'We are chasing big dreams': Webster lifts lid on Warriors’ 2026 vision

Savannah Lendich Jonkers • February 27th, 2026 1:40 pm

Andrew Webster | Photo: Photosport

Now just a week out from their season-opener against the Sydney Roosters, the Warriors coaching team are ‘gaining clarity’ on what the starting lineups will look like to commence the 2026 season.

Joining Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy, hosted by Scotty Stevenson and Sam Ackerman on Friday, head coach Andrew Webster shared insight into the strategy behind his team-naming this season.

Webster shared his excitement for players including Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith to step up and become regular first graders.

“We’re not here for guys who just play, we need guys here who are high performers,” Webster said.

“For us to go to that next level, they need to become high performers.”

Webster said he’s excited to see the next crop of talent to emerge and become a driving force for the current guys to improve and earn their spot.

“Our dream is we know who our No. 7 and No. 6 are before the start of each season, and they become franchise players.

“They’re the players who lead you to the promise land and that’s what we need to create.”

While Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin won’t play in the near future, Webster revealed Chanel Harris-Tavita is nearing a return and Tanah Boyd has looked promising during the pre-season.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster on replacing Mitch Barnett | Millsy & Guy

“What I have learned over the years and particularly this pre-season is if you have a poor pre-season individually, it doesn’t set yourself up for a good season.”

Webster said he’s not entirely sure how the NRL’s new interchange system will work throughout the season, but he admits players will definitely be starved of game time.

The change ensures teams have cover in the case of early injuries, helping games remain an even contest for the full 80 minutes. Beyond injury cover, it will add a strategic dynamic as coaches weigh up which of their six players they will utilise.

“It’s a double-edged sword.

“If we’re not giving these guys time in the NSW Cup, they’re not improving, they're not pressing for spots and they don’t get an opportunity with us, they’re not playing any football.

“Then when we do finally ask them to play, are they going to be good enough and ready to do so because they haven’t had any reps on the actual field?”

Rotating players means they’re not choosing the best players every week, and therefore, the day the Warriors need that specialist player, they don’t have one ready to carry out the task, he explained.

Early rounds will see dominance in specialist roles and the coaches will pivot from there.

“Us, as coaches, already know what we’re thinking. We’ve already seen their trial matches, seen their changes.”

“We just have to transfer it into strong performances and some consistency this year. We are chasing big dreams.”

Listen to the full interview below: