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Premiere for Sam Healey
The NZ Warriors are set to introduce their new hooker, Sam Healey, in tonight's Magic Round match against the North Queensland Cowboys. The game will be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane at 5.30pm local time, or 7.30pm for those in New Zealand. Healey, who will be Warrior #291, is replacing Te Maire Martin on the bench, with Tanner Stowers-Smith named as the 19th man.
Following His Father's Footsteps
Healey's debut continues a family tradition, as his father, Mitch Healey, previously made 222 first-grade appearances for Cronulla Sutherland from 1989-2000, followed by 76 games for Castleford in the Super League. The younger Healey also came through Cronulla Sutherland’s pathways but is making his NRL debut only after joining the Warriors this season.
Impressive Performances
Healey has been showing promising performances with the Warriors' competition-leading New South Wales Cup side, following his New South Wales Cup premiership success with the Sharks’ feeder club Newtown last year. However, the Warriors will be missing centre Ali Leiataua due to an ankle injury, which means Adam Pompey will be moved back into the centres, with Edward Kosi being brought onto the left wing.
Lineup Changes
In addition to Leiataua, Tanah Boyd and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have been omitted from the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline. Head coach Andrew Webster has named Leka Halasima to start in the second row, with Marata Niukore confirmed at prop, replicating the successful lineup from the 26-12 Anzac Day win against Newcastle. One change has been made on the bench, with Martin coming in to replace Jacob Laban, who is currently undergoing NRL concussion protocols.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors are entering the Magic Round’s 2025 edition facing a revitalised Cowboys team, who have managed to turn their season around after an initial three game losing streak. They now sit sixth on 10 points, just behind the fifth-placed Broncos and the Warriors, who are second equal with the Storm and Raiders on 12 points but fourth on points for and against differential. The Warriors’ 5-2 start to their 2025 campaign has been bettered only once in the club’s history. They are entering this encounter after winning their last three contests with the Cowboys, two in Townsville and one at Go Media Stadium. This is a home game for the Warriors on neutral territory, adding another layer of intrigue to the game.
Magic Round Memories
The Magic Round brings back memories of one of the greatest victories in the club’s history, when an injury-ravaged side held off defending premier Penrith to secure a 22-20 win. With the debut of Sam Healey and the current form of the team, fans are hopeful for another memorable performance in the 2025 edition of the Magic Round.
The NZ Warriors are set to introduce their new hooker, Sam Healey, in tonight's Magic Round match against the North Queensland Cowboys. The game will be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane at 5.30pm local time, or 7.30pm for those in New Zealand. Healey, who will be Warrior #291, is replacing Te Maire Martin on the bench, with Tanner Stowers-Smith named as the 19th man.
Following His Father's Footsteps
Healey's debut continues a family tradition, as his father, Mitch Healey, previously made 222 first-grade appearances for Cronulla Sutherland from 1989-2000, followed by 76 games for Castleford in the Super League. The younger Healey also came through Cronulla Sutherland’s pathways but is making his NRL debut only after joining the Warriors this season.
Impressive Performances
Healey has been showing promising performances with the Warriors' competition-leading New South Wales Cup side, following his New South Wales Cup premiership success with the Sharks’ feeder club Newtown last year. However, the Warriors will be missing centre Ali Leiataua due to an ankle injury, which means Adam Pompey will be moved back into the centres, with Edward Kosi being brought onto the left wing.
Lineup Changes
In addition to Leiataua, Tanah Boyd and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have been omitted from the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline. Head coach Andrew Webster has named Leka Halasima to start in the second row, with Marata Niukore confirmed at prop, replicating the successful lineup from the 26-12 Anzac Day win against Newcastle. One change has been made on the bench, with Martin coming in to replace Jacob Laban, who is currently undergoing NRL concussion protocols.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors are entering the Magic Round’s 2025 edition facing a revitalised Cowboys team, who have managed to turn their season around after an initial three game losing streak. They now sit sixth on 10 points, just behind the fifth-placed Broncos and the Warriors, who are second equal with the Storm and Raiders on 12 points but fourth on points for and against differential. The Warriors’ 5-2 start to their 2025 campaign has been bettered only once in the club’s history. They are entering this encounter after winning their last three contests with the Cowboys, two in Townsville and one at Go Media Stadium. This is a home game for the Warriors on neutral territory, adding another layer of intrigue to the game.
Magic Round Memories
The Magic Round brings back memories of one of the greatest victories in the club’s history, when an injury-ravaged side held off defending premier Penrith to secure a 22-20 win. With the debut of Sam Healey and the current form of the team, fans are hopeful for another memorable performance in the 2025 edition of the Magic Round.
