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Live sport on SN this weekendHarris-Tavita’s simple plan for Warriors halfback challenge
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • August 21st, 2026 1:49 pm
Chanel Harris-Tavita | Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
With the Warriors’ halves options increasingly limited, Chanel Harris-Tavita is ready to embrace the challenge of wearing the No. 7 jersey, believing the key is not to overcomplicate the role.
The reshuffle comes after Luke Metcalf suffered a hamstring injury against the Brisbane Broncos last week, while Tanah Boyd and Te Maire Martin also remain sidelined.
Metcalf's departure saw Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moved into the five-eighth role, with Harris-Tavita shifting to halfback.
But Webster's hand has been forced yet again, with Nicoll-Klokstad's hip-drop tackle on Reece Walsh earning a two-match suspension.
Luke Metcalf walks off the field with a second injury picked up at Suncorp Stadium | Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
Rather than trying to take complete control of the game, Harris-Tavita insists his focus will simply be staying present and allowing his natural strengths to shine.
“I think what you don't want to do when you go from No. 6 to No. 7 is just manage the game. You don't want to think about that too much," explained Harris-Tavita, who spent time at halfback earlier this season alongside Metcalf.
“You just wanna play your footy, but you're always thinking about where you wanna end your sets - but you also don't think too far ahead.
“It's a balance of just staying present, bringing your superpowers and then also making sure the team is getting to the right spot so you can execute.”
Chanel Harris-Tavita scores against the Brisbane Broncos | Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
However, he admits the new jersey number does bring some extra pressure, particularly with the demands off the boot.
“Obviously you've got a bit more responsibility in the No. 7 role. Kicking game, you take on a bit more of that, getting the boys around the park,
"But I'll just try and simplify it, make sure I'm defending well, running the ball and kicking well.”
Harris-Tavita has also sought advice from the unavailable halves as he prepares for the positional switch.
“I'd be stupid not to be asking questions of those boys. Whenever they've stepped into that halfback role, they've done a great job," he said.
“I'm just trying to learn every day, but also bring what I'm good at as well."
Luke Hanson | Photo: Joshua Devenie/Photosport
Harris-Tavita will be joined in the halves by 22-year-old Luke Hanson, who will start at five-eighth against the Rabbitohs this week.
It will only be his second NRL appearance after debuting alongside Boyd in Round 3, when Harris-Tavita was unavailable.
“He's got to bring his super power, which is running the ball and he's a solid defender which is good for a half because it helps your edge make better reads and just back him to do his thing.”
“We're all going to feed off that energy."
Last week, Harris-Tavita has also recently extended his time with the Warriors until the end of 2029 after initially signing a one-year deal in May.
"It was more of a conversation between my agent and I and just keeping our options open," he said of his initial decision to commit for a solitary year.
“The way the last two months have panned out, I've been pretty happy here and the boys have helped me play some good footy. So I thought why not extend.”
“I feel like our best footy is ahead of us and that's the reason I extended,” he explained.
“I see a lot of potential in some of the young boys coming through and we've got some great leaders at the club as well.”
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Time for the Warriors to lock up Chanel Harris-Tavita | Running It Straight
