NZ Warriors 2025 Round 14 Review: Warriors Deliver Statement Win Over Outclassed Sharks

After their 36-30 victory over the Rabbitohs in Round 13, the Warriors remained on Australian soil to face the Sharks side fresh off a Bye.

After a close first half where the Warriors led by just two points, they stepped it up in the second and took control, powering to a 40-10 win, their biggest victory of the 2025 season so far.

What Went Down

The New Zealand Warriors started strong, scoring in just the 5th minute. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak leapt above Mawene Hiroti to plant the ball in the corner, though the grounding raised a few questions.

They backed it up nine minutes later when Chanel Harris-Tavita put up a clever kick that was dropped by Sharks fullback Will Kennedy. Adam Pompey was right there to score, and with Luke Metcalf adding the extras, the Warriors led 10-0 early.

Cronulla hit back in the 22nd minute after a long-range movement ended with a try out wide, reducing the score gap. But Metcalf’s penalty goal in the 26th minute pushed the Warriors ahead 12-4. The Sharks weren’t done yet. Kayal Iro crossed in the 33rd minute, although Nicho Hynes missed the conversion, keeping the Warriors in front 12-10.

Just before halftime, the Sharks nearly stole the lead, but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad pulled off a brilliant try-saving effort to deny Braden Hamlin-Uele, preserving the Warriors’ lead at the break.

The second half was all Warriors.

James Fisher-Harris barged over under the posts in the 41st minute off a crisp pass from Demitric Vaimauga. In the 54th minute, the roles reversed as Vaimauga finished off a Metcalf line break to extend the lead.

Then, in the 58th minute, Leka Halasima chased down a kick and beat Sione Katoa in the air to score. Metcalf converted to make it 30-10.

Chanel Harris-Tavita took control in the final quarter. First, he fooled the Sharks' defence with a slick dummy and scored in the 66th minute. Then, in the 76th, he picked off a Nicho Hynes pass and ran away for his second try in the match's final scoring play, with the Warriors ending a memorable performance with a well-deserved 40-10 victory.

My Thoughts

First, sorry again for not reviewing last week. I was in the process of moving and had no time to put together my thoughts after that win over the Rabbitohs.

However, let's talk about this match. Well, that was a more enjoyable and relaxing watch. After what has felt like an eternity of tight tussles, we got to watch the Warriors dominate the opposition and run away with a match. Sounds like first-world problems complaining about a team winning by narrow margins, but to see the team with two key players missing find another gear in the second half was a promising sign for the rest of the Warriors' campaign and their top-four aspirations. 

I was concerned about how the team would respond to the news that Mitch Barnett would be out for the rest of the season and that Wayde Egan would miss this contest, too, but the team responded well. It has only been one game since the news, but if they can continue like this, then as much as the team will miss Barnett, they will remain competitive and the season will continue to be successful.

I've had issues with the team's attacking woes, and they still looked clunky in the first half, with points proving hard to come by unless they came off a kick. However, those concerns vanished in the second half, with the Warriors loosening up and playing some football. The forwards created a nice roll on, and with the Sharks on the back foot, the Warriors got their second-phase footy into action and were rewarded. 

Although the Sharks have been inconsistent this season, I still saw them as a real test of where the Warriors truly sit this season, and they passed the test with flying colours. There is still plenty to work on, but this team seems to be on the same page and heading in the right direction together, which excites me about the rest of this season and the future.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors’ goal-line defence was rock solid in their commanding 40-10 win over the Sharks in Round 14 of the 2025 NRL season. Time and again, they stood firm under pressure, flooding the line to shut down attacking raids and scrambling when it really mattered. Whether it was stopping second-phase plays, holding tough through repeat sets, or making crucial last-ditch tackles, the Warriors refused to crack. Their line speed, communication, and trust in each other were on full display — and it clearly threw the Sharks off their rhythm close to the line.
This was easily one of the Warriors’ most complete defensive efforts of the season, and a key reason they walked away with such a convincing win.

The youngsters really made their mark. Leka Halasima brought relentless energy on the edge, powering through strong carries and standing tall against the Sharks’ forward pack. Jacob Laban impressed with his work rate and physicality, making an impact both in attack and defence. Demitric Vaimauga looked completely comfortable stepping into first grade, adding real spark off the bench. Meanwhile, late call-up Sam Healey showed maturity beyond his years, helping guide the team on the field. With key players missing, these young guns didn’t just hold their own; they set the tone for the whole game.

