say, for example, you got... Tamari Martin, Jackson Ford, Nia Coray, and Vaimonga as your first four players off the bench. That means guys like a Sam Healy and a Taintuapiki being the other two players on the bench, they can't play. They would be you like your 18th and 19th man in case there is foul play with head knocks or any other misdemeanors that would require emergency play to come on the field.
00:30:40
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, I'm going to say the top 19 players because Peter Volandi is pretty confident that this is going to go through regardless of what our owners and coaches think.
00:30:51
Tackles and Tinnies
So I'm going to say the top 19, but it will be in the order how they'll be named, which meaning that Jersey 18 and Jersey 19, if the rule doesn't go through, they're just like your extended bench as per normal.
00:31:06
Tackles and Tinnies
So, What I want to see, what I project him to see, I'm going to have a little debate on a few positions because you guys had the luxury of having that. Who I project starting at fullback is Charles Nigel-Clockstead.
00:31:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Who I want to start at fullback would be Tane Toopiki. Again, we talked about your attack for this year being mediocre. well, below mediocre, you're actually below par, to be honest, guys.
00:31:32
Tackles and Tinnies
You need more attacking flair coming from the back. Tain Tuopiki is that guy. He is that guy. I think he's ready. I think he's ready, guys. Chanzo Goklokstad then would push to the center.
00:31:45
Tackles and Tinnies
So at the center position, I currently got Alelia Tawa and Adam Pompey. However... I would like to see Alalia Tower and Chancellor Glockstad in the centres instead. So Pompey would then be relegated to the bench.
00:32:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Big body. Could play in the back row as well. And also plays wing. So great utility value from Adam Pompey. But if Tane to a peak, he doesn't start a fullback, Alalia Tower and Chancellor Glockstad will start in the centres and Adam Pompey would then be reverted to the bench.
00:32:20
Tackles and Tinnies
On the wings, I've got Roger Tulvasashek as a lock. He could definitely play center or fullback. However, I liked how he was used on the wing last year.
00:32:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, I liked him was on the wing last year. One of your best meter readers as well. Great finisher. Fantastic step. Good support player, Roger Toulousek, lock and load on the wing.
00:32:43
Tackles and Tinnies
The other wing position is a coin toss. Okay, you got DWZ and AKP, better known as Dylan Watanze-Zelezniak, that's a tough one to say, and Olofi Khan-Parrera.
00:32:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay, both those boys could start on the wing. One of them could start in the win. Guys, you have so much depth, you have the luxury here. DWZ, arguably, I reckon he is the best finisher in the league, particularly scoring in the corner.
00:33:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Can be hit and miss in defense. That's probably his kryptonite. AKP, arguably one of the fastest guys, if not the fastest guy in rugby league, also cannot defend, can vouch, Gold Coast title member right here. So do they both start on the wings and just go attacking upside?
00:33:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe. Do you probably want that to happen? I don't reckon. I think the incumbent in DWZ gets first crack and AKP will be his backup at this stage of the off season.
00:33:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, we're filming on the 19th of January. In the halves, who I've got is Harris DeVita being the incumbent. Who I want there is Tamari Martin. Okay, I think he's a better complement to the long-term half back, which would be Luke Metcalf. Again, we already talked about the halves in great detail.
00:34:03
Tackles and Tinnies
So when Metcalf is back, I would like Tamari Martin at six. However, in the current situation, I've got Harris Tevita playing along with Tanner Boyd as this round one, five, eight and halfback. Tanner Boyd is your steady hand. He's your goal kicker.
00:34:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Luke Metcalf is not projected back until round seven to round nine, according to NRL Physio on Instagram. that's a big note. Tamari Martin might provide a little bit more utility value.
00:34:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Then maybe a guy like Tanner Boyd, maybe guy like Harris DeVita. That's why I think he comes off the bench in that regard. There's a lot to play for, guys. Again, it's so early in the offseason, it's pretty hard to get a projected lineup.
00:34:45
Tackles and Tinnies
Any of those three boys are fighting for two positions right there, particularly until Lukey Metcalf comes back. At the front row position, I've got James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett. So Mitch Barnett is projected to come back between rounds one to four, according to NRL Physio.
00:35:03
Tackles and Tinnies
That means I've got a guy like Nia Kauray starting at the front row. okay I'd rather him come starting the season, give Vaimunga a little bit more time, bit more impact,
00:35:17
Tackles and Tinnies
maybe only plays 15 to 20 minutes and then by Munger gets that biggest stint. We'll get to that shortly. But James Cicci Harris, he's your captain. He's your gun. He's your top dog. He's your alpha male.
00:35:28
Tackles and Tinnies
He's the aggressor. Yeah, enough said about Harris. So Mitch Barnett, if he starts the season, gets that starting position, co-captain with James Cicci Harris. However, I got Mardini Kauri or a guy like Jackson Ford could easily be starting to accompany him.
00:35:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Even potentially Dimitri Favre Munger Again, so hard to tell. You probably want the upside of Munger with more minutes starting. And then you have a guy like Jackson Ford with good leg speed coming off the bench with Nia Kauri who could definitely flex between front row and back row.
00:36:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, you have so much luxury. It's such a nice thing to say. Like, as a Titans fan, we struggle in certain positions. You've got positions coming out your ass, guys. are You're so lucky.
00:36:13
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, Barnett to start. If not starting, I got Nia Kauri or Jackson Ford with Van Munga come off the bench. At number 11, I got Lekka, the Wrecker, Halasima.
00:36:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Lock and load, set and forget. He's there all year, shimmy no injury. Kirk Capewell, old reliable, veteran presence, steady hand, plenty of experience. Yeah, Queensland representative can flex the center if need be in a pinch.
00:36:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Don't like him there, I've said before, but can definitely do a good job there. Those two boys were very hard pushed to not be starting for the 2026 season. You do have a guy like Jacob Layman who signed until the end of 2029 pushing for Kirk Capewell's position.
00:36:54
Tackles and Tinnies
We will see how they go. At number 13, gave him plenty of roses. going give him some more roses right now. We've got Aaron Clark. He's yeah he's a Dalian Locker of the Year. Great leg speed.
00:37:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Finds his front really well. Good tackle bot. Fantastic link man. He's obviously had time playing at hooker in his past life the Gold Coast Titans. So he's got that ball playing ability within him.
00:37:16
Tackles and Tinnies
Huge minutes. Hopefully he doesn't cramp as much in 2026. Touch wood. But yeah, lock and load. Now, the bench. Tough, tough, tough. Currently, I've got Tamari Martin projected to come off the bench.
00:37:30
Tackles and Tinnies
However, I could easily see a guy like Tanner Boyd or Harris DeVita switch and Tamari Martin get in that starting halfback or 5'8 position. Very tough one. Very tough one Tamari Martin. Now, if they do the extended bench rule, maybe Tamari Martin has less utility value because you'll be able to have more position-specific players on the bench.
Strategic Depth and New Rules
00:37:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Potentially. But currently he's my number 14. At number 15, I've got a Jackson Ford. Could easily switch with Morata near Kore. Could easily switch with Dmitry Gvomonga.
00:38:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Two of those three boys will be coming off the bench. The other one will be starting. Upside versus Vomonga. Veteran presence versus near Kore. Yeah, tough one there. Jackson Ford could easily also be there as well.
00:38:17
Tackles and Tinnies
Then I've got Dimitrik Vamunga as my jersey number 17. Middle forward breakout coming in my eyes. Yeah, great run of the ball. Good leg speed, bit of footwork, bit of ball playing, bit of youth. Youth goes a long way.
00:38:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Another year of experience. Definitely, definitely huge upside there. My next bench spot for the 17, I've currently got Jacob Laban. Okay, he's definitely going to be there and abouts.
00:38:47
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, Mitchell Barnett sort of depends if he's there or not. I think Jacob Layman's probably the guy who misses out, unfortunately, at this stage in the offseason. If Mitchell Barnett starts early in the season, if Barnett's not there, he'll grab, or Jacob Layman will then grab one of those are bench spots.
00:39:04
Tackles and Tinnies
At Jersey 18, we've got two guys fighting for one position here. I've got Morgan Dannon and Sam Healy fighting for that are sort of yeah, utility forward position there. Both guys could easily do a job.
00:39:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Who has more upside? Probably Sam Healy. I would like to see him get a bit more time at hooker. And obviously a guy like Wade Egan, not doing so much in the middle right there. Probably better for him as well, particularly with all the head knocks he's had in the past.
