Mole’s season review: Brutal reality for stars who ‘weren’t up to it’ in finals
The Warriors had an embarrassment of riches in the halves in 2026, but ironically it was those two key positions that ultimately proved their downfall.
With Luke Metcalf, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, Tanah Boyd and boom youngsters Jett Cleary and Luke Hanson, the Wahs had more talent and depth in the halves than any club in the NRL.
Te Maire Martin. NRL Images
But come finals time, the two most dangerous players in that group, Metcalf and Boyd, were out injured and Cleary and Hanson weren’t ready for finals football.
That left Harris-Tavita and Martin to steer the ship and, to put it bluntly, they weren’t up to it.
After promising so much in the regular season and narrowly missing out on the minor premiership to Penrith, the Wahs crashed and burned in the finals, going out in straight sets to the Dolphins and Knights – both at home.
For a team with so much power in the forwards and athleticism in the backline, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Many good judges rated this the best Warriors team ever, superior to the two that had reached grand finals in the past, and they were hot favourites in both finals.
But the inability of Harris-Tavita and Martin to take control of the games cost them dearly and they looked a shadow of the team that dominated opponents throughout the regular season.
Against the Knights on Sunday, the Wahs stuttered in attack and couldn’t get their game breakers out wide the time and space to do any real damage.
The kicking game also left a lot to be desired as the Knights toughed out a narrow two-point win.
Despite the disappointing finish, there were plenty of positives for the Warriors over the year.
They played before sold-out stadiums nearly every week and have put the game in New Zealand on a pedestal above rugby union – something that would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
Andrew Webster unearthed an exciting crop of young talent who are set to thrill fans in the future including Leka Halasima, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Jacob Laban and Demitric Vaimauga.
Leka ‘The Wrecker’ is already a cult hero among fans and is destined to become one of the best centre/back-rowers in the game with his damaging running.
Taine Tuaupiki had a breakout season and by the end of the year, was rated along the NRL’s elite fullbacks.
In the pack, James Fisher-Harris led by example, Erin Clark was rated by many as the best lock in the league and Wayde Egan was always dangerous out of hooker.
Erin Clark has starred for the Warriors. Getty Images
Jackson Ford was the form front-rower of the first half of the season before being hit by injury and he was sorely missed in the loss to the Knights.
Veteran back-rower Kurt Capewell shone in the big games and was among the best of a struggling side in the final game.
With veterans Mitch Barnett (Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Wakefield Trinity) and Marata Niukore (Knights) moving on over the off season, the young guns will need to step up if the club is to prosper again in 2027.
Best player: Erin Clark gave his all in every game at lock, making the hard yards up the middle and keeping the attack flowing with his smart ball distribution.
Biggest disappointment: Luke Metcalf shaped as the key to the Warriors’ title hopes, but the classy halfback had another injury-marred season, playing a mere four games and will now join the Dragons.
Luke Metcalf has joined the Dragons for 2027. Getty
Key signing: The Warriors have been relatively quiet in the market but busy former Cowboys back-rower Sam McIntyre could add some starch to the pack.
2027 gains: Grant Anderson (Broncos), Riley Price (Redcliffe), Sam McIntyre (Cowboys), Will Warbrick (Storm)
2027 losses: Mitch Barnett (Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Wakefield Trinity), Marata Niukore (Knights), Luke Metcalf (Dragons), Morgan Gannon (released), Luke Hanson (Titans), Kayliss Fatialofa (Sea Eagles)
