Warriors Coach Stands by Watene-Zelezniak and Capewell Amid Defensive Struggles

Warriors head coach Andrew Webster is maintaining his support for winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and makeshift centre Kurt Capewell despite ongoing defensive challenges on the right edge of the team. The Warriors have faced significant issues, conceding a total of 59 tries in the 2023 season thus far, with a staggering 37 of those coming down the right edge. This statistic marks a concerning trend, as it represents 63% of all tries conceded, making it the weakest defensive side in the NRL.

The Warriors’ defensive performance has been under scrutiny, especially following their recent match against the Newcastle Knights. In that game, which ended in a narrow 20-15 victory for the Warriors, the Knights were able to exploit the right edge, scoring two of their three tries through the defensive pairing of Watene-Zelezniak and Capewell.

Comparative Defensive Statistics

A closer examination of the Warriors’ defensive statistics reveals a stark contrast between their right and left edges. While the right edge has struggled, the left remains the best in the competition, and the middle ranks third, trailing only the Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm. In comparison to previous seasons, this year’s right-edge defence is significantly worse. Last season, the Warriors conceded 44 tries down the right, and just 33 in the year prior when they reached the grand final.

Webster emphasized that he does not attribute the defensive shortcomings solely to the players on the right side. Instead, he pointed to a collective team effort that requires improvement. “We are all in this together,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that the responsibility lies with the entire squad, not just individual players.

Looking Ahead

As the Warriors prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will be on addressing these defensive vulnerabilities. The coaching staff is likely to implement strategic adjustments aimed at bolstering the right edge, ensuring that Watene-Zelezniak and Capewell can perform more effectively. With the NRL season progressing, each match will be critical in determining the Warriors’ position and playoff prospects.

The Warriors must find a way to rectify these issues if they are to compete effectively in the second half of the season. The coaching staff’s confidence in their players will be essential as they work to turn around their defensive fortunes.