00:39:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, I'd like to see Sam Healy spell Wade Egan, who will be starting hooker. And Jersey 19, assuming that there is a Jersey 19, otherwise he's the next man up, is Tane Tuapiki, who I project going off all the murmurs and things that we're hearing in the media at the moment. Tane Tuapiki will be the Jersey 19. However, however, I would love Tane Tuapiki to be starting at fullback, with Charles Niggel-Clock said shifting to center, and Adam Pompey then will be grabbing the Jersey 19.
00:40:09
Tackles and Tinnies
so again, I'll reiterate, Jersey 19 could either be Tain Tuapiki or Adam Pompey, depending where they put Charles-Lugger-Clockstead and Tain in the starting 13. A lot of variables there.
00:40:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Tain Tuapiki has monumental upside. Tain Tuapiki is like a Sufa Longo, Keanu Keeney-esque type player. He's a game breaker. That's why I'm one starting at fullback. However, could certainly see him being, we're down six points, chuck Tain Tuapiki on and move Charles somewhere else.
00:40:38
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, we've got guys like in the halves particularly, Tanner Boyd, Demarri Martin, Harris DeVita, probably one of those guys will be missing out when Metcalf is back. Jacob Blademan, he's another guy sniffing to get consistent minutes in this top 19. Could certainly be getting a starting position if there's an injury. Healy Healy is another young guy, could get it another spot.
00:41:01
Tackles and Tinnies
As I mentioned before, Rocco Berry, Adam Pompey, I think Rocco Berry, due to his injuries, probably doesn't get a starting position, but certainly could. Adam Pompey could easily start on the wing, could easily start at center, could easily be jersey 19.
00:41:18
Tackles and Tinnies
He's a gun. I'd like to see him get one of those jerseys, but could also see miss out. You guys have so much talent. talent Hazem Mellors, a young fellow I mentioned before. He's come from the Rabbitohs. He's a winger, former basketball player. He's that guy.
00:41:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic footwork, good aerial threat. Does he get a shot this year? Probably not. Definitely developmental. But yeah, if there's a few injuries here and there, he might get a crack.
00:41:43
Tackles and Tinnies
And again, depending if DWZ doesn't start, Carr and Pereira might get that sniff in due to the fact that he signed it to the end of 2028. However, twenty twenty eight however Yeah, he's rocks and diamonds. He's the definition of rocks and diamonds Camp Pereira.
Season Expectations and Offensive Development
00:41:57
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, talked about smoky selections, talked about backline depth. We talked about how much pack depth you have. New Zealand Warriors fans, you have the recipe for a top four team. You're so close.
00:42:10
Tackles and Tinnies
So close in 2025. You're only two rounds away from getting top four. I think you guys will be better from the experience, from the journey, from... a younger fellas getting more reps, as I just mentioned.
00:42:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Huge upside for this team. Can they score enough points? Now, bigger storyline. Again, we talked about this. I'll reiterate one more time. Fisher Harris and Barnett, they are your alpha dogs. are your pack leaders.
00:42:35
Tackles and Tinnies
If they can stay healthy for the entire year, definitely see you guys being a top four potential team. Obviously, the Luke Metcalf situation, as I mentioned, he's coming back around 7-9 according to NRL Physio.
00:42:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Who is his best counterpart? Is it Tamari Martin? Is it Tanner Boyd? Is it his current incumbent being Harris DeVita? All very different type of player.
00:43:02
Tackles and Tinnies
I like Tamari Martin personally accompanying him, but we will see. And can their backfire be the most dangerous in the comp? I definitely could see them.
00:43:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Like, again, I'll reiterate some of these guys. You could have Tane Tuk, Peaky, DWZ, Ali Lea Tower, Chan-Sycle-Clockstead, Roger Tull vs. Shek. My God, that is deadly.
00:43:24
Tackles and Tinnies
That is a deadly, deadly team. You need points. Those guys have plenty of points. I think Tamari Martin also helps you get more points, particularly to those guys. And I think Tane Tuk, Peaky,
00:43:35
Tackles and Tinnies
in particular, would be more upside in regard to sniffing at the up the ruck like a swordfire longer Keanu Kinney.
