General Your 2025 team

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Bro I’m not talking about getting anywhere in 2025.
I’m talking about laying a foundation for 2026 and beyond……

There’s no point having a combo of Boyd and Metcalf just for one to (heaven forbid both) leave.

Where as going with TMM and taking a risk with Metcalf (yes he could leave anyway). But at least you’re not starting from completely scratch and wasting 2025. And TMM still has at least 3-5 years left.

Who said those guys are going anywhere? Look at Egan, this could become home for them if they have security no?

 

[Inruin]

In principle and all things being equal. I completely agree.
But all things aren’t equal…….

The retirement of Tohu Harris has changed the whole season for me. And I dare say Andrew Webster…..

Assuming we’re rebuilding in 2025. Who’s going to be here in 2026 and beyond is arguably the most important thing. There’s no point giving a halves combo 20+ games just for one or both to leave. Especially when you have a similar level option in TMM and he’s likely to stay.

Clubs do it with players who are leaving all the time (obviously not the elite ones, of which Boyd is not).

What are we rebuilding in 2025? AFB replaced by JFH. Jazz replaced by Clark. Marcelo Montoya likely replaced by RTS in the wing. SJ had one great season in 2023 but him and Harris were horribly off the pace with injuries. Add in the youth with another preseason under their belts. We essentially have strengthened the side. Compared to other clubs we are in a fairly good spot IMO

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Who said those guys are going anywhere? Look at Egan, this could become home for them if they have security no?

Look at AFB…….
Can you genuinely, hand on heart tell me that Metcalf AND Boyd will be here 2027?
It’s not even 50/50 bro. They can negotiate from November too btw.

Take the low risk option for at least one of the halves….. TMM

Personally I don’t think Webby is going to see this year is for rebuilding even with Tohu retiring.
He plummeted back down to earth last season after a dream start.
Whatever combo he goes for will be all about winning and all about this year for his own coaching sanity.
I do agree that TMM is most likely to stay as he seems settled though.

I get he’s under pressure to get results. But if we’re not building to win the whole thing. What are we doing?

Same question to you.
Can you hand on heart tell me that Boyd AND Metcalf will be here in 2027?

As opposed to TMM who likely will be.
The risk is not worth the reward IMO.
(Especially if we’re signing Hughes and Brown lol)

 

[WA Warrior]

Look at AFB…….
Can you genuinely, hand on heart tell me that Metcalf AND Boyd will be here 2027?
It’s not even 50/50 bro. They can negotiate from November too btw.

Take the low risk option for at least one of the halves….. TMM

I get he’s under pressure to get results. But if we’re not building to win the whole thing. What are we doing?

Same question to you.
Can you hand on heart tell me that Boyd AND Metcalf will be here in 2027?

As opposed to TMM who likely will be.
The risk is not worth the reward IMO.
(Especially if we’re signing Hughes and Brown lol)

I hear you, it’s always a risk with the Aussie lads.
But I have stated previously this gives Cleary time to develop and us landing a marquee signing.
There is another scenario that they both step up and want to stay like Barney.
Who knows we can’t tell the future, I hope Webby picks the best performing combo who ever it is and plays them.
There’s a high possibility it will be TMM in the Combo anyway.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Look at AFB…….
Can you genuinely, hand on heart tell me that Metcalf AND Boyd will be here 2027?
It’s not even 50/50 bro. They can negotiate from November too btw.

Take the low risk option for at least one of the halves….. TMM

I get he’s under pressure to get results. But if we’re not building to win the whole thing. What are we doing?

Same question to you.
Can you hand on heart tell me that Boyd AND Metcalf will be here in 2027?

As opposed to TMM who likely will be.
The risk is not worth the reward IMO.
(Especially if we’re signing Hughes and Brown lol)

I can't say hand on heart anyone in this squad will be here in the future. I get where you are coming from but we must play the best players in this squad for the team at this point. If it's TMM and Harris then so be it.

I think as a development club this is what they will be striving for (to keep kiwis here) but nz just doesn't develop enough quality halves, we will always have an Australian in the mix.

Just look at the warriors history.

 

[Noitall]

I hear you, it’s always a risk with the Aussie lads.
But I have stated previously this gives Cleary time to develop and us landing a marquee signing.
There is another scenario that they both step up and want to stay like Barney.
Who knows we can’t tell the future, I hope Webby picks the best performing combo who ever it is and plays them.
There’s a high possibility it will be TMM in the Combo anyway.

Being born in NZ, I could see Jett Cleary really finding a home at Warriors and in NZ. Next thing though is to make sure he’s the real deal

 

[Noitall]

I can't say hand on heart anyone in this squad will be here in the future. I get where you are coming from but we must play the best players in this squad for the team at this point. If it's TMM and Harris then so be it.

I think as a development club this is what they will ne striving for (to keep kiwis here) but nz just doesn't develop enough quality halves, we will always have an Australian in the mix.

Just look at the warriors history.

Massive advantage in Kiwi players is not losing them at origin time either. We’ve had some great Australians come over though and will continue to like you say. Amazing though when you look at where a player is born, the amount that are from NZ and shifted over. NZ seems to be a real breeding ground for oval ball sports

 

[Ref]

A breakout year for TT, Ali, Metcalf, Ale, Leka and Demitric is on the cards.
We already have the experience and quality of JFH, Barnett, Egan, Niukore, Ford, Clark, Walker, TMM, Bunty, Pompey, DWZ, CNK, RTS, Berry etc.
Other youngsters very promising particularly in the outside backs.
The likes of Laban, Zion and Eddie also coming through.
IMO we are stacked for the future and the start of the future is 2025.
Go on Webby.
We had several auditions last year and the youngsters did well.
If he is a great coach he will now know that last year was actually the start of the rebuild.
Most clubs have not really improved their roster.
Musical chairs really.
Eels, Tigers, Dragons, Dolphins, Souths will still be bottom 8 and be joined by Roosters and Sharks.

 

[Tragic]

Same question to you.
Can you hand on heart tell me that Boyd AND Metcalf will be here in 2027?

Does it matter? They are fill ins until we find a decent half.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

I can't say hand on heart anyone in this squad will be here in the future. I get where you are coming from but we must play the best players in this squad for the team at this point. If it's TMM and Harris then so be it.

I think as a development club this is what they will be striving for (to keep kiwis here) but nz just doesn't develop enough quality halves, we will always have an Australian in the mix.

Just look at the warriors history.

But you can take an educated guess though. Regardless……

I don’t find it a coincidence that Boyd annd Metcalf are both signed till the end of 2026…….
Will DCE, Foran, Hunt, Reynolds, C Walker, Wighton and Townsend all be playing? Potentially all going into retirement within a year or 2 of each other.
That’s a lot of clubs looking for NRL quality halves.

Plus 2028 with 2 more teams entering the NRL……..

Yeah nah, TMM for me.
As it stands TMM, Boyd and Metcalf are all around the same level anyway. Other than a kicking game (which is certainly important) I’d say TMM is better than Boyd. TMM still has 3-5 years of footy left. Then who knows what happens with the like of J Cleary.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Bro I’m not talking about getting anywhere in 2025.
I’m talking about laying a foundation for 2026 and beyond……

There’s no point having a combo of Boyd and Metcalf just for one to (heaven forbid both) leave.

Where as going with TMM and taking a risk with Metcalf (yes he could leave anyway). But at least you’re not starting from completely scratch and wasting 2025. And TMM still has at least 3-5 years left.

This is why I see the play for Brown as crucial

 

[WA Warrior]

But you can take an educated guess though. Regardless……

I don’t find it a coincidence that Boyd annd Metcalf are both signed till the end of 2026…….
Will DCE, Foran, Hunt, Reynolds, C Walker, Wighton and Townsend all be playing? Potentially all going into retirement within a year or 2 of each other.
That’s a lot of clubs looking for NRL quality halves.

Plus 2028 with 2 more teams entering the NRL……..

Yeah nah, TMM for me.
As it stands TMM, Boyd and Metcalf are all around the same level anyway. Other than a kicking game (which is certainly important) I’d say TMM is better than Boyd. TMM still has 3-5 years of footy left. Then who knows what happens with the like of J Cleary.

You actually raise a very valid point with the aging halves.
When those lads retire and adding those extra teams quality halves will be scarce.
I was on the fence with Dylan Brown but you pointing that out has swung me to try and sign him.

 

[Playdaball]

No one has mentioned CNK as a winger.
He played there previously for the Warriors prior to his departure to the Raiders …

 

[Noitall]

No one has mentioned CNK as a winger.
He played there previously for the Warriors prior to his departure to the Raiders …

If that happens, it would mean RTS has another season at centre, or fullback?

 

[Five&Last]

I actually think Boyd and Metcalf are the better options! Boyd can kick goals and drop kick, the other two can't!

Boyd doesn't create though??

For a team that already lacks speed/game breaking ability in our outside backs, we are not going to be scoring tries with him playing 7.

He had ZERO try assists in 9 games last year. Like come on..

 

[doeeyedwarrior]

A breakout year for TT, Ali, Metcalf, Ale, Leka and Demitric is on the cards.
We already have the experience and quality of JFH, Barnett, Egan, Niukore, Ford, Clark, Walker, TMM, Bunty, Pompey, DWZ, CNK, RTS, Berry etc.
Other youngsters very promising particularly in the outside backs.
The likes of Laban, Zion and Eddie also coming through.
IMO we are stacked for the future and the start of the future is 2025.
Go on Webby.
We had several auditions last year and the youngsters did well.
If he is a great coach he will now know that last year was actually the start of the rebuild.
Most clubs have not really improved their roster.
Musical chairs really.
Eels, Tigers, Dragons, Dolphins, Souths will still be bottom 8 and be joined by Roosters and Sharks.

