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Sport Nation
Simplicity key to best form for Harris-Tavita
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 25th, 2026 11:39 am
Chanel Harris-Tavita | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Stripping his game back has been key to unlocking career-best form for NZ Warriors half Chanel Harris-Tavita.
The star five-eighth recently re-signed with the Warriors on a one year extension after stepping away from the sport at the end of 2022, before returning for the 2024 season.
“Before the break I was trying to do a bit too much, bite a bit more than I can chew, but I think right now it's real simple and I guess that's helped me build my game slowly,” Harris-Tavita told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy ahead of a crucial 2v3 showdown against the Dolphins.
“My job is just so simple. I get to focus on doing only a few things each week and I feel like if I narrow my focus on those things and do them well, then it's going to help the team."
Warriors vs Dolphins preview | Running It Straight
The 27-year-old said his one-year sabbatical gave him perspective on life outside of league, having gone straight into playing professionally when he left high school.
“I'm learning a lot from Webby and the coaches and the team, my teammates around me.”
Harris-Tavita has been part of an impressive halves combination with Tanah Boyd before his partner was ruled out with a season-ending ACL injury in Round 11 - Harris-Tavita has now partnered with Te Maire Martin at halfback since.
The 27-year-old Samoa representative believes the injury-stricken Warriors are ready for another big push before the team's final and much anticipated bye in Round 18, hopeful for the return of injured stars for a nine week hit out before finals.
Listen to the full interview below:
