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'You can’t neglect the Warriors': McGahan backs Wahs’ title charge
Sport Nation • August 17th, 2026 11:51 am
Photo: Photosport
It was a pretty good weekend for Hugh McGahan.
The former Kiwis captain watched his beloved Warriors put 40 past the Broncos in Brisbane, while his old club, the Roosters, climbed to the top of the NRL ladder after edging the Panthers.
But it was the Warriors’ performance that really caught his eye.
McGahan said the professionalism around the club has come a long way, from recruitment and development to the way the team is handling itself week after week.
“It’s been terrific,” McGahan told Sport Nation Mornings.
“We’ve seen it build over the last couple of seasons, but it’s sort of cemented within the group on just how they’re applying themselves with their game, their attitude turning up, their replacements that they’re bringing through, the recruitment that they’ve got.”
The 40-6 win came at a cost, with Luke Metcalf picking up a hamstring injury and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad beginning a suspension, leaving the Warriors short on options in the halves with Te Maire Martin's return yet to be confirmed.
He labelled Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s suspension “a pretty tough call”, saying the Warriors forward was caught in a tackle where momentum took over.
“Once you’re in that position there’s not a great deal you can do.”
McGahan believes that could prove a telling factor, but says the club has enough talent coming through to keep the season on track.
“They’re not frightened to take on the opposition, even the glamour names of the NRL. It doesn’t faze them whatsoever.”
With the Warriors sitting third and a home semi-final firmly in their sights, McGahan says they cannot be ignored in the premiership conversation.
“You can’t neglect the Warriors and where they’re going, what they’ve done this year, who they’ve played, who they’re beating.”
McGahan also discussed the Roosters’ rise, the Dolphins’ smoky status, the Sharks’ concerns and his work with Westlake Boys High School rugby team, helping them to a huge final against rivals Rosmini this weekend.
Listen to the full interview below:
