season report card: Player and coach ratings for 2026 NRL season – Ben Francis

Each player’s season score, rounded to the nearest 0.5, is their combined Herald player ratings from all matches divided by the number of games they played.

A final score has been given to those who played at least six times (25% of the regular season), although there are mentions for those who played less.

In total, Webster used 30 players during the season, while three others were unused substitutes at least once.

Taine Tuaupiki – 7

Fullback. Appearances: 22. Season score: 158

Best game: semi-final v Knights (9); Worst game: Round 5 v Sharks (5)

Came on leaps and bounds this year, establishing himself not only as the Warriors’ first-choice fullback but among the elite in the NRL. Didn’t often have a bad game and brought a point of difference to the Warriors’ backline, while becoming a reliable goalkicking option late in the season. He averaged 172m per game and had 124 tackle breaks, which was among the best in the season. In the two finals defeats, was probably the best player in both games, finishing the semi-final with 208m from 23 carries and 16 tackle breaks. However, the rumours he was seeking a release leave a sour taste in the mouth. I’d say watch this space to see what unfolds.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 6

Fullback. Appearances: 16. Season score: 94

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (8); Worst game: Round 5 v Sharks (2)

Started the season as the Warriors No 1 fullback, but injuries opened the door for Taine Tuaupiki to claim the spot and Nicoll-Klokstad never got a look in afterwards. Found himself covering centre and wing for most of the season. Almost became a victim of his own success because of his versatility and was never able to hold down a position. Did claim a career-high 12 tries, including four against the Cowboys, but overall his toughest season since returning to the Warriors.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 7.5

Winger. Appearances: 22. Season score: 167

Best game: semi-final v Knights (9); Worst game: Round 4 v Sharks (3)

The flying winger turned back the clock, finishing as the Warriors’ top tryscorer for the season with 20. In fact, he is the first Warriors player to score 20 or more tries in multiple seasons. He would have been on track to break his club record of 24 tries in a season, but a broken collarbone against the Rabbitohs brought that to a screeching halt. Overall, his defence on the edges improved and he played with plenty of courage and determination. After struggling with injuries last season, it was great to see that confidence back.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 5.5

Winger. Appearances: 19. Season score: 108

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (8); Worst game: Round 11 v Broncos (2)

It took time for the off-season recruit from the Titans to get his chance, but when it came, he took it with both hands and was scoring tries for fun at one stage, finishing with 16 in 19 games. It was clear he was an offensive weapon, with his speed and footwork leading to memorable tries. However, at the back end of the season, he struggled on both sides of the ball and had little to no impact, highlighted when he was dropped for the semi-final. Still a raw product, but needs some work defensively, as that was a major concern.

Luke Laulilii – N/A

Winger. Appearances: 1. Season score: 2

Only game: Round 26 v Knights (2)

The young winger was a short-term mid-season signing before joining the Perth Bears and spent most of his time in the reserves, scoring six tries in nine games. He got one chance in the NRL side, but that lasted 11 minutes after he was brutally knocked out by Jacob Saifiti.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – 6

Centre. Appearances: 10. Season score: 61

Best game: Round 6 v Storm (9); Worst game: Round 12 v Dragons (2)

After starting the season on the wing, Tuivasa-Sheck found himself back in the centres, where he brought plenty of stability and produced some of his best football since returning to the club in 2024. Sadly, an ACL injury brought his season, and Warriors career, to a premature end. Felt like the Warriors missed his experience late in the campaign, while it was a cruel way for the chapter to close for a player who will be remembered as one of the club’s great servants.

Adam Pompey – 4.5

Centre. Appearances: 17. Season score: 78

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (8); Worst game: Round 11 v Broncos (2)

Pompey made history this season by becoming the Warriors’ most capped centre, but sadly he was unable to produce consistent football and found himself in and out of the team in the season’s closing stages. There were some nice moments, but not enough to justify a place in the team. It’s already been confirmed he will leave the club, and hopefully a fresh start will help him find that consistent spark.

Ali Leiataua – 5

Centre. Appearances: 22. Season score: 109

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (7); Worst game: Round 1 v Roosters (2)

After battling injuries over the past few years, it was encouraging to see the young centre get regular game time, but his performances were inconsistent. There are plenty of questions around the centre spot heading into next year, so it will be interesting to see where Leiataua stands.

Chanel Harris-Tavita – 6

Five-eighth. Appearances: 22. Season score: 129

Best game: Round 25 v Rabbitohs (9); Worst game: Round 2 v Raiders (2)

Overall, Harris-Tavita’s season was better than the score suggests. He took on more of a playmaking role after Tanah Boyd went down and most of his numbers were on par with his production last season. Finished as the Warriors’ top try assister with 15, and 6659 kicking metres. However, when it came to stepping up in finals, he struggled to carry that form over and his season ended in disappointment.

