The proposed Rugby360 competition is generating significant interest and concern within the rugby community, particularly regarding its implications for player loyalty and the sport’s integrity. While prominent figures such as Ardie Savea, the All Blacks vice-captain, and coach Scott Robertson have denied any knowledge of the competition, veteran commentator Tony Johnson suggests its potential to disrupt the current rugby landscape is very real.

According to Johnson, “What I’m hearing now is that this thing is real, that the money is off the scale.” He indicated that Rugby360 could launch as early as next year, with plans to feature eight men’s and four women’s teams operating in a franchise system across multiple countries. The competition is backed by significant private investments from the United States, the United Kingdom, and notably, Saudi Arabia.

While specifics about Rugby360 remain limited, it is estimated that the league will need to secure contracts with hundreds of players to become operational. Financially, this endeavor appears minuscule compared to the vast resources available through the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is believed to manage assets worth hundreds of billions. According to Steve Jackson, a professor at the University of Otago, “Just in relation to sport, I think they’re at about close to $50 billion just in the last two to three years.”

Critics of the investment strategy argue it represents a form of sportswashing, where nations leverage sports to improve their international image while diverting attention from human rights issues. Jackson pointed out that “Rugby is just another feather in the cap” for Saudi Arabia, which has already made significant inroads into various sports, including golf, Formula 1, and UFC.

New Zealand Rugby has chosen not to engage in media interviews regarding Rugby360 but issued a statement affirming their ongoing monitoring of new markets. They noted, “We continue to see strong player retention, driven by a focus on environments and quality teams and competitions.” The organization expressed confidence in the long-term commitments of many players, recognizing the exciting rugby calendar planned for the next four years.

The response from World Rugby has also been noteworthy. Johnson revealed that a recent meeting was held to discuss the implications of Rugby360. However, the outcome of these discussions remains unclear. He suggested that World Rugby might face pressure from established leagues such as the English Premiership, Top 14 in France, Japan’s league, and Super Rugby. A successful launch of Rugby360 could fundamentally alter the competitive landscape of rugby.

World Rugby’s influence is still considerable, particularly regarding the commitment of top players to international competitions. As Johnson stated, “No top rugby players are going to commit to this if they think there’s any threat to them playing international rugby, no matter how big the money is.” The current buzz surrounding Rugby360 appears to attract more attention from rugby league players than from established union stars.

Nevertheless, the financial allure presented by Saudi Arabia’s backing cannot be overlooked. Reports indicate that top players in other sports have been offered signing bonuses exceeding USD 100 million to join initiatives like the LIV golf tour. Jackson succinctly noted, “At the end of the day, it’s two words: money talks.”

As the rugby community watches closely, the future of Rugby360 and its impact on the sport remains uncertain. Whether this new competition will secure the participation of New Zealand’s elite players or transform the rugby landscape will become evident in due time. As developments unfold, the balance between financial incentives and the integrity of the sport will be a critical conversation moving forward.

In a breathtaking display of talent, Leka Helasima scored a remarkable try in just seven seconds, solidifying his status as a new cult hero among Warriors fans. This astonishing individual effort occurred during the match against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. Helasima’s feat has drawn comparisons to some of the most unforgettable moments in the club’s history.

Unforgettable Moments in Warriors History

The Warriors have a rich legacy filled with thrilling finishes and unforgettable plays over the past three decades. Fans recall the dramatic comeback against the Melbourne Storm in 1998, culminating in Tony Tatupu‘s memorable try. Similarly, the 2001 revival against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Wellington showcased the team’s resilience and flair for the dramatic.

Former stars like Shaun Johnson have also etched their names in Warriors lore through spectacular plays. Johnson’s 2016 try against the Cronulla Sharks, where he evaded multiple defenders with a dazzling dance, remains a highlight for many supporters. Another memorable moment came from Frances Meli, who clinched victory with a stunning match-winner against the Newcastle Knights in 2005. Additionally, Krisnan Inu‘s unexpected effort in the 2011 semi-final against the Tigers left an indelible mark on fans.

Helasima’s Historic Try

Helasima’s try has already sparked conversations about his potential to become one of the game’s greats. His blend of speed, agility, and instinctive playmaking drew immediate admiration from fans and commentators alike. With this performance, he not only showcased his extraordinary skills but also provided a reminder of the magic that can unfold in sports.

As the Warriors look to build on this momentum, fans are hopeful that Helasima’s emergence will bring a new era of success to the team. His ability to deliver in critical moments could prove invaluable as the season progresses.

With the 2023 season in full swing, supporters eagerly anticipate what else Helasima will bring to the field. If his recent performance is any indication, it could be the beginning of a remarkable journey for this young talent, one that promises to add more unforgettable moments to the storied history of the Warriors.

The NZ Warriors achieved a dramatic 20-15 victory over the Newcastle Knights on March 15, 2025, showcasing their resilience as they fought back from a challenging first half. After conceding three tries, the Warriors turned the tide in the second half, culminating in a remarkable play by young star Leka Halasima that sealed the win in the dying seconds.

The match began with the Warriors struggling defensively, allowing the Knights to establish a 15-6 lead at halftime. However, the second half saw the Warriors regroup, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. A crucial moment occurred in the closing seconds when Boyd attempted a field goal, only for it to be charged down. Halasima capitalized on the loose ball, sprinting 40 metres to the try line, securing the victory for his team and marking a standout moment in his breakout season.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster praised the team’s fighting spirit, stating, “I liked the way we kept fighting… We just came up with a freakish play from a young guy that’s got heaps of talent.” This victory continues a trend for the Warriors, who have repeatedly managed to snatch wins from the brink of defeat throughout the season.

In his second game replacing Luke Metcalf, who is sidelined for the season due to a knee injury, Boyd had a mixed performance. He successfully converted all three tries and added a penalty, but struggled with his field-goal attempts late in the game. Webster noted, “He just wanted to keep having a crack at it… He’s just going to improve every week.”

One of the standout players of the match, Halasima has quickly become a key figure for the Warriors. His impressive performances have led to eight tries this season, tying him with Metcalf for the team lead. Co-captain Mitch Barnett described Halasima as a “freak,” highlighting the impact he has had on the team.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Halasima also made a vital trysaving tackle against Knights centre Fletcher Hunt during the first half, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile player. Webster commended Halasima’s defensive work, saying, “He’s his toughest critic around his defence and he works really hard at it.”

The match also featured some controversial decisions that impacted the Warriors’ scoring opportunities. Early in the game, a try by hooker Wayde Egan was disallowed due to a double movement, a call that Webster contested, arguing Egan’s elbow remained on the ground. Another contentious moment occurred when Knights winger Greg Marzhew was allowed to offload from the ground to Dane Gagai for a try, which Webster felt was questionable.

In terms of injuries, Kurt Capewell, who returned from Origin duty, suffered a knee injury just before halftime and finished the game on the bench. His status for the next match remains uncertain, while teammate Taine Tuaupiki left the field for a head check but later returned.

With this victory, the Warriors are now positioned with 12 wins from 17 games, placing them fourth on the NRL table. They trail the Canberra Raiders by four points and have a comfortable gap over the Brisbane Broncos. More notably, they are eight points ahead of the ninth-placed Dolphins, increasing their chances for a postseason berth.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Gold Coast Titans next Saturday. The Titans, currently at the bottom of the table, pose a potential challenge for the Warriors, who must remain focused to avoid a repeat of their previous season’s losses against this rival. The match is critical as the Warriors continue to push toward securing their playoff position, a scenario that fans are eagerly anticipating, contrasting with previous seasons where hopes were often dashed.

This victory not only reinforces the Warriors’ current standing but also builds momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. The team will look to maintain their winning form and continue to enhance their playoff prospects.

Winger Payton Takimoana made history as the first NZ Warriors woman to score a hat-trick of tries, but her remarkable performance was not enough to secure victory against the formidable Newcastle Knights. The Warriors fell 36-20 in a match held on March 15, 2024, at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. This game marked the return of Warriors coach Ron Griffiths, who previously led the Knights to back-to-back NRLW championships during his three-year tenure.

Newcastle dominated the early stages, showcasing their strength with an early penalty and a line dropout from their first set. Despite the pressure, the Warriors managed to hold their ground. Five-eighth Patricia Maliepo created opportunities with clever kicks that trapped the Knights in their own territory, but the Warriors could not capitalize on these chances.

The Knights drew first blood when lock Tayla Romaniuk scored after bouncing off four defenders. They quickly doubled their lead as five-eighth Georgia Roche sliced through the Warriors’ defense, setting up captain Yasmin Clydsdale for a second try. The momentum continued to swing in Newcastle’s favor with debutant winger Tess Staines scoring her first try, celebrated enthusiastically by her teammates during their ‘Try July’ festivities.

The Warriors struggled to find rhythm. Despite a promising attack initiated by Maliepo, who carried the ball into touch near the goal-line, a mishandled pass from captain Apii Nicholls thwarted their progress. The game’s intensity increased as the Knights maintained their lead, with Jesse Southwell threading a kick through the Warriors’ defense that was finished by Tenika Willison.

The Warriors finally put points on the board before halftime after winning a midfield penalty. Maliepo’s quick thinking allowed Takimoana to score in the corner, bringing the score to 24-6 after Maliepo successfully converted from the sideline.

The second half began with the Warriors gaining a chance to reduce the deficit when halfback Emily Curtain was fouled late after kicking the ball. Takimoana capitalized on the ensuing penalty, scoring her second try. Her follow-up conversion, however, hit the crossbar and rebounded out.

Despite a resurgence in momentum, Newcastle quickly restored their dominance. Jules Kirkpatrick added another try near the posts, followed by Evah McKewen crossing the line with an assist from Southwell, leaving the Warriors battling for pride.

The Warriors mounted a final push, achieving a repeat set when Maliepo’s kick was knocked on near the try line. Nicholls found Takimoana again, allowing her to complete her hat-trick with a well-placed kick. Maliepo successfully converted once more from the sideline.

In the closing moments, Brake made her mark, scoring in the other corner despite questions about whether she maintained control of the ball during the grounding.

The NZ Warriors will look to regroup as they prepare for a home match against the Gold Coast Titans next Saturday, facing a quick turnaround in their NRLW campaign.