I could not agree more.
Roosters are not going to be too dominant this year. Of all the players they lost their starting spine of Tedesco, S Smith, Townsend and B Smith doesn't inspire me (I'm not sold on Walker either when he is fit)
Cowboys lose a fair bit of experience, I'm not sold on Clifford as a starting 7, maybe they have some good young guns coming through but think they look weaker this year.
Dragons are weaker on paper, though they might surprise people
I cant see Wayne working too many miracles at Souths
I think Dolphins will do well
Broncos, not sure about the Hunt, Reynolds partnership and as long as princess Walsh is at the back I just don't think they will win anything
Eels will regret letting Gutho go. Might pay off in the future but not just yet
Sharks I'm not sure about
Dogs I think will slip
Raiders will be competitive as ever
Knights, wtf is going on with their halves, bottom 4 for mine
Manly, not sure on it depends on how DCE and Turbo's bodies hold up
Storm and Panthers will be top of the ladder somewhere still
Tigers will improve and might challenge for the 8
Titans squad is so poorly balanced, I just don't see them making the 8. They have one awesome fullback who they insist on shifting around, an electric fullback who isn't as good as AJ imo, and Campbell who might make a good 6 but doesn't have a stable 7 and Foran who is clinging on to every last payday (can't blame him) who moves around like he is more broken than Tohu ever was.

Plus we are gonna be awesome

 

[Brightman]

No one has mentioned CNK as a winger.
He played there previously for the Warriors prior to his departure to the Raiders …

he's the 4th pick after Ed Kosi..

 

[Playdaball]

As a club we cannot fall back into the rebuilding year - stakeholders deserve more than this!!

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

What are we rebuilding in 2025? AFB replaced by JFH. Jazz replaced by Clark. Marcelo Montoya likely replaced by RTS in the wing. SJ had one great season in 2023 but him and Harris were horribly off the pace with injuries. Add in the youth with another preseason under their belts. We essentially have strengthened the side. Compared to other clubs we are in a fairly good spot IMO

Are the Warriors going to win in 2025?
Hell, are the Warriors going to even make the finals?
If we’re not going to win it then by default we’re re/building. (The alternative is decline, which I don’t think we’re in…………….yet) we were hopelessly unlucky in 2024…..
Off the back of high expectations following 2023.

JFH replaces AFB true…. But are different players so it’s not a 1 for 1 trade. JFHs effects are long term positive. Not AFBs on field influence/output.

Erin has essentially replaced Tohu. The thing with insisting on a “ball playing 13” (that many members obsess over) is kinda irrelevant when one player (Erin Clark) simply isn’t half the player the guy he’s replacing is (Tohu 2023). We want 2023 Warriors, Not 2024 right……

TMM, Metcalf and Boyd just simply aren’t as good as 2023 Shaun Johnson.

I feel most people just want some short term 7-8th place “success” and yet the foundation is non existent. Those foundations fall apart if we choose 2 Australian halves that could just up and leave. Then what?

Don’t get me wrong we need to take risks.
I want Halasima/Laban to share the starting right edge, so they don’t burn out. Just for an example.
Just don’t be stupid. Metcalfe and Boyd as our starting halves is stupid.

 

[kos]

Are the Warriors going to win in 2025?
Hell, are the Warriors going to even make the finals?
If we’re not going to win it then by default we’re re/building. (The alternative is decline, which I don’t think we’re in…………….yet) we were hopelessly unlucky in 2024…..
Off the back of high expectations following 2023.

JFH replaces AFB true…. But are different players so it’s not a 1 for 1 trade. JFHs effects are long term positive. Not AFBs on field influence/output.

Erin has essentially replaced Tohu. The thing with insisting on a “ball playing 13” (that many members obsess over) is kinda irrelevant when one player (Erin Clark) simply isn’t half the player the guy he’s replacing is (Tohu 2023). We want 2023 Warriors, Not 2024 right……

TMM, Metcalf and Boyd just simply aren’t as good as 2023 Shaun Johnson.

I feel most people just want some short term 7-8th place “success” and yet the foundation is non existent. Those foundations fall apart if we choose 2 Australian halves that could just up and leave. Then what?

Don’t get me wrong we need to take risks.
I want Halasima/Laban to share the starting right edge, so they don’t burn out. Just for an example.
Just don’t be stupid. Metcalfe and Boyd as our starting halves is stupid.

I can’t remember how well Tohu played in 23.
But I ll say this- if AW plays Erin at 13 he might positively surprise you as long as he plays as well as he did in 24 which I do remember
Tmm and Metcalf start in the halves no question