May 2, 2026 • 10 mins
The Warriors have extended their winning streak to four after a 36-14 NRL win over Parramatta in Sydney, perched second on the table heading into their bye weekend.
Incumbent halves Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita guided the team to victory in this clash.
NRL journalist Brad Walter joined Piney to discuss what this win means for the Warriors.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB on.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
A display, a statement score line and a team starting
to turn potential into real performance. Of course, we're talking
about the Warriors. Lab In the dummy half, boyd Clack Harris,
Devina Heavin goes to us a sick.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Yes, Sir Roger two of us A sick gets a try.
This has been a professional finish from the professional team.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
The Warriors are bearing the paramatter reel.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, the New Zella Warriors powering past the Eels thirty
six fourteen last night, running and six tries, finishing full
of energy after the game was still in the balance
midway through the second half. Kind of win that doesn't
just get your two points, but sends a message to
the rest of the competition. You'd have to think to
break it all down. We're joined by veteran rugby league
journalist Brad Walter. Brad Overall, how do you evaluate the
(01:01):
Warriors performance last night and picking up their fourth straight win.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Yeah, very impressive, especially the way they finished the game. Yeah,
Like as you said, it was, it was in the
balance midway through the second half. It was eighteen fourteen
and Paramatta had a bit of momentum and they were
coming back. But then then you know the try by
Jackson Ford set up by Aaron Clark, which was I
think in the sixty fourth minute that just that changed
(01:27):
the tone. And then and then the Warriors romped home.
Their backs are scoring all the some you know, fantastic
tries through through Roger two of us check and cart
Perreira and Dulan with Kenny's Leslie act on the wings
out wide. But it's really their forwards as that are
laying the platform. You know, James Fisher, Harris leading the
(01:48):
way obviously as a captain better and Clark has been
outstanding all season. Has is Jackson Ford who honestly, Jackson's
been around for a long time. I mean, I'm from
a longong, Jackson from a longong. I remember him coming
through the grades at the Dragons, et cetera. But I've
I could not imagine he'd be have a season like
he's having this year. He's got to be he. I
think he's in the new South Wales origent to him
(02:10):
like he's the form front rower of the competition. He's
leading the dally M points, he's he's just had an
incredible year and he just backs it up week after week.
And he's obviously reveling off playing against James Fisher, trap
playing with James Fisher, Harris Mitch Barnett and and Darren Clark.
But yeah, as I said, the Warriors forward pack there,
that's the most dominant forward pack in the competition and
(02:30):
it's really exciting to watch them players, really enjoyable to
watch them players. They're not just running hard and making meads.
They're offloading their their ball playing there, they're setting up
the attack and then they're scoring to.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Ice absolutely well. I mean, you've summed it up brilliantly, Brad,
because if you if you didn't see the game and
you looked at the at the scoreline and then looked
at the try scores, you say, as you say, Okay,
camp Parreira has got a couple of tries, a couple
more tries like Dennis a Leslie at Roger two vasa Chick.
The backs are obviously playing brilliantly, but they can't score
those tries, can they? Without the likes of Ford for
sher Harris Clark, they just seem so integral to the
(03:01):
side at the moment. The middles.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Yeah, like I said, they're the best middles in the
in the competition, and and they're doing it every week
against you know, against you know, all sorts of opposition.
You know, they did it last week against the Dolphins.
They did it because they did it against the Eels.
And you know, the Eels have got a decent forward pack.
You know that they're they're outstanding. And then the you
(03:24):
know then in the backs and another guy, you know,
like a Tanner Boyd, he is having a season again.
Like I thought, he was a backup half back the Titans.
The Titans moved him mine, he went to the Warriors.
He was pretty much there to be the backup for
Luke Metcalf. Now Andrew Webster's got a huge dilemma and
like last night he had Metcalf on the bench and
he couldn't get him on. And he's you know, Chanel
(03:47):
Harris Tavita is playing outstanding as well. In the halves.
The spine is really working. And they're without Searle's Nickel
Klock's dad, they're without Luke Metcalf, they're without Mitch Barnett
in the front row. But you know they're missing some
key players or you know who have been out injured
and those players mostly ready to come back. And I'm
(04:08):
not sure. I mean, if I'm Andrew Webster, I'm thinking,
do I want to make a change, And you know,
I don't know. Maybe he will just be patient, bide
his time, or will make them by their time, and
you know, the opportunities will arise no other you know,
they will lose some games and maybe form will drop off,
or there will be injuries or suspensions or whatever, and
those players will get an opportunity. But Jesus hard to
(04:31):
be hard for him to change a team that's playing
so well.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Absolutely, And I guess they say, don't they top coaches
are that these are the problems we want. We want
headaches of a selectorial type. And you're right, how do
you get Luke Metcalf back in the team? How do
you get you know, guys when they come back all
all on the park. It's a strong uniform brand, you know,
for in a row by next week or two more
points coming then Magic Ram when they'll take on the Broncos,
which will be another great clash. When do we start
(04:56):
talking about the Warriors as as a genuine twenty twenty
six contender.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Well, look, I was that was at the game in
Wellington last weekend and there was a guy sitting a
couple of rows in front of me and every time
they scored a try held up a banner that said
this is our year. So I reckon, we're already talking
about it, and like people, we should be talking about
it because it's been They've been the most consistent them
and the Panthers, sorry, have been the most consistent teams
(05:23):
in the competitional year. That game against the Broncos is
going to be an absolute cracker. Sun Corps Stadium, Magic
Ground that joined it be full. But you know, even
last night the Warriors had a lot of supporters at Paramatta.
So wherever they play now and as I said, it
was in Wellington, that was their biggest crowd, the biggest
home crowd the Warriors have had since twenty twelve so
(05:44):
and the third biggest in history of the Warriors. And
you know it was in Wellington, which isn't I wouldn't
I don't really consider to be regular league Hartly and
but jeez, there was just a buzz in the whole
city during the day. There were people walking around everywhere
in Warriors gears. I went to Lower Hut to the
shopping center and people were queued up when the shops
(06:04):
opened to buy merchandise and all sold out. There's a
real vibe and a real buzz wherever the Warriors play.
It has said that I can't wait for Magic Ground
Warriors versus Broncos, you know, the Premiers against you know
one of the teams that we're definitely talking about is
being Premiership contenders this year.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Absolutely, Look, I'm looking forward to it as well, like
you have to be headed over there. So yeah, that
Sunday night or Sunday afternoon early evening game between the
Warriors and the Broncos looks like the one of the
best games of the weekend. But just well, I've got
to the Melbourne Storm. The Melbourne Storm. We know obviously
Craig Bellamy is going through some very very worrying health issues.
But the storm on the field was it seven losses
(06:45):
in a row, now, this is this is remarkable given
their pedigree.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
It's the biggest, the longest losing streak in the club's history.
Now the loss to the Dolphins the other night, and
looked we were in that game for most of it,
but they fell away and the Dolphins really finished over
the top of them. I suppose a little bit like
the Warriors and the Eels last night. It's hard to
put your finger on. They've still got some of the
best players in the game in Jerome Hughes and Cameron
(07:11):
Munster and Harry Grant, no doubt, and those guys aren't
performing at their best, which which which the Storm really
need them to this year. The Storm's forward pack. We
we talked about the Warriors forward pack. The Storm's forward
pack looks just looks. You don't look up to it.
They're certainly not in that category. And you know, Craig
(07:32):
Bellamy to try and make some changes this week. He dropped,
he moved his back row to the bench and bought
guys off the bench into the back row to the
starting back round. And I think that sort of sums
up the problem that he's got. He doesn't have the depth,
the strength of players. And the Storm has lost. They lost,
you know, some key players. I suppose they lost Nelson
(07:52):
a Sopha Solomono. They lost Ryan Pappenhausen, Jonah Pezant went
to the Eels. There's probably one or two other guys
that I haven't thought of my head. But then they've
also also lost well to Kama Kamika has had the stroke,
had a stroke, so he's out probably won't play again
(08:13):
this season Ali Katowa as well, and you know, so
that's there's some key players that are missing from from
the Storm side of last season and they haven't really
replaced those guys, and you know, and it looks like
Xavier Coach is out injured, that there's some other injuries
in outside. J Rome Hughes didn't play the other night. Yeah,
So like, I just think they don't have the depth
(08:35):
that they've had him previous years, and the big name
players like Munster really aren't stepping up to sort of
to take control. I've got no doubt that will change.
Craig Bellamy, craigbil He's also going through health issues. I
don't know. You know, everyone says that the Storms say
that its business as usual and hasn't affected Craig, but
it's not. Everyone's worried about him as well. So, yeah,
(08:57):
it's uncharted territory for the for the Storm. They said
they've never lost seven in a row and they don't
really look like they're about to win a game. You know,
you put a line through them for the finals at
the moment, but it is the Melbourne Storm, so anything's possible.
I don't know, it's sort of it's funny because like
they've been so dominant for so long, and I think
(09:18):
people are almost sick of the Storm. They have been
the most dominant team in the last twenty years, and
I think people are sort of like, you know, probably
initially please to see them fall off a little bit,
but now we're actually thinking, well, what's going on? When
are they going to start to win? They're too good
a team, too good a club, got too good a
coach and too many good players to be sitting at
(09:39):
the bottom of the table for too long. But there
doesn't seem to be any light in the at the
end of the tunnel at the moments.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Those problems for the Warriors. They joined top on points
with the Panthers, and the Rooster's Panthers play mainly but
later on tonight, so they could jump two points clear
the Warriors, but the buy next week before Magic round. Brad.
Always love chatting rugby league with you mate, Thanks for
taking the time as always.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
No worry speak again soon yeah, look forward to that.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Brad, thanks and they Brad Walter there. It's one thirty one,
so can see make have wins over the Storm, the Titans,
the Dolphins and now the Eels. Four on the trot
for the Warriors.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk st B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB on.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
A display, a statement score line and a team starting
to turn potential into real performance. Of course, we're talking
about the Warriors. Lab In the dummy half, boyd Clack Harris,
Devina Heavin goes to us a sick.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Yes, Sir Roger two of us A sick gets a try.
This has been a professional finish from the professional team.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
The Warriors are bearing the paramatter reel.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, the New Zella Warriors powering past the Eels thirty
six fourteen last night, running and six tries, finishing full
of energy after the game was still in the balance
midway through the second half. Kind of win that doesn't
just get your two points, but sends a message to
the rest of the competition. You'd have to think to
break it all down. We're joined by veteran rugby league
journalist Brad Walter. Brad Overall, how do you evaluate the
(01:01):
Warriors performance last night and picking up their fourth straight win.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Yeah, very impressive, especially the way they finished the game. Yeah,
Like as you said, it was, it was in the
balance midway through the second half. It was eighteen fourteen
and Paramatta had a bit of momentum and they were
coming back. But then then you know the try by
Jackson Ford set up by Aaron Clark, which was I
think in the sixty fourth minute that just that changed
(01:27):
the tone. And then and then the Warriors romped home.
Their backs are scoring all the some you know, fantastic
tries through through Roger two of us check and cart
Perreira and Dulan with Kenny's Leslie act on the wings
out wide. But it's really their forwards as that are
laying the platform. You know, James Fisher, Harris leading the
(01:48):
way obviously as a captain better and Clark has been
outstanding all season. Has is Jackson Ford who honestly, Jackson's
been around for a long time. I mean, I'm from
a longong, Jackson from a longong. I remember him coming
through the grades at the Dragons, et cetera. But I've
I could not imagine he'd be have a season like
he's having this year. He's got to be he. I
think he's in the new South Wales origent to him
(02:10):
like he's the form front rower of the competition. He's
leading the dally M points, he's he's just had an
incredible year and he just backs it up week after week.
