NRL: Warriors ‘good headache’ grows as depth shines ahead of round four at home

The Warriors have a problem and it’s one most teams would love to have.

After a dominant 38-12 win over the Newcastle Knights in Newcastle on Saturday, head coach Andrew Webster says he’s dealing with a “good headache” as his team continues to deliver strong results despite several key players remaining sidelined.

With momentum building and fresh faces delivering each week, the Wahs are proving their depth runs deep, just in time for their next home game.

Webster says there’s no need to rush any big selection calls just yet.

“When that moment comes it’s going to be tough, but I’ve learnt if you start planning too far ahead this game bites you in the backside,” Webster says in a post-match conference.

“So just to not decide anything now, we don’t have to. But we’ve got great depth, it’s a good headache… but when the time comes, we’ll need to address it.”

Jackson Ford of the Warriors. Photo/David Neilson/Photosport

That depth has been tested early. The Warriors lost three starters from last week's game, but the players stepping in have lifted the standard and not just filled the gaps.

With Te-Maire Martin, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Luke Metcalfe still out injured, the pressure has fallen on the next group and they’ve delivered.

Halfback Tanah Boyd continues to lead the way. In round three, he crossed for a try, a try, set another up and ran 125 metres, keeping the Knights on the back foot all game.

Luke Hanson of the Warriors scoring on debut. Photo/David Neilson/Photosport

Webster says Boyd’s form is no surprise. “We’ve been confident in Tanah, he’s had a great pre-season and he’s really in charge of this team at the moment.

“He’s clear with his comms and when you’re clear with your comms you run the ball more… and he was very good again today [Saturday].”

Changes across the lineup haven’t slowed the side either. Two debutants were handed their chance, while experienced players stepped up when it mattered.

Mitch Barnett, up against his former club, made a strong impact as the Wahs secured their best NRL start since 2018. Youngsters Luke Hanson and Morgan Gannon also fot their taste at this level.

Jackson Ford remains one of the competition's in form players, backing up his strong start with 236 running metres and 44 tackles.

His dominance adds to Webster’s selection puzzle, especially with Barnett pushing for a starting spot in the number 10 jersey.

But beyond the results, there’s a bigger moment coming. Next week, the Warriors return home to host Benji Marshall’s West Tigers in a match that will celebrate the Pacific communities that have shaped the club.

More than 45 per cent of Warriors players have Pacific heritage, a legacy that continues to drive the team today.

Warriors chief operating officer commercial and marketing, Glenn Harris, says the goal is to bring that energy back to Auckland.

“We encourage fans to make next Friday night one to remember, when Pasifika pride comes to Go Media Stadium again,” Harris says in a statement.

“We saw the phenomenal support Samoan and Tongan supporters brought with their flags, their singing and their passion in last year’s Pacific Championships.

“Let’s bring that vibe again next week, not just from Samoan and Tongan fans but from all Pacific nations.”

Form, depth, and culture are all coming together for the Warriors right now. And if the wins keep coming, Webster’s “good headache” is only going to get bigger.

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