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Sport Nation
'You’ve just got to have faith': Ayshford on the Warriors' run home
Jaxin Daniels • August 4th, 2025 12:41 pm
Warriors players dejected after Round 22's last minute loss to the Dolphins | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
After the epic finish in Newcastle two weeks ago, the NZ Warriors suffered a similar fate to that of the Knights when Jamayne Isaako crossed in the 79th minute to sink the Wahs 20-18 at home.
Former Warriors centre Blake Ayshford was calling the game for Sport Nation, and although gutted, he also thinks the way they played showed signs of promise.
“That’s how Newcastle felt two weeks ago.
“You’ve just got to have faith.” He told Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy.
“If the boys play like they did on Friday night, I think they’ll win a lot more games on the run home than they lose.”
Ayshford was noticeably quiet trying to process what happened in those last moments.
“It wasn’t what I wanted to say, what I didn’t say is exactly how I felt, I was speechless.
“Being a fan now, and not being a part of the playing group, you sort of ride the waves.
“We didn’t deserve to win that (Knights) game, this game we were the far superior team.
“I just wasn’t ready to talk because I felt for the boys.”
Dolphins break Warriors' hearts with last-minute winner | Sport Nation League
A couple of players stood out for Ayshford in the loss, including halves injury replacement Te Maire Martin.
"Kurt Capewell back in the back row was outstanding, Te Maire Martin was in my 3, 2, 1's.
“He took his moments and didn't overplay his hand.
“He let Tanah Boyd do a lot of the kicking early, but when it was his turn, he knew when to take it, he knew when to run, he knew when to pass.
“I thought he had an outstanding game, not only that he put some good hits on too.
“It’s going to be hard to move him.”
Another injury replacement who had an increased role this week was hooker Sam Healey, who Ayshford believes can find his way into a regular spot in the 17.
“The fella was struggling early doors… but he pushed through and he's a definite threat every time he runs the ball and he just knows where to be.
“I think he’d work perfectly as a person who sits on the bench and covers for Wayde Egan but also could come on and play lock.
“That's just me trying to think outside the box and get him in the team, he did not look out of place.
“He’s had three games this year for the Warriors, and in each game, he’s proven why he’s ready for the NRL.
“We have Wayde Egan, who in my opinion is one of the best in the NRL there in front of him, but his time will come, whether it’s this year on the bench or in years to come, I think he's definitely going to be here.”
Sam Healey's running game on display | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
A major issue for the Warriors this year has been edge defense, but Ayshford thinks the defense on Friday has shown signs of improvement despite the loss.
“Teams pinpoint things each week and where they can attack.
“I thought their (Warriors) movement was a lot better.
"You're still going to get found out in certain times of the game which happened.
“There is still a lot of improvement to be had, but the insides were working which made it a lot easier for the outside men.”
“If you ask any NRL coach where they would want the other team to score, it’s right out there on the wing.
“I’d rather that than through the middle.”
With the results from last weekend's NRL action, the Warriors' next game against the Bulldogs now shapes to have some extra feeling.
“The Bulldogs will be up for this game.
“If the Warriors play with that energy they played with on Friday, I think they’re in with a shot.”
What can we expect from the Warriors' run home? | Running It Straight
Some of that extra feeling comes from a Panthers win which Ayshford thinks they got away with.
“That game shouldn’t have gone to extra time with the Panthers trainer running in front of the kicker, they should’ve done something there.
“That’s a couple of times now the Panthers trainers have been in trouble doing these sorts of things.
“It’s getting tighter.”
As the season heads towards finals, Ayshford is convinced that anyone from the top 8 can win the competition this season.
“If you tell me that only four teams can win the comp, you’re joking.
“Any team that makes the 8 this year is a chance and all you have to do is look at the footy over the weekend.”
The Warriors finish the 2025 NRL season with four of the remaining five games against opponents currently outside of the top 8.
Listen to the full interview below:
