'Webby' speaks: Injury updates, recruits, rule changes, young halves
Get the salient points from Andrew Webster's first all-in media session of 2026.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster fronted the media after training today, providing updates on a whole bunch of players, along with his thoughts on the NRL’s controversial proposed rule changes for 2026.
On Mitch Barnett’s and Luke Metcalf’s prospective return dates:
‘ Barney’s’ like Round Zero to Round 4, anywhere in that range, and Luke would be around 7 to 10. And the reason why, the last month they can start doing a lot but they can’t do everything.
And then you’ve got to see how they progress through that period. So it looks like they’re flying up until this point, but this is the point where you actually see how they go. But Luke definitely won’t be any preseason trials or early rounds, that’s for sure.
On injuries to Rocco Berry and others:
Rocco Berry had an operation on his shoulder. The initial operation didn’t go as planned. So unfortunately for Rocco it needed to be redone. Taine (Tuaupiki) had an incident on his farm over the break, with his leg, so he’s a delayed return.
Leka (Halasima) had a little cleanout on some calf stuff, but he’s back full training. So I think the only ones that’ll affect Round 1 would probably be Rocco Berry based on what we all already knew for the season. Taine would be close to Round 1.
On ex-Titans wing recruit Alofiana Khan-Pereira:
Obviously very fast, ‘Lofi’. He’s learning a new defensive system, he’s buying in. The boys are loving the way he plays. He’s been exceptional and gives us plenty of competition in that sort of area, but I think it allows us a little bit of X factor. If we make a break, we can turn something half-chance into a full chance.
He definitely can [force his way into the Round 1 line-up]. It’s up to him and it’s up to the other two [wingers] not to let him in the door. We also bought [Haizyn Mellars] who’s an outstanding prospect from the Rabbits. So we’ve got some good depth on the wing and got some competition there. We’ve got our Player of the Year (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck) and we’ve got Dallin (Watene-Zelezniak) who’s been an international. It’s not going to be easy for 'Lofi or Haiz. They’re making it hard for the other two.
Very fast guys though, when it’s effortless for them, right? When it’s really easy, like they’re gliding, and you’re like, ‘Come on, put your foot down’, and then next minute he just runs away from everyone. [He’s definitely taken the fastest player mantle off Luke Metcalf], that’ll upset Luke, but definitely - I reckon Jye (Linnane) is close, by the way.
