"nz warriors" - Google News
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The NZ Warriors have successfully locked in the talents of promising second-rowers Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban, with contracts extending their tenure at Mt Smart through the 2029 NRL season. The deals make them the longest-contracted players on coach Andrew Webster's roster.
Warriors on a High
The Warriors have made a strong start to the season with an 8-2 record. The team is currently positioned well on the NRL ladder, a feat owed in part to the contributions of Halasima and Laban.
Leka Halasima: The Rising Star
19-year-old Halasima has been a revelation during the team's successful start to the campaign. Having made his debut in 2024, he initially started the season on the bench but quickly earned promotion to the starting line-up. The powerhouse player has since scored tries in three consecutive games against Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos. He has also played the full 80 minutes in his past three outings against the North Queensland Cowboys, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Dolphins.
Jacob Laban: The Comeback Kid
Jacob Laban, 21, was named Warriors Rookie of the Year last season. However, he was sidelined by injury at the start of the 2025 season. He made a triumphant return against the Broncos last month and scored his first NRL try against the Dolphins last Saturday.
Coach Webster's Thoughts
"Two local juniors that we're really proud of," commented Coach Webster. "Everyone's proud of their development, everyone's had a lot to do with it. They've given themselves every opportunity to show what their talent is and when you've got guys working hard like that, you get to see how brilliant they are. Rapt for the boys, rapt for the club and I think our fans will be unbelievably excited by that."
Fan Reactions
The general sentiment among fans on the nzwarriors.com forum is exceedingly positive, with many lauding the decision to secure the young talents for the foreseeable future. User 'Kiwifan' expressed their excitement, stating, "These two are the future of our club. Can't wait to see them shine."
Looking Forward
As the Warriors prepare for their upcoming match against the Canberra Raiders, the team and fans alike will be eager to see these young stars continue their impressive form. With these two locked in until 2029, the future certainly looks bright for the NZ Warriors.