The Warriors came out firing in the second half, absolutely blitzing the Sharks with five unanswered tries. After a tight first 40 minutes, they found that missing spark, something we hadn’t seen in recent weeks, when second-half fadeouts put them under the pump. This time, they didn’t let up. With pace, support play, and sharp execution all clicking, the Warriors ripped the Sharks to shreds. The spine was on point, the forwards laid a solid platform, and the youngsters injected energy. It was a complete, dominant second half, exactly the kind of performance this team needs to build on and make part of their identity moving forward.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warriors’ 40-10 win over the Sharks looked comfortable on the scoreboard, but the first half was anything but smooth. They made too many errors inside their own half, handing the Sharks plenty of early opportunities. Poor discipline and a lack of respect for the ball put unnecessary pressure on the Warriors. Sure, their goal-line defence stood firm when it mattered, but their inability to complete sets and exit their red zone cleanly made for a shaky start. Against a tougher opponent, that kind of start could have been costly. The second half was much better, but this remains an area the Warriors must tighten up as they enter the second half of the season. 

It’s a small thing, but I’m still a bit concerned about Luke Metcalf’s goal kicking. He nailed 6 from 8, which isn’t too shabby, but we all know he doesn’t have the luxury of easy kicks. He’s improving and seems to enjoy the responsibility, but I can’t help wondering if handing the kicking duties over to Adam Pompey might take some pressure off him. That way, Metcalf can focus more on directing the team out there. I’m guessing Andrew Webster will stick with Metcalf for now, so here’s hoping he keeps building confidence and misses fewer attempts moving forward.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Charnze Nicoll-Kloskstad.

A few players were close to getting picked here this week, but I had to go with CNK.

He led the Warriors with 242 running metres, 6 tackle breaks and one line break, but he got the nod this week for his defensive efforts. Namely, that try saver just before halftime that set the tone for the whole side in the second half. He may never be spoken about as one of the top fullbacks in the NRL, but he is the pure definition of heart and never quits on his teammates, and I would take that over a "superstar" fullback any day of the week.

Warrior to Improve

I don’t have a single Warrior to call out this week because no one in the 17 let the team down. They weren’t all perfect, but every player gave it their all, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Bye Round Thoughts

In Round 15, the Warriors get their second Bye of the season, adding another vital two points, keeping them entrenched in the top four. It is also a chance for the squad to rest up some niggling injuries and use the week off to refocus and prepare for the Panthers in Round 16.

With no game next week, I’ll be putting together a mid-season review. I’ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2025 season so far, and also share my thoughts on the upcoming Round 16 match against the Panthers. It’ll be a good chance to reflect on what’s happened so far. Keep an eye out for it next Monday.

So, that was an exciting Round 14, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Who has been your Warrior of the season so far?

Did you have a player to improve?

Would you change goal kickers or stick with Metcalf?

What grade would you give the Warriors' season so far?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 12 Review: Streak Ends in Auckland as Warriors Stumble Against Raiders

After their 16-12 victory over the Dolphins in Round 11, the Warriors returned home to Go Media Stadium for the first time since Round 7 to host the Raiders, who defeated the Titans 40-24 last round.

In a tough contest that reflected both teams' spots on the ladder, defence dominated as neither side showed much in attack. A try from Jamal Fogarty around the 60-minute mark proved the difference, ending the Warriors' winning streak with a 16-10 loss, their first defeat on New Zealand soil this season.

What Went Down

The opening stages had all the signs of a classic arm wrestle, and that’s exactly how the first half unfolded. The Warriors capitalised early when the Raiders turned down a gift two points from a penalty goal, forcing an error just two tackles into Canberra’s attacking set.

That defensive stand gave the home side momentum, which they used to march downfield and make no mistake when awarded a penalty of their own. Luke Metcalf calmly slotted the kick to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead after 15 minutes.

The back-and-forth battle continued until Roger Tuivasa-Sheck swung the momentum with a clever offload to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who broke free for a 60-metre burst. Tuivasa-Sheck then finished what he started, steamrolling Xavier Savage to score the game’s first try in the 23rd minute. Metcalf’s conversion pushed the lead to 8-0.

Canberra’s woes deepened when Corey Horsburgh was sent to the sin bin for repeated team infringements. However, the Warriors couldn’t capitalise on the one-man advantage, committing two crucial errors during that stretch.

