NRL Profile: New Zealand Warriors

Enduring a difficult campaign last season, New Zealand Warriors will know they have plenty of work to do to make up ground on the NRL’s elite teams in 2025.

Finishing down in 13th place in the standings with just nine wins from their 23 games during the regular season, the Warriors squandered opportunities to make a late push for a top-eight finish.

Beginning life without stars Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris following their retirements, others will need to step up to fill the void.

Let’s take a look at how the New Zealand Warriors are shaping up ahead of the 2025 NRL season.

Life after Johnson

Head coach Andrew Webster will have been sorry to see New Zealand legend Johnson hang up his boots but all good things must come to an end.

The Kiwi star had issues towards the end of his playing career but he was still a formidable halfback capable of opening up defences at will.

Johnson’s absence, and that of former skipper Harris will leave two big voids in the team but an opportunity for others to take their chance.

Looking at other players to leave, Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla Sharks), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Zyon Maiu’u and Marcelo Montoya (both Canterbury Bulldogs) all moved on to new teams.

However, the Warriors fans will have been pleased by the new Adam Pompey signed a new deal that will take him through to the end of the 2027 season.

Fisher-Harris looking to make an impact

The arrival of former Kiwi international James Fisher-Harris should give the Warriors a big boost in the pack this season.

At 29 years old and having enjoyed a successful time with the Penrith Panthers, Fisher-Harris can bring his winning and experience and sizeable frame to Mount Smart Stadium this year.

Joining Fisher-Harris as new arrivals, Jett Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Erin Clark (Gold Coast Titans), Sam Healey (Cronulla Sharks) and Tanah Boyd (Gold Coast Titans) are also fresh faces through the doors and hoping to have an impact this season at the Warriors.

New Zealand Warriors odds

The Roosters are viewed as a rank outsider to win the 2025 NRL grand final, and are priced at 41.00 to be crowned champions.

The Warriors are therefore underdogs to finish in the top for this season at 8.00, while they are available at 2.75 to finish in the top eight.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.