The Warriors lost both their pre-season games for the first time in the Andrew Webster era.
Several players didn’t feature due to injuries.
The Warriors open their NRL season on March 6 against the Sydney Roosters.
The Warriors head into the NRL season off some mixed form, having gone 0-2 in pre-season, the first time that’s happened under Andrew Webster’s guidance.
Many players including Chanel Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Marata Niukore didn’t line up in the trials due to injuries, but the mainfocus for coach Webster appeared to be about giving the players of the future a chance.
While you can never read too much into pre-season fixtures, there were some clear standouts, while others will be anxious about their futures.
It has been a tough pre-season in more ways than one for Martin.
The 30-year-old has been seen as a “Mr Fix It” for the Warriors due to his ability to cover multiple positions. However, the recently introduced rule change for the upcoming season, where NRL teams can carry six players, but only use four, does impact his value.
Then during the NRL All Stars match, Martin only lasted 25 minutes before fracturing his fibula, which requires surgery, ruling him out for at least three months.
Martin would have been in contention to be the Warriors’ starting halfback, as Luke Metcalf continues to recover from his ACL injury, but now that idea is dead and buried.
None of this is ideal when your contract is up at the end of the season.
Te Maire Martin was injured during the NRL All Stars match. Photo / Photosport
Winner: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
The former Kiwis captain was the player facing the most external pressure to retain his spot in the side after the signing of Alofiana Khan-Pereira, but he may have done enough to keep his spot, at least for round one.
Coming off scoring a try in the NRL All Stars match, he backed it up with a brace against the Dolphins - which included a trademark dive in the corner - where he appeared to play with some of the confidence that was lacking last season.
Admittedly, there were still brain explosions and bad reads on defence, though through no fault of his own on occasion.
Adding to the likelihood of him starting is that Khan-Pereira missed the last trial through concussion protocols, and it might be a big move for Webster to throw him in the mix without many reps with the team.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scores against the Dolphins. Photo / Photosport
Loser: Rocco Berry
I’d be willing to say shoulders are not the friend of Rocco Berry.
After dislocating a shoulder in the final regular season game last year, Berry underwent surgery, but had complications, so underwent the knife and has been slated for a mid-season return.
With Adam Pompey established as one centre, and Ali Leiataua back fit, Berry could find it difficult to get back in the side, once recovered.
The Warriors are better when Berry is on the field, but sadly, he’s heading down the road of players who have the ability to be greats, but injuries robbed them of that chance.
An injured Rocco Berry, against the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Photosport
The 22-year-old showcased his skills on both sides of the ball, starting with 36 tackles against the Sea Eagles in Napier, followed up with powerful carries against the Dolphins.
But remember Gannon, is no rookie, with more than 70 Super League games for the Rhinos, which is quite impressive of somebody his age.
The Warriors haven’t had much luck with buying players from the Super League, but that drought could be over now, and expect Gannon to be in the squad in some capacity for their season opener against the Sydney Roosters.
New Warriors signing Morgan Gannon. Photo / Photosport
Winner: James Fisher-Harris
It is peculiar to deem somebody a ‘winner’ who didn’t play in the trials, but there is a method to the madness.
When the Kiwis skipper arrived last year, many were expecting him to emulate Addin Fonua-Blake’s output, but that was always going to be unrealistic, as Fisher-Harris prides himself on mana, leadership, standards and toughness.
Some of those elements were missing in pre-season, particularly in the middle, against the Dolphins, who scored three tries in the final 11 minutes to secure victory.
That highlights the true importance and value of Fisher-Harris, and why the Warriors bought him.
If we can go off his performance for the Māori All Stars, where he ran 176m and made 34 tackles, then it’s a step in the right direction.
James Fisher-Harris in action for the New Zealand Māori against the Australian Indigenous men in the NRL All Stars match at FMG Stadium. Photo / Photosport
Loser: Kayliss Fatialofa
Many would have had high hopes for the 2025 New South Wales Cup Player of the Year heading into the trials, but it turned out to be two quiet performances for Fatialofa.
Maybe it was me having too high expectations, but I was expecting more and with so much depth in the second row, it will be tough to be among the players who start the season in the NRL side.
Regardless, an NRL debut in 2026 does seem inevitable.
Winner: Tanner Stowers-Smith
Across the two trials, the Christchurch native was the Warriors’ most consistent player, highlighting his growth after making his NRL debut last season.
In both games, the 21-year-old carried the ball over 100m and was involved heavily on defence.
Against the Sea Eagles, he was the best player on the field, topping the run metres and tackle chart.
If his pre-season form was anything to go off, then he is set for a big year.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
