One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster has set the tone on an array of key topics ahead of a season marked by the 30th anniversary of the club's competition debut.
That comes along on March 10, nine days after the Warriors launch their campaign with their historic first-round clash against the Canberra Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1.
Webster sat down for the first episode of the One Take podcast for 2025 to share his thoughts on captain Tohu Harris’ retirement, James Fisher-Harris’ impact, Gold Coast recruits Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark, the recent camp at St Kentigern College, finding a new captain, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the halves battle and the lure of Las Vegas.
Here are some excerpts from his sit-down chat:
Tohu Harris’ retirement
“The dream was always from Tohu and us to get him back to where he was. We called it quits and got the operation done last year to get him ready for this season. He gave it a red-hot crack but you could see that it just wasn’t going to work out and get him back to where he was.
“That week was quite tough because we were away on break for Christmas-New Year and we started to talk about it just before we came back. That’s when it got quite real and that this was probably going to be it. It leaves a big hole.
“The timing isn’t great but all I want us to do is to celebrate him. He’s really special to this club and to the game of rugby league. That’s a big hole but we’ve got to get on with it.
“Probably people didn’t realise how many conversations we were having about the group and how they were handling things, the temperature of the room as they call it. Tohu gave me a really good insight into that, how the locker room was. The best thing about Tohu is that he allows others to lead; he doesn’t block their leadership.
“He has left the group in a far better place and then he’s a world-class player.”
James Fisher-Harris’ arrival
“He’s been awesome. I think the camp was really good for him. It was an opportunity to get to know all the boys on a people level.
“The big thing about Fish is he doesn’t need to talk. Just him walking into the facility has increased our intensity at training, the way we are prepared to go at each other in a really cool-headed way. And then every now and then he adds bits of gold. He’ll say something and the whole room goes silent.
“He’s got a lot to offer and he’s got lots of experience. He does communicate well but if he feels like he hasn’t got something to say he won’t waste the air with it. His intensity has been huge. He has fitted in with the group so well. I can see that he’s very passionate about being home and we’re so glad to have him.”
Picking a new captain
“When it comes (to picking a new captain) it should speak for itself, it should be really obvious.
“As a staff and a playing group whoever that person is you want to make sure that there is a process to it and some education … one, do they all want to be captain. We’ve got some really good candidates.
“Because Tohu has retired you can tell there are some people who really want it and have upped the ante in terms of their leadership but we don’t have to make that call now. I reckon closer to round one we’ll know.”
Finding a halves combination
“The competition (among the halves) has been a strong thing. They’ve been really competitive but still willing to give themselves to the players and the team; they’ve been helping each other, throwing ideas up.
“We will back two a bit earlier and say: ‘Right, that’s it, it’s yours and to the others, you can take it off them’. If we don’t do that it’s not good for our team not to have that clarity. We’ve spoken a lot that we’re a squad and not individuals so whoever doesn’t get the job has a big role to fill.
“What we all keep forgetting about is a young bloke like Luke Hanson. It’s his second season at the club and he’s doing well. He’s putting a lot of pressure on and he’s learning.
“Then there’s Jett Cleary. Everyone think he was signed for Shaun. He hasn’t been. We believe Jett can play NRL one day just as we do with others. He hasn’t played much football due to injuries. He’s not signed in our top 30. We have high hopes for him but I think everyone needs to cool the jets there a bit, excuse the pun. He’s a terrific kid but we’ve got five more experienced halves at this stage. He may take it off them earlier but there’s a long progression plan. He’s here for three years.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck discussion
“The talk around Roger is deserved. He’s a bloody good player and has been for a long time; he has a special part in the Warriors’ history.
“Round one you will know but Roger and I and the team have complete clarity around that. We know what’s going on. We’re rapt how it’s going. Roger looks so much clearer after 12 months back in rugby league. He made some adjustments last year and he has made some more now. He’s ready for it. It’s like not knowing the sex of your child: What happens with Roger can just wait.”
Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark
“Tanah’s got a great kicking game and he can goal kick. We played him here on Anzac Day last year and he did an unbelievable job. He kicked us to death. I think he’s really well rounded where halves start working it out. I like how fit he is.
“Erin Clark’s a very good player. He got picked for the Kiwis. We played him twice last year and we previewed him hard. We’re super excited to have him. He’s an ex-halfback so he can pass which helps with Tohu now retired. He can run too. He’s aggressive. He’s got a big chest on him and he’s fitted right in.”
Camp at St Kentigern College
“We had a great camp at St Kentigern. The boys were in dorms, no phones. Gave them an hour when they could call home, no telly so it was board games, games of pool, cards. We got lots of connection out of it.
“We feel fresh. The boys have had a good attitude. I feel like we’re tracking really well. There’s a good vibe but we’re waiting to play someone.”
Viva Las Vegas
“It’s a really good test for us mentally. We get to go on a big stage and get to be part of opening the NRL competition in Las Vegas. That’s a huge opportunity for our club and our brand.
“Our players travel a lot to games in Australia but a lot of them haven’t travelled the world. It’s a mental challenge for us: are we going to set lost in Las Vegas? It’s a great challenge to see whether we can enjoy the environment and then lock into winning. I just can’t wait to get the group there to enjoy the experience but win. Canberra will be doing the same thing.”
Expectations for 2025
“Winning’s a no brainer. Consistency is they big thing, that our good games and bad games aren’t far apart. Something we’re passionate about is that our community is proud of our performances. The message is: We’re committed, we’ve worked hard, we want to improve and everyone’s going in the right direction at the moment.”
