NZ Warriors face tough selection calls with full-strength squad against South Sydney
Mitch Barnett is the last piece in the Warriors line-up against South Sydney.
Photo:
DAVE HUNT/AAP
Warriors v Rabbitohs
Kickoff 4pm Sunday, 1 June
Accor Stadium, Sydney
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
For the first time this season, NZ Warriors may have a full squad to choose from against South Sydney Rabbitohs, which means some familiar faces are relegated back to reserve grade this weekend.
After shuffling his line-ups to cover a host of injuries among backs and forwards, coach Andrew Webster has had to make some painful decisions around those who have filled in and helped the club to a solid 8-3 start to their 2025 campaign, good for third on the NRL table.
"I get an injury report every Monday and you should see how many niggles these boys carry, so it's not clean, but they're available for selection," Webster explained.
The
return of wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
(wrist) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) saw
Taine Tuaupiki drop from the gameday squad
two weeks ago.
The absence of front-rower James Fisher-Harris (pec) opened up a spot for
teenage sensation Leka Halasima
in the starting pack, but he has been named back on the bench against Souths.
After deploying veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell in the midfield, Webster now has the luxury of three front-line centres, with Capewell shifted to his preferred role and Rocco Berry (hamstring) supplanting Ali Leiataua, who started the season-opener, but returned from a four-week ankle sprain last week.
If co-captain Mitch Barnett can back up after the State of Origin opener on Wednesday, Webster will have the luxury of a full-strength starting line-up, something that eluded him all of last season.
Taine Tuaupiki in action for the Warriors against the Cowboys.
Photo:
NRL Photos/Photosport
"The morning after, we'll see how he pulls up or it could be a day later after that, but we'll give him every chance," Webster said of Barnett. "If he pulls up well, he'll play, but if he doesn't, we won't play him."
Another to drop off the radar is prop Bunty Afoa, who covered for Barnett in the starting line-up last week, but couldn't make the 22-man squad this time around, while forward Jacob Laban is also on the outside looking in.
Winger Ed Kosi is back from a shoulder injury suffered against North Queensland at 'Magic Round', hooker Sam Healey and second-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith have debuted for the club this season, while utility Tanah Boyd - a 69-game veteran for Gold Coast Titans - is still awaiting his first opportunity in a new jersey.
"It's difficult for them and it's difficult for me, because they're probably frustrated they're not playing, but it's great for our club that we have that depth," Webster said. "They're quality players and if we do have to call on them at any stage, or if they force their way into the team, that's exciting.
"It's difficult that someone's got to miss out, but it's great for the club that we've got that depth."
Webster and his players have preached a 'next man up' mentality through the early rounds, and that philosophy has served them well until now, but this day was always likely to arrive.
Kurt Capewell lays down the law to the Warriors.
Photo:
David Neilson/Photosport
The call between Leiataua and Berry would have been particularly close, after the latter
missed the first three weeks with a shoulder injury
, strained a hamstring before his scheduled return against Wests Tigers, copped a suspension when he finally took the field against Melbourne Storm and then tweaked a hammy again against the Cowboys.
Last week, as the
Warriors lost to Canberra Raiders
, Webster lamented his team's inability to contain the opposition back five. Leiataua, 22, missed a crucial tackle on opposite Sebastian Kris that led to the Raiders' first try.
"I was just really excited for Ali to go back and get some footy in [reserve grade]," Webster said. "For a young player, he's done a terrific job for where he's at in his career.
"I don't think he'd even be 20 games into his career yet and he's done a fantastic job. I just want him to go back and work on a few things, and when he comes back into NRL, I think everyone will be really excited.
"Rocco Berry gets his opportunity to come back into the team and it's an opportunity to get Kurt hopefully consistently back to the back row.
"Tough calls are good for your club, because it means everyone's available and people are in good form. Tough decision, but a good headache to have."
The other key selection this week restores Halasima to the interchange spot where he began the season, before erupting with three tries in three consecutive games to herald his arrival on the scene.
In six starting appearances, the 19-year-old second-rower has averaged 69 minutes, including three complete 80-minute performances. He may yet start against the Rabbitohs, if Barnett can't recover in time.
Leka Halasima and Ali Leiataua celebrate a try against Brisbane Broncos.
Photo:
Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
"The thing for Leka is, to be playing 80 minutes at his age and how many games he's played in his career is unbelievable, especially with the fatigue in the game," Webster said.
"He's done a terrific job, but with these young players, you have to bring them on at the right speed. Having Kurt and Marata [Niukore] back in the back row give Leka that opportunity that, when he comes on, he can really explode, instead of trying to be a workhorse.
"He'll get that as his game progresses, he'll be able to nail 80 minutes."
