Warriors v Knights: Coach Andrew Webster shrugs off minor premiership chances as NRL finals approach
The New Zealand Warriors are focusing on their performance rather than the minor premiership as they approach the NRL finals. Coach Andrew Webster emphasizes the importance of securing a top-two finish for home-field advantage.
Why it matters
The Warriors' pursuit of a high ladder position is a major narrative in professional rugby league, impacting playoff dynamics and team morale.
Even sitting atop the NRL with two rounds left in the regular season, the Warriors won’t let the chance at lifting a minor premiership distract them from their real goal.
After last weekend’s 45-26 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs , Andrew Webster’s side are top of the ladder, and lead the race for a top-two finish before the NRL finals.
A late field goal from rookie five-eighth Luke Hanson saw the Warriors hit the 19-point margin needed to leapfrog the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters into first place on points differential.
Now, with their final games of the regular season at Go Media Stadium, starting against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, the Kiwi club have their best chance at the minor premiership for only the second time.
The Warriors have lifted the J.J. Giltinan Shield once before, in the run to the 2002 Grand Final loss to the Roosters.
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