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Find your frequency hereWarriors look to set the record straight against Titans
Kieran Bingham • July 25th, 2025 11:20 am
CNK will start at fullback this weekend | Photo: Photosport
The NZ Warriors return to Go Media Stadium this weekend for a clash with the Gold Coast Titans that carries weight well beyond the ladder.
They got the job done in Newcastle, but by their own admission it wasn’t their best football.
What it did have was effort and one of the plays of the season, when young gun - and potential 2025 Rookie of the Year contender - Leka Halasima scored the try heard across the Tasman. It wasn’t his first memorable moment in first grade, but it was certainly his biggest yet.
“We probably didn’t play our best football but we kept competing to the end,” head coach Andrew Webster said.
“We're fortunate we had someone who's athletically gifted like Leka who could come up and play like that.”
Sam Hewat loses it calling Leka Halasima's match-winning try vs Newcastle Knights | Warriors Live
Halasima, through all the hype, has continued to train strong, and maintains his drive for more.
“He's been very grounded. Probably the best he's trained. He's got real goals around the rest of his game, he wants to chase to be an 80-minute player," Webby added.
A key to the Warriors success so far, Erin Clarke, couldn’t help but smile when asked about Halasima’s try.
“When Leka got the ball, I just knew we were gonna win. The kid's a freak. He's done it before so it's not a fluke. I'm quite lucky to have him in our team."
Clarke said what has impressed him most is Halasima’s footy brain and hunger to keep improving.
“He's someone beyond his years. And he's only fresh out of high school, too, so it's exciting what the future holds for him.
“If he keeps developing every year, and keeps being eager to learn, eager to get better, he's just going to turn into a club great.”
The Warriors might be winning, but they know they’re not where they need to be.
“We're not playing our best football, but we're still winning games. We are not at that finals intensity. I honestly thought there was some amazing parts, but our worst parts were really poor," Clarke said.
Aside from Leka’s game winner, a big talking point from last week has been the right edge defence which looked vulnerable in the first half.
Webster was quick to note that it had been addressed on the training paddock and the entire group is accountable.
“This week it's reps and drills and the left edge are working just as hard as the right edge.
“We don't assume that everyone's got it covered all the time because the moment you think you do, you get bit.”
The Titans come to Auckland with their own sense of belief. They smashed the Warriors 66-6 in Round 16 last year, a moment Webster made clear the team hasn’t forgotten.
Can the Warriors carry their Round 20 momentum? | Running It Straight
“That was a really hard day in our history as a club. I think it's at the front of our minds, and I don't think the Titans are coming here fearing us this week at all."
Despite sitting bottom of the table, the Titans have shown signs of spirit and connection. Webster isn’t buying into the narrative that they’re a write off.
“Everyone looks at them on face value, where they're sitting on the table, but I still believe they're one of the most dangerous teams.”
Marata Niukore said the group has spoken honestly about the recent history between the two sides.
“Our last two outings with them, haven't been our greatest so we've spoken about it but we're focusing on ourselves at the moment and just making sure we right our wrongs from last week.”
One big in for the Warriors is the return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who has completed his rehab and slots back into fullback. Webster said it was important that CNK was brought straight back into the role he has made his own.
“I think he's been one of our top four players for the season at fullback, so I think it's important that he goes back into that role," Webby said.
The Warriors are glad to be home in front of their faithful. But the support they’ve had across the ditch has blown even Webster away.
“To play in front of Mount Smart faithful it was always a really good feeling. But we're also really well travelled.
“I've never heard another team's chant at Newcastle so it blows me away. Just so well supported.”
The team knows what’s coming. The Titans will be hungry. The Warriors must be sharper. Last year’s scars are still fresh. But with a moment like Leka’s in their back pocket and a hardened belief building under pressure this side looks ready to lift.
Sport Nation is live at Go Media Stadium this Saturday from 3.30pm - join Sam Hewat, Blake Ayshford and Anthony Gelling for commentary of the NZ Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans, kick-off 5pm.
Bookmark our in-stadium feed for game day: bit.ly/sn-livefeed
Sam Hewat loses it calling Leka Halasima's match-winning try vs Newcastle Knights | Warriors Live
