Billy Slater makes huge Warriors prediction

Billy Slater feels that New Zealand Warriors are building something truly special during the 2026 season.

Slater was speaking about the Warriors on his podcast, praising the squad’s development this season and in years gone by.

The NRL great hailed the Warriors’ teamwork and youth development, and believes what Andrew Webster and his staff are building can be successful for many years to come.

“That’s said with as much respect as possible. They have got young stars, well coached. They don’t beat themselves.

“As respectfully as I can say this, they are a team that doesn’t have superstars. They all contribute to the footy team,” Slater said on his podcast.

“They use the football, and they offloaded the ball 15 times on the weekend. They have considerable discipline and put a lot of pressure on the opposition.

“A great reflection of their team is that their halfback has changed three times, and all three players have gone well.

“Tanah Boys was on fire; Te Maire (Martin) has been playing well. (Luke) Metcalf was the form halfback of the competition last year. That goes to show how well coached they are.

“They keep coming up with these young forwards. (Tanner) Stowers-Smith has been going really well, and I thought he played his best game of the season.

“Eddy (Eddie Ieremia-Toeava) is another one that popped out through the screen. They are unearthing these young, talented Kiwis and Polynesian boys who have got so much athleticism.”

On the club’s potential for long-term success, Slater added: “Now they have this very good and smart coach that is bringing them on and really developing these players.

“They are building not something just for this season, but for a long-term approach. I like what they are doing at the Warriors.”