00:43:42
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, guys, this is hard, and it's getting very, very hard as we get to these are top echelon teams. But I think overall, as I mentioned in my other, pardon of me, preview slash reviews of the other teams I've done so far, the ladder predictor for 2026 So hard for 2026. I'm really struggling.
00:44:02
Tackles and Tinnies
So in 2025, as i mentioned at the start podcast, you were six with 14 wins, 10 losses, and a positive differentiation of 21.
00:44:10
Tackles and Tinnies
However, in 2026, I see you do slightly better. I think you guys get fifth. Good job, Warriors fans. You're welcome. I'm on the ride with you. I just think you have too much upside in regards to the plays that you have. Your younger fellows are coming through. Metcalf's coming back.
00:44:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Barnett's coming back. If Taintuapiki gets a crack at first, Greg, I think he's going to be monumental for you guys. Yeah, Lekka the Wrecker, Vimunga, Lehman, all these young fellas.
00:44:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Wade Egan, if he can stay healthy, another variable. Aaron Clark could go to another level at lock. All the ingredients for the perfect recipe, guys. I do see you guys potentially coming fifth.
00:44:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Your ceiling, maybe third to fourth. Okay, potentially. You're a top four team for majority of the year. Should be better, as I just mentioned. However, your floor, again, with the league being so transparent through players coming in, process is getting better, teams getting fitter faster, so stronger.
00:45:09
Tackles and Tinnies
Your floor is potentially eighth to tenth. However, your spine is your biggest hurdle. Who's your fullback? Who accompanies Metcalfe?
Conclusion and Fan Engagement
00:45:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Can wait again stay healthy? They are your biggest questions. Obviously, Aaron Clark, gun. I think you're doing slightly better. What do you reckon, Warriors fans? Where do you guys predict yourselves to get for the 2026 season?
00:45:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Am i pretty much spot on with fifth place? Am I going a little bit too high, a little bit too low? Let me know in the comments below. And to wrap the cod podcast, this is our notorious segment. It's our Cap and Fact featuring ChatGPT.
00:45:48
Tackles and Tinnies
So ChatGPT has asked me a question. Cap or Fact, Warriors finish 5th to 8th, and James Fitzgerald-Harris leads a top four pack, but the halves keep them just outside the rule of Premiership tier.
00:45:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Well, my projection being and them being 5th, I don't think they have... Enough. There's just something I think it might be the 5'8 slash fullback position.
00:46:11
Tackles and Tinnies
We're a bit uncertain there. It's the attack, guys. You've got to be able to score points. i I'm going to quickly go on the and NRL ladder for you guys. Raiders, 654 points. Storm, points. scores. Roosters, 653 points.
00:46:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Dolphins, 721 points. like these teams are pumping at scores roosters six hundred and fifty three points dolphins seven hundred and twenty one points Like you guys are by far one of the worst attacks in the top 10, let alone the top eight.
00:46:39
Tackles and Tinnies
If you can fix your attack guys, yeah, facts. However, a lot of variables in regards to how you're going to get points. You've definitely recruited well. You've developed your players well.
00:46:50
Tackles and Tinnies
Variables, variables, variables. I need to hear from you guys. Again, this is so, so hard to get these predictions, get these capital facts right. And going to be clipping myself up by looks of it by the end of this r season because I think I'll be eating my words left, right center.
00:47:05
Tackles and Tinnies
But guys, that's the podcast. We're pretty much bang on the 50-minute mark as we have been for the last few episodes. I want be here from you guys. I need you guys interacting with me, helps me with the algorithm. I love talking footy. I'm really into my super coach. Super coach officially gets released, I think, in one week's time on Australia Day, so 26. We are filming on the 19th of January. Again, guys, so much can change.
00:47:29
Tackles and Tinnies
So much can change. Preseason battles are heating up, particularly in the outside backs, particularly in the 5'8 position as well. Like, subscribe, share. We're all major platforms. Again, helps me help you. The more recognition that we're getting from you guys and content and feedback, the more motivates me. I'm a full-time school teacher. So this is a little side hustle and hobby.
00:47:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Love you all. I'm filming the West Tigers as well. So again, we're a little bit out of order. But after the Warriors, you guys should be seeing the Cronulla Sharks. I'm getting into that upper echelon of teams. Like, subscribe. Love you all.
00:48:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Happy Monday. talk to you later.