TWL RD 6: KINGZ CONTAINER CREW WARRIORS PLAYER RATINGS
Cameron Munster muffed the kick off at a sweltering AAMI Park…but that’s about as good as the first half got for the Warriors, handing over possession cheaply and back-pedalling their way to an unassailable 36-0 halftime deficit.
Small mercies, perhaps, but a 42-14 final scoreline – with the ragged visitors scoring three tries to one in the second half, despite the loss of James Fisher-Harris (pec) and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (HIA) to injury – was at least a wee bit soothing.
A reality check, but ultimately not a total disaster in the heat against the NRL’s overwhelming premiership favourites. Some clear shortcomings were exposed, most notably a lack of polish and authority in the halves, and defence on reshuffled edges that was a little too easy to expose. But in a topsy-turvy competition, an Easter bounce-back at Mount Smart against the up-and-down Broncos does not seem too big an ask.
Now let’s get into the Kingz Container Crew Warriors player ratings.
1 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Nondescript day before it ended with a head knock just four minutes into the second half, managing 61 metres from eight runs, conceding a ruck infringement and making two errors. 4.5
2 TAINE TUAUPIKI: One of the Warriors’ better performers in the first half with some timely jams from the wing on defence and lively runs, then added a bit of spark when he took over at fullback, including a grubber that led to Berry’s try. Made 112 metres and a team-high five tackle-breaks. 6
3 ROCCO BERRY: Streaky return to first grade with some poor moments (two errors, a high-tackle penalty) and some good bits (a well-taken try, trademark kick-chase); played most of the second half on the wing. Highly debatable whether he should keep a spot ahead of Pompey when DWS and/or RTS return. 5
4 ALI LEIATAUA: Looked the most dangerous of the Warriors’ backs all day with limited chances. Made 118 metres from 11 runs, including a searing line-break in the second half. 6
5 ADAM POMPEY: Led the Warriors’ backs with 13 runs for 127 metres, but few standout moments on the flank and came up with a dreadful offload on halfway early in the second half. 5
6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Recorded try assists with the boot for Halasima and with the pass for Metcalf, generally looked the most potent ball-player, made 18 tackles and did the bulk of the general play kicking. 5.5
7 LUKE METCALF: Ordinary on the whole anywhere near the Storm’s line – beginning with a gaffe in the opening minute – aside from his neat try to finish the scoring. Sensational try-saver in the first half and took on the line a bit more than we’ve seen so far in 2025, but again his standout moments don’t have enough to do with being a halfback. 5
8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: Succumbed to a pec injury after 11 minutes. 4
9 WAYDE EGAN: Less holes than have been available in recent weeks, but still kept probing (7 runs for 58 metres) and topped the tackle count for the fifth straight game (46) as well as forcing a line dropout. 6
10 MITCH BARNETT: Can’t fault the effort of the co-captain with 13 runs for 126 metres and 34 tackles, but not quite having the same influence on matches as his breakout 2024 campaign. 6
11 KURT CAPEWELL: Huge defensive effort with 40 tackles and racked up 73 metres from eight runs, having played most of the second half in the centres. 5.5
12 MARATA NIUKORE: Nine runs for 74 metres, 26 tackles, modest impact. 5
13 ERIN CLARK: Probably our best with 129 metres from 14 runs, five tackle-breaks and 31 tackles, along with a kick that almost netted a try. Continues to prove a top-value buy. 7
14 BUNTY AFOA: Given more minutes with JFH exiting early and racked up 106 metres and 24 tackles. 5.5
15 JACKSON FORD: The sin-bin was regrettable, but all heart when on the paddock. A team-high 140 metres from 16 runs, five tackle-breaks and 31 tackles, including some big effort plays. 6
16 DEMETRIC VAIMAUGA: Action-packed 43 minutes with 10 runs for 73 metres and 28 tackles without a miss. Another solid step in his progression under difficult circumstances. 6
17 LEKA HALASIMA: Just makes things happen. Nanai-like grab of a CHT bomb to open the Warriors’ account and made 54 metres from six runs and 14 tackles after entering the fray early in the second half. 6
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