New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights - Round 26, 2026
The result
The Warriors led 22 to 20 at halftime, then pulled clear after the break to win 46 to 32 at Go Media Stadium. Fletcher Hunt opened the scoring in the 5th minute for the Knights, but it was the Warriors who found another gear once the sides had been level at the break.
How it unfolded
The Warriors made 1802 all run metres to the Knights' 1373 and had 593 post contact metres to the Knights' 370. The Knights got through more tackles, 347 to the Warriors' 255, and conceded more penalties, 8 to the Warriors' 3.
Against projection
Jacob Laban ran his projection of 47 up to 77, and Jett Cleary turned a projection of just 13 into 36 with three try assists. Kalyn Ponga was the biggest miss anywhere in the game, scoring 5 against a projection of 47, while Jacob Saifiti played only 12 minutes and finished on minus 2.
Price moves
Luke Hanson's price rose $31,000 after he scored 39 against a break even of just 12, and Leka Halasima climbed $23,000 with 43 against a break even of 25. At the other end, Mat Croker fell $24,000 after his 35 could not clear a break even of 54, while Pasami Saulo dropped $25,000 having managed only 9 against a break even of 34.
Ownership outcome
Francis Manuleleua carried ownership of 11.5 percent and returned 49 points, while Trey Mooney sat at 13.3 percent ownership but managed just 22. The cheaper option paid off elsewhere too: Dane Gagai, owned by 1.6 percent, ran in 51 points with two try assists.
