‘X-factor’ that will make or break Warriors amid massive changing of the guard — Season Preview

A new day is dawning at the Warriors.

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The retirement of Warriors legend Shaun Johnson coupled with the arrival of star prop James Fisher-Harris has signalled a changing of the guard at the club.

Fisher-Harris and front row running mate Mitch Barnett have assumed co-captaincy duties at the club following Johnson’s departure, with coach Andrew Webster hoping the duo can help lead the Warriors back into the finals after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Even though the Warriors lost talented middle Addin Fonua-Blake in free agency, Fox League’s Braith Anasta believes the club upgraded with the addition of Fisher-Harris.

“They don’t have a hell of a lot of depth in their pack so they can’t have injuries. They have been a big short but Fisher-Harris is a beast. He’s arguably the best forward in the game,” Anasta told foxsports.com.au.

“It’s not only what he bring on the field, it’s off it. You talk to anyone and they’ll say he was one of the hardest trainers in Penrith.

“He’s got a winning culture and a winning attitude. He knows no other way.”

While Fisher-Harris’ arrival is hugely important, how the Warriors perform in 2025 hinges largely on the play of Luke Metcalf.

2024 was essentially a lost season for Metcalf, who suffered a broken leg early in the year.

When he returned in the final rounds, he showed just how much his team missed him. recording three try assists, four line break assists and a try in Rounds 24-26.

Metcalf played five-eighth alongside Johnson in those games, but he has now been entrusted by Webster to fill Johnson’s massive shoes.

Anasta is expecting big things from Metcalf, who he believes could be the “future” of the club.

“It was a weird year for the Warriors. Shaun Johnson wasn’t at his best which didn’t help because he was so good the year before. Luke Metcalf was also injured for much of last season but he’s fit and firing now,” Anasta said.

“I think it’s probably their halves that need to be at their best. Webster has them coached so well that they’re going to be in most games so it’s going to come down to X-factor and executing at the right time.

“He’ll (Metcalf) be huge. He’s inexperienced and filling big shoes, but he’s got potential. I’ve watched him all through the grades and he’s definitely got potential.

“He could be the future of the Warriors but he’s got a lot of responsibility and expectation on him this season.”

Read on for the Warriors’ 2025 season preview!

STRENGTH

Forward pack.

Fonua-Blake is undoubtedly a huge loss given how dynamic he is as a front rower and his affinity for the try line, but Fisher-Harris is a pretty handy replacement. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience, but he will also help instill a winning culture having won four straight competitions in Penrith. His front row partner Mitch Barnett enjoyed a breakout year in 2024 to catapult himself into the game’s best forward conversation. That’s a fearsome duo who will get this team on the front foot early in games. Lock Erin Clark is a very solid pick up who was one of the Titans’ best forwards last season.

WEAKNESS

Outside backs.

With star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak out for half the season and centre Rocco Berry also under an injury cloud, there’s plenty of pressure on some unheralded outside backs to step up. Inexperienced Ali Leiataua will line up at centre with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moving to wing. Leiataua has the makings of being a great player in this league, but he only has the seven NRL games under his belt and didn’t feature in the top grade at all last year so naturally, there are some reservations. Taine Tuaupiki is a talent but is in an unfamiliar position on the wing, where his smaller stature could be a detriment. Tuaupiki is probably better off at fullback, which is where Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will start the season. CNK has been a terrific contributor for the club but it’s fair to say he lost a step in 2024. Don’t be surprised if Tuaupiki is moved to fullback at some stage this season.

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR

Luke Metcalf.

It’s always going to be a daunting task filling the shoes of a Warriors club legend like Shaun Johnson. But Luke Metcalf looks more than up to the task, showcasing his skills in the pre-season challenge. The 25-year-old is set to shoulder the majority of the kicking duties, with a combination of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin partnering him at five-eighth. However, in his 26 NRL games he’s played off the bench and at five-eighth, never in the No. 7 which shapes as a huge opportunity for the rising star. Metcalf has consistently battled injuries across his time at the Sharks and in New Zealand, and he will be desperate to stay on the field given his increased responsibilities under Webster.

WHO’S UNDER PRESSURE