Squeaky win over Manly Sea Eagles sets NZ Warriors up for NRL playoff run
The NZ Warriors secured a narrow victory over the Manly Sea Eagles to finish the regular season at the top of the NRL table. Despite the win, coach Andrew Webster expressed concerns regarding the team's defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the playoffs.
Why it matters
The team's performance and defensive strategy are critical factors as they enter the postseason with hopes of winning a maiden premiership.
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster is confident his team has learnt the lessons that will serve them well when NRL playoffs begin next week.
The Auckland-based club rounded out its 2026 regular season atop the competition table - for now - with a desperate 31-30 win over Manly Sea Eagles at Go Media Stadium, twice rallying from 12-4 down early and six points adrift with 15 minutes left to snatch victory with a late field goal.
That's not the kind of recipe that inspires confidence heading into the postseason, but Webster at least has a fair idea of what his team needs to fix, if they are to capture a maiden premiership crown.
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