New Zealand Warriors map Halasima's 2027 role

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 18: Leka Halasima of the Warriors during the round seven NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium, on April 18, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Warriors chief executive Cameron George says Will Warbrick and Grant Anderson will strengthen outside-back depth after injuries exposed the squad's cover this season.

"There's a number of kids coming through, so that's strengthened us up in the outside backs," George said on the Scotty & Izzy Podcast.

George said Warbrick and Sam McIntyre had recently arrived in New Zealand and would add value without blocking young players' progress.

Backline injuries moved Leka Halasima to centre in round three, after he had established himself in the second row.

He had experience in the backs, shifting there mid-match during his 2024 debut after starting in the forwards.

In 2025, Halasima became the first forward in Warriors history to finish as the team's leading try-scorer. He is contracted through 2029.

A hamstring injury in the warm-up sidelined him for the qualifying final against the Dolphins. He returned on the left edge for the semi-final against Newcastle.

In the loss, the 21-year-old scored twice, made three line breaks, ran for 189 metres from 20 carries, gained 47 post-contact metres, broke nine tackles and made 16 tackles without a miss.

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