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'We can be much better’: Warriors CEO Cam George eyes big 2026
Patrick Marsters-Fonotoe • September 19th, 2025 11:47 am
NZ Warriors players gather in a team huddle against the Panthers | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Warriors CEO Cameron George says the club’s 2025 season showed progress but ultimately fell short of the standards they are striving for.
George, who has led the club since 2017, admitted a sixth-place finish left plenty to improve on.
“We’re disappointed to finish off the season out of the top four and not moving on into the (semi) finals this week,” George told Sport Nation’s Millsy and Guy.
The Warriors bowed out with a 24-8 loss to the four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
“I feel like we’ve had a good year… we’ve had a few challenges along the way. It was good to see a lot of young kids get great experience this year.”
A season-ending knee injury to State of Origin prop Mitch Barnett opened the door for the next wave of front rowers, with 21-year-olds Tanner Stowers-Smith and Demitric Vaimauga making the most of their opportunities.
Cam George on the Warriors remaining signing spot for 2026 | Millsy & Guy
“At times I looked out on the ground and we had a front row that was under 22… they’ve mixed in with the experienced guys, and they’ve won us some games.”
George believes the Warriors are closing the gap on the competition but still need to take another step to reach the next level.
“I don’t think we’re far away at all. I think the last three years have shown real growth in our footy team.”
Two of the last three seasons have seen the Warriors finish inside the top six (2023 and 2025). The only other time they matched that consistency over a three-year stretch was around their grand final appearances in 2002 and 2011.
George said continuing to develop the current squad will be key to pushing deeper into the finals.
“I think we’ve got the fodder, it’s all about experience… and that was gained this year with all the challenges we had.”
While the NRL campaign is over, the Warriors’ NSW Cup side remain in the hunt for silverware.
The reserve grade side topped the ladder with a 24-2-1 record, despite the constant challenges of squad rotation.
“It’s a pretty difficult level because players are coming up and down for various reasons weekly and you don’t know that team until game day,” George said.
The NSW Cup Warriors face the Eels on Saturday, September 20 at 7:15pm (NZT), with the winner booking a place in the grand final.
