Luck Needed for Warriors Recruit

The in-form Warriors have picked up a good one in Englishman Morgan Gannon for next season - but he will be hoping for a change of luck in the NRL. Still only 21, the Leeds forward has had a nightmare run with concussion - so much so that he sat out the entire 2024 season. Gannon appears to have overcome the problem but is still being closely monitored by medical staff. Leeds were upset to lose the rising forward, who played for England Knights in 2021 - the British equivalent of the Prime Minister's XIII in the NRL. The Warriors are hoping he will fill the void left by the mid-season departure of ball-playing forward Dylan Walker to the Eels.

Fullback the key for Warriors' finals charge

Luke Metcalf keeps grabbing the Dally M points, but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is the most crucial player in the Warriors' finals charge. The star fullback ran for an incredible 342 metres in the thrilling 36-30 win over the Rabbitohs in Sydney on Sunday, including 100 post-contact metres, and added a try for good measure. It was the sixth time this season CNK has passed the double century - a stat that James Tedesco, Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Edwards would struggle to match. If the Warriors can keep him healthy, a top four spot is a real chance.

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.

Signing of the Season for Warriors Emerge

Over the summer, Warriors coach Andrew Webster decided his pack needed more grunt in 2025 after the disappointments of last year. Enter Erin Clark, the former Titan and one of the most under-rated hard men in the NRL. The 27-year-old journeyman, who began his career with one solitary game for the Warriors in 2017, has been a standout for the Kiwi club in his return to arms. Clark topped the Warriors' tackle count in the easy win over the Knights on Friday night and also ran for over 150 metres. With James Fisher-Harris missing, Clark has become a key man in the Warriors' forward armada, and he led the troops in fine style in Christchurch.

Walker reveals reason behind sudden Warriors exit

Dylan Walker has revealed why he chose to return back to Australia with the Eels after he was released from the Warriors on compassionate grounds. Walker's decision came without the usual speculation that builds throughout the rugby league world and there was an expectation he'd be line to replace Tohu Harris at lock after his sudden retirement. However with Erin Clark filling the role, the Warriors agreed to release Walker despite being weeks into the season. "It was just time for me to come home and be a father," he said. "That was the most important thing, my kids were growing up and starting footy and (I was) wanting to be there and watch their first game, first training session. I got the opportunity today to be the footy dad at the oval." While the Eels are currently languishing in last place with four losses in a row, Walker backed them to get in the winner's circle. "There's a quality football side here, a good bunch of blokes, you put those two together and you work hard and add one or two things here and there and you're off and running," he said. "That's what I'm here to do, win footy games and help these guys develop." The Eels will hope to have their star halfback and captain Mitchell Moses back soon to rectify the horror start to the season. Moses returned to on-field running on Wednesday and the Eels confirmed he's on track for a round nine return. Walker knows he'll only have to keep it simple when the half returns. "I'm no LeBron James or Michael Jordan but I know my role and know that I can help him," he said.

Eels land big coup as star released immediately

Dylan Walker has been released by the Warriors on "compassionate grounds", and will join Parramatta immediately. A former Kangaroo and State of Origin player, Walker has been a shining light for the Warriors since joining the club in 2023. The 30-year-old is a former Dally M Centre of the Year but has since become a utility player, filling in at five-eighth, lock and even dummyhalf. In a statement, the Warriors confirmed Walker would be released on "compassionate grounds to return to Australia". "We were keen for Dylan to stay until the end of the season but we appreciate why he needs to return to Sydney," Warriors chief executive Cameron George said. "We've really enjoyed having him at our club and he has given us tremendous service. "He goes with our support and best wishes." Eels football boss Mark O'Neill said Walker was a "tough competitor who will suit our style of football". With the Eels losing the first three games of the Jason Ryles era, the club is looking for a boost and Walker could provide that. The former Souths and Manly star has fine ball-playing skills and the experience to steer the young Parramatta team around the park. He will be available for selection for the Eels for their round five clash against the Dragons.

'Never know': Coach's hint on late Warriors switch

Could the Wahs be set to pull a late switch on the eve of the massive clash with the Raiders in Sin City? Coach Andrew Webster certainly floated the possibility in an exclusive chat with Wide World of Sports in the lead-up to the game. Webster has the luxury of three top-class halves in his 23-man squad that got on the plane for the USA last week. He's named Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tevita as his starting halves and left Te Maire Martin out of the 17 men down to play the game. But Martin, while filling in for the injured Shaun Johnson last year, was the architect of some of the team's best wins in a disappointing season. "Whoever is playing the best will be in the starting side," Webster told WWOS before actually revealing his squad. "But one could also be on the bench - you never know." Webster has named two young relative unknowns on the bench in the current 17 - second-rowers Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga - who have played just 11 top grade games between them. Will he roll the dice and drop one for the unpredictable Martin to give him more creative power? Watch this space…

Warriors coach's haves conundrum

Andrew Webster has an embarrassment of riches to choose from in the halves for the Las Vegas clash with Canberra following Saturday's 36-10 win over the Storm. Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin all spent time with the ball in hand and the trio created havoc for a second-string Storm side as the home team raced to a 36-0 lead in impressive style before cruising home. Three into two won't go - but the trio were so lethal that Webster could well carry all of them in his 17-man squad. The other plus for the Warriors was Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's fine performance on the left wing after playing fullback and centre last season. RTS scored a try double, including one mesmerising effort where he twinkle-toed past four defenders to the delight of the Waikato crowd.

'Scared' Warriors slammed after 'ridiculous' expansion call

The battle for a second New Zealand team has got nasty, with legendary Kiwi coach Graham Lowe slamming the Warriors' claims that the country should not have a second team for 10 to 15 years. In a story in the News Limited press on Sunday, Warriors owner Mark Robinson and chief executive Cameron George declared it would be "devastating" if the NRL added a second franchise anytime soon. That drew an angry response from Lowe, who is behind the Christchurch-based Orcas franchise's bid to join the NRL competition. "It's ridiculous for them to say that New Zealand isn't ready for a second team for at least 10 years," Lowe told Wide World of Sports. "I don't even know why they would say that - they have to realise it would be a massive boost for the game in this country. "For years we got the rough end of the pineapple compared to rugby union but now things have changed. League is making huge inroads here. It's like having two supermarkets in town instead of one - the consumers benefit. "Maybe the Warriors are scared - there could be a bit of fear there. What if the Orcas turn up in their first year and are an immediate success? We have grand plans and are confident of making an impact. Our model will be different to Warriors. "We want to be a development club, not a recruitment club."There are so many good players here just waiting for a chance. We've never had this chance in my lifetime - imagine how great the local derby will be twice a year. "This is why we need a second team here and soon - even if the Warriors don't like it." Lowe held talks with NRL boss Andrew Abdo last week. "It was great to touch base and he assured me that we would be given serious consideration," he said.

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.

RLPA boss condemns 'botched' Dragons saga

RLPA boss Clint Newton has criticised the handling of Ronald Volkman's shoulder injury, with the talented young playmaker now in career limbo.The 21-year-old was granted an early release from the final two years of his deal with the Warriors last month, signing with the Dragons for the 2024 NRL season.St George Illawarra announced the arrival of their new five-eighth on the club's official website, while also sharing images of Volkman training on social media.However, after medical examination in the midst of pre-season, it was revealed Volkman required season-ending shoulder surgery, putting an end to his Red V dreams.Speaking on SEN Radio, Newton discussed the "completely botched" nature of the saga and the next steps for Volkman's career."It's a unique situation and it's a pretty disappointing one as well," he told SEN 1170 Breakfast."When you go to work, you want to make sure you are properly protected and that those responsible for looking after you comply with their obligations. If they don't, they'll be held accountable and players aren't always given the respect they deserve. "The process of one player departing a club to join another should be pretty straightforward. Ronald's case has been completely jumbled up and botched.

'Dramatic' twist in stranded star's medical saga

The Ronald Volkman saga has taken a dramatic turn with the talented halfback set to seek a third medical opinion in a desperate bid to play NRL in 2024.Volkman is in limbo after being released by the Warriors to join the Dragons only to be ruled out for the year by the St George Illawarra medical staff with a shoulder injury.But Volkman and his manager have not given up on playing this year and are hoping a visit to a leading shoulder surgeon will provide a better diagnosis."We can't say much at the moment other than that we are seeking a third opinion from a top Sydney doctor," Volkman's manager Mario Tartak told WWOS.The two clubs are arguing over whose fault the saga - which has seen both franchises turn their backs on Volkman - lies with.The Rugby League Players Association has become involved in the affair and is hoping to get a resolution in Volkman's favour.The playmaker is currently without a club or anyone to pay his medical bills.

Crisis meeting called after $1m star's exit plea

The Warriors aren't about to give up on the game's most expensive prop Addin Fonua-Blake without a fight.The giant front-rower has put the club in a difficult position, requesting a release from his rich deal on compassionate grounds to return to Sydney.It is believed that Fonua-Blake's parents, who live in Sydney, are in poor health and the star forward wants to be closer to them.One official from a Sydney club interested in signing Fonua-Blake told Wide World of Sports, "It's no guarantee they will release him"."They want an equivalent trade. There are not many options available to them."They are Zooming with Fonua-Blake from England tonight (Thursday) and the general feeling is that he will stay in New Zealand for at least another 12 months."The Dragons have already put up their hand for Fonua-Blake, while several other clubs are also keen to secure his services.The Warriors put out a brief statement on Thursday stating "chief executive Cameron George said the club is considering the request".

