2025 Report Card

[Meth]

Too soon? We'll see.

Adam Pompey- B+ Lowly rated, but generally good. Not fast, but smart.

Ali Leiataua- D This was supposed to be his year and, well, it wasn't

Chanel Harris-Tavita- B+ Was forming a great combination with Metcalf before Metcalf's injury. Excellent defensively and always amazes me how he pops up in the right place at the right time. He obviously has footy IQ. More influential on attack than he's given credit for.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad- C Hampered by injury and spent some time at centre. We generally look better with him at fullback, but he has a ceiling.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak- D Ironically, because 'D' is really where he seems to be deficient. To be honest, I'd tend to agree that he ended up 'carrying the can' for the malfunction of a lot of players inside him and some of his carries were good. Still though, paid way too much to be not very good.

Luke Metcalf- B+ Overcame early jitters and criticism to end up looking very promising. Shame about the ACL

Rocco Berry- D Made of glass.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck- A+ Indefatigable coming out of our own end and a great finisher at the other.

Taine Tuaupiki- B Filled in well on the wing in DWZ's absence and then at fullback in CNK's. Size still looks to be an issue and somehow he ended up being a 'safe pair of hands' rather than any kind of attacking threat.

Tanah Boyd- C Defensively poor. Looked ok in patches, but terrible under pressure. The pressure in that Knights' game had him looking like he had gastro.

Te Maire Martin- C+ Shoved into the utility role. Looked amazing in NSW Cup and mildly threatening in first grade.

Demetric Vaimauga- A The big mover of the season. Amazing to think about what he could become. When we looked our best, it was with his impact and exuberance.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava- B Promising.

Erin Clark- A+ A player I had a lot of doubts about and he proved me wrong, big time. Tireless and our true spiritual leader, really.

Jackson Ford- D Slow and in the way. Playing too many minute, conceding too many penalties and making too many errors.

Jacob Laban- B Promising.

James Fisher Harris- C Whatever he brings to the team off the field, it hasn't translated to him leading from the front on it.

Kurt Capewell- D A couple of good games and a lot of very average ones.

Leka Halasima- A Not without some 'rocks', but it's hard to not be excited about his potential. One of very few genuine attacking threats in this side. His try versus Newcastle was the moment of the year, for mine.

Marata Niukore- D A frustrating player. Consumes a lot of cap, but not a lot of workload. Should be a bigger threat than he is.

Mitchell Barnett- B The real leader of this team. Such a shame, his injury, for him and for us. What might have been?

Sam Healey- B+ A lot of promise.

Wayde Egan- B Not his best year. Last year, it was indisputable that we looked best with him on the park. This year, it's probably still true, but not indisputable.

Tanner Stowers-Smith- B Really found his feet and showed us some great carries, particularly coming off the bench.

Bunty Afoa C He and Ale fell off the radar this year.

Andrew Webster B If anyone offered us that season after Vegas, we would have taken it. But our style of play is frustrating. We have plaguing issues that seem to go unaddressed. I don't know. He seems to be a guy who will get you to the finals, but no further than week 2.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Hard to disagree with a lot of those. I've been thinking along these lines all day, will see how different mine comes up.

I probably won't have a D for Jacko

 

[hitro]

I think that Halasima is now the best attacking player at the club and we need a new game plan that is based around that

 

[Blair]

My 'moment of the year' was holding out the fast-finishing Cowboys during Magic Round. I still can't believe we did it. We looked a bloody good side back then. Pride in the jersey was a Warriors thing again.

I was on holiday in Hobart at the time, a happy drunk in a hotel room!

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Righto, my turn to give it a go

