The Warriors have secured a top spot in the NRL, aided by a narrow 31-30 victory over Manly, as they approach the finals with momentum.
Warriors halfback Te Maire Martin excelled upon returning from a hamstring injury, with Chanel Harris-Tavita sealing the match with a field goal in the last three minutes.
Despite being on a six-game winning streak, the Warriors must confront some defensive concerns, having allowed an average of 29.3 points in their last three games.
Coach Andrew Webster remains optimistic, recognizing the need for improvement but noting, "I know what sort of week we had this week, I know how much better we're going to be for the run, I know we're going to build some confidence from it. We're in a good spot."
In contrast, Penrith is poised to overtake the Warriors for the minor premiership. The Panthers can claim first place with a victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Manly concluded their 2026 season in ninth place, finishing with an 11-13 record after struggling through a six-game losing streak following Luke Brooks' ACL injury.
Coach Kieran Foran reflected on their missed opportunities, stating, "That's the difference between being there and not being there," noting their four one-point losses that prevented them from contending for an elimination final.
In a fiercely competitive match, Manly managed a slow start before showcasing grit. The team faced challenges, including a sin-bin for Ben Trbojevic during a crucial moment.
Tom Trbojevic led Manly's efforts, contributing significantly to their offensive drive, while individual achievements from Warriors players, including five collective tries from Tuaupiki and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, highlighted their effective game strategy.
As the season closes, it remains evident that both teams have experienced their share of highs and lows, setting the stage for an exciting finals series ahead.