The 2025 NRL season marked a significant chapter in rugby league history, particularly for the New Zealand Warriors, who navigated a challenging path to secure a 6th-place finish and an elimination finals appearance. From the high-stakes opening clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to the dramatic Grand Final on October 5, 2025, where the Brisbane Broncos triumphed 26–22 over the Melbourne Storm, the year was defined by physical intensity and strategic evolution. For fans in the EN-NZ market, the season provided a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighted by the retirement of club legends Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris, and the high-impact arrival of James Fisher-Harris. This guide analyzes the core statistics, key match results, and tactical shifts that shaped the 2025 Telstra Premiership, offering actionable insights for the seasons to come.
Season Structure and the Road to the Finals
The 2025 NRL season consisted of 27 regular-season rounds, with each of the 17 teams playing 24 matches and receiving three byes. The New Zealand Warriors finished the regular season with 14 wins and 10 losses, accumulating 34 points and a positive points differential of +21. This consistency allowed them to clinch 6th place on the ladder, setting up an elimination final against the 7th-placed Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium—a match they unfortunately lost 8–24.
The top of the ladder was dominated by the Canberra Raiders, who finished 1st with 19 wins, followed by the Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The 2025 finals format followed the traditional top-eight system, providing double chances for the top four teams while creating knockout scenarios for those ranked 5th through 8th.
- Minor Premiers: Canberra Raiders (44 points).
- Warriors Finish: 6th Place (Elimination Finals).
- Grand Final Winner: Brisbane Broncos (26–22 vs Melbourne Storm).
- Warriors Record: 14 Wins, 0 Draws, 11 Losses (including finals).
Minor Premiers: Canberra Raiders (44 points).
Warriors Finish: 6th Place (Elimination Finals).
Grand Final Winner: Brisbane Broncos (26–22 vs Melbourne Storm).
Warriors Record: 14 Wins, 0 Draws, 11 Losses (including finals).
| Position | Team | Points | Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Canberra Raiders | 44 | +148 |
| 2nd | Melbourne Storm | 40 | +212 |
| 6th | New Zealand Warriors | 34 | +21 |
| 8th | Sydney Roosters | 32 | +132 |
The Warriors' 2025 Campaign: Key Victories and Challenges
The New Zealand Warriors' season was a tale of fortress-like dominance at home and improved resilience on the road. After a disappointing Round 1 loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas (8–30), the team found their rhythm at Go Media Stadium, recording significant wins over the Sea Eagles (36–16) and the Roosters (14–6) in back-to-back home games. A mid-season highlight included a dominant 40–10 away victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Round 14, showcasing the team's attacking potential when their forward pack won the middle of the field.
However, the season was also marked by the transition following the retirements of Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris. The coaching staff, led by Andrew Webster, focused on a more disciplined, grinding style of play. While this resulted in a lower "points for" average than some top-four rivals, it allowed the Warriors to stay competitive in close matches, as evidenced by their 1-point win over the Dragons (15–14) in Round 10.
Top 5 Warriors Regular Season Results
- Round 14: def. Sharks 40–10 (Away).
- Round 2: def. Sea Eagles 36–16 (Home).
- Round 13: def. Rabbitohs 36–30 (Away).
- Round 25: def. Titans 32–18 (Away).
- Round 3: def. Roosters 14–6 (Home).
Round 14: def. Sharks 40–10 (Away).
Round 2: def. Sea Eagles 36–16 (Home).
Round 13: def. Rabbitohs 36–30 (Away).
Round 25: def. Titans 32–18 (Away).
Round 3: def. Roosters 14–6 (Home).
Statistical Standouts: Player Impact and Leaderboards
Individual performances were a major talking point throughout the 2025 season. For the Warriors, Leka Halasima emerged as a breakout star, leading the club with 13 tries. Tanah Boyd, a key transfer from the Gold Coast Titans, became the tactical anchor of the side, ranking high in several NRL-wide categories, including 8 try assists and 2,804 kick meters. His 89 total kicks and 45 attacking kicks were essential in managing field position for the New Zealand outfit.
Defensively, Jackson Ford led the Warriors in "post-contact meters" with 376, while Mitchell Barnett and James Fisher-Harris provided the veteran leadership in the pack following their appointment as co-captains. League-wide, Nathan Cleary of the Panthers remained the statistical benchmark for playmakers, leading the NRL in total points (68) and goals (30) during the assessed periods of the season. Read more in Wikipedia.
| Metric | Warriors Leader | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Top Try Scorer | Leka Halasima | 13 |
| Top Point Scorer | Luke Metcalf | 117 |
| Post-Contact Meters | Jackson Ford | 376 |
| Try Assists | Tanah Boyd | 8 |
The 2025 Finals Series Analysis
The 2025 finals series delivered the expected intensity, though it ended prematurely for the New Zealand Warriors. Hosting the Penrith Panthers in an elimination final at Go Media Stadium, the Warriors were unable to overcome the clinical efficiency of the three-time premiers, falling 8–24 in front of a sell-out crowd of 24,524. The Panthers' experience in knockout football was the deciding factor, as they shut down the Warriors' edge attack and dominated territorial possession.