The missed opportunities opened the door for the Raiders, who struck back through a slick passage of play that sent Seb Kris through a gap. Kris linked with Tom Starling, who crossed under the posts in the 31st minute to close the gap to 8-6.

The Raiders controlled the momentum for the remainder of the half, but the Warriors looked poised to take their lead into the break after Nicoll-Klokstad smartly ushered the ball dead with 45 seconds left. That hope was dashed when Adam Pompey was caught offside on the dropout, gifting Canberra a penalty that allowed them to level the scores 8-8 heading into halftime.

Canberra came out firing in the second half with multiple opportunities to take control, but a series of uncharacteristically poor last-tackle options from Jamal Fogarty stalled their momentum. The Warriors capitalised through a seven-tackle set, earned after Jackson Ford was hit high. In slippery, wet conditions, they opted for the safe option—taking the penalty goal to edge ahead 10-8 in the 50th minute.

However, things quickly unravelled for the Warriors. Young back-rower Leka Halasima endured a nightmare outing, starting with a handling error in the very next set. This mistake contributed to a mounting penalty count, eventually sending Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the sin bin for repeated infringements.

The Raiders made full use of their one-man advantage. A penalty goal levelled the scores before Joe Tapine fired a crisp short ball to Ata Mariota, who broke the line and unleashed a slick offload to Jamal Fogarty. The Canberra halfback stepped past Te Maire Martin to score in the 62nd minute, then converted his own try to give the Raiders a 16-10 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

The closing stages were chaotic, fitting for a contest between two desperate sides. Both teams successfully challenged referee decisions, botched restarts, and disputed advantage calls. Despite a wealth of possession and attacking field position, the Warriors couldn’t crack the Raiders’ resilient defence.

The match reached its climax in the final three minutes when Tom Starling was penalised for a late shot on Chanel Harris-Tavita. In what could be remembered as one of the worst challenges in NRL history, the Raiders failed to overturn the decision, and Starling was sent to the bin.

The Warriors came agonisingly close to levelling the scores, with Marata Niukore held up over the line in the 78th minute. But once again, handling errors proved costly. Halasima dropped the ball in the dying moments, sealing a frustrating 16-10 defeat for the home side.

The result sees the Raiders complete a 2025 season sweep over the Warriors, making it two wins from two in a rivalry that continues to intensify.

My Thoughts

Well, I came into this match nervous but confident, but unfortunately, the gritty performances we have grown used to just wasnt enough. Playing without both skippers was always going to be a tough ask, and while the other props did a commendable job on the day, there was a lack of punch and stability, and it disrupted what was already a clunky attack. This saw much of the attack reduced to just one out footy, which didn't trouble the Raiders' defence much. In a positive from the last time the Warriors faced the Raiders, there was improvement; rather than getting run off the park, the Warriors were able to drag Canberra into the grind, but the Raiders are a team that thrives in the grind, so it just didn't work. Discipline was an issue for the first time this season; it kept the Warriors on the back foot for vast stretches of the match, but to their credit, their goal-line defence stopped plenty of Raiders' attempts, and if the attack could have asked more questions, they could have extended that win streak, it just wasnt thier night.

Walking away from the stadium last night, I was disappointed, of course, but it is not all doom and gloom. The Warriors still remain a top-four side. They finally have their preferred backline together, and with Fisher-Harris and Barnett set to return this week, the team is primed for a bounceback. They just need to take the lessons they were given in this loss and get back to work.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors showed plenty of fight on their own try line. Their goal-line defence stood out on an otherwise frustrating night. The Raiders repeatedly attacked inside the red zone, but the Warriors dug in, turning away several sets with desperate, scrambling defence. Strong efforts from the middle forwards and smart reads out wide kept them in the game, especially in the first half, where they held firm under sustained pressure. The result didn’t go their way, but their toughness on the goal line was one of the few positives in a game that slipped from their grasp and is a vital part of their game that they must keep for the rest of the season.

The forward pack showed impressive toughness and depth, stepping up without co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett. With both leaders out, players like Jackson Ford, Erin Clark, and Kurt Capewell rose to the occasion. They put in strong performances that helped keep the Warriors in the contest. Even though the team lost, the forwards stood out for their solid defence and hard work in the middle of the field. They definitely lacked the punch and leadership of Fisher-Harris and Barnett, but against a solid Raiders pack, they did not get bossed around.

