NRL

New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has been forced to shuffle his side’s backline ahead of their Saturday afternoon clash with Manly in Auckland.

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With the 2026 NRL minor premiership and JJ Giltinan Shield on the line at a sold out Go Media Stadium, barnstorming back rower-turned-centre Leka Halasima has been ruled out with what the club has described cryptically as a ‘minor ankle issue’. 

Originally named on Tuesday, Halasima’s omission sees Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shift into left centre with Taine Tuaupiki promoted from the six-man bench to start at fullback.

The club remains hopeful Halasima will be fit to play in Week 1 of the NRL finals.

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Heading into Round 27 the Warriors and Panthers are locked on 40 competition points each, with the Warriors holding top spot on the NRL ladder courtesy of a solitary point in for-and-against (+309 vs. +308).

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With the Panthers fielding an almost full-strength side against the Wests Tigers on Sunday, only a solid win for the Wahs is likely to be enough for Andrew Webster’s men to lift the JJ Giltinan Shield come Sunday night.

Of course the good news is, win or lose, the Warriors are assured of a top two finish meaning they are guaranteed to play two home finals in Auckland this September.

The Warriors host the Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon in NRL Round 27. Kickoff at 3p.m. (AEST). 

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