Warriors’ young Pacific stars rewarded ahead of Panthers showdown

The stage is set for one of the biggest games of the NRL season and two of the Warriors’ young Pacific stars have been rewarded with another chance to shine.

A sold-out Go Media Stadium will host the third-placed Warriors against competition leaders Penrith on Friday night.

Coach Andrew Webster has named an unchanged side after last weekend's dominant 42-6 win over the Gold Coast Titans.

Sāmoan forward Jacob Laban and Tongan rising star Leka Halasima both retain their places, with Webster praising the impact the young pair continue to make as the Warriors build towards the finals.

Halasima was one of the standout performers against the Titans, playing the full 80 minutes while scoring a try, setting up another, running for almost 150 metres and breaking five tackles.

Webster says the 20-year-old has a rare ability to create moments on the field.

Leka Halasima of the Warriors. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

"He [Leka] can come up with some really cool stuff that no one else can. He's young but he puts a lot of time and things away from the game to get his head right and body right.

"And at the same stage he doesn't think too much, he just goes out and wants to play," Webster told journalists.

Laban’s form has also been rewarded. Webster said keeping his place meant making a tough call on veteran Adam Pompey.

Jacob Laban in action against the Bulldogs. Photo/David Neilson/Photosport

The Warriors coach said the decision was not about dropping Pompey, who he described as one of the club's most “reliable” players, but about recognising Laban’s progress.

"I just felt with Jake [Laban] doing so well in the back row, Leka wasn't really getting any time, and I just felt like a player like Leka needed to get to start and to be out there.

"It's a reward, more for Jakey, but really grateful that Adam obviously misses out but he's achieved so much."

Friday's clash gives the Warriors a chance to respond after their narrow 20-18 loss to Penrith in Round 13.

The Panthers have dominated the competition in recent years but the Warriors pushed the four-time premiers all the way in Sydney, showing they can match the NRL’s benchmark side.

Warriors forward Erin Clarke said after that game that "I reckon we're there… our style of footy can beat them”.

Webster says the difference this time could come down to staying focused for the full 80 minutes.

"I thought both teams looked really good in big periods of that game, it was a high-quality game of football.

"We had some tries pulled back that we should have scored and it's just finishing the job. If we've got them where we want them, don't let up, because we know they're going to keep throwing punches, but keep throwing our own."

The Warriors currently sit third on the ladder while Penrith head into the match as competition leaders in what many see as a potential grand final preview. Kick-off: 8pm (NZT)

Click here to keep up to date with the 2026 NRL competition.

Stacey Waaka. Photo/NRL Photos/Photosport

The Warriors women return to action on Saturday when they host the Newcastle Knights at FMG Stadium Waikato, with kick-off at 7.15pm (NZT).

Head coach Ron Griffiths has made one change to the side, with Black Ferns Sevens star Stacey Waaka shifting into the centres and Tysha Ikenasio moving to the wing.

Waaka was one of the Warriors’ standout players in their 18-16 defeat to the Titans last week and will be looking to inspire her team to their first win of the season against the Knights.

The Newcastle side sit just above the Warriors wāhine on the NRLW ladder on points differential, making Saturday’s clash an important early-season test for both teams.

Click here for more information on the 2026 NRLW competition.

TEAMS: Men

Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Interchange: Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Luke Metcalf, Taine Tuaupiki

Panthers: Jaxen Edgar, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Izack Tago, Brian To'o, Jack Cogger, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Freddy Lussick, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Billy Scott, Scott Sorenson, Liam Henry, Billy Phillips, Jack Cole, Blaize Talagi.

Women:

Warriors: Apii Nicholls, Tysha Ikenasio, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Payton Takimoana, Emmanita Paki, Gayle Broughton, Maarire Puketapu, Patricia Maliepo, Metanoia Fetalaiga, Shakira Baker, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Kaiyah Atai, Interchange: Capri Paekau, Harata Butler, Ivana Lauitiiti, Mya Hill-Moana

Knights: Lucy Spain, Shanice Parker, Sidney Taylor, Tenika Willison, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Kirra Dibb, Georgia Roche, Simone Karpani, Olivia Higgins, Tiana Davison, Fane Finau, Jules Kirkpatrick, Kayla Romaniuk, Interchange: Botille Vette-Welsh, Sienna Yeo, Amelia Pasikala, Grace Giampino.