The path to the Grand Final saw the Brisbane Broncos emerge as the dark horse, defeating the Panthers 16–14 in a physical preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium. The Grand Final itself was a classic Trans-Tasman style battle between the Broncos and the Storm at Accor Stadium. Despite the Storm's early lead, the Broncos' power game proved too much in the final 20 minutes, securing them the 2025 Telstra Premiership.
Finals Results (NZ Warriors & Major Fixtures)
- Elimination Final: Penrith Panthers 24 def. NZ Warriors 8.
- Preliminary Final 1: Melbourne Storm 22 def. Sharks 14.
- Preliminary Final 2: Brisbane Broncos 16 def. Panthers 14.
- Grand Final: Brisbane Broncos 26 def. Melbourne Storm 22.
Elimination Final: Penrith Panthers 24 def. NZ Warriors 8.
Preliminary Final 1: Melbourne Storm 22 def. Sharks 14.
Preliminary Final 2: Brisbane Broncos 16 def. Panthers 14.
Grand Final: Brisbane Broncos 26 def. Melbourne Storm 22.
Transfers and Roster Evolution for 2025
The 2025 season was a year of significant roster turnover for the Warriors. The headline signing was James Fisher-Harris from the Penrith Panthers, who arrived on a four-year deal through 2028. His presence in the front row was intended to offset the loss of Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks and the retirement of Tohu Harris. Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark also joined from the Titans, providing much-needed depth in the halves and hooker/lock positions.
The club also prioritized retaining their core talent, announcing long-term contract extensions for Ali Leiataua (2027), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2027), and breakout forward Leka Halasima (2029). These moves reflect CEO Cameron George’s strategy to build a sustainable contender around a mix of elite international signings and developed local talent.
- Key Inbound: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Erin Clark (Titans).
- Key Outbound: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Shaun Johnson (Retired), Tohu Harris (Retired).
- Strategic Extension: Leka Halasima through 2029.
Key Inbound: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Erin Clark (Titans).
Key Outbound: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Shaun Johnson (Retired), Tohu Harris (Retired).
Strategic Extension: Leka Halasima through 2029.
Regional Games and Stadium Impact
The 2025 season saw the Warriors continue their commitment to regional New Zealand, taking their Round 8 clash against the Newcastle Knights to Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. The match was a major success, with the Warriors securing a 26–12 victory in front of 17,104 fans. This strategy of spreading home games across the country has been vital in maintaining the Warriors' status as "New Zealand's team," rather than just Auckland's.
At their primary home, Go Media Stadium, the Warriors enjoyed an average attendance of 23,299, with a high of 26,512 recorded against the Canberra Raiders in Round 12. The atmosphere at "Mount Smart" remains one of the most intimidating for visiting teams, contributing significantly to the team's positive home win ratio in 2025.
| Round | Venue | Attendance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 8 | Apollo Projects Stadium (Christchurch) | 17,104 | Win 26–12 |
| Round 12 | Go Media Stadium (Auckland) | 26,512 | Loss 10–16 |
| Elimination Final | Go Media Stadium (Auckland) | 24,524 | Loss 8–24 |
Tactical Analysis: The Webster System
Under head coach Andrew Webster, the 2025 Warriors operated with a high-completion, low-risk tactical philosophy. This "Webster System" prioritized winning the territory battle through the kicking game of Tanah Boyd and Luke Metcalf. Defensively, the team focused on "line engagement" and minimizing "missed tackles," though they still struggled at times against high-octane offenses like the Melbourne Storm, who defeated them 42–14 in Round 6.
The team's ability to generate second-phase play through offloads was lower than in previous seasons, but their post-contact efficiency remained a strength. Jackson Ford's league-leading PCM (Post Contact Meters) allowed the Warriors to start their sets on the front foot, providing space for Wayde Egan to orchestrate dummy-half runs (25 total in the assessed period).
Key Tactical KPIs
- Kick Dominance: Tanah Boyd led the team with 2,804 kick meters.
- Ruck Speed: Wayde Egan ranked 5th in the NRL for total receipts (511) and 3rd for dummy-half runs (25).
- Discipline: The Warriors maintained one of the lowest penalty-against ratios during their home win streak.
Kick Dominance: Tanah Boyd led the team with 2,804 kick meters.
