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'They're ready': Why Ayshford is high on Warriors for 2026
Sport Nation • February 26th, 2026 5:03 pm
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
With the NRL season quickly approaching, former NZ Warriors centre, and Sport Nation commentator Blake Ayshford spoke with Mark Stafford on Sport Nation Afternoons about the Round 1 buzz.
As the last two seasons have started, the 2026 NRL season will get underway at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas - an initiative Ayshford has really appreciated after being there last year when his former side faced the Canberra Raiders at the home of the NFL's Vegas Raiders.
“I like that they haven’t just gone there one year or two years and then they’re done,” Ayshford said.
“We’re lucky as fans to get the games this weekend.
“I know how much it hurts fantasy owners because they can’t pick their teams fully, but the quicker rugby league comes the better.”
Blake Ayshford takes in Allegiant Stadium | League Nation
Past the opening weekend games in America, Ayshford is looking forward to back-to-back home games to open the season for the Warriors, hoping it can kickstart a potential title push.
“The crowds will be big,” Ayshford said. “The people of New Zealand love the Warriors, they deserve a title.
“I don’t want to put pressure on anyone because I know how it is to be a Warrior.
“As we do every year, the fingers are crossed that we have an injury-free season.
“I’m not game to tip them for a title, but I’ve got a feeling that it’s time, they’re ready now.”
The chat around the club really builds on this feeling for Ayshford, hearing that everyone is on the same page as the home opener approaches gets the former Warrior excited.
“When I’m listening to Cam George talk, Andrew Webster talk, the players talk, you’ve just got a feeling that it’s time,” Ayshford said. “They’re ready now.”
“I know the higher ups have had a plan for a while as to when they think they’ll compete for a title.
“But I think that this year, with the team they’ve got, I don’t see why the Warriors aren’t there very late in the season, further than last year.”
With the departure of co-captain Mitch Barnett at the end of the season, Ayshford is looking forward to seeing the Blues representative give it his all while he still can.
With the announcement coming earlier this week, Ayshford thinks the team will use it more as motivation than a distraction so close to the season.
“He’s got it out of the way, and now they can focus on the common goal.
“He wouldn’t have a foot out the door, he’s someone who’s all in and he is a genuine person.
“What he’s done in a Warriors’ jersey, it’s up there with one of the best Australians to come over and play for the Warriors.
“It would be awesome to see him go out with a title, or just a great season for the Warriors.”
The loss of Mitchell Barnett as a Warriors leader | Millsy & Guy
The latest Australian import to make their way over to the Warriors is former Titans speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira, someone the slower Ayshford would appreciate on his outside.
“My name and speed in the same sentence, it’s not often put together,” Ayshford joked.
“When you’re inside someone like that, there’s not much you have to do except pass the ball out in front of them.
“When Khan-Pereira is hitting the ball at speed, I think he’ll be on the end of a couple tries this year.
“There’s a lot of variables in those positions this year, and there is depth, but AKP will be lightning.”
Ayshford will join Sam Hewat in the Warriors Live commentary box, along with sideline reporter Anthony Gelling. for another NRL season from March 6 on Sport Nation.
Listen to the full interview:
