Warriors near full strength as Origin stars return for Dragons clash
When State of Origin stars Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell run out at Go Media Stadium this Saturday, they will bring more than just muscle. They will bring a statement of intent from a Warriors side that is quietly building something special. After a season defined by injury and representative disruptions, the team is finally approaching full strength at the perfect moment.
Barnett and Capewell have played just three games between them over the past two months. Byes and representative commitments kept them away from clubland, and coach Andrew Webster has been reluctant to risk his veterans on short turnarounds. Both played in the 26-24 loss to the Dolphins three weeks ago but missed last week's 32-6 win over Wests Tigers, which was played two nights after Origin III.
Wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak also returns after celebrating his 100th appearance for the club in Brisbane, where he limped off with a hamstring twinge. His comeback pushes utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the reserves. With eight games remaining until the NRL playoffs, the Warriors are relatively injury free. Halfback Tanah Boyd and centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are out for the season with knee injuries, but front-rower Jackson Ford is the last piece missing as he rehabs a pectoral shoulder tear. He hopes to return in the final rounds.
What does this mean for the Warriors' playoff push?
The Warriors currently sit second on the competition table, six points inside the top eight. That position is no accident. It reflects a squad that has learned to win without its stars. Now, with Barnett and Capewell back, the team has genuine depth. The return of Watene-Zelezniak adds speed and experience on the edge. The lineup against St George-Illawarra Dragons looks formidable.
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark. Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Eddie Ieremia-Teoava, 20. Marata Niukore. Reserves: 21. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 22. Luke Metcalf, 23. Makaia Tafua.
The Dragons, meanwhile, are cellar-dwellers this season. But in the NRL, no game is a given. The Warriors will need to show the same discipline and grit that carried them through the tough patches.
Warriors women also get a boost
The injury-ravaged Warriors women are also bolstered by returns as they seek to bounce back from their 42-16 defeat to Canberra Raiders on Sunday. The wāhine lost star recruit Gayle Broughton, wing Lavinia Tauhalaliku and forward Felilia Kia in their build-up to the contest, compounding a raft of previous injuries and suspensions. That left them with just 17 fit players for their gameday squad.
Broughton may be sidelined up to a month with a quad injury suffered in training. But Tauhalaliku, who scored a try double in their NRLW season-opening win over Canterbury Bulldogs, will reclaim her spot on the wing against North Queensland Cowboys. Rookie Ocean Tierney retains her place on the other side after her brace against the Raiders on debut.
Sevens superstar Stacey Waaka shifts to centre, with second-rower Shakira Baker moving back to the pack. Emmanita Paki has been named at five-eighth with a week to train in her unaccustomed position. Former Wallaroos rugby international Jasmin Huriwai will start at hooker, replacing Capri Paekau. Front-rower Mya Hill-Moana joins the interchange after serving a suspension for a hipdrop tackle against the Bulldogs.
Warriors: 1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Lavinia Tauhalaliku, 3. Tysha Ikenasio, 4. Stacey Waaka, 5. Ocean Tierney, 6. Emmanita Paki, 7. Patricia Maliepo, 8. Annetta Nuuausala, 9. Jasmin Huriwai, 10. Ashlee Matapo. Interchange: 14. Capri Paekau, 15. Harata Butler, 16. Mya Hill-Moana, 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.
The women's team has shown resilience all season. This weekend, they have a chance to prove that depth and determination can overcome even the toughest setbacks.
Why this matters for New Zealand sport
The Warriors are more than just a rugby league team. They are a symbol of what Aotearoa can achieve when we invest in our athletes and our communities. Both the men's and women's sides are pushing for playoff spots, and their success reflects a broader shift in New Zealand sport: a move toward equity, professionalism, and genuine support for all players. The return of key players is not just a tactical boost. It is a reminder that when we build systems that value people, performance follows.
Kickoff is 7.35pm, Saturday, 18 July at Go Media Stadium, Auckland. Live blog updates on RNZ.