And he's obviously reveling off playing against James Fisher, trap
playing with James Fisher, Harris Mitch Barnett and and Darren Clark.
But yeah, as I said, the Warriors forward pack there,
that's the most dominant forward pack in the competition and
(02:30):
it's really exciting to watch them players, really enjoyable to
watch them players. They're not just running hard and making meads.
They're offloading their their ball playing there, they're setting up
the attack and then they're scoring to.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Ice absolutely well. I mean, you've summed it up brilliantly, Brad,
because if you if you didn't see the game and
you looked at the at the scoreline and then looked
at the try scores, you say, as you say, Okay,
camp Parreira has got a couple of tries, a couple
more tries like Dennis a Leslie at Roger two vasa Chick.
The backs are obviously playing brilliantly, but they can't score
those tries, can they? Without the likes of Ford for
sher Harris Clark, they just seem so integral to the
(03:01):
side at the moment. The middles.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Yeah, like I said, they're the best middles in the
in the competition, and and they're doing it every week
against you know, against you know, all sorts of opposition.
You know, they did it last week against the Dolphins.
They did it because they did it against the Eels.
And you know, the Eels have got a decent forward pack.
You know that they're they're outstanding. And then the you
(03:24):
know then in the backs and another guy, you know,
like a Tanner Boyd, he is having a season again.
Like I thought, he was a backup half back the Titans.
The Titans moved him mine, he went to the Warriors.
He was pretty much there to be the backup for
Luke Metcalf. Now Andrew Webster's got a huge dilemma and
like last night he had Metcalf on the bench and
he couldn't get him on. And he's you know, Chanel
(03:47):
Harris Tavita is playing outstanding as well. In the halves.
The spine is really working. And they're without Searle's Nickel
Klock's dad, they're without Luke Metcalf, they're without Mitch Barnett
in the front row. But you know they're missing some
key players or you know who have been out injured
and those players mostly ready to come back. And I'm
(04:08):
not sure. I mean, if I'm Andrew Webster, I'm thinking,
do I want to make a change, And you know,
I don't know. Maybe he will just be patient, bide
his time, or will make them by their time, and
you know, the opportunities will arise no other you know,
they will lose some games and maybe form will drop off,
or there will be injuries or suspensions or whatever, and
those players will get an opportunity. But Jesus hard to
(04:31):
be hard for him to change a team that's playing
so well.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Absolutely, And I guess they say, don't they top coaches
are that these are the problems we want. We want
headaches of a selectorial type. And you're right, how do
you get Luke Metcalf back in the team? How do
you get you know, guys when they come back all
all on the park. It's a strong uniform brand, you know,
for in a row by next week or two more
points coming then Magic Ram when they'll take on the Broncos,
which will be another great clash. When do we start
(04:56):
talking about the Warriors as as a genuine twenty twenty
six contender.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Well, look, I was that was at the game in
Wellington last weekend and there was a guy sitting a
couple of rows in front of me and every time
they scored a try held up a banner that said
this is our year. So I reckon, we're already talking
about it, and like people, we should be talking about
it because it's been They've been the most consistent them
and the Panthers, sorry, have been the most consistent teams
(05:23):
in the competitional year. That game against the Broncos is
going to be an absolute cracker. Sun Corps Stadium, Magic
Ground that joined it be full. But you know, even
last night the Warriors had a lot of supporters at Paramatta.
So wherever they play now and as I said, it
was in Wellington, that was their biggest crowd, the biggest
home crowd the Warriors have had since twenty twelve so
(05:44):
and the third biggest in history of the Warriors. And
you know it was in Wellington, which isn't I wouldn't
I don't really consider to be regular league Hartly and
but jeez, there was just a buzz in the whole
city during the day. There were people walking around everywhere
in Warriors gears. I went to Lower Hut to the
shopping center and people were queued up when the shops
(06:04):
opened to buy merchandise and all sold out. There's a
real vibe and a real buzz wherever the Warriors play.
It has said that I can't wait for Magic Ground
Warriors versus Broncos, you know, the Premiers against you know
one of the teams that we're definitely talking about is
being Premiership contenders this year.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Absolutely, Look, I'm looking forward to it as well, like
you have to be headed over there. So yeah, that
Sunday night or Sunday afternoon early evening game between the
Warriors and the Broncos looks like the one of the
best games of the weekend. But just well, I've got
to the Melbourne Storm. The Melbourne Storm. We know obviously
Craig Bellamy is going through some very very worrying health issues.
But the storm on the field was it seven losses
(06:45):
in a row, now, this is this is remarkable given
their pedigree.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
It's the biggest, the longest losing streak in the club's history.
Now the loss to the Dolphins the other night, and
looked we were in that game for most of it,
but they fell away and the Dolphins really finished over
the top of them. I suppose a little bit like
the Warriors and the Eels last night. It's hard to
put your finger on. They've still got some of the
best players in the game in Jerome Hughes and Cameron
(07:11):
Munster and Harry Grant, no doubt, and those guys aren't
performing at their best, which which which the Storm really
need them to this year. The Storm's forward pack. We
we talked about the Warriors forward pack. The Storm's forward
pack looks just looks. You don't look up to it.
They're certainly not in that category. And you know, Craig
(07:32):
Bellamy to try and make some changes this week. He dropped,
he moved his back row to the bench and bought
guys off the bench into the back row to the
starting back round. And I think that sort of sums
up the problem that he's got. He doesn't have the depth,
the strength of players. And the Storm has lost. They lost,
you know, some key players. I suppose they lost Nelson
(07:52):
a Sopha Solomono. They lost Ryan Pappenhausen, Jonah Pezant went
to the Eels. There's probably one or two other guys
that I haven't thought of my head. But then they've
also also lost well to Kama Kamika has had the stroke,
had a stroke, so he's out probably won't play again
(08:13):
this season Ali Katowa as well, and you know, so
that's there's some key players that are missing from from
the Storm side of last season and they haven't really
replaced those guys, and you know, and it looks like
Xavier Coach is out injured, that there's some other injuries
in outside. J Rome Hughes didn't play the other night. Yeah,
So like, I just think they don't have the depth
(08:35):
that they've had him previous years, and the big name
players like Munster really aren't stepping up to sort of
to take control. I've got no doubt that will change.
Craig Bellamy, craigbil He's also going through health issues. I
don't know. You know, everyone says that the Storms say
that its business as usual and hasn't affected Craig, but
it's not. Everyone's worried about him as well. So, yeah,
(08:57):
it's uncharted territory for the for the Storm. They said
they've never lost seven in a row and they don't
really look like they're about to win a game. You know,
you put a line through them for the finals at
the moment, but it is the Melbourne Storm, so anything's possible.
I don't know, it's sort of it's funny because like
they've been so dominant for so long, and I think
(09:18):
people are almost sick of the Storm. They have been
the most dominant team in the last twenty years, and
I think people are sort of like, you know, probably
initially please to see them fall off a little bit,
but now we're actually thinking, well, what's going on? When
are they going to start to win? They're too good
a team, too good a club, got too good a
coach and too many good players to be sitting at
(09:39):
the bottom of the table for too long. But there
doesn't seem to be any light in the at the
end of the tunnel at the moments.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Those problems for the Warriors. They joined top on points
with the Panthers, and the Rooster's Panthers play mainly but
later on tonight, so they could jump two points clear
the Warriors, but the buy next week before Magic round. Brad.
Always love chatting rugby league with you mate, Thanks for
taking the time as always.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
No worry speak again soon yeah, look forward to that.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Brad, thanks and they Brad Walter there. It's one thirty one,
so can see make have wins over the Storm, the Titans,
the Dolphins and now the Eels. Four on the trot
for the Warriors.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk st B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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