Warriors v Manly: Five takeaways from final NRL regular
The New Zealand Warriors are entering the NRL finals with momentum following a six-game winning streak and a narrow victory over the Manly Sea Eagles. Despite some defensive concerns, the team is considered well-positioned for the upcoming playoff challenges.
Why it matters
The team's performance is a major cultural and sporting focus for New Zealand fans, with high stakes for the upcoming finals series.
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Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad celebrates a try against the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Photosport
In terms of being ready to strike, this is the best-positioned New Zealand Warriors team of the Andrew Webster era.
It’s an obvious point – but also one that needs to be made. The current team come into the finals on a high, off the back of a six-game winning streak. That’s a welcome scenario.
In 2023, the Warriors had a similar run – but were less convincing – before a 34-10 final-round defeat to the Dolphins, albeit with six front-liners rested. They then faced a virtual mission impossible, away to the Penrith Panthers in the first week of the finals and without Shaun Johnson, who had a calf strain.
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