5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – 9
Played at centre for the first time since 2024 and was superb. Scored a great try for his efforts and came up with a massive defensive stop on Will Warbrick. Could he be the solution at centre going forward?
23. Ali Leiataua – 7
Played with brute-force determination in his second game of the season, having been out of the side for the past two weeks. Scored the opening try and provided a great assist for Watene-Zelezniak‘s second.
20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 6
Solid without being spectacular in his Warriors debut. Didn’t get to see that blistering speed with ball in hand.
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 8
A welcome addition back to the side after a few weeks out with injury and he proved why he needs to be the first-choice five-eighth going forward. Strong tackles on defence and overall impressive.
7. Tanah Boyd – 6
Had lots of traffic come his way but held his own on defence with 29 tackles. Another strong kicking game. His best game in a few weeks.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 7
The captain was influential as ever when the Warriors needed him to be. Set the tone early before returning to help close out the match.
9. Wayde Egan – 7
Gave away an early penalty, which led to a penalty goal, but overall, very strong. Was great from dummy half in his best performance of the season.
10. Jackson Ford – 7
Made a costly error when the Warriors had plenty of momentum and that led to a Storm try. But made up for it with a very lucky try. Finished a team-high 162m with the ball and 35 tackles. Played for the entire match again.
11. Leka Halasima – 6
Overall a mixed performance. Didn’t get any chances to showcase his talent, but he did produce the tackle of the season with a brutal shot on Jahrome Hughes. A couple of clumsy errors was a concern, but he will learn.
15. Marata Niukore – 5
After a couple of dull performances, he started with a hiss and a roar, scoring a great try, but fell off as the game went on.
13. Erin Clark – 6
Another workhorse-like effort despite only playing half the game. Has turned out to be an excellent addition at the club.
Interchange:
12. Jacob Laban – 6
Went back to the bench having started every game this season. Brought some fight and passion which was great to see.
14. Sam Healey – 5
Came on for a brief cameo late in the second half. Continued the great work from the platform set by Wayde Egan.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 8
Simply sensational. Brought impact and intensity off the bench. Finished with 130m and some great shots to go with it. This is what the Warriors need from him every week. Without question his best game for the Warriors
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 6
Continued his impressive start to the season, although it appears he picked up an injury which is disappointing.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