Warriors:
1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Rocco Berry, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark
Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Leka Halasima, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Jackson Ford
Reserves: 18 Jacob Laban, 20 Sam Healey, 21 Tanah Boyd, 22 Tanner Stowers-Smith
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
39 minutes ago
- RNZ News
The Empire Strikes Back - Crusaders win Super Rugby Pacific
Codie Taylor of the Crusaders celebrates after scoring a try with Noah Hotham of the Crusaders during the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match between Crusaders and Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium. Photo:We're finally here - the business end of a fantastic season of Super Rugby Pacific. Will it be redemption for the Crusaders after last season's horror show, or a breakthrough win in their third final in a row for the Chiefs? Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT. Read how the game unfolded with RNZ's live blog: Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final live updates: Crusaders lead as final goes down to the wire
Naitoa Ah Kuoi of the Chiefs. Photo: Peter Meecham/ We're finally here - the business end of a fantastic season of Super Rugby Pacific. Will it be redemption for the Crusaders after last season's horror show, or a breakthrough win in their third final in a row for the Chiefs? Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo
Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
NRL: NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers - what you need to know
, Digital Sports Journalist Warriors v Panthers Kickoff: 5pm Saturday, 21 June Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport History Penrith Panthers have traditionally been among the Warriors' toughest opponents through their time in the NRL, with the head-to-head record favouring them 32-19, plus a draw. The Warriors have even struggled to defend their home patch against them, with the Panthers enjoying a 14-11 edge on the road and they are deadlocked 10-10 at Mt Smart. Their biggest margin of victory came in 2013, when Kiwis Isaac John and Lewis Brown - both former Warriors - scored five tries between them in a 62-6 Penrith victory in Sydney. That was the Warriors' biggest-ever defeat, until their 70-10 Anzac Day debacle against Melbourne Storm in 2022. The Warriors enjoyed their biggest win in 2001, when Francis Meli, Justin Murphy, Logan Swann and Clinton Toopi all had try doubles in a 52-8 result at home. Current Panthers coach Ivan Cleary kicked 6/10 conversions for the Warriors that day. Penrith have won eight of the last nine meetings, dating back to 2019 - the last time these two teams met in Auckland - but the makeshift Warriors took the honours last year, with an upset 22-20 win at 'Magic Round' in Brisbane. Fullback Taine Tuaupiki scored a late try and converted for the win. Form Both teams are coming off bye weeks and both have lost after their previous byes this season. The Warriors (10-3) have won back-to-back outings across the Tasman, since their last loss to Canberra Raiders at home. They lost co-captain Mitch Barnett to a season-ending knee injury against South Sydney, but produced probably their best performance - especially in a 28-0 second half - against Cronulla Sharks. This fixture will mark the start of a very favourable schedule that includes four home games and a bye over the next seven weeks. After winning their season-opener against the Sharks at Las Vegas, Penrith (5-1-7) lost five straight and sat at the foot of the NRL table, but two wins and the bye have helped boost their standing to ninth, just a point outside the playoff cut halfway through the season. Those wins only came against Parramatta Eels (16th) and Wests Tigers (13th), and they were preceded by a loss to Newcastle Knights (15th), so they're not exactly hitting their straps yet. Teams Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Moala Graham Taufa, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Eagan, 10 Marata Niukore, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Jacob Laban, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18 Sam Healey, 22 Ed Kosi With Origin II played in Perth on Wednesday, players involved in this game could not fly back across Australia and then the Tasman in time to recover, so Kurt Capewell will miss his first game of the season. That's probably just as well - the Warriors wouldn't want to lose a second player to injury, trying to back up from the rep showcase. With Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua still sidelined, his place in the centres has been taken by Moala Graham Taufa, who will join Souths next season. Wayde Egan returns, after missing the Sharks game with a hip complaint, but Sam Healey remains among the reserves, just in case. Winger Ed Kosi is still in the gameday squad, which suggests there's an outside chance Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may yet revert to the midfield. Te Maire Martin is named for his 100th NRL game, which is some achievement, after he 'retired' in 2020 with a brain bleed. Panthers: 1 Daine Laurie, 2 Thomas Jenkins, 3 Izack Tago, 4 Casey McLean, 5 Paul Alamoti, 6 Blaize Talagi, 7 Brad Schneider, 8 Moses Leota, 9 Mitch Kenny, 10 Lindsay Smith, 11 Scott Sorenson, 12 Isaiah Papali'i, 13, Matt Eisenhuth Interchange: 14 Trent Toelau, 15 Liam Henry, 16 Luron Patea, 17 Luke Garner Reserves: 18 Luke Sommerton, 19 Jack Cole Much to Cleary's disgust, Penrith are far more depleted by the Origin logistics, with son Nathan, captain Isaah Yeo, winger Brian To'o, fullback Dylan Edwards and second-rower Liam Martin all unavailable. Prop Lindsay Smith was called into the NSW squad and travelled to Perth, but didn't take the field, so he will take his place in the starting line-up. The Panthers should be used to covering for their rep stars at this time of the season and have enough depth to ambush unprepared opponents. Their gameday squad features Kiwis Moses Leota, Scott Sorenson, Isaiah Papali'I, Luron Patea, Casey McLean and Trent Toelau. Player to watch Without Cleary, Blaize Talagi will be called on to stamp his class on the game, something he has already done this season - his first at the Panthers. He scored 11 tries in 19 appearances for Parramatta last season and showed his ability in Penrith colours, when he scored a try and assisted on four in the 30-30 draw with North Queensland. Kiwi to watch Of Māori descent, Casey McLean made his Kiwis debut against Papua New Guinea, scoring four tries on the wing. Playing at centre, he's scored six tries in 10 outings for Penrith this season. They said it "It's going to be different. I'm not sure what it's going to feel like, because I've never experienced it before. It's one of those things that you'll find out on gameday." - Penrith prop Moses Leota, looking forward to facing former teammate James Fisher-Harris "Still got some fond memories and some people there I've got a lot of respect for, particularly Ivan, but that's kind of dwindled now. I'm just glad that the fans get the champions at our stadium." - Warriors coach Andrew Webster , not emotional about facing his old club What will happen Webster will have his troops geed up for this one, with former Panthers Fisher-Harris, Egan and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on board. The Wahs are locked in right now and could put up a score.