Although it was a disappointing defeat, the team can learn many lessons from it. The tight score shows they were competitive but struggled in critical moments, especially with their attack and pressure handling. This game revealed areas to improve, like staying calm during tough moments, getting that discipline in check, keeping better control of the ball, and making the most of scoring chances. By focusing on these, the Warriors can improve their game and get into another winning run.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

Their lack of respect for the ball manifested in a costly 14 errors throughout the game. These unforced mistakes disrupted their momentum and denied them crucial attacking opportunities, allowing the Raiders to control possession and dictate the pace. The Warriors’ inability to secure the ball under pressure not only stalled their offensive efforts but also put their defence under constant strain, ultimately tipping the balance in favour of the Raiders. This lack of ball security was a key factor in the narrow defeat and highlighted the need for greater discipline and focus moving forward.

The Warriors’ poor discipline hurt them. Giving away seven penalties interrupted their flow and gave the Raiders good field position and chances to attack. They also made three ruck infringements and three inside 10-metre penalties, which weakened their defence and let the Raiders keep the pressure on. These mistakes broke the Warriors’ rhythm and cost them important possession at crucial times, which ultimately turned the game in the Raiders’ favour.

The Warriors struggled to work together in attack, which hurt their chances of winning. The halves couldn’t create a strong attacking structure, which made it hard for the team to break through the Raiders’ defence or generate many scoring chances. This could have been because Fisher-Harris and Barnett weren’t playing up front, leaving the halves without the usual support to organise the attack. As a result, the Warriors couldn’t build the momentum they needed and fell short against a well-organised Raiders defence. If the Warriors want to become a serious finals threat, their attack will need to improve tenfold; they must find more consistency, creativity, and structure to challenge stronger opponents.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Jackson Ford.

There was a lot of pressure on Ford to step up and deliver without the Captains, and I think he more than delivered. He led the Warriors in running metres, ending the match with 209m. He also tied for most tackles with 43 and only 3 misses. His renowned work ethic was on full display, and he further strengthened his case to remain a member of the gameday 17. He will never be an electric attacking weapon, but his consistency is valuable to the pack's overall performance. 

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Leka Halasima.

It may be a bit harsh, as there were a few players I was debating selecting here, but this match was a night to forget for the Warriors' livewire forward. Had less impact than what we have grown accustomed to, but still ran for 109m; his issue was with his hands ending the night with 3 errors, he wasnt the only one who made that many errors but his ability to break through defensive lines and create opportunities out of nothing was something the Warriors really needed however he just couldnt get into the groove here. A down performance had to come at some point for Leka, but he appears to have a good head on his shoulders, and I'm confident that he will reach another level in no time.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 13, the Warriors head back across the ditch to face the Rabbitohs, who had a bye in Round 12.

As for the team I'd select, I wouldn't change much except bringing back James Fisher-Harris and Mitchell Barnett. I would bring them in for Te Maire Martin and Bunty Afoa, as Ford delivered more than Bunty, in my opinion. I think an extra forward on the bench is better suited against that Rabbitohs side than TTM would be.

The Rabbitohs have had an up-and-down 2025 season. They started strong under returning coach Wayne Bennett, with solid wins over teams like the Dolphins and Dragons. However, injuries to key players such as Cameron Murray have hurt their momentum. Their biggest issue has been defence, with heavy losses like a 32-0 defeat to the Bulldogs exposing some serious weaknesses.

They may also come into this match without Latrell Mitchell if Bennett decides not to make him back up after Origin.

For the Warriors to beat them, they’ll need to target those defensive lapses, especially out wide, and play with speed and intensity. Controlling the ruck and keeping pressure on Souths' defensive line will go a long way toward getting the win.

It will be tough, but if the Warriors get their discipline back on track, they should be on the right track, so I am picking a Warriors win by 8.

So, Round 12 was disappointing, and I will leave you with some questions as usual.

Who was your player to stand out?

What changes are you making to the 17?

Are you worried about the Warriors' struggling attack?

What is your score prediction against the Rabbitohs?

NZ Warriors 2025 Round 11 Review: Warriors survive late scare to clinch fifth consecutive victory

After their 1-point victory over the Dragons in Round 10, the Warriors returned to Suncorp Stadium for the second time in three weeks to face the Dolphins, who defeated the Eels 20-16 last round.