Luke Hanson – N/A

Five-eighth. Appearances: 3. Season score: 16

Best game: Round 3 v Knights (6); Worst game: Round 25 v Rabbitohs (5)

While opportunities were scarce, he did his job and proved capable when called up, highlighted by kicking a late field goal against the Knights. However, there were times, particularly defensively, he was a deer in headlights, which caused his outside men to miss tackles. Is off to join the Titans next season.

Te Maire Martin – 6.5

Halfback. Appearances: 13. Season score: 86

Best game: Round 16 v Cowboys (10); Worst game: Round 22 v Bulldogs (3)

Made a timely return to the field after Boyd’s season-ending injury and held the No 7 jersey for the second half of the season. While he did an admirable job for the most part, it felt like the Warriors missed an out-and-out halfback at the back end of the season, particularly in the finals. Was strong running the ball, but that was sporadic.

Tanah Boyd – 7

Halfback. Appearances: 10. Season score: 67

Best game: Round 3 v Knights (9); Worst game: Round 11 v Broncos (3)

After watching clips from games earlier in the season, it became clearer how much the Warriors missed him late in the campaign. Had three tries and 10 assists before picking up an ACL injury against the Broncos. Despite playing 10 games, he finished as the Warriors’ top points scorer with 92. He will be my player to watch next season, as there will be plenty of eyes on how he responds returning from injury.

Luke Metcalf – N/A

Halfback. Appearances 4, season score: 23

Best game: Round 23 v Panthers (10); Worst game: Round 4 v Tigers (4)

A conflicting season for Metcalf, who had some moments of brilliance on the field, but also some questionable choices, although some weren’t helped as he was rushed back too early from his ACL injury. The highlight was his performance against the Panthers in Auckland, but his time at the club was summed up when he did his hamstring kicking a conversion a week later. His exit from the club, while not a distraction on the field, was messy and, overall, I still maintain the Warriors made the right choice to let him go.

Jett Cleary – N/A

Halfback. Appearances: 1. Season score: 7

Only game: Round 26 v Knights (7)

A halves injury crisis led to the son of former Warriors player and coach Ivan Cleary making his NRL debut, where he more than held his own, producing three try assists. Was an unused interchange seven times and is sadly off to join his dad at the Panthers next season. Is a loss to the Warriors’ halves depth.

Jackson Ford – 8

Prop. Appearances: 13. Season score: 101

Best game: Round 3 v Knights (10); Worst game: Preliminary finals v Dolphins (5)

Jackson Ford was producing an all-time season before being struck down by a pectoral injury in a devastating blow for the Warriors. He returned for one game before suffering another injury. Ford was in discussions for State of Origin selection and if he can start 2027 with a bang, expect those talks to start again, especially as he will fill the void left by Mitch Barnett. Despite only playing half the season, for me, he was the Warriors’ best, averaging 154m and 39 tackles per game. What a machine.

Mitch Barnett – 6.5

Prop. Appearances: 17. Season score: 111

Best game: Round 23 v Panthers (8); Worst game: Round 4 v Tigers (4)

After returning from an ACL injury, Barnett was in and out of the side with more injury woes and State of Origin selection. Once he settled back in, he was impressive, with powerful carries and strong defence, even though the ball would often land in his hands on last tackle too often for comfort. He will be a massive loss for the Warriors as his leadership and toughness will be tough to replace.

James Fisher-Harris – 7

Prop. Appearances: 23. Season score: 164

Best game: Round 23 v Panthers (9); Worst game: Round 21 v Bulldogs (5)

The co-captain elevated his game to another level in his second season at the club. Last year, it took time for him to settle in, but those were distant memories, with many of his numbers on par with those during his prime years at the Panthers, which were 140m and 30 tackles per game. He was one of the Warriors’ most reliable forwards throughout the season and his influence on the team was clear. He will only be better next year, which is a scary thought. Did win the Simon Mannering Medal for the club’s player of the year.

Tanner Stowers-Smith – 6.5

Prop. Appearances: 21. Season score: 132

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (9); Worst game: Preliminary finals v Dolphins (4)

The Christchurch native was one of the surprise packets of the season, with a number of consistent performances off the bench featuring great carries and excellent footwork, averaging 115m per game. Was a key member of the Warriors’ rotation, but did see a minutes drop for the finals which was puzzling.

Riley Price – N/A

Prop. Appearances: 1. Season score: 6

Only game: Round 22 v Titans (6)

Wasn’t meant to play, but a last-minute injury led to him scrambling to reach the airport to face the Titans, where he made history by becoming the first son of a former Warriors player, Steve Price, to play for the club. He will be part of the Warriors’ top 30 next year and has similar qualities to Jackson Ford.

Demitric Vaimauga – 6

Prop. Appearances: 22. Season score: 125

Best game: Round 6 v Storm (8); Worst game: Round 12 v Dragons (3)

The young forward brought excitement and energy off the bench this year with many powerful runs – some reminiscent of past Warriors cult heroes – and crafty play. Definitely improved and relished the role as the season progressed and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop.

