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Warriors 2026 report card: Who impressed, who improved and what needs fixing?
Sport Nation • September 22nd, 2026 12:17 pm
Warriors | Photo: Photosport
The Warriors’ 2026 season ended in finals disappointment, but there was plenty to like about a campaign that saw them come within a whisker of the minor premiership.
With the dust settling on their loss to Newcastle, the lads on Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy team delivered their report cards — assessing the standout performers, biggest improvers, best games and what needs to change heading into 2027.
BEST PLAYER
There was plenty of debate over who deserved top honours.
Taine Tuaupiki, Wayde Egan and Erin Clark all received strong praise, while Jackson Ford was singled out despite missing a chunk of the season.
“I still think Jackson Ford is the best player for the Warriors this year,” Sammy said.
“I don't recall seeing someone of, respectfully, where his standard was the year before... make such a dominating impact on the NRL.”
Ford’s performances were so impressive that his omission from State of Origin contention became a talking point on both sides of the Tasman.
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BIGGEST IMPROVER
Taine Tuaupiki was one of the biggest beneficiaries of injury opportunity, establishing himself in the No. 1 jersey while adding goal-kicking to his resume.
“I thought he went from strength to strength in the number one jersey,” Scotty said.
Sammy also backed Tuaupiki, saying he had now put himself “into the elite fullback range for the NRL.”
Jacob Laban was another standout improver, going from limited minutes to becoming a regular part of the Warriors’ rotation.
“This is a bloke that's gone from playing 30 to 40 minutes and now he's a staple in amongst that squad,” Scotty explained.
In-form Taine Tuaupiki insists the Warriors will bounce back from their qualifying final loss | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
BEST GAME
The Warriors’ demolition of Brisbane during Magic Round at Suncorp was a favourite, while the 28-12 victory over Penrith was viewed as a milestone win against one of the competition’s best sides.
“That was the Warriors providing us hope because if you're going to win this competition you've got to beat the best of the best and they did that against the Panthers,” Scotty said.
Sammy also nominated the Dolphins clash in Wellington and the narrow loss to Penrith, describing the latter as “rugby league in its most purest form.”
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PLAYER THEY’LL MISS MOST
Mitch Barnett’s departure is a major blow, with his toughness and leadership difficult to replace.
“We're going to miss Barnett. There's no doubt,” Scotty admitted.
“On a number of levels, too, because there is leadership and respect. There's also a toughness about Mitch Barnett that you have to fill.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was another significant loss identified, particularly because of the experience he provides in the backline.
“We do not have that experienced head in the back line that can help calm things down and make those right calls,” Sammy added.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
The forwards were the unanimous winner here.
"There's been conversation that they're best pack in the competition," noted Scotty.
Sammy agreed, calling it “unquestionably” the Warriors’ biggest area of strength.
“When they're on, this team goes to another level,” Scotty said.
Warriors prop Mitchell Barnett will join Brisbane after a player swap was secured | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
BIGGEST AREA TO IMPROVE
The fifth-tackle strategy and kicking game were identified as the two key areas for improvement.
Scotty pointed to games where the Warriors struggled to generate go-forward and consequently failed to relieve pressure through their kicking game.
He also highlighted the need to turn that pressure into points.
“You've got to convert dominance,” he said.
Sammy added confidence in edge defence to the list, saying the Warriors “lost a bit of belief and it had that butterfly effect.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the finals disappointment, there was widespread agreement that the Warriors have built something significant.
Sammy believes the squad could be “as deep as any Warriors squad in history” and that the best is yet to come for many of the younger players.
“I also think that for a huge, huge chunk of this Warriors team, their best seasons are ahead of them and in Warriors colours,” he said.
That includes a group of young players who gained invaluable finals experience.
“The lessons these younger players will have got throughout this competition this year and particularly in the playoffs... will put them in good stead going forward into the future,” Scotty said.
The big question now becomes - can the Warriors keep the group together?
Several players can begin negotiating with rival clubs from November 1, including hookers Wade Egan and Sam Healey.
Sammy specifically highlighted the dilemma around the two hookers, while also noting the uncertain futures of Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin and Kurt Capewell.
Also departing the club this year is Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary.
Listen to the full discussion below:
