The Warriors’ unforgettable 28-12 defeat of Penrith took a village, which means a lavish edition of TWL’s Kingz Container Crew player ratings.
1 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Another characteristically tireless and physical display from the veteran, who is taking the opportunity afforded by Taine’s injury with both hands. A line-break in the first half and burrowed over for a try early in the second, while he had seven tackle-breaks among 19 runs for 192 metres. Caught out by Cleary’s kicking game in the latter stages — the bomb miss, which was nullified by an offside Panther, with five minutes to go was a shocker — but was pretty safe overall. I’m less convinced than some that he’s already done enough to permanently oust Tuaupiki, but he does seem to have his nose back in front. 7.5
2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: Led the bruising ball-carrying brigade early on with a bevy of kamikaze runs. Quietened in that department to finish with 15 runs for 142 metres, but an excellent grab of a crossfield kick and even better offload produced a crucial try for CNK. Good defensively for the most part, but allowed opposite Jenkins too much leeway during the nervy last quarter of the match. 7.5
3 ALI LEIATAUA: A step back after a few good weeks, with the tyro making three errors, giving away a penalty and making a modest 76 metres on seven runs. Busy defensively with 21 tackles but his edge started to unravel in the second half. 5
4 LEKA HALASIMA: Has surely cemented his spot for the rest of the season after a second straight blockbusting performance. Putting aside an ugly missed tackle as Edgar scored, Halasima produced a centre performance brimming with the sort of impact we arguably haven’t seen since Konrad Hurrell’s heyday. Put the Warriors right on top with a sensational 50-metre burst then delivered an equally magnificent assist for CHT at the end of the set. That was the pinnacle of a team-high 241 run metres and game-high 12 tackle-breaks — insane numbers. Can improve defensively but loses little to his predecessor in that department…and it’s no contest on the attacking side of the ball. 8.5
5 ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA: Few chances to get anywhere near the tryline, but made a nice line-break in the second half, took his share of carries to end up with 115 metres on 11 runs, and was sound on defence in what shaped as a tough match-up with Brian To’o. 6
6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Coming off his best performance in a couple of months, CHT seemed a little out of sorts reuniting with his 2025 halves partner. Grabbed a well-taken try but only had two runs for 19 metres (after reaching triple figures against the Titans) and didn’t get much going in the playmaking department. Worked hard without the ball for 23 tackles. 5.5
7 LUKE METCALF: Under the circumstances — the limited build-up, the occasion, the scrutiny — it was a personal triumph. Putting Capewell through a hole and backing up to score was a huge play and a brilliant moment, while his solo effort to seal the game late wasn’t far behind. Metcalf’s long and short kicking game was probably the biggest difference in having him back in the halfback hotseat, and it included a pinpoint kick to set up CNK’s try. Clunky and hesitant on attack at times, but that’s perhaps understandable. Six runs for 67 metres, six tackle-breaks and 15 tackles (four misses). The try celebrations gave off a certain Patrick Bateman-esque vibe that, if TWL’s DMs are any indication, will ensure he remains a polarising figure (and full credit to Luke for admitting post-match he’s carrying a chip or two) — but if Te Maire is out for another couple of weeks as reported, the No.7 jersey is Metcalf’s to lose. 8.5
8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: Destined for a huge game after leading a historic, spine-tingling pre-match haka and completely dominated his former teammates. Led the way with 18 runs for 160 metres and reeled off 35 tackles — every one in both departments with bloodthirsty intent. Enormous cover tackle after a Panthers break with seven minutes left summed up the effort. Ramped up the passing game on occasion and had a hand in CHT’s try. 8.5
9 WAYDE EGAN: Superb in the first half, catching the Panthers out around the ruck frequently (finishing with 52 metres from six runs) and producing a line-break assist. An HIA halted his momentum and he was less effective on his return. Made 28 tackles and missed seven. 7
10 MITCH BARNETT: A tremendous foil for tone-setting JFH, grafting away for 165 metres — the most of any forward on the field — on 16 runs and 37 tackles. His 76 post-contact metres were also a game-high. Great to see the warhorse stringing games together again. 8
11 KURT CAPEWELL: The line-break and assist for Metcalf’s first try was a glittering highlight, while his outstanding kick defusal created the chance for Halasima’s match-turning line-break near the Warriors’ line. Did all the little things he usually does and put up big numbers: 102 metres on 10 runs, four tackle-breaks, 32 tackles. 8
12 JACOB LABAN: A defensive monster with a team-high 46 stops and tucked the ball under his arm for 89 metres on 11 runs. Got a clear points decision over Origin star Liam Martin. 7.5
13 ERIN CLARK: Got the upset rolling with a barnstorming fifth-minute try, disposing of a host of big-name would-be Panthers defenders. Continued in that vein to finish with 140 metres (57 post-contact) from 14 runs and 23 tackles. A machine. 8
15 TANNER STOWERS-SMITH: Racked up 101 metres on 10 carries and 17 tackles in 39 minutes of gametime, impressing with his impact and tenacity as per. Still a genuine contender for a spot when both Ford and Vaimauga are available again. 7.5
17 EDDIE IEREMIA-TOEAVA: Like TSS, staking a decent claim for inclusion in a full-strength 17. Backed up last week’s career-best display with 12 runs for 108 metres and 28 tackles (no misses) in 49 high-quality minutes. 7
14 SAM HEALEY: Filled in while Egan was on HIA early in the second half and had another late stint, during which time he added some spark and make three runs and eight tackles. 5.5
16 MORGAN GANNON: Has been saved from the ignominy of returning to the UK as the briefest of all Warriors one-game wonders thanks to his surprise selection and two-minute cameo. One run and zero tackles. N/A
Pretty much spot on Will.
On the TSS full strength 17 idea - I think he’s nudged ahead of Demi, but I also don’t hate the idea of the two of them being equally likely to play going into a game (assuming we play 5 middles, three edges, two hookers) and Webby just picks one of them on gameday based on whether we need a bit of a lift and x-factor (Demi) or to win the grind (tanner). TSS also probably allows Barney and Fish to be a bit more aggro because he can play proper minutes solidly, as can Eddie.
I thought EIT was really good. He did a lot of tireless work in that second half. Our young guys are all so good, and getting better. Webby is a master.