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Important update on 1476AM'We wanted to change history': Webster reveals Warriors' 'themed' build-up to shock Storm slaying
Stephen Foote •  April 14th, 2026 9:57 am
Warriors | Photo: Photosport
Coach Andrew Webster has revealed the "just another game" mantra so common among coaches and players was cast to the wayside by the NZ Warriors in the build-up to their stunning evisceration of the Storm last weekend.
Melbourne's ownership of the Warriors over the past decade-plus was the prevailing narrative yet again in the build-up to the match, as the 17-game winless streak cast a long shadow over proceedings.
But rather than attempting to ignore or bury that hoodoo, Webster said this, time around, he and his staff encouraged the players to confront it head first, going as far as to create a "theme" around their preparations.
The outcome was one of the most complete Warriors performances in recent years, as the visitors streaked to a one-sided 38-14 victory, allowing the club to grasp the Michael Moore trophy for the first time since 2016.
The Warriors chose to meet the weight of history head-first and the results spoke for themselves.
"We don't normally (speak about past results), but we did this time. We just spoke about the occasion," Webster told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
"We've got enough to play for here, boys. We haven't played the way we wanted to play for the last two weeks.Â
Sammy and Blake react to Warriors win in Melbourne | Warriors Live
"Our assistant coaches put together some great themes around going to Melbourne and winning, and the history of our two teams over the last 17 games. I thought the way they themed it up with the players was outstanding, and the senior players certainly had a big part to play. I thought the energy that our younger players showed as well really helped with the victory.Â
"So, we don't normally address it, but we did this week and we wanted to go there and get back to playing our best footy and change history really, and we've done that."
The result lifts the Warriors back to third on the NRL ladder, two points adrift of the Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers.Â
The challenge for Webster now is maintaining that momentum against the Gold Coast Titans, who have been similarly re-energised by an eyebrow-raising 52-10 demolition of the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
Ali Leiataua was one of the try-scorers in the Warriors' upset win over the Storm in Melbourne | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
In regards to selection, Webster intends to stick with the winning formula he's found, with the exception of one injury enforced change to be revealed when the team lists are released 6pm, Tuesday.
The Titans have enjoyed plenty of recent success against the Warriors, with three wins from their past four encounters, including the infamous 66-6 humiliation back in June 2024.
"They're certainly not scared of us, especially at Mount Smart. They're obviously coming off a really good win, so they're going to be confident.Â
"We definitely know we're going to have to play just as well as we did at the Storm because they've hit some form and they're fearless when they come to Mount Smart at the moment, and we've got to change that.Â
"Every time we've played them we've had that intensity but we haven't had that detail, that execution and we've let them back in because, with their speed, they're probably one of the most dangerous teams in the comp."
Listen to the full interview below:
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