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'We probably got caught out': Egan outlines Warriors’ defensive finals focus
Jaxin Daniels • September 9th, 2026 9:52 am
Wayde Egan | Photo: Photosport
The Warriors head into their first-round finals clash with the Dolphins knowing their defense must improve if they are to go all the way to their maiden NRL Premiership.
Wayde Egan admits the Warriors’ defence has slipped in recent weeks, with the club working tirelessly to fix the issue before Saturday’s finals match.
The Warriors have conceded more points than they would have liked over the past month, and Egan told Sport Nations' Scotty and Izzy that limiting that damage has been a key focus during their preparation.
“The last month, the footy hasn't been our best defensively,” Egan said.
“I think we've been a really good defensive side all year, and up until that point, so that's sort of something we've reviewed really well this week and hopefully we can fix that up a little bit come Saturday.”
Egan believes the Warriors’ recent opponents have tested them with quick ball movement and dangerous attacking threats on the edges, with the Rabbitohs, Knights, and Sea Eagles all having success targeting that area of weakness.
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“We probably played the best shifting teams the last three weeks as well that can put points on quickly,” he said.
“We probably got caught out a little bit."
The Dolphins will provide another major test, with Egan highlighting their outside backs and powerful forward pack.
“We're going to have to be on defensively, especially to shut those guys down on the edges,” he said.
The Warriors will also be boosted by the return of Jackson Ford, who Egan says has comeback stronger from his time out of the side.
“I think he's looking even better than he was before,” Egan said.
“He's looking awesome mate. He's been chomping at the bit the last couple of weeks, trying to get back out there.
"He's ready to go, he'll be firing."
Jackson Ford celebrates his try with Sam Healey | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The match will be played at Go Media Stadium, where Egan says the Warriors draw extra energy from their home crowd.
“Our supporter base, I don't know, it's just different when you're there,” he said.
“It's hard to sort of explain the feeling you get when you run out in front of the Mount Smart faithful.”
"It's probably the best ground in the NRL."
The Warriors and Dolphins have already played two close matches this season, with only two points separating the teams in both matches.
Egan says the Warriors will need to trust the systems that have taken them this far rather than getting carried away by the occasion.
“We've just got to rely on what sort of worked over the whole year and not do anything different,” he said.
With their defence under review, Ford returning and a whole country behind them, the Warriors know execution will be crucial in their opening finals match.
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Listen to the full interview here:
