Metcalf masterclass turns critics' attitudes

Two words can be used to sum up the Warriors' charge into the top four after 10 rounds - Luke Metcalf. The Warriors' halfback is a player reborn in 2025, playing the best football of his career. Many critics - myself included - thought Te Maire Martin would have been the best fit to replace the retired Shaun Johnson this season. But coach Andrew Webster went with Metcalf and the Warriors haven't looked back. On form, Metcalf is going as well as any halfback in the league and could well take the Wahs all the way this season.

Grim reality Warriors couldn't accept in 'fall from grace'

No club had such a spectacular fall from grace in 2024 as the Warriors. Expectations were so high of a grand final spot after finishing in the top four last season that the Wahs sold out every game this year in an NRL first. But full houses at Mt Smart witnessed disappointment after disappointment as the Warriors slipped back into their old ways of making schoolboy errors and letting close games slip from their grasp. After a sensational season in 2023, veteran Shaun Johnson fell away badly in his final year in the NRL. His 32 try assists dropped by half and the club won just four of the 16 games he started. It's harsh because he has been such a wonderful ornament to the game over such a long time, but SJ appeared to play one season too many. The Warriors looked far more dangerous when the talented Te Maire Martin wore the No.7 jumper and his combination with up-and-coming Luke Metcalf should bring more wins in 2025. In a club renowned for its attacking flair, only crowd-pleasing winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (15) managed to score more than 10 tries. The decision of the club's best forward - Addin Fonua-Blake - to move on next year appeared to rock the playing group and they lost their way on the run home, winning just three of their final 11 games when a finals spot was still a chance. The one positive out of his decision is that the club was able to lure one of the game's premier props, Panthers colossus James Fisher-Harris, into coming back home in a major boost. Injuries weren't kind to the Wahs, with Martin, Metcalf, forward leader Tohu Harris, Bunty Afoa, Rocco Berry, Marata Niukore and Adam Pompey all spending long stretches in the physio room. But some smart signings and the emergence of some fine rookies - headed by exciting utility back Taine Tuapiki - suggests that better times lie ahead in 2025.

Warriors: 2023 finish: 4th | 2024 finish: 13th

2025 gains: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Erin Clark (Titans), Jett Cleary (Panthers).

2025 losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Shaun Johnson (retirement)

Shaun Johnson's Fairytale Farewell: A Legendary Warrior's Final Triumph

As fairytale career endings go, you would have to go a long way to find a better one than Shaun Johnson's for the Warriors on Saturday night. Playing against Cronulla - the only other team he represented during his long career - Johnson steered the Wahs to a come-from-behind win in a massive upset. Johnson has been one of the best role models of the modern era, playing a massive role in the growth in popularity of rugby league in New Zealand. After his match-winning role, Johnson was honoured with a haka by Kiwi players from both clubs before walking off the field for the final time with a broad grin on his face.

NRL world rages over 'ridiculous' detail as Shaun Johnson completes fairytale farewell

The Cronulla Sharks were left fuming over the officiating on Saturday night as Shaun Johnson produced a magical finish to his NRL career to guide the Warriors to victory. Johnson had three try assists - including one in the dying seconds - as the Warriors stunned the Sharks 30-28 in the final game of the halfback's career. But the fairytale farewell was marred by controversy after the Sharks copped a contentious sin-bin in the second half that turned the whole game. Cronulla led 22-4 at the break, but the Warriors scored five second-half tries to snatch victory. Two of those tries came after Kayal Iro was sent to the bin for a high shot on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - a call that sparked controversy. Watene-Zelezniak slipped into the tackle, and Iro appeared to be powerless to prevent making contact with his head. "They need to sort this out before September (finals), because it's got to ridiculous proportions," Phil Gould said in commentary for Channel 9. "This has been going on for a few weeks, but it's got ridiculous. Coaches, fans, players are all frustrated, and they don't know how to get themselves out of it."

Warriors Main Man Found Out

The Warriors have hit the wall with three straight losses - and rival teams appear to have found a way to blunt the brilliance of Shaun Johnson. Johnson has produced just three try assists in those three games - all in the 27-24 loss to the Titans. In slippery conditions not suited to creative halfbacks on Sunday, Johnson could do little to get his side up as the Knights scored an upset 14-8 win. The Warriors rely too heavily on Johnson's playmaking skills - and need more players to step up and take the heat off their star number seven or it will be four losses on the trot when they meet the in-form Roosters next weekend.

'Massive dilemma' that could decide Warriors' fate

If the Warriors are ever going to win an NRL premiership, fate seems to have decided that 2024 will be the year. Last year's grand finalists Penrith and Brisbane have both lost key players, while the Warriors have prodigal son Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back in the fold. And for Addin Fonua-Blake, the game's most devastating prop, he's got one last season before he moves back to Australia. Add the return of the talented Chanel Harris-Tavita and the signing of a tough pro in Kurt Capewell (Broncos) to the mix and the Warriors will field arguably their best-ever squad in the coming campaign. Most of the team picks itself, but Dally M Coach of the Year Andrew Webster has a big decision to make. Who will partner golden boy Shaun Johnson in the halves? Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf both showed touches of class last season before suffering long-term injuries. Both were rarely fit on the same weekend after that. But the pair start 2024 fully fit, leaving Webster with a difficult choice. It's a massive dilemma because Johnson is so important to the smooth running of the team's attack. Martin is the steadier of the pair, Metcalf the more explosive. Weighing it up, I think Webster will start with Martin – the safer option. But Metcelf will get his chances in a long season and would make an excellent No.14 off the bench. In the forwards, Josh Curran is a big loss, but the Warriors gave him permission to negotiate so they feel their young up-and-coming big men have his position covered.

Major concern for star after 'two wasted years'

Two players likely to be playing their final seasons for the Warriors hold the key to the club breaking its long premiership drought. Veteran halfback Shaun Johnson - who turns 34 this year and is uncontracted for 2025 at this point - has the brilliance to get the Warriors to the promised land. And prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who is quitting the club next year to return to Australia with the Sharks for personal reasons - has the grunt up front to subdue rival packs in the big games. Johnson was superb last season, scoring and creating tries, but is entering his 14th season in the big league. Few players hit 15 years - but he has the professionalism and dedication to go the extra mile despite the wear and tear on his body… time will tell. Fonua-Blake is rated among the premier front-rowers in rugby league and was a big factor in the Warriors' shock rise to the top four last season. His decision to return to Australia next year is a body blow and he will be difficult to replace.

Shaun Johnson produces vintage performance as Warriors beat Knights to reach preliminary final

The Warriors have booked their spot in a preliminary final by dominating the Knights at Mt Smart Stadium.A complete team performance with seven tryscorers, and Shaun Johnson's two try assists, sealed the 40-10 win with a grand final qualifier against Brisbane in Brisbane the next fixture.The victory is a remarkable turnaround for Andrew Webster's side who finished 15th last year. Webster joins Daniel Anderson as the only two coaches to have taken the Warriors to the finals during their first season in charge."The Warriors deserve this day and they needed this day," NRL icon Phil Gould said on Nine's coverage."Rugby league needed this day. They needed this day in New Zealand. New Zealand needed this day."What a wonderful, wonderful achievement by this side."The Warriors were out of the blocks quick, running in three unanswered tries through Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Addin Fonua-Blake and Marcelo Montoya.Newcastle eventually hit back in the 24th minute with prolific tryscorer Greg Marzhew going over to make it 16-4. The score remained the same at half-time. The Knights struck first after the break with Dylan Lucas going over, however the dubious pass from Adam Clune brought boos from the crowd. But moments later the Warriors hit back with Dylan Walker slicing the Knights' middle defence.Centre Rocco Berry extended the lead in the 59th minute, using his power to overcome three Knights defenders and make it 28-10.Moments later, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak made the victory a certainty when he crossed for his 22nd try of the season before Bayley Sironen put the icing on the cake right before full-time.The Warriors win means the four preliminary finalists will come from Queensland (Broncos), Victoria (Storm), NSW (Panthers) and New Zealand. Marata Niukore's injury in the first half may present concerns for the Warriors while Kurt Mann was also ruled out with a head injury assessment. Jacob Saifiti was also under scrutiny for a shoulder charge with the match review committee to release its charge sheet on Sunday morning.

Johnson's 'new beginning' at 32

It's not often when a 32-year-old can claim to be his team's most improved player, but then Shaun Johnson isn't your average footballer.The veteran halfback – who started his career at the Warriors way back in 2011 – has experienced a new beginning under Andrew Webster at the Kiwi club this season.Johnson was the difference between the Warriors and a brave 12-man Titans team on Friday night, scoring two tries and laying on two more.His form leading into the finals is simply outstanding and so long as Johnson is in this mood, the Warriors are a premiership chance.

