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Important SN update for Southland'We're going after it': Warriors staying strong through adversity
Kieran Bingham • July 2nd, 2025 10:00 am
The Warriors celebrate in Brisbane | Photo: Photosport
Despite a challenging few weeks for the NZ Warriors, CEO Cameron George remains upbeat and full of belief in the club’s direction.
While Luke Metcalf’s season-ending ACL injury is another blow to a growing list of key absentees - joining captain Mitch Barnett and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the sidelines - George’s focus is on the strength and resilience within the club rather than what’s been lost.
He expressed genuine sympathy for Metcalf, calling the injury “very unfortunate and sad for him personally,” but was quick to shift the conversation toward support and unity.
“Naturally, our focus now is to support him through the process, which we will, and we’ll be there for him and his family,” he told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy.
Injuries may be the harsh reality of league, but George made it clear that the Warriors are not wallowing in misfortune. With nine games left in the regular season and the team still sitting inside the top four heading into the Round 18 bye, the belief within the organisation remains as strong as ever.
“We understand first hand that sports, footy, that’s what happens. But we’re not the victim here. We’re focused on moving forward,” he said.
“We believe in our squad, we believe in our staff, our coaching unit a lot. We’re going after it. We’re very excited about what’s ahead, despite all the sad injuries that we’ve received.”
The confidence is buoyed by the club’s depth, particularly in the halves, where the next-man-up mentality is already taking shape. With Tanah Boyd waiting in the wings and Te Maire Martin ready to step up, George sees opportunity where others might see vulnerability.
Fans are desperate to see Tanah Boyd take the field | Photo: Photosport
“It does test your depth, sure, but we’ve got plenty of it,” he said.
“There’s plenty of options. The excitement around those opportunities being grabbed with both hands is going to be great for our footy team.”
It’s not just about plugging gaps, either. There’s a longer-term view in play, one that’s rooted in the emerging talent coming through the system.
George spoke with pride about the pipeline of young players, many of whom are already performing well in the lower grades, and sees the current moment as a launching pad for the next generation.
“We’ve got young kids littered all the way through our grades. Sometimes you give them a chance and they take off well before their time,” he said.
“Regardless of who pulls that jumper on, young or old, they’ll be ready to go. That’s our club. That’s our mental state. We’re going after it.”
From a CEO’s perspective, George couldn’t be happier with where the club stands at this point in the season. “You’ve got to be,” he said.
“You set out to define yourself in the opening part of the year and see where you’re sitting in terms of quality, depth, and standards, and mate, we’re in the top four.”
Cameron George (R) with coach Andrew Webster (L)
The strength of the Warriors system goes beyond the NRL squad, too. With the under-17s winning, the NSW Cup side sitting on top, and the Jersey Flegg team contending, George sees a club humming with potential.
“We’ve got kids in New Zealand that want to play for us, and it’s our job to keep building that.”
Looking further ahead, expansion remains a topic across the league, and George is watching closely as the NRL eyes new teams in Perth and Papua New Guinea. While the addition of 60 new roster spots will undoubtedly create more competition for talent, George believes the Warriors are well placed.
“I think the Perth expansion is going to do us really good. If anyone’s willing to move to Perth, I think New Zealand will be a better option,” he said.
“If anyone wants to move from here to Perth, well, I need their head read. Here is such a much more beautiful country and a great footy club on the way up.”
When it comes to signings, the club is taking a calm and considered approach. George was clear that any decisions would be made with a long-term lens, not in reaction to short-term challenges.
“You’ve got to be very sensible and not get emotional about it. It’s got to be what’s right for the club - not necessarily for the now but for the future.”
With a week off to reset and refocus, and a Round 19 clash at home against the Tigers to look forward to, there’s a quiet confidence at the Warriors. They’ve taken the hits, but they’re still standing. More importantly, they’re still climbing.
Listen to the full interview:
