New Zealand Warriors suffer 3 major injury blows, but star man returns

The 2026 season has been an impressive one for the New Zealand Warriors, with Andrew Webster’s men sitting second on the ladder as we head into the final months of the season.

Perhaps what has been even more impressive is the Warriors ability to stay the top end of the ladder despite a catalogue of injury problems.

Tanah Boyd and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck headline a growing injury list and today the Wahs have been hit by a devastating triple injury blow.

Captain James Fisher-Harris, Leka Halasima and Sam Healey have all joined the casualty ward for the foreseeable future.

New Zealand Warriors hit by huge injuries

The most notable of the three new injuries is that of Fisher-Harris, with the Warriors skipper key to the club’s turnaround since signing ahead of last season.

Fisher-Harris has been ruled out with a calf injury and perhaps most concerning for the Wahs fans is that not return date has been set.

The same applies to Halasima, with the 20-year-old fan favourite a regular starter for the Warriors so far this season.

Healey, who has featured 12 times this season mostly from the interchange bench, is expected to return in Round 17 after the club confirmed he suffered a fractured thumb.

This latest injury news is set to test the Warriors resolve as they aim to avoid a 2025-style late-season collapse, with the next few weeks crucial to cement their place in the top four.

Coming off a bye, the Wahs now have three big games before another bye in Round 18, facing the Sharks and Cowboys at home before a trip to Queensland to face the Dolphins.

It’s not all bad news for the New Zealand-based side though with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad named on the reserve list for Saturday’s clash with Cronulla.

CNK returns for the Warriors

Veteran utility back Nicoll-Klokstad has not featured for the Warriors since suffering a neck injury ironically against the Sharks at the start of April.

In his absence, Taine Tuaupiki has thrived at fullback putting Nicoll-Klokstad’s long-term position in the side under threat – fans are seemingly eager to see Tuaupiki stay in the No.1 jersey.

That leaves Nicoll-Klokstad scrapping for a place in the centres, but Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey have also performed to a high level of late and will be keen to keep their jerseys.

Which way Webster goes remains to be seen, but it highlights how far the Warriors have come that a player once considered as their very best is now struggling to find a starting spot.