Warriors secure win over Wests Tigers with strong performance
The NZ Warriors secured a 32-6 victory over the Wests Tigers at Sydney‘s Campbelltown Stadium, with winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring two tries. This win comes after the Warriors had lost three of their last four matches, and it positions them for a potentially favourable run of upcoming games.
Khan-Pereira, returning from a thigh injury that had kept him out for two games, played a crucial role in establishing an early lead for the Warriors. His first try came during a period when the Wests Tigers were playing with a man disadvantage, after former Warriors player Bunty Afoa was sin-binned for a late tackle on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Following Khan-Pereira’s initial score, centre Ali Leiataua also crossed the try line, contributing to the Warriors‘ 14-6 lead at halftime.
Key Player Returns and Team Lineup
The match saw the return of several key players for the Warriors. Alongside Khan-Pereira, captain James Fisher-Harris made his comeback from a calf injury, and second-rower Leka Halasima returned from a hamstring issue. Fisher-Harris had been sidelined since a May 31 loss to Penrith, a period that included two byes and several other matches. Halasima was also out during this time. Khan-Pereira’s thigh injury had kept him from participating in contests against the Cowboys and Dolphins.
The confirmed lineup for the Warriors against the Wests Tigers featured Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Alofiana Khan-Pereira on the wings, and Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey at centre. The halves were manned by Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin. In the forwards, James Fisher-Harris and Tanner Stowers-Smith were the props, with Wayde Egan at hooker. The second row included Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban, and Erin Clark was at lock.
Notable absences from the squad included Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell, who were not backing up from State of Origin duty. Both players had participated in the 2026 campaign, where New South Wales secured the title with a 30-12 victory over Queensland. Barnett played 38 minutes for the Blues, and Capewell played 50 minutes for the Maroons. The decision to omit them from the squad was made the morning before the match.
The Warriors also faced the absence of leading try-scorer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who has 16 tries in 15 appearances. He sustained a hamstring injury during a match against the Dolphins. The final six-man bench for the Warriors included Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Marata Niukore, Luke Metcalf, and former Wests Tigers player Luke Laulilii, who has been signed on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Match Dynamics and Future Outlook
Despite the Wests Tigers finishing the first half strongly and threatening to narrow the margin, the Warriors maintained their composure. After the Warriors spilled the ball from the second-half kickoff, they successfully defended their lead. Khan-Pereira then extended the advantage with his second try, and shortly after, hooker Wayde Egan scored, solidifying the Warriors‘ control of the game.
While the Tigers had an edge in possession and set completion, the Warriors dominated in linebreaks, with a count of 11-2 in their favour. The two linebreaks for the Tigers occurred in the final moments of the game and did not impact the scoreline. This victory places the Warriors in a favourable position as they look to consolidate their standing on the NRL table.
The Warriors are currently second on the ladder with 26 points, alongside the Roosters and Knights, following their third bye. Their next match is scheduled for next Saturday against the St George Illawarra Dragons, who are currently at the bottom of the table.
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Source: rnz.co.nz