The Warriors built another strong first-half lead, continuing a recent trend, but had to dig deep to hold off a late Dolphins surge. Despite a tense final ten minutes, the Warriors again showed their resilience, clinching a hard-fought 16-12 victory, their fifth win in a row.

What Went Down

Both the Warriors and Dolphins had early opportunities in a tightly contested opening 20 minutes. Chanel Harris-Tavita looked to have opened the scoring for the Warriors in the 13th minute, but his try was disallowed. Five minutes later, Kodi Nikorima faced the same outcome for the Dolphins.

The Warriors finally broke the deadlock at the 30-minute mark. Hooker Wayde Egan delivered a crisp short pass to Marata Niukore, who powered over from close range to score. Luke Metcalf could not add the extras, leaving the score at 4-0.

Controversy followed soon after. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck appeared to knock on, but the referee let play continue. The Warriors took full advantage, marching upfield with momentum. Luke Metcalf then produced a brilliant solo effort, grubbering ahead for himself, regathering, and linking with Kurt Capewell for another Warriors try in the 35th minute.

That would be the final scoring play of the first half, with the Warriors heading into the sheds leading the Dolphins 10-0.

The Dolphins stayed competitive throughout their NRL showdown with the Warriors but were ultimately let down by poor discipline and execution. Despite receiving multiple penalties early in the second half, they failed to capitalise, dropping the ball twice in promising attacking positions.

The Dolphins controlled possession and field position for extended periods but couldn't crack the Warriors' resilient goal-line defence. Felise Kaufusi was twice at the centre of near misses, first knocking on close to the line and then losing the ball while stretching to score.

The Warriors made them pay with 10 minutes left on the clock. Chanel Harris-Tavita sent up a towering bomb spilled by Herbie Farnworth, allowing rookie Jacob Laban to swoop in and score his first NRL try. That pushed the Warriors out to 16-0 in the 69th minute.

The Dolphins finally hit back when Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow muscled through a tackle to score in the 71st minute, reducing the deficit to 16-6.

Drama followed when Warriors prop James Fisher-Harris was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Harrison Graham. The Dolphins immediately took advantage, swinging the ball wide for Farnworth to score in the 77th minute. Jamayne Isaako nailed the sideline conversion to make it 16-12.

In a nail-biting final set, Kodi Nikorima kicked ahead for winger Jack Bostock, who got a boot to the ball, but the bounce went over the sideline, allowing the visitors to hang on for a thrilling win in a match full of momentum swings and big moments.

My Thoughts

The Warriors have now won five consecutive games, and while this one wasn't pretty, it was exactly the kind of gritty performance that good teams find a way to win.

In the past, games like this were the ones the Warriors would let slip, momentum swinging back and forth, execution dropping under pressure. But this time, the team persevered and got the job done.

During the second half, there were handling errors, missed opportunities, and some puzzling decisions with the ball in hand. The attack never quite clicked. But defensively, this was one of their most determined efforts of the season. The Dolphins threw plenty at them, especially late in both halves, and the Warriors kept turning up with effort and urgency.

It's the kind of defensive resilience that wins finals matches, not just regular-season games.

It wasn't a complete performance. The spine is still building rhythm, and some combinations aren't clicking yet. But there are clear signs of growth. Chanel Harris-Tavita continues to stand out with his composure and strong defensive reads, while Luke Metcalf looks increasingly confident and willing to back himself.

Head coach Andrew Webster summed it up perfectly post-match: There's still plenty to tidy up, but the effort and resilience are there. And when those foundations are solid, the rest usually follows. These wins aren’t flukes; they’re the product of intent, discipline, and hard work.

What’s most promising is how this team now responds to pressure. In years past, the Warriors often crumbled in the final 20 minutes. But this current group stays composed, plays smarter, and makes better decisions down the stretch. It’s a significant shift from the chaos of previous seasons.

Staying in the top four heading into finals is absolutely achievable. More importantly, this team has a clear identity: work hard, defend harder, and back your teammates. And that identity gives me more belief in the Warriors than I've had in years.

There were a couple of things to smile about, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Warriors held strong under immense pressure in the final minutes, showing remarkable composure and complete trust in their defensive systems. With the Dolphins throwing everything at them in a frantic push for a late try, the Warriors refused to crack. Their line speed, communication, and scramble defence all held firm, turning what could have been another late-game heartbreak into a statement of resilience. It was a moment that reflected growth, a team learning to stay calm in the chaos and back themselves to get the job done.