CNK B- The archetypal Webby-ball player. All effort, makes big metres, pretty consistent, defensively strong (mostly) but very predictable with ball in hand. I've got no issue with CNK in a spine with flair but when he wasn't, it didn't have much use to us. Probably got one more season in him.
DWZ D Can't give a pass to Dallin. Carries well but has nothing else in his game. I don't subscribe to the idea he's all to blame for the right side D woes but I've long thought he's a big contributor. There's very little upside to him now - he doesn't get many chances to finish and seems like he can't, no ability to dominate the air, goes down like a fallen war hero when hit anywhere near the face, and teams target his flank. Should be on the outer but is here until 2027....
Pompey B- I dunno what to make of him. I think he's a solid contributor, then he'll have a game where he misses a bunch of tackles and has a shocker (Dragons away). Given our lack of centre options, he's of vital importance and does a job, but isn't anywhere near elite.
Berry F - Nothing against Rocco, actually an issue with Webster continuing to pick him when it was clear his body was not capable of playing first grade. Put us under pressure with rotations when he'd inevitably go off. Needs extended time in NSW Cup to prove durability.
TT B- Made a good fist of wing early on which is not his position, and always contributes when he fills in for CNK. Perth Bears target maybe, unless they want Fuller? Could end up our long-term No.1 but might need to wait 12 months. Did a lot of great stuff on D
RTS A Started slow but almost ran Clark down as our POTY. So much effort, still has the skill, and showed admirable leadership. Shame we'll likely only milk one more year out of him
Kosi E At least he had one game of note. Genuinely hope he does well at the Bunnies but of all Uncle Wayne's projects over the years, this might be his toughest one to make good on
MGT F I had high hopes for him but produced an absolute shocker v Penrith, which followed his absolute shocker v the Eels last year. Hope he can go OK at Souths, too
Leiataua E I had really high hopes for Ali, and early on when carving up on the right side, it looked like he was our guy. Got moved sides, struggled, got injured, made errors, and now is probably about as far away from a bonafide NRL centre as he started the year. Huge upside, but is one of those guys Webby is going to need to prove his coaching chops with
CHT B Might be a little bit high but I think CHT offered us what we needed out of a 6. Another ideal Webby ball player, but one that worked in combination with Metcalf and was still producing decent stuff through the season. Nothing wrong with a 6 with a bit of flair, an improving kicking game, distribution and a rock solid defensive game...as long as it's in a spine where threats exist elsewhere.
Metcalf A- The falloff from where his ACL blew up was immense. Brought speed and unpredictability to us, and proved to be a very fast learner. Love his competitiveness, too. Goal kicking wasn't flash, shouldn't have been doing that, but there's hope if he's fit for 2026 and beyond. Big if, though, given in 8 senior seasons he's never had anything resembling a full uninterrupted campaign. My god, we need him in our spine.
Boyd C- I give him a pass because he had his moments, and did a lot of things well. His D is very shaky, however, and he seems to me to be quite a nervy player, who doesn't seem to back himself that he belongs at NRL level. Good depth option that ideally you'd use a week or two here and there if your main guy has niggles, but we were never going anywhere with him at 7
TMM C Weird season. TT is probably the most polarising in terms of opinion of his value to the side, but TMM has to be up there. Can't fault his effort in any way. I don't think I like him as a 14 because he's more injury cover than genuine impact

