Nicoll-Klokstad, Leiataua put hands up for long-term Warriors midfield selection

Retiring Shaun Johnson's vintage display to guide the Warriors to a morale-boosting comeback against the Sharks to close their disappointing NRL campaign on a positive note has dominated the post-match discussion this weekend, and deservedly so.

Johnson saved his best for last with another virtuoso display at Shark Park, engineering a remarkable 22-point unanswered run to ensure the Warriors could take some feel-good factor into what will be an extra long post-season.

But the contest also presented a few more selection-based points to ponder for coach Andrew Webster over the summer, notes SENZ League commentator and former Warrior Blake Ayshford.

At the top of former midfielder Ayshford's list was a topic close to his heart, namely the optimal centre pairing for the future.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad impressed in his return to the centres, where he played a large chunk of his career with the Canberra Raiders, bringing to the fore Webster's bug bear of the year - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's potential return to fullback.

Adding to the mix has been the emergence of Ali Leiataua, who had his best game yet for the Warriors against the Sharks.

With injured Adam Pompey and Rocco Berry also in the mix, Ayshford insists Webster must make some difficult calls regarding his selection policy heading into the 2025 season.

"I think he will have to tinker," Ayshford told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy. "Whether it be Roger to fullback and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad into the centres.

"Leiataua - I don't think you can hold him back for any longer. After last year's performance and a couple this year, I think the kid's ready. He's such a big body, he's so talented. He's quick, he's fast. I think he needs to be a centre next year.

"I really don't know how (Webster) is going to play it. All healthy, there are going to be NRL standard players who are going to have to play NSW Cup.

But going forward, I really think that Webby will have to tinker and it could be quite possibly Charnze move.

"Rocco Berry was solid earlier this year too. Then you have Adam Pompey, who was our goal kicker and you've seen throughout the year how important goal kicking is.

"I think it's something that Webby will sit down and have a hard think about."

Tuivasa-Sheck and Berry began the season as Webster's preferred centre pairing but a long-term injury for the latter has limited their opportunities to actually take the field together in 2024.

Another player who has forced his way into the fold has been Taine Tuaupiki. While he's played the majority of the year at NSW Cup level, any first-grade chance he's been afforded he's grasped with two hands.

Tuaupiki's undeniable 2024 highlight was his impressive display in the Magic Round upset of the defending premier Penrith Panthers, where he ignited the Warriors attack. His start at fullback against the Sharks was another reminder of what he brings to the table.

The Warriors season may have been and buried, but Ayshford points out there was still plenty at stake for players of Tuaupiki's ilk, who were essentially auditioning for 2025, and helping snap a four-game losing streak to end the year on a high will certainly turn some heads.

"There's still a lot to play for, in the sense that this is a job at the end of the day," Ayshford explained. These players like Tuaupiki are going out there looking to solidify a first-grade position.

"You had other youngsters like Leiataua, the bench forwards, they were all playing for something. They're playing for a jersey next year. So, that performance meant a lot, and I think going forward and winning that sort of set them in a good place."

Listen to the full interview below: