<h2>NZ Warriors Season Summary</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Ladder position:</strong> 6th</p> <p><strong>Wins: </strong>14</p> <p><strong>Losses:</strong> 10</p> <p><strong>Biggest win</strong>: 40 - 10 vs Cronulla, Away, Round 14</p> <p><strong>Biggest loss: </strong>14 - 41 vs Melbourne, Away, Round 6</p> <p><strong>Leading try scorer:</strong> Selumiela Halasima, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (12)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s been a rollercoaster 2025 NRL season for the NZ Warriors, but it ultimately earned them a spot back in the finals for the first time since their top-four finish in 2023.</p> <p>After a humiliating Round 1 loss under Vegas’ bright lights to the ladder-leading Raiders, the Wahs made their move, winning their next three games to sit comfortably inside the top eight a quarter into the season.&nbsp;</p> <p>A big loss to the Storm briefly halted their momentum, but a run of five consecutive wins had Warriors fans dreaming of what could be this year as they sat nestled in the top four.</p> <p>Then came the injuries, and with them, a dip in form, as the Warriors were left to cover the significant losses of Luke Metcalf and Mitchell Barnett. Both suffered cruel ACL injuries within four weeks of each other, proving to be major hurdles if they want a deep finals run.&nbsp;</p> <p>A penultimate round loss to Parramatta ultimately cost the Warriors a top-four finish and the crucial double chance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finishing sixth, they face a mammoth task in their finals campaign by hosting the four-time reigning champions in front of a sold-out home crowd.</p> <p>The season featured thrilling moments, including the fastest try in NRL history—scored just nine seconds into a game against Manly—and a golden-point victory over St George Illawarra, marking their best season start in 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Warriors Players to Watch</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>James Fisher-Harris</h3> <p>The big prop has enjoyed his first season back at home and has been a beacon for the Warriors this year after being named co-captain.&nbsp;</p> <p>A four-time premiership star with the Panthers and one of Penrith’s favourite sons, not only does he bring the Finals experience to a depleted Warriors group, but he will also have the know-how and IP of how to take down his old side.</p> <p>He will have a massive role to play if the Warriors are to cause one of the all-time upsets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Leka Hallisima</h3> <p>It’s been a breakout season for the second rower, whose form has continued to build with every passing week.&nbsp;</p> <p>The young ball runner is seen as one of the contenders for the NRL ‘Rookie of the Year’ award.</p> <p>Deeds in finals footy are always amplified, and Warriors fans will be hoping their young star and hope for the future can rise to the occasion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Tanah Boyd</h3> <p>The Sydney-born halfback got his opportunity, coming into the Warriors' starting lineup following the unfortunate injury to Luke Metcalf.&nbsp;</p> <p>Playing a key position on the ground, there’s pressure that comes with it every week, and that’s only increased when finals come around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And, as far as testing against the best in finals footy, it doesn’t come any greater than testing out against the great Nathan Cleary and Penrith first up.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Warriors NRL Finals Preview – Why They Can Win It</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Beware the wounded bull.</p> <p>The Warriors might be bruised, but Warriors show that they can fight and keep on fighting.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finals footy is attritional. And given the list of ‘outs’ for the Wahs at the moment, they might have to shelve the dynamic, high-tempo style of play that has been their MO in 2025 and adopt a physical, full set game and be clinical on scoring at the crunch.</p> <p>Fisher-Harris has been there before and knows what it takes and will be the enforcer. They have the firepower and the grit to outmuscle their rivals.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Warriors NRL Finals Preview – Why They Can’t Win It</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s been a successful season for the Warriors, bouncing back strongly after the disappointment of 2024. We would have loved to see how far they could have gone this season if they were at full strength.</p> <p>The critical mass of injuries to key players at the worst time of year will make it very difficult.</p> <p>Has anyone got some magical healing powers?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Warriors NRL Finals Prediction</h2> <p>The injury toll and the fact that they have to play Penrith first make it hard for us to see the Warriors going beyond the first week here. But being at home will at least give them a fighting chance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Predicted finish:</strong> First Round exit</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL 2025 Premiership Odds:</h2>