Home Ground: Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Coach: Andrew Webster

TAB odds: Premiers: $34

By crushing the expectations placed on them last year, the Warriors have set lofty ones for themselves in 2025, with a couple of high-profile signings only adding to the belief that they're a chance of claiming a maiden premiership. But are they as strong as last season, and have they seemingly missed the boat by wasting a golden opportunity in their premiership window? The loss of Addin Fonua-Blake is a big blow as he was probably their most influential player in 2024. Two of the biggest names on their roster are now gone, and it will take some readjusting to get things right.

The signing of JAMES FISHER-HARRIS will be a major boost for the Warriors, but there's some uncertainty over the halves following Shaun Johnson's retirement. ERIN CLARK joins the roster and can fill a variety of roles off the bench. TANAH BOYD joins the WAH'S for season 2025 and is the most likely candidate to step into the boots of one of the clubs favourite sons in SHAUN JOHNSON. Penned a two year deal coming from the GOLD COAST TITANS where he amassed 69 games in first grade. Likely to become the first choice half based on his ability, as BOYD is a slick ball carrier and has a reasonably solid kicking game. If he can focus on his strengths then he could be a very good selection, however he does need to take his game to another level.

Plenty will rest on the shoulders of LUKE METCALF after an injury ravaged 2024. The bright spot was how well he performed early in the season beside Johnson, and the former SHARK did return in the final rounds to show off his talent. His running game is excellent when he hits the line and looks for support runners, but he will need his forwards to lay a platform and from there we may see the best of him. This presents a significant opportunity for Metcalf to lead a team independently, and maintaining peak physical condition will be crucial for him to effectively fulfill his vital playmaking role. Definitely a confident player at best.

MITCH BARNETT was a workhorse captain last season which led to a well-earned Origin selection for NSW. We can expect more of the same from their leader, however the likes of FORD, CAPEWELL, WALKER and NIUKORE do have to offer more on attack and not provide cheap turnovers that are a real coach-killer. CHARZNE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD is likely to remain at fullback, edging out TAINE TUAUPIKI and ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK for the No.1 jersey.

RTS will be accompanied in the centres by ROCCO BERRY, who featured just 12 times in 2024 before a shoulder issue ended his season. ALI LEIATAUA could be set for the first chance to impress on the wing after Marcelo Montoya re-joined Canterbury, although competition for spots in the backline are likely to be heated with ADAM POMPEY, EDWARD KOSI, MOALA GRAHAM-TAUFA and MOTU PASIKALA all vying for places. 

Outstanding rookie forward DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA has locked in his time with the NZ WARRIORS until the end of the 2028 NRL season. While recovery from knee surgery prevented him returning to the field until midway through the 2024 season, Vaimauga quickly impressed in eight appearances for the club’s New South Wales Cup side before being recalled to the NRL lineup for the last four matches of the year. Brings energy and aggression to his game on both sides of the ball and could be ready for a breakout season. Likely to be a long season for the Warriors, particularly at the back end if injuries strike, as there is some overall depth deficiencies. At their best, they are showstoppers.

First five: Raiders (LV), Sea Eagles (H), Roosters (H), Tigers (A), BYE

Last year's finish: 13th

Predicted 2025 finish: 9th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

2. DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK

3. ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK

4. ROCCO BERRY

5. ALI LEIATAUA

6. LUKE METCALF

7. Te MAIRE MARTIN / TANAH BOYD

8. JAMES FISHER-HARRIS

9. WAYDE EGAN

10. MITCH BARNETT

11. JACKSON FORD

12. KURT CAPEWELL

13. DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA

14. Dylan WALKER

15. Marata NIUKORE

16. Erin CLARK

17. Bunty AFOA

PRE SEASON: Friday 7 Feb

Sharks v Warriors at Sharks Stadium 9:30pm NZT

Sat 15 Feb

Warriors v Storm at Go Media Stadium 3:30pm