TWL Rd 21: Kingz Container Crew Warriors Player Ratings

Some unfamiliar marks out of 10 for a host of usually reliable performers after a comprehensive loss to the Bulldogs.

The Warriors were outplayed in almost every facet by a Canterbury Bulldogs side in a match where the 18-6 scoreline arguably flattered our boys. Standout performers were hard to come by in the Kingz Container Crew player ratings, while several players nudged their lowest scores of 2026.

1 TAINE TUAUPIKI: Had one ordinary error on attack but was sound positionally and under the high ball until finally succumbing to a foot injury four minutes before halftime. 5.5

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: The Warriors would have been in even more trouble without his high-octane effort, DWZ running for a game-high 210 metres from 20 runs and racking up seven tackle-breaks — as well as his team’s only line-break. Could have had a second-half hat-trick with a bit of luck; instead, finished with nothing and was credited with four errors. 7

3 ALI LEIATAUA: Looked the most capable of any Warriors player of breaking the Bulldogs’ tight shackles, making six tackle-breaks among 12 runs for 111 metres and producing his side’s sole line-break assist with a nice flick. A basketball-style forward pass denied DWZ a try. Handled a difficult assignment defensively against Matt Burton reasonably well, despite a few tough moments. 6.5

4 ADAM POMPEY: A nondescript performance from the under-fire veteran — which was arguably a step in the right direction after some glaringly regrettable moments in recent outings. Rolled up his sleeves for 14 runs for 116 metres but was one of only five players in either side not to record a tackle-break, while he missed six tackles himself. Enough to retain his spot but pretty pedestrian as he equalled the great Clinton Toopi as the Warriors’ most-capped centre ever (111 games). 5

5 ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA: A rough night for AKP with anything resembling a chance on attack foiled by sloppy service from his inside men. Made a few searching runs among 111 metres on 15 carries but was well-contained. Jammed really well at times but had a couple of questionable reads and was made to look substandard by Enari Tuala as he made a long break with 10 minutes left. 5

6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: The signs have been bubbling away for some time and now CHT seems bereft of his early-season mojo. A turnstile for Preston’s try and bombed one at the other end with a poorly-executed cut-out when a short one for Pompey was the play — the flashpoint of a clunky playmaking display. Kicking was barely adequate. Never stopped trying, though, and finished with 26 tackles (albeit with five misses and five ineffective) and was picked up a late try. 4.5

7 TE MAIRE MARTIN: Seems to have gone away from what was working — and producing weekly highlights — with a lack of directness and variety hindering the Warriors’ attack. Reptitive right-side sweeps seemed just about the only trick in his kitbag tonight and were comfortably handled. Only got his running game (nine runs for 73 metres) going during the latter stages when the game was all but gone, while his kicking game was ordinary to put it mildly. A terrier in defence, the best part of his performance. 4.5

8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: A late play-the-ball error was disappointing, but took the fight to the Bulldogs all night in a 66-minute shift. Restricted to 123 metres on 16 runs, but hit hard and often in defence (40 tackles). 6.5

9 WAYDE EGAN: One of the few Warriors who provided any spark, getting out of dummy-half at the right times and keeping the ball alive with some second-phase — until being forced to play the last 25 minutes significantly hampered by injury. A gutsy effort that entailed 42 tackles. 6

10 MITCH BARNETT: Lapping his fellow forwards with 18 runs for 179 metres (75 post-contact) in 53 minutes, racked up 28 tackles and had the notable highlight of a try assist with a chip kick. 7

11 KURT CAPEWELL: Soaked up a ton of work with a game-high 44 tackles, on top of nine runs for 68 metres. All heart, if few highlights. 6

12 JACOB LABAN: A rough fortnight for the wunderkind after a charmed month or so. Thoroughly outplayed by Kikau from the opening whistle and struggled to get into the match, with his modest attacking contribution (nine runs for 62 metres) also stymied but two frustrating handling errors. Made 27 tackles but was replaced with 20 minutes left after his second mistake. 4.5

13 ERIN CLARK: One of the more stark illustrations of the Bulldogs’ middle dominance was the marquee lock’s near-season-low 71 metres from eight runs, though he did bend the line back on occasion. Racked up 28 tackles in 44 minutes but we’ve come to expect more impact. 5.5

15 TANNER STOWERS-SMITH: Got stuck in with 11 runs for 90 metres but was often manhandled and forced backwards by a dialled in Bulldogs defence. Chalked up 24 tackles (no misses) in 39 minutes and didn’t let anyone down. 6

16 DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA: One of the better performers, helping swing the momentum the Warriors’ way when he entered the fray. Nine runs for 68 metres and a hearty defensive effort with 32 stops (no misses) in 38 minutes. Very unlucky to be penalised — and lose the Warriors’ challenge — for what Bunker official Wyatt Raymond dubbed an ‘unnatural motion’… 7

21 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Arguably the Warriors’ most purposeful player, slotting in at fullback late in the first half and immediately defusing a sketchy in-goal situation wonderfully well. Rock-solid at the back — including a scything try-saver with 10 minutes to go — and provided genuine punch with the ball in hand, tallying 92 metres on 12 runs and having a couple of nice touches on attack. 7

17 LEKA HALASIMA: Injected with 27 minutes to go and tried hard to get something going for a listless Warriors attack, but the Bulldogs had him covered. Six runs for 43 metres with four tackle-breaks and 15 tackles. 5.5