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Live sport on SN this weekendWarriors refocus after Panthers slip-up
Kieran Bingham • June 26th, 2025 8:00 am
Chanel Harris-Tavita | Photo: Photosport
The Warriors are back into grind mode this week as they prepare to face the Broncos in Brisbane, fresh off a disappointing 28–18 loss to an under-strength Panthers side.
Sitting fourth on the NRL ladder, the Warriors remain in a strong position, but they know performances like last week’s won’t cut it as the finals draw closer. The response from within the group has been measured but sharp.
“I think the initial response was disappointment in the result,” Chanel Harris-Tavita said.
“Straight after the game it was hard to put a finger on what we didn't do, but when we watched the close back, it was pretty clear - we didn’t do the things that got us here.”
The Warriors lacked their usual polish and execution against the Panthers, something they’ve already begun addressing on the training paddock.
How much should we read into the Warriors' lacklustre outing against the Panthers? | Running It Straight
“We’d love to win every game, but when we don’t, we have to take the lesson and bounce back as fast as we can. That started at training today.”
Te Maire Martin was on the same page. “We shot ourselves in the foot a few times,” he said. “A few too many errors, and then piling it on with a few errors after that.”
Despite the stumble, the team is staying focused on what’s ahead rather than dwelling on what went wrong.
“The mentality for us is to chase improvement each week,” Harris-Tavita said.
“We don’t want to look too far ahead… the NRL is a hard game, and if you’re not focused, then you can let a few games slip.”
This week’s test won’t be any easier. The Broncos are coming off a strong win over the Sharks and, while they sit six points behind the Warriors on the table, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, especially at home.
“They’re a great team, especially on paper,” Harris-Tavita said.
“They got a good one against the Sharks last week at home, so they’ll be coming in confident. We’re excited to go over to Brisbane and go up against them.”
Part of the Warriors’ resilience this season has come from their settled spine. Harris-Tavita and Luke Metcalf continue to grow in the halves, building a combination that’s starting to show real chemistry.
“Each week we're figuring each other’s game out and how to compliment each other and take pressure off each other,” Harris-Tavita explained.
“We try and share the load with our kicking… it depends each week how we're playing.”
Te Maire Martin also believes the team’s depth has shown through in recent weeks, even as injuries have tested the squad.
“There’s good leaders still in there. (James Fisher-Harris) has won four comps. We’ve got international players and young boys stepping up… it’s only better for the team.”
One of the biggest boosts this week comes with the return of Queensland Origin star Kurt Capewell.
The experienced back-rower was instrumental in Queensland’s Game 2 victory and brings added edge defence and leadership into the Warriors lineup.
Kurt Capewell crossed the line in Queensland's Game 2 victory in Perth | Photo: AAP
“He’s huge for us,” Harris-Tavita said. “You saw what he did for Queensland… the more games we play with him, it’s good that he’s back with us.”
Capewell, who’s played much of this season at centre, is embracing the challenge.
“It’s good. It’s challenging, obviously. I’ve been having to get out in the backs and defend some pretty fast and agile players… but it’s something I keep working on.”
After a few days back in Maroon, Capewell is happy to return to club colours.
“It’s something I’ll never get sick of, being part of the Queensland team… but I just think we’re moving in the right direction here at the Wahs and it’s great to be a part of.”
And while the Panthers loss wasn’t ideal, Capewell isn’t pushing the panic button.
“I don’t think we have to change too much… just get back to us and play our footy. Obviously you’re going to have a bad day every now and then, and unfortunately we had a few players having a bad day on the weekend.”
He knows what to expect this Saturday. “They’re a class outfit, the Bronx. Never do you have an easy game in the NRL, let alone against the Broncos in Brisbane… we’ll have a job on our hands trying to handle that.”
Martin kept it simple when asked what it’ll take to win: “We’ve just got to do what we do. It sounds cliché, you say that every week, but little things that have been winning us games is what we need to keep doing.”
Why the Warriors should be too strong for the Broncos | Running It Straight