Wayde Egan – 7

Hooker. Appearances: 25. Season score: 164

Best game: Round 16 v Cowboys (9); Worst game: Round 9 v Eels (3)

One positive from the season was seeing the crafty hooker stay fit for most of it. It was clear that when on the field, the Warriors were more clinical on attack, highlighted by a season-high 13 try assists and 15 line break assists. Was relatively steady across the season and was discussed among the elite hookers of the NRL at one stage.

Sam Healey – 5

Hooker. Appearances: 22. Season score: 106

Best game: Round 27 v Sea Eagles (7); Worst game: Round 13 v Panthers (3)

The young hooker became a regular in the Warriors’ rotation, getting 20-25 minutes at the back end of games where he had the chance to showcase his speed at the ruck. He did have some nice moments and proved to be a valuable weapon off the bench. I am very intrigued to see how he goes next year.

Makaia Tafua – N/A

Hooker. Appearances: 3. Season score: 15

Best game: Round 27 v Sea Eagles (5); Worst game: Round 15 v Sharks (5)

Hard to gauge off limited minutes off the bench, but didn’t put a foot wrong with his chances. Had some nice moments in the reserves and definitely one for the future.

Leka Halasima – 6

Second row. Appearances: 21. Season score: 126

Best game: Semi-finals v Knights (8); Worst game: Round 8 v Dolphins (3)

After bursting on to the scene last year, Halasima probably didn’t have the impact he would have liked, but his status as a fan favourite only grew. He found himself playing at centre at the back end of the season, and there will no doubt be questions about whether that should be his long-term position after holding his own. His performance against the Knights in the semi-finals would have earned him lots of respect among his peers. He’s only 21 with 50 NRL games of experience, and it is scary thinking how good he will be.

Marata Niukore – 4.5

Second row. Appearances: 9. Season score: 41

Best game: Round 3 v Knights (7); Worst game: Round 5 v Sharks (2)

Was used sparingly during the season before falling out of favour for some young emerging players. Has been a decent servant of the club, and played a role in helping turn their fortunes around, but was probably never worth the price they paid. Is off to join the Knights.

Kurt Capewell – 6.5

Second row. Appearances: 15, season score: 95

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (8); Worst game: Preliminary final v Dolphins (5)

Provided stability on the edge for a youthful Warriors side. While missing a chunk of the mid-season because of minor injuries and Origin commitments, he finished the year strongly. His work rate and competitive edge were clear during the season, earning him a one-year contract extension.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava – 6

Second row. Appearances: 13. Season score: 77

Best game: Round 22 v Titans (10); Worst game: Round 12 v Dragons (3)

Ford’s injury opened the door for Ieremia-Toeava and he made the most of it with big-minute energetic performances off the bench. His efforts against the Titans were a highlight, where he ran for 191m and made 18 runs, five tackle breaks and three offloads. There was a big focus on development and growth this year, and he proved he’s up for the challenge.

Jacob Laban – 6

Second row. Appearances: 25. Season score: 146

Best game: Round 19 v Tigers (9); Worst game: Round 12 v Dragons (3)

One of the feel-good stories of the year, with Laban developing into a regular starter this season, where he produced strong performances, highlighted by eight tries and a 90% tackle completion rate. He was also one of the Warriors’ most consistent forwards for much of the year, but was one of the few who struggled late in the season. There is no denying the massive improvements in his breakout season.

Erin Clark – 7

Lock. Appearances: 26. Season score: 178

Best game: Round 11 v Broncos (9); Worst game: Round 21 v Bulldogs (4)

The only player to feature in every match this season. Did make a slow start to the season, by his standards, but responded well after that for the most part. His numbers weren’t at the same level as last year’s efforts, but he still made 95% of his tackles, while scoring six tries, which was more than he scored in his six previous NRL seasons combined. It was also noticeable late in the campaign that the Warriors were not as clinical on attack.

Morgan Gannon – N/A

Lock. Appearances: 3. Season score: 10

Best game: Round 27 v Sea Eagles (6); Worst game: Round 5 v Sharks (1)

Overall it was a tough season for the Englishman, whose debut was disastrous and over in mere minutes. Made the shock decision midway through the season that he would return to Leeds after one season, which was disappointing as he showed promise playing for the reserves and that was highlighted when he got decent game time against the Sea Eagles in the regular-season finale.

Andrew Webster – 8

It felt like Webster took a massive step in his coaching journey this year, where there was a big focus on culture and next-man-up mentality. Those philosophies were crucial in the Warriors’ success, with many players speaking about their importance. One thing that impressed me was how Webster fulfilled those tasks. In the past, I felt he had been loyal to a fault with some of his players, but this time if somebody came in and impressed they held their spot and that helped the likes of Boyd and Tuaupiki flourish. There are some questions about how the squad will look next year, with a new back-up halfback needed among other things, but it is safe to say there is plenty of optimism after the growth in the last two seasons, plus he’s put pen to paper on a long-term deal, which is great for the club.

Top 30 squad members who didn’t play in 2026: Rocco Berry, Haizyn Mellars, Jye Linnane, Kayliss Fatialofa.

Ratings during the 2026 season

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