Rivals shunned as record-breaking Warriors flyer re-signs

Warriors try-scoring freak Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has inked a new one-year deal with the New Zealand outfit on his first day as a free agent, tying himself to the club until the end of 2025.A host of NRL stars, including Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai, Roosters gun Joseph Manu and Broncos veteran Adam Reynolds, are allowed to negotiate with other clubs after becoming free agents on Wednesday.But the Warriors have fended off rivals to lock down Watene-Zelezniak following his record-breaking season, in which he chalked up 24 tries to shatter the club's 20-year-old record of 23.Watene-Zelezniak and Dolphins star Jamayne Isaako grabbed the wing spots in this year's Dally M Team of the Year.Warriors coach Andrew Webster said Watene-Zelezniak "stood out as one of the best wingers in the competition, if not the best" in 2023."His yardage carries were unbelievable while the tries, and the way he scored so many of them, were the icing on the cake," Webster said of the 28-year-old."Not only that, his defence came a long way with how reliable he is, understanding where he's got to be for the team to make the right decision."The Hamilton-born speedster played 106 games with the Panthers between 2014 and 2019 and made 37 appearances for the Bulldogs between 2019 and 2021.He's run out for the Warriors on 47 occasions since joining the club midway through the 2021 season.He was a star of the resurgent Warriors outfit that surprised the NRL this year, finishing fourth on the ladder and featuring in its first preliminary final since 2011.

Gun coach eyes history, signs new deal with Warriors

The Warriors have moved quickly to lock in Andrew Webster, with the Dally M Coach of the Year re-signing until the end of 2028.The deal is a three-year extension on his current contract, which was until 2025, after the Warriors finished one game away from a grand final.Having previously been an assistant coach at the Warriors in 2015 and '16, Webster replaced Nathan Brown as head coach at the start of the 2023 season.The rookie mentor admitted he always wanted to stick around in New Zealand."I never wanted to leave in the first place so now I get to lock up the future which I'm really grateful for," he said."It was great being here as an assistant when I was at the club the first time and it's even better now."There's a bright future from our pathways through to our NRL roster and especially in the front office with Mark (Robinson) and (chief executive officer) Cameron (George). I truly feel we will have sustained success."If the current deal is fulfilled, Webster will equal the record for the longest coaching tenure in Warriors history with six seasons. Ironically, Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary, who Webster was an assistant for, holds the record.In confirming the extension of Webster, the Warriors CEO spoke of the importance of "long-term development" for the club. "Andrew has confirmed to us that he's the right fit for our club and his skills as a coach are what we need to cement our long-term development through our pathways," George said."He did an extremely good job this season and we have every confidence that he'll continue to grow into the role."Both Andrew and I share the same vision, passion and commitment for success at our club on all levels."Another important element of extending his contract is that the stars of the future can see stability in long-term planning in the head coaching role and they see a coach who is driven to develop players of all age groups to become NRL players of the future for the Warriors."Webster finished the 2023 season with a 16-8 win-loss record in the regular rounds.

Key to Warriors Breaking Drought

The Warriors have made the finals just once in the past 11 seasons - and an inability to win on the road played a big role in the long run of outs.But in 2023, Andrew Webster seems to have found the key to unlocking the secret to the away win.The Kiwi lads have been victorious in four of their seven games on the road - including three of the toughest destinations in the NRL - Townsville, Cronulla and now Canberra.The rugby league world expected the Warriors to be cannon fodder in Jarrod Croker's 300th game before a full house in Canberra, but the Warriors had other ideas.They out-thought and out-enthused the Raiders to finish convincing 36-14 winners.The 2023 Warriors are as good as any team that has represented the club - and don't forget the Kiwis have been in two grand finals.They play a great brand of football, defend their line well and are a team capable of really doing some damage in the finals.

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.

Warriors continue to gain fans despite loss

They came away with no points, but the Warriors were as impressive as any of the 16 teams on show in Magic Round.The Warriors had some tough calls go against them, lost winger Ed Kosi, second-rower Jackson Ford and prop Bunty Afoa to injury and twice had players in the sin-bin against dual premiers Penrith.But the Warriors refused to surrender and were right in the game until a late Spencer Leniu try gave the Panthers an 18-6 win.It's been said many times over the opening 10 rounds - this Warriors side has more grit and resolve than Kiwi teams of the past and Andrew Webster and his men lost no friends at Suncorp.

'Adored' Dally M winner's bombshell NRL return

Wide World of Sports told you it was on two months ago - and now it's happened.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is coming back to the NRL with the Warriors.The club is expected to make a formal announcement on Thursday night that their former inspirational skipper is returning to league after two mixed seasons in Kiwi rugby union.The development is the latest skirmish in the cross-code war that has seen rugby union poach Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for 2025 and chase several other league stars.It's a major coup for the Warriors - Tuivasa-Sheck is regarded as one of the most respected sportsmen in New Zealand and is adored by fans of both codes.His two-year contract with the Auckland Blues expires at the end of this season.The Dally M Medallist in 2018, he is set to sign a one-year deal with the Warriors but is likely to extend that down the track.