Barnett A I think we missed Metcalf more in terms of our game style but geez we missed Barnett's leadership and consistent grunt. No one filled that void. Has gone from a Knights outcast to almost NSW's most dependable player. Can't wait to see him back in 2026.
JFH C I remember where I was when JFH was signed, I hooted and hollared and thought we were onto a winner. This is harsh, but we got something close to Adam Blair v2.0. I didn't see anything that resembled leadership from him. Does he actually want it? Should we have seen it coming that he might not after 4 straight? A lot to prove in 2026. Maybe he'll go better as 2nd banana when Barnett is back. Even on Saturday, I listened to the presser and he's a really uninspiring dude. I know that's not everything, but just didn't rate him this year.
Ford C I would have had Ford higher earlier on but he got worse at the back-end of the year. He's probably tired. Webby is getting this guy wrong. No way is he a 65-70 min guy and props to those who have been saying this for months. I think he's a good 4th banana, who gets through work, but equally could be replaced by a TSS who plays 35-40 mins. Anyone who think he's not a mainstay for the next 2 years is kidding themselves...get used to it
Bunty D Incredibly, he's the most capped Warrior in our squad, and is only 29, but is on the way out. Good servant but just didn't develop in our system
Vaimauga A- Probably higher than others will have him, but I love this guy and to me he's what the Warriors have been crying out for. An enforcer, who takes things personal, but is actually a smart footballer and brings a level of consistency. A guy we can and should base our future packs around.
Egan C I didn't think I'd have Wayde this low, and I almost gave him a B- or so but I think he's dropped off at the back-end of the year too much for my liking. Was dynamite early in the year, as he was in 2023 and 2024. But is at the point now where he might not even be the best hooker in our squad. I'd like to see him job share with Healey next year, although is the best use of our 14 having Healey play 15-20 mins? It would take pressure off Wayde and make him a bit more fresh, plus Healey looks to have a lot of upside
Healey C Couldn't score him higher than Wayde but a lot of promise here. Probably won't find out for a while how he handles week in, week out NRL unless Wayde goes down.
EIT C Got huge hope for this guy in the future. Anyone who gets a nickname like Goggins is one to look out for. Looks to have a massive motor, a great attitude, big body and skills.
Laban C I'm actually not sure about this guy and I mean that in no disrespectful way. Just not sure where he fits, what he brings yet given he had limited minutes apart from the three-game run in mid-season.
Leka A Honestly, we probably don't make the 8 without him and how nuts is it to say that about a teenager. Could he play centre? He's quick enough, would that be the best use of him given a back-row surplus of players? I hope Webby knows. Just a freak of a talent.
Capewell D- Honestly I feel like I could have gone lower on this, if not for a decent early-ish season run. One of the most dud signings in the club's history, especially when you watch Origin and he pulls out the sort of performance he did. Ridiculous that a veteran of his ilk misses so many tackles, and vital ones. Sits proudly on top of the comp in missed tackles with 109 or 5 average a game. No one can tell me that's a misleading stat anymore, after that first final. Wouldn't be in my 2026 XVII but I guess we'll have to hope he finds something
Niukore D I had to change Capewell to a D- because Niukore doesn't deserve worse than him, but he's not a pass mark, either. Such a frustrating player to watch. Can run holes, is a big body, is on massive coin, but just offers bugger all. And seems to be an automatic selection. Is he being used wrong? I dunno. Chewing up our cap space.
Clark A+ POTY. Best signing of the year, across all sides. A genuine beast. Hope second year syndrome doesn't strike him because we sorely need that go-forward and competitiveness. A leader in his actions, and brought consistency as well. Here's some stats - was 15th in the NRL for tackles made in a list that is mostly hookers, 95% tackle efficiency, 5th in post contact metres, 16th in all runs and metres gained.
TSS B- Pretty impressed with what he brought. Long-term, a very solid 4th banana propping option. Has a good motor, hits line hard, the sort of guy you can plan a squad around because he's not chewing up cap space but gives you value for money.

Webby B- Have to give credit to a guy who can clearly coach and clearly has the dressing room fully onside with what he's doing. If Metcalf doesn't go down, we could very well have been a top 4 side. I know how hard it is to make finals, and he's done it twice in 3 years. This is his side now, he has shaped it, it's the guys he wants. The thing that's hard to take for me, right now, is we don't beat top 4 teams. That's the next progression. Next year, we return with a full deck of cards, we know where the yardsticks are, how are we going to not only make finals but show the ability to win them when we're there? Something needs to change because we will go nowhere thinking we can keep the same structure and personnel, plus Barnett/Metcalf, and go deep in September.
We're also getting to the point where there are a few 30+ year olds (CNK, Capewell, DWZ etc) who no doubt have experience, but are they the best fit for our side? One thing Webby probably hasn't shown is the ability to make a big call on a big player. He couldn't make it with Shaun, has axed lesser names at times but never taken down a big scalp when he's needed to

 

[Blair]

I enjoyed that read., P-dub and Meth. It's interesting re Webby, that we made finals for the first time in 15 years without Johnson. We could've had a post-SJ malaise but this year wasn't that.

Also, guys, include your 'moment of the year' too. We all went through so much, it's nice to hear about the good times.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Moment of the year, don't think many people will go past Leka v Knights. That was a crazy rollercoaster of emotions. Oh my god we're going to lose to the Knights, oh my god we've lost, oh no we've got a penalty we'll win, oh no he missed it, oh no we're going to lose, oh here comes a field goal, oh no it's been charged...LEKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I will remember that for the rest of my days, like the Witt end to end try.

Is there even a moment close? The Sharks game was cool, but otherwise it's been a reasonably consistent but hardly monumental year of moments

 

[Grizzman]

The previous two report cards are awesome but here's mine anyway.


Adam Pompey- B+ I have previously been a detractor but he's been our best centre all year! . He won't break a game open but he's solid. He should also be the goal kicker.

Ali Leiataua- D One half of our glass centres but actually even when he was on, he didn't look like he had improved from the previous year.

