New Zealand were in and around the top four for most of the season, but ultimately fell just short and had to settle for fifth spot on the ladder.
The Warriors faced an elimination final against Penrith and came up short as injuries to Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett in the end saw them unable to compete against the best of the best.
Andrew Webster noted how he felt his team wasn't far away from becoming a genuine premiership threat, although the coach did admit that he thought his side were still missing the last piece of the puzzle.
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Which players have left the New Zealand Warriors in 2025?
Dylan Walker made a shock exit from the Warriors just one month into the season as he returned to Australia to link up with Parramatta.
Edward Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa have departed, with both joining South Sydney, while Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale have joined the duo out of the exit door.
Full list of New Zealand departures
| Player | New club |
|---|---|
| Bunty Afoa | Wests Tigers |
| Tom Ale | Penrith Panthers |
| Kalani Going | Penrith Panthers |
| Morgan Harper | - |
| Edward Kosi | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Moala Graham-Taufa | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Dylan Walker | Parramatta Eels |
Who have the Warriors signed for 2026?
- Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
- Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights)
- Haizyn Mellors (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans)
Who have the Warriors re-signed for next season?
New Zealand have done well to secure a host of their emerging forwards on long-term deals. Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban have signed until 2029, while Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith have also agreed fresh terms.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey and Te Maire Martin have been handed new contracts.
Jackson Ford has been locked down until 2027, while Taine Tuaupiki has also been handed an extra year at the club.
Following the conclusion of the season, the Warriors announced the major retention news of Luke Metcalf signing on until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.