Ruck Speed: Wayde Egan ranked 5th in the NRL for total receipts (511) and 3rd for dummy-half runs (25).
Discipline: The Warriors maintained one of the lowest penalty-against ratios during their home win streak.
State of Origin 2025 and Its Impact
The 2025 State of Origin series had its usual disruptive effect on the NRL schedule. Matches were played in Sydney (June 3), Melbourne (June 24), and Brisbane (July 8). While the New Zealand-based Warriors traditionally have fewer players affected than Australian clubs, the 2025 season saw Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell spend significant time away from the club for representative duties.
The Warriors successfully navigated this period by securing wins against the Rabbitohs and Sharks while their Origin stars were rested or on limited minutes. This depth, provided by players like Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin, was crucial in keeping the Warriors in the top eight during the mid-season grind.
| Origin Game | Date | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game I | 3 June 2025 | Accor Stadium (Sydney) | NSW |
| Game II | 24 June 2025 | MCG (Melbourne) | QLD |
| Game III | 8 July 2025 | Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane) | NSW (Series 2-1) |
2025 NRL Women's (NRLW) Season Highlights
The 2025 season also marked the return of the New Zealand Warriors Women to the NRLW premiership. They finished the 11-round regular season with several notable victories, including a 34–6 thrashing of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and a season-ending 44–6 win over the Wests Tigers. While they missed out on the top-four finals, the return of a professional women's pathway in New Zealand was a landmark moment for the sport.
The NRLW Warriors' success was driven by a mix of veteran Ferns and emerging local talent. Home games at Go Media Stadium often featured as double-headers with the men's team, drawing significant crowds and boosting the profile of the women's game in the EN-NZ market.
- Warriors Women Record: 5 Wins, 6 Losses.
- Best Result: 44–6 vs Wests Tigers.
- Key Stats: 14–0 shutout win against the Parramatta Eels.
Warriors Women Record: 5 Wins, 6 Losses.
Best Result: 44–6 vs Wests Tigers.
Key Stats: 14–0 shutout win against the Parramatta Eels.
2025 Pacific Championships and International Rugby
Following the NRL Grand Final, the 2025 Pacific Championships provided a high-intensity conclusion to the year. The New Zealand Kiwis reached the Men's Pacific Cup Final after a dominant performance against Tonga in Auckland. In the final held at CommBank Stadium on November 9, the Kiwis faced off against Toa Samoa in a rematch of their opening clash.
The international window also featured the Women's Pacific Cup Final between the Australian Jillaroos and the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns, further cementing the Trans-Tasman rivalry at all levels of the game. These matches are essential for the growth of the sport in the Pacific region and provided valuable test experience for younger Warriors players.
| International Event | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwis vs Tonga | 2 Nov 2025 | Auckland |
| Pacific Cup Final (Men/Women) | 9 Nov 2025 | CommBank Stadium (Sydney) |
| RLWC 2026 Qualifier | 9 Nov 2025 | Cook Islands vs South Africa |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NRL season was a year of evolution and consolidation for rugby league in New Zealand. While the Warriors fell short of a Grand Final appearance, their ability to remain a top-six contender despite the loss of legendary playmakers speaks to the strength of Andrew Webster's coaching system and the club's administrative stability. For NZ fans, the season offered a glimpse into a post-Shaun Johnson future led by James Fisher-Harris and the explosive Leka Halasima. As the league looks toward the 2026 season, the foundations laid in 2025—both in the men's and women's competitions—suggest that the "Wahs" remain a potent force in the Telstra Premiership.
FAQ
Who won the 2025 NRL Grand Final? The Brisbane Broncos won the 2025 Grand Final, defeating the Melbourne Storm 26–22.
Where did the New Zealand Warriors finish on the ladder in 2025? The Warriors finished in 6th place with 14 wins and 34 points.
Who was the top try scorer for the Warriors in 2025? Leka Halasima was the Warriors' top try scorer with 13 tries.
How did the Warriors perform in the 2025 finals? The Warriors played an elimination final against the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium, losing 8–24.
Which major players retired from the Warriors in 2025? Club legends Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris both retired at the end of the 2025 season.
Who were the Warriors' captains in 2025? Mitchell Barnett and James Fisher-Harris served as co-captains for the 2025 season.
Did the Warriors play any home games outside of Auckland in 2025? Yes, they played a Round 8 match against the Newcastle Knights at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
Who was the leading point scorer for the Warriors in 2025? Luke Metcalf led the club with 117 points.
What were the dates for the 2025 State of Origin series? Game I was June 3, Game II was June 24, and Game III was July 8.
How did the Warriors Women perform in 2025? The Warriors Women returned to the NRLW, finishing the season with 5 wins and 6 losses.