Even though the Warriors didn’t always win the battle in the middle, they still showed plenty of grit in defence. Their tackles had real sting, and you could see they were trying to dominate physically. That kind of effort made it tough for the other team to get any flow going; they shut down offloads and forced a few mistakes just by being aggressive and committed. For most of the game, the Warriors brought the energy in defence and made their presence felt.

It wasn’t the prettiest win, but sometimes those are the ones that mean the most. The boys didn’t have it all together, but they hung in there, dug deep, and found a way to get the job done. That kind of win, scrappy, tough, a bit ugly, actually says a lot about where the team’s at mentally.

They’re starting to believe in themselves. You can see it. They’re backing each other, not panicking when things go wrong, and finding ways to win even when it's not clicking. That shows growth. You don’t have to blow teams off the park to prove you're turning a corner; sometimes, it’s the grind that proves it more.

However, I did have concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warriors gave us another bit of a fright in the second half. They started off well but then lost a bit of their energy and focus as the game went on. When that happens, their rhythm gets off, and it makes things tougher for them. If they want to beat the really strong teams, they’ve got to keep that same effort going for the full 80 minutes. Right now, they’re still struggling to do that, and it’s those lapses that could cost them against better sides.

The Warriors’ attack still felt a bit clunky out there. They only managed to score 16 points, and there weren’t many clean breaks to get things really moving. Their set plays didn’t quite click either — the team seemed a bit off sync, which made it hard to build any real momentum. Even though they got into good spots on the field a few times, they kept missing chances to turn that pressure into points. It was frustrating because the game could have gone a lot differently with just a bit more polish in those moments.

The Dolphins really had some luck attacking the edges. The Warriors didn’t always read what was coming and made a few mistakes. There was even one moment where a slip-up almost let the Dolphins score a try to tie the game. So, while the Warriors did okay in other parts of defence, they definitely need to clean up their edge defence if they want to keep things tight.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Mitchell Barnett.

The skipper has earned well-deserved recognition for the second week in a row. He delivered another outstanding performance, dominating the middle of the field with 167 running metres, 71 of those coming after contact. Defensively, he was rock solid, making 33 tackles with just 2 misses.

His consistent form this season has been a real asset to the team. As a senior player, he sets a strong example for the younger squad members, showing precisely what it takes to become a regular first-grader. Every accolade coming his way is fully earned.

Warrior to Improve

I don't have a Warrior to single out for improvement this week because no one in the 17 let the team down. They weren't perfect, but every player gave 100%, and that's what we can really ask for.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 12, after a month away, the Warriors finally return to Mount Smart Stadium to host the Raiders, who defeated the Titans 40-24 this round.

As for the team I'd select, I'm not changing a winning team, so I am going with the same 17. The only changes I will make are forced with James Fisher-Harris, who is looking at a one-week ban if he enters an early guilty plea; if he fights it and fails, it will result in a two-week ban. I'm tempted to fight it with Barnett missing this week due to Origin selection. I will bring Jackson Ford back and Bunty Afoa if both Captains are out.

The Raiders have started the 2025 season strong, with impressive performances including a dominant win over the Warriors in Las Vegas. Their forward pack, led by captain Joseph Tapine, has been key in controlling games, while their speedy and agile backline continues to challenge opponents. With a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, the Raiders are shaping up as one of the toughest teams to beat early in the season.

To beat Canberra, the Warriors must wrap up the ball carrier and improve their attacking game. In their Round One 30-8 loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, the Warriors struggled to contain Canberra's backline and second-phase attack. Wingers Savelio Tamale and Xavier Savage both ran over 200 metres, highlighting the Raiders' offensive threat.

To turn this around, the Warriors need to control the middle of the field and create space for the halves to operate more effectively, a challenging task without Mitchell Barnett and potentially James Fisher-Harris. Additionally, leveraging the attacking skills of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak can give the Warriors a much-needed boost in offence.

It is going to be tough, but I'm hopeful that the Warriors will extend their winning streak to six in front of a sold-out crowd in Auckland, so I'm going with a Warriors win by 4.

So, that was a heart-in-mouth Round 11, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you fight Fisher-Harris's charge or just miss the week?

Who are you bringing in to replace Fish and Barnett?

How would you fix the second-half slumps?

What is your score prediction against the Raiders?