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FWC: ESP v BEL LIVEJacob Laban: Afoa not the only one coming off the back fence
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 10th, 2026 1:41 pm
Jacob Laban scores against the Wests Tigers | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Warriors second-rower Jacob Laban is looking to reignite his playmaking spark as his side return from the bye weekend aiming to tame the Wests Tigers.
The 22-year-old has cemented himself as a regular starter in 2026, emerging as one of the Warriors’ standout performers through his strength, defensive work and impact on both sides of the ball.
“I'm pretty fortunate that I get more minutes now and I feel like I'm just grabbing that opportunity with both hands and just making sure that (I’m) just doing what's best for the team and putting my best performance out there,” Laban told Sport Nation Breakfast on Thursday.
Laban said he wants to continue building a reputation as a hard-working player with a dependable presence for the team, drawing inspiration from the qualities of Origin teammates Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett.
And after bringing a greater physical presence in recent weeks, he said he “just finally realised how big and tall I am.”
Warriors forward Tanner Stowers-Smith's "scary" growth | Running It Straight
Facing Benji Marshall’s Wests Tigers on Friday evening, former Warrior Bunty Afoa will come face-to-face with Tanner Stowers-Smith, who has stepped up to fill the void left by Jackson Ford - one of the Warriors’ standout performers in 2026 before being sidelined with a pectoral injury.
The Warriors are also wary of ‘Back Fence Bunty’s’ impact after the prop departed the club at the end of 2025, as players are often motivated to perform against their former sides.
Bunty Afoa playing for the NZ Warriors in 2025 | Photo: Scott Barbour/Photosport
It will be just Afoa’s third start for the Tigers after spending recent weeks providing impact off the bench.
Laban is confident Stowers-Smith can handle the challenge of containing his former teammate.
“What's impressed me is that he's just staying to himself and just being himself. He's not trying to be another player and I think he's bringing his superpowers to our team.”
Bunty Afoa starting at prop for Wests Tigers to face Warriors | Running It Straight
Laban insists Afoa won’t be the only one coming off the back fence.
“I've been practising my extras, but I don't know if I will fold him but I'll try and stop him,” he laughed.
The Warriors will be looking for a comeback against the Wests Tigers after being defeated 14-32 in round four, however the Tigers have lost all three recent games and dropping to 12th on the NRL ladder.
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Listen to the full interview below:
