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‘Really confident in his ability’: Webster assures Boyd's the right choice for Warriors No. 7 jersey
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 10th, 2025 3:49 pm
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Tanah Boyd faces his NZ Warriors debut this weekend and the team are confident with his ability to continue a successful season.
The 24-year-old's selection comes after the Warriors lost their star halfback and Dally M contender Luke Metcalf to a devastating and season-ending knee injury.
Some fans were left questioning why Te Maire Martin is not starting at No. 7, but Webster said this is because the team relies on a halfback to be locked into that position, whereas a player who can play multiple positions like Martin is rare.
“A real good example is if you've got the keys to the car and then halfway through the game you lose your fullback, you don't want Te Maire to go to one.
“You need the guy who's at number seven to stay there and that's what we wanted Tanah to do and he deserves it because he's played well and I don't think many teams have a guy like Te Maire that can play one, centre, hooker, lock and half,” Webster continued.
Tanah Boyd celebrates defeating the Warriors at Go Media Stadium | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Webster then referred to the Anzac Test in 2024 when the Gold Coast Titans beat the Warriors 27-24 thanks to the great kicking game of Boyd with his previous side.
“I remember we played them here on Anzac Day last year and he (Tanah) kicked us to death, the Titans beat us here at home and he was exceptional that day.”
While Boyd has only played in the Warriors' New South Wales Cup side this year, Webster said Boyd has been one of the greatest culture additions to the team.
“We're not coming in with a whole new game plan this week, Tanah falls into what we've been doing, but our motto is always we adjust to the individual and we've adjusted slowly for him.”
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan said from what he’s seen, Boyd is probably the best player in the New South Wales Cup.
“He's used his voice really well at training and has a great kicking game, obviously, that you've seen throughout the years.”
Egan also said that last weekend’s bye after two losses allowed the team to look at what needs working on.
“The boys have ripped in, it’s been good,” Egan said.
While Sunday’s match sees the sooner than expected return of Dallin Waitene-Zelezniak, the team is still left without other key players Charnze Nicoll-Klockstad and Mitch Barnett.
Egan however said that “Any guy that comes to New South Wales Cup just falls right into his role in NRL and those guys have played a lot of NRL, and know the system as well.”
Sport Nation is live at Go Media Stadium this Sunday from 2.30pm - join Sam Hewat, Blake Ayshford and Anthony Gelling for commentary of the NZ Warriors vs Wests Tigers, kick-off 4pm.
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