Johnson sparks the Warriors again

Another halfback to bounce back to form on the weekend was the Warriors' main man Shaun Johnson.After going three games without a try assist - all of which the Warriors lost - Johnson showed his real guile as the Warriors outclassed the Bulldogs 24-12.The veteran halfback came up with two try assists - and that was basically the difference between the Warriors and a determined Bulldogs team.

Remarkable Warriors win

The Warriors' stunning 32-30 win over Cronulla last night ranks as one of the most remarkable wins in the club's history.Never known as a team with a lot of resilience over 80 minutes, the Warriors somehow clawed back from an early 20-0 deficit to score a memorable victory.The game had everything - controversy, drama, momentum swings - in another great advertisement for the NRL in 2023.Veteran Shaun Johnson came up with one of his finest games in his return to Shark Park, scoring a try, setting up two others and kicking the pressure penalty goal that broke the 30-all deadlock.

Te Maire Martin signing tipped to boost ageing 'class act' Shaun Johnson

A new coach, plenty of new players - but will it be the same old Warriors?That's the question all Kiwi fans are asking as the countdown to the new season continues.Andrew Webster is an unknown quantity in the coaching ranks, but coming out of the superb Penrith system, he knows what it takes to win games.After finishing second last in 2022, the Warriors should improve, but may fall short of a finals berth.2022 finishing position: 15th.

Gains: Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Jackson Ford (Dragons), Brayden Wiliame (Perpignan). Losses: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Aaron Pene (Storm), Jack Murchie (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Dragons), Taniela Otukolo (released), Otukinekina Kepu (released).

Sharks’ $1.8m move has triggered an epic ‘shootout’... and one star has the upper hand

When Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson spearheaded a dominant 38-10 win over the Titans on the weekend, it appeared Cronulla had settled on its first-choice halves pairing moving forward. The NRL news cycle moves fast though. Skip ahead a few days and the signing of Nicho Hynes has suddenly thrown that plan out the window. Now it appears as if one will be forced out and that both now have the rest of the season to prove they should be the one to partner Hynes. Both were already likely looking at reduced deals if they wanted to remain at Cronulla. But the signing of Hynes and extensions of Will Kennedy and Toby Rudolf reportedly set the club back $4.3 million and there may not be space left for both. The Daily Telegraphreported on Wednesday that Moylan has the upper hand, with the club set to re-sign the 29-year old, leaving Johnson’s future at the Shire clouded.

Surprise target as Sharks go cold on Johnson

Cronulla is reportedly chasing Brisbane's off-contract five-eighth Anthony Milford, in a sign the club is likely to miss out on the signature of Adam Reynolds. The Broncos are considered the favourites to land Reynolds for 2022 and beyond, while the Sharks are believed to be prioritising the signing of Milford ahead of finalising a new deal with Shaun Johnson. Johnson is at the end of a three-year deal with Cronulla, but questions have been raised about his form in recent weeks, with the Sharks currently on a five match losing streak, a slump that has coincided with the axing of coach John Morris. "We seem to talk about Adam Reynolds all the time but there was a rumour going around that he would make a decision in the next 24 hours," The Australian's Brent Read said on NRL360. "The Broncos believe that it's just about over the line in Brisbane, I'm dubious about that. "I don't think that's the case but I think a decision is imminent, I think Brisbane can consider themselves frontrunners. "Speaking to Cronulla today their optimism is waning. They're considering some other targets, one of those is Anthony Milford.

Cronulla Shark Faces May Cost Club Adam Reynolds

Cronulla were in the box seat to sign Adam Reynolds a month ago - but the club's woeful fall from grace since sacking coach John Morris has all but cost them the star halfback. Reynolds wants to stay in Sydney and the Sharks, who have already lost Chad Townsend (Cowboys) and may also lose Shaun Johnson, seemed the perfect fit. But in the four games since management inexplicably sent Morris packing, they have conceded 126 points, losing all four. The club is now out of finals contention, morale is shot to pieces and the administration of the Sharks in shambles. A source close to Reynolds tells me all this has put him off the club, with the Broncos now hot favourites to gain his services.