Chanel Harris-Tavita- A- Un unashamed CHT fan. He needs a dynamic half to really get the best from him but he performs HIS role really well and has been improving all year. Among the top ten for try assists in the NRL, one of if not the best defensive #6 in the Comp and his kicking game has improved enormously. It needs to be remembered, that when he's struggled is when he's been forced to take on 6 and 7 roles at the same time.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad- C Has slowed down. 100% effort and determination but does not break the line and offers very little on attack. In fact, many times, he's been a handbrake. I can forgive the latter if we had a game breaking back line, but we don't.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak- D Overpaid. At least a metre slower than last year and not scoring tries. Our right flank is targeted because he is there.

Luke Metcalf- B+ Was building a good partnership with CHT before the injury. I honestly think he looked better because of this partnership. He was a little flaky when he played with TMM. Nice to see some speed and fingers crossed he can string some injury free seasons together.

Rocco Berry- D The other half. Really feel for him because we haven't seen the best of him and maybe we never will.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck- A+ Also not as quick as he used to be but he gives everything every week. I'm one of the few (perhaps) who's happiest with him on the wing. He has shown vulnerability under the high ball but on the wing he's been superb.

Taine Tuaupiki- B What Meth said

Tanah Boyd- B- Filled a gap but probably didn't make the best of his chance.

Te Maire Martin- C+ Also as Meth said, carved up in NSW Cup, but looked a little innocuous in first grade. Clearly a good player but where to fit him is the biggest issue. perhaps we don't?

Demetric Vaimauga- A . Agree with previous posters. I'm really excited by this guy. I think he has a high ceiling and I hope we get to see that in our jersey for a long time to come. He's big, mobile, fast and skilful with a decent engine and some mongrel as well.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava- C+ Promising. I need to see more before I can "up" the grade so bring on 2026

Erin Clark- A+ I wasn't delighted when I saw this signing. I didn't rate him when he was here last time and his attitude was pretty shite. I've had a complete reversal. This older mature Clark is awesome and every minute he's on the field, we are a better team. I would have him as co-captain with Barney over JFH

Jackson Ford- C+ I'm not as scathing as some. he plays a role and does it with energy. Generally he's effective for 40 mins of the 65 he's on the field. It's on the coach to bring him off.

Jacob Laban- C+ I'm still on the fence. I see the potential (big body, skill, game smart) and I hear it bandied around but I haven't seen enough off it for long periods on the field. I would like to though.

James Fisher Harris- C Super disappointing. He's played like an average bog standard prop and added some basic errors into the mix as well.

Kurt Capewell- C When he's good he's very very good. When he's bad ...

Leka Halasima- A "Not without some 'rocks', but it's hard to not be excited about his potential. One of very few genuine attacking threats in this side. His try versus Newcastle was the moment of the year, for mine." Ditto 100% Could actually be a genuine centre option.

Marata Niukore- D Enormously overpaid enigma. Looks scary, big body and runs some good lines but as soon as he gets touched he falls over. Goes missing so bad sometimes, I can't see him on the field for looking. Would go great in Super League, please.

Mitchell Barnett- B+ The biggest loss of the year when he went down. As others have said, the true leader of our side. Tough, uncompromising and inspirational. Our best signing since Steve Price.

Sam Healey- B+ Needs more minutes as he's a genuine threat. he's offers some real unpredictability as well as good service.

Wayde Egan- C+ He looks like he's been carrying a bunch of injuries all year because he's not the player he was in 2024

Tanner Stowers-Smith- B Taken Bunty and Tom Ales' spot on the bench and does it well..

Bunty Afoa C Reached his ceiling in his early years and has hovered just below it ever since.

Andrew Webster B Sixth in regular season with a squad that on paper should be nowhere near that. Let's face it we over achieved but we have some really decent talent coming through. Give us some speed in the back line and centre's that don't break and we are a good chance to go one better in 2026. Oh and give Clarke more minutes and Ford less.

Moment of the year: Undoubtably Halasima's try in the Newcastle game. We were standing, pacing, head in hands and then leaping over the couches! Watched the reply 447 times.

 

[Blair]

Another ace read. I missed Halasima's Newcastle magic live, due to work. Watched the replay heaps! But it can't be my moment of the year as I want that to be a live experience, which is what it deserved.