TWL Rd 6: Kingz Container Crew Warriors Player Ratings

A stampede of Kingz among men as the Warriors put the Storm to the sword.

The Warriors’ stunning 38-14 victory over Melbourne was a classic team effort, but a host of individuals stand tall in the Kingz Container Crew player ratings.

1 TAINE TUAUPIKI: It would be easy — and slightly unfair — to focus on the butchered try, while a first-set error and pass directly to his opposite number (negating a brilliant effort to come up with the ball) near the Warriors’ goal-line were regrettable. But the energy Tuaupiki provided from the back was invaluable and he produced another try-saver-into-touch tackle on Warbrick, made 20 runs for 143 metres and had an equal-team-high five tackle-breaks. Clunkier than his usual silky self from a ball-playing standpoint, but nevertheless a solid pass mark. 7

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: Ran in an easy double and should have had an equally simple hat-trick, but arguably produced his biggest contributions making tough carries (14 runs for 99 metres), defusing kicks, staying composed on defence and making no errors. 7

23 ALI LEIATAUA: Big early statement with a powerful try, but barely featured thereafter, save for an excellent grab of a bomb to set up DWZ’s second. Finished with a modest seven runs for 35 metres and nine tackles — but importantly he wasn’t exposed without the ball. He’s 6-0 across the grades this season with four tries…that’s just facts. 6.5

5 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: After a couple of tough outings on the flank, RTS shone in his first appearance at centre since the penultimate round of 2024. Set the tone with his ealry defensive intent, scored a wonderful try and made 144 metres from 19 runs with five tackle-breaks, while his booming try-saver on 2027 replacement Will Warbrick (and his fizz aftewards) was as symbolic as it was impressive. Definitely a potential solution to a long-standing problem spot. 8.5

20 ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA: Got the late call-up to become Warrior #297 and did not disappoint, despite not getting any opportunities in space to show his trademark pace. Won his duel with 2027 competitor Warbrick, coming up with some good defensive plays and great catches, on top of 11 runs for 108 metres. Looking forward to more of AKP in the top grade. 7

6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Simply has to be in the side — in the halves — from now on. Brings an indefinable calm to the Warriors and invariably pulls out big plays. Put Roger in for a try, launched a pinpoint kick for another and made a series of bell-ringing tackles among his 15 stops, none better than his huge hit on Josh King. Whoever the halfback is, they need this guy alongside them. 8.5

7 TANAH BOYD: His sole try assist was a jammy one that could have ended in disaster, but overall it was much closer to the first three rounds than the last two from Tanah. More composed and decisive, kicked well and was big on defence with 29 tackles. Gels with with Chanel. 7.5

8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: Set the tone early and made a difference upon returning for his second crack, making more of an impact on the match than 14 runs for 107 tackles and 31 tackles (four misses) with two penalties across two 27-minute stints might suggest. The Kiwis skipper is developing into an excellent club captain. 7.5

9 WAYDE EGAN: After NSW incumbent Reece Robson and main challenger Blayke Brailey duelled in Perth, Egan made his own Origin statement by thoroughly outplaying Queensland and Australian hooker Harry Grant. Directed traffic superbly around the rucks, finished with two try assists and made 25 tackles before taking an injury-influenced early mark with 18 minutes to go. 8

10 JACKSON FORD: Atoned for relinquishing the Warriors’ momentum at 12-2 with a frustrating dropped ball, playing the full 80 minutes in the trenches and racking up team-high run metres (162) and tackles (35) tallies, along with scoring a determined (and questionable?) try to put the foot on the Storm’s throat. 7.5

11 LEKA HALASIMA: Was under-utilised by the Warriors’ playmakers, struggled to get involved off his own bat (five runs for 43 metres), had five misses along with his 18 tackles, made two errors and gave away a dumb penalty early in the second half. But his energy and intent was on point…just needs to channel it better and more consistently. 6

15 MARATA NIUKORE: Great start from the veteran with the assist for Leiataua’s try before plunging over for the Warriors’ second himself. Undid much of that good work by getting shrugged off by teenaged opposite Cooper Clarke as the Storm opened their account, before immediately getting hooked following a high-tackle penalty. Only came back on for six minutes in the second half. Days must be numbered at full strength. 5.5

13 ERIN CLARK: Had his gametime trimmed back (41 minutes), so his averages (eight runs for 70 metres and 24 tackles) were down but made his presence felt when on the park. Not quite replicating last season’s stellar form but decent tonight. 6.5

12 JACOB LABAN: Bumped back to the bench for the first time in 2026 but responded well, playing 53 minutes and producing a strong defensive display (20 tackles) along with some strong carries among seven runs for 51 metres. 6.5

16 DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA: This was the performance we’ve been waiting patiently for. Emasculated the Storm pack in 41 blockbusting minutes on the field. The budding enforcer made 18 runs for 130 metres, threw the last pass for Dallin’s second try and left an indent with each of his 11 hurtful tackles. 8.5

17 TANNER STOWERS-SMITH: Got through a pile of ball-carrying during 27 minutes on the field, making 86 metres on 11 runs. Continues to be a strong, consistent week-to-week performer. 7

14 SAM HEALEY: Came on for the last 18 minutes and played his part in the Warriors’ stoic goal-line defensive efforts, as well as going for a couple of runs. 5