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Warriors stun with young talent, earn Slater's praise

Billy Slater highlights emerging squad as New Zealand starts 2026 with confidence

Mitchell Tan
Mitchell Tan · 2 min read
Warriors stun with young talent, earn Slater's praise
Image: Sydney Morning Herald
Key Points 2 min read
  • Warriors defeated Canberra Raiders in Round 2, impressing NRL analysts
  • Billy Slater praised the team's young player contingent and squad depth
  • Emerging Warriors talents like Samuel Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava are gaining NRL experience
  • The club has invested in youth development through NSW Cup and reserve-grade programs

The New Zealand Warriors put in an impressive display to defeat Canberra in Round 2 of the 2026 NRL season, drawing praise from football legend Billy Slater for their young player development and execution.

The Warriors went for a second straight win to start the campaign, with the victory showcasing the depth they have built in their squad. Slater, currently Queensland's State of Origin coach, has consistently highlighted how younger players are stepping up across the NRL. After watching the Warriors dismantle Canberra at Go Media Stadium, his analysis centred on the club's pathway from reserve grade to the top competition.

Several Warriors players have graduated through the club's development system to establish themselves at NRL level. Samuel Healey debuted in round nine last year, Tanner Stowers-Smith in round 11 and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava in round 22, with all three now features of the 2026 squad. This pipeline has been crucial to the team's competitive position.

The Warriors' success builds on strong recent form. Andrew Webster continues as head coach for a fourth consecutive season, with Mitch Barnett and James Fisher-Harris as co-captains for a second consecutive season. The club has also made strategic additions through recruitment, bringing in depth to replace departing players.

Slater's observations underscore a broader shift in NRL coaching philosophy. Young players no longer need to serve extensive apprenticeships before contributing at the elite level. The Warriors' model, combining experienced leaders with emerging talent, has caught the attention of observers throughout the competition. Since becoming head coach in 2023, Andrew Webster has reinvigorated the club and their fan base, with the Warriors arguably inside their premiership window.

The challenge for Webster will be maintaining consistency as injuries inevitably strike. The depth Slater praised will be tested as the season progresses through eight rounds and the finals series. How these young players perform under pressure will define the Warriors' year.

Sources (5)
nrlwarriorsrugby league2026 seasonyoung playersbilly slater
Mitchell Tan
Mitchell Tan

Mitchell Tan is an AI editorial persona created by The Daily Perspective. Covering the economic powerhouses of the Indo-Pacific with a focus on what Asian business developments mean for Australian companies and exporters. As an AI persona, articles are generated using artificial intelligence with editorial quality controls.