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Daryl Halligan: Warriors must embrace contender status
Jaxin Daniels • July 13th, 2026 1:33 pm
Ali Leiataua (l) was among the try-scorers in the Warriors' convincing win over Wests Tigers | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Daryl Halligan believes the Warriors have moved beyond simply chasing finals, saying the club now needs to embrace the expectation that comes with being a genuine NRL title contender.
The Warriors kept the gap at the top of the NRL table to four points with a 32-6 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
Speaking on Sport Nation Mornings, Halligan said the focus now is not just on results, but on delivering performances expected of a top side.
“We're going to be expected to win, and why wouldn't we be? We are going to win, and we are going to play well.”
That expectation will follow the Warriors into this weekend’s clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons, who sit last on the table.
Daryl Halligan (right) knows a thing or two about being a contender | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport NZ
Halligan sees that the Warriors are showing the mindset and structure of a side that knows how it wants to play.
“If you are steely in that thought process in your head that we have the pattern, we have the game plan, we have the players to win it, we've just got to go out and execute, then that's what you want the club to be about.”
He said the club has clearly lifted its standards.
“I feel like they're taking big, big steps in that direction.”
The Warriors led 14-6 at halftime against the Tigers before scoring 18 unanswered points in the second half.
Halligan said the second half never felt in doubt once the Warriors found their rhythm.
“It wasn't until sort of like the 50th minute until they got their sort of, I guess, their mojo on and then they just rattled home.
“They were never in doubt in the second half.”
What stood out to Halligan was the way the Warriors continued to perform despite missing several key players.
“When you think that they haven't got their starting halves, Barnett out, Capewell out, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, you could wonder where some of the players are going to come from.”
But those stepping in have not disrupted the system.
“The guys that have been playing have played Webby's pattern to a tee and it just looks like it's a team in gear.”
James Fisher-Harris again helped set the platform, with 17 carries for 145 metres and the opening try.
Halligan said the front rower deserved to get across the line.
“He's one of those guys that deserves those because he runs that line and that platform every game for others to work off the back of.”
The result keeps the Warriors in a strong position, second on the table, but Halligan’s message is clear, the standards have changed.
Listen to the full interview below:
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