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Live sport on SN this weekend‘Let the ladder talk’: Laban reveals the drive behind Warriors' premiership push
Sport Nation • August 28th, 2026 1:01 pm
Jacob Laban | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/Photosport
NZ Warriors second rower Jacob Laban believes the club’s youthful energy, experienced leaders and powerful home support can help drive their premiership push.
With just two rounds remaining in the NRL regular season, Laban credited the club's recent form to the combination of emerging talent and veteran guidance within the squad.
Speaking to Sport Nation Breakfast, Laban shared experienced forwards James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell had played a key role in helping the younger players remain focused and consistent.
“It’s not more about impressing them, it’s more about them trying to get the best out of us,” Laban said.
“They see the potential that we have and it’s just like, they’re trying to just keep tapping into us and just making sure that we’re on every week and it's not just a one week performance where we’re so good and then next week we’re the opposite.”
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And despite sitting first on the NRL ladder, Laban said Andrew Webster has ensured the team remains focused on the next challenge rather than becoming distracted by its position.
He said Webster’s message was simple: “let the ladder talk.”
The 22-year-old also believes the Warriors’ home-ground advantage could prove decisive, with two regular-season games remaining and the potential for another two home finals.
Laban said the atmosphere at Go Media Stadium could transform the team’s energy, even when players were not initially feeling ready for a match.
Warriors run out at Go Media Stadium | Photo: Photosport
“I love running out at Go Media Stadium, especially how packed it gets now.
“There’s been times where I think early on in the seasons where I haven’t been up for a game and then I just run out and then all of a sudden I’ve got adrenaline through my body and ready to go because of the crowd.”
Listen to the full interview below:
