TWL RD 27: KINGZ CONTAINER CREW WARRIORS PLAYER RATINGS

The Warriors enjoyed the greatest opening 10 seconds of any team in premiership history and scored on the fulltime buzzer at 4 Pines Park…unfortunately, the 79 minutes and 40 seconds or so in between were among the most putrid they have produced in 2025.

A 27-26 loss – somewhat fittingly with chronic Warriors tormentor Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal proving the difference in his last game for Manly – was considerably worse than the scoreboard may have made it look. The overall raggedness on both sides of the ball was more than a little concerning ahead of a home elimination final next week, mostly like against the four-time defending premiers.

The Warriors finished just ahead in most significant statistical areas, but they largely struggled against a similarly sloppy Sea Eagles outfit that made a whopping 16 errors. The visitors committed 14 errors in an eyesore of a fixture.

The good news is the club is into the playoffs for just the 10th time in 31 seasons – top six for just the seventh time. Less encouragingly, an injury-hit squad has limped into the finals with five losses from their last seven games, when only one of those matches was against a team that will join them in the Top 8 (unless the Dolphins squeak in).

We’ve got some Kingz Container Crew player ratings to get out of the way before turning our attention to the post-season.

1 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Nice eyes-up try assist for Dallin’s first try and sliced through for his own four-pointer on top of 21 runs for 193 metres. Still lacks spark at the attacking end, though, and had a scratchy night at the back and finished with three errors. 7

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: On the surface, a productive night with two tries in an otherwise lean year, three line-breaks and 17 runs for 180 metres. But some atrocious defensive decisions in the first half should have alarm bells ringing ahead of a likely clash with a Penrith side that will target his edge mercilessly. 6

3 ADAM POMPEY: Pedestrian outing after stringing together some of the best form of his career. Twelve runs for 97 metres, nine tackles and two errors. 5

4 ROCCO BERRY: Made a horrific defensive read and dislocated his shoulder trying to tidy up, his night over after five minutes. The injuries are unfortunate, but after five seasons at this level the club can’t keep persevering waiting for Berry to a) stay fit and b) be good. 1

5 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: A shining light again with 20 runs for a game-high 234 metres (94 post-contact). Few opportunities to shine at the other end but an absolute workhorse and so reliable. 7.5

6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: A fairly lively performance, with a line-break assist, eight runs and good defensively with 19 tackles. A couple of errors though and couldn’t get his left edge firing on attack. 5.5

7 TANAH BOYD: Two lovely second-half try assist with the hand among three line-break assists for the match, kicked pretty well and looked good running the ball. Not great but not bad. 6.5

8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: Grabbed the quickest try in NRL history but ultimately an unhappy night for the skipper, with a bad miss for Simpkin’s try and a cold drop with the Warriors hot on attack. Worked hard with 18 runs for 156 metres and 36 tackles. 6

9 SAM HEALEY: The most dangerous Warriors player on the park and was rewarded with a sharp second-half try. Also saved one in the first half with a great tackle on Tom Trbojevic. Always probing (9 runs for 84 metres) and topped the tackle count (42), though there was some dusty passes and a dangerous tackle penalty in amongst it all. 7.5

10 TANNER STANNERS-SMITH: Tradesmanlike effort with seven runs for 66 metres and 24 tackles in 37 minutes. 5.5

11 KURT CAPEWELL: Long sideline break was a highlight, accounting for most of his 96 metres from seven runs. Made 33 tackles with five misses, and conceded a penalty and a ruck infringement. 6

12 MARATA NIUKORE: Spent some time off the field with a hamstring complaint and had a limited impact during his 53 minutes on the paddock. Seven runs for 58 metres, 16 tackles with two misses. 5

13 ERIN CLARK: Arguably the best player on the field in perhaps his most industrious display in a season jam-packed with them, playing the full 80 minutes. Made 23 runs for 194 metres with a game-high nine tackle-breaks, popped six offloads and toiled for 41 tackles. Immense. 8.5

14 TE MAIRE MARTIN: Looked fairly sharp in 25 minutes off the bench, with three runs and 14 tackles (though missed four). 5

15 EDDIE IEREMIA-TOEVA: Looked super dangerous again in 37 minutes with seven eye-catching runs for 62 metres and 22 tackles without a miss, but the rookie’s night ended early with a suspected AC joint injury. 7

16 DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA: Not his best in a great season, making 26 tackles but missing five and giving away a penalty. Eight solid runs for 71 metres. 5.5

17 LEKA HALASIMA: Chucked on at centre after five minutes and struggled at times on defence and couldn’t really get a foothold offensively. Seven runs for 56 metres, 15 tackles, two errors and a penalty conceded. 5.5

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