TWL Rd 4: Kingz Container Crew Warriors Player Ratings

A jolt to the KCC POTY averages after a shabby all-round display against the Tigers.

Genuine Kingz Container Crew player ratings standouts were thin on the ground for the Warriors in a shock 18-point defeat to Wests Tigers at Mount Smart Stadium.

21 TAINE TUAUPIKI: Got the late call-up and had the early assist for Charnze’s first try. Was typically keen and busy, finishing with 17 runs for 144 metres…just can’t find that slam-dunk, breakout moment that makes him a long-term must in the No.1 jersey. Couple of tough moments in defence too, though overall effort can’t be faulted. 6

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: A stack of full-throttle carries (13 runs for 114 metres), some great defused kicks and a superb take of an attacking bomb that very nearly produced a try. And then a mind-boggling error on the kick return that makes you want to quit watching rugby league forever. Will probably never do enough wrong to justify getting dropped for the likes of Alofiana Khan-Pereira, but the likelihood of getting DWZ’s 2023 or even 2024 level again is dwindling. 6

3 ADAM POMPEY: Some real 2019-22 footy awareness from the former enigma to get binned in the 18th minute when the Warriors had the foot on the throat. Real stupid. The Warriors’ newest dad can’t be blamed for what was dished up across the board for the following hour, but the game swung on his blunder — and a return of seven runs for 45 metres, as well as getting stepping by Adam Doueihi for the comeback kick-starter, makes you wonder if the right centre got demoted. 4

1 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Amid a few selection calls that proved debatable, Charnze to centre was the one that proved to have the most merit if you discount what his best position may be. Great first-up try and kept the Warriors shaky right edge in check defensively with some calm reads and good scramble. Switched to fullback with 12 minutes to go and almost immediately steamed into a gap for his second. Limitations with the ball aside, maybe the Warriors win this with CNK at the back for 80. Finish with a team-high four tackle-breaks from just eight runs. 7.5

5 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: Appeared to have Wakefield flat-hunting on his mind during the first half as he failed to clean up a pair of bombs that led to Tigers tries during the first half. Rallied to make a team-high 168 metres from 16 runs, but few opportunities to truly influence the game on attack. 6

6 LUKE METCALF: Positive start as he regained confidence in a team running downhill, but looked increasingly uncomfortable with the Warriors getting into a funk. Five runs for 56 metres was encouraging and his kicking accuracy was very good, but had two errors and (understandably) struggled for ball-playing rhythm and was fended into another dimension by Adam Doueihi as the comeback got going. 5

7 TANAH BOYD: Picked up where he left off initially — having a hand in the first try then laying on another for Jacob Laban — but the Rounds 1-3 authority and confidence was largely lacking from that point. Sparked a potential comeback by brilliant setting up CNK’s second try but sprayed the crucial conversion from a handy spot. Kicking game sound, ran strongly and made 21 tackles…but the highlights have a different filter when your team gets dicked. 6.5

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8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: A tower of strength again in a pack that was disappointing for the first time in 2026. Led the Warriors forwards comfortably with 15 runs for 141 metres (including a team-high 46 post-contact) and racked up 28 tackles — featuring hurtful stops that forced crucial errors. A continuation of a stellar start to the year. 7.5

9 WAYDE EGAN: A very quiet night with just two runs and — subtle as he can be — not too noticeable guile around the rucks. Made 31 tackles before hitting the bench with 20 minutes to go, a change that may have had a negative impact when it still a tenuous 22-12. 5

10 JACKSON FORD: Despite another 70-minute shift, Jacko’s Dally M Medal lead at the end of Round 4 will be dependent on Penrith’s spine stars’ performances tomorrow. Made a colossal, team-high 45 tackles but his offensive output was well down with 13 runs for 109 metres, and came up with a couple of untimely handling errors on attack in the second half. Burnout perhaps? 6

11 LEKA HALASIMA: A game that passed the young superstar by, making a modest eight runs for 66 metres and enduring a bad night defensively with 21 tackles counted by seven misses. Stood up badly by Doueihi as he set up Madden’s sealer. 5

12 JACOB LABAN: Barnstorming start to the game on both sides of the ball, with a string of big tackles and strong runs culminating in a 15th-minute try. Not quite as impactful thereafter and could have done better as Hunt plunged over for a crucial try on halftime. Made 112 metres from 13 runs and 26 tackles but was not sighted after being replaced seven minutes into the second half. 7

13 ERIN CLARK: With 11 runs for 88 metres and 28 tackles, with one offload and seven passes, it has to be said that this was one of Clark’s less effective displays since a return to Auckland in which he’s otherwise made every post a winner. 5.5

15 MITCH BARNETT: Big increase in gametime (53 minutes) and churned through 34 tackles, but less impact with the ball than last week — 11 runs for 83 metres. Had a handling error and gave away two set restarts. 5.5

17 TANNER STOWERS-SMITH: Outstanding work-rate in 40 minutes on the paddock — 11 runs for 101 metres and 36 tackles — and caught the eye while doing it. An error, a penalty and a ruck infringement blotted his performance slightly. 6.5

18 MARATA NIUKORE: Brought in from outside the 17 for the second week in a row, but made only four runs in 34 minutes. Made 17 tackles without a miss. Better than running the unused Demitric? Doubtful. 5

14 SAM HEALEY: Handed a tough assignment — chucked in at dummy-half with 20 minutes to go at 22-12 down — and did his best with no notable highlights or gaffes. Three runs and 12 tackles. 5.5