New Zealand Warriors' record year brings awards

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 12: James Fisher-Harris of the Warriors warms up before the NRL Qualifying Final match between the New Zealand Warriors and Dolphins at Go Media Stadium on September 12, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Nathan Cleary claimed the Dally M Medal as the NRL's player of the year. Warriors prop Jackson Ford finished seventh on 39 points despite missing 10 regular-season games.

The NZ Warriors collected several honours after a record-setting 2026 campaign, finishing level with Penrith atop the regular-season ladder.

They recorded 18 wins, six losses and 728 points, the highest points total by any team that season.

Andrew Webster was named Dally M coach of the year for the second time in four seasons, after taking the Warriors to the finals for the third time in four campaigns.

He was selected ahead of Penrith's Ivan Cleary and Newcastle's Justin Holbrook.

James Fisher-Harris won captain of the year in his second season with the Warriors, beating Penrith's Nathan Cleary and Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga.

Two weeks earlier, Fisher-Harris had received the club's Simon Mannering Medal. He also joined the Roosters' Naufahu Whyte in the Dally M Team of the Year's props.

Wayde Egan was named at hooker, while Erin Clark earned loose forward of the year for a second consecutive season.

Fullback Taine Tuaupiki won tackle of the year for chasing down Manly Warringah's Jason Saab during the Warriors' 31-30 round 27 victory at Go Media Stadium.

In the NRLW awards, captain Apii Nicholls accepted the Provan-Summons Award after leading a haka for Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw at her farewell home game at Totally Workwear Stadium. Warriors players and Brisbane's Māori players joined in the presentation.

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