Parker: The player the Warriors need to sign long-term

With an unbeaten start in 2026, Corey Parker has named the player that the Warriors need to sign long-term.

In their matches against the Roosters and the Raiders, the Wahs have beaten both teams by big margins whilst scoring 40 points or more in both matches.

With their strong performances, albeit at home, there is growing optimism that New Zealand will once again be at the top of the ladder.

Reflecting on the win against Canberra on Friday night, Parker noted the showing of halfback Tanah Boyd, who has filled as the starting No. 7 as Luke Metcalf recovers from his ACL injury.    

“I thought they were very, very good,” he explained on SENQ Breakfast.

“In particular, Tanah Boyd. Tanah Boyd has been put in that role with Luke Metcalf being their first choice half, but isn’t he (Boyd) making every post a winner.

“His kicking game is on song, his running game is on. He looks a bit faster.”

He was also left impressed by Leka Halasima's performance.

The second rower who started following Kurt Capewell’s calf injury during warm-ups ran for 117 metres alongside a team high six tackle breaks.

And it’s enough for Parker to think that the Warriors should extend him beyond his current deal, which finishes in 2029.   

“He was brilliant, very strong,” he added.

“I’ll tell you what about young players coming through, they (would) want to tie him up for some time.”

The 347-game player for the Broncos then doubled down on his view, noting the versatility of the 20-year-old.

“He is a wrecking ball and a game winner,” Parker continued.

“Real X-Factor player. We saw that a number of times last year.

“He was injected into the team of the back of (Kurt) Capewell, going down with a calf.

“He can play centre, he can play middle, he can play edge. He’s very, very handy.”

The Warriors will now face fellow undefeated side, the Newcastle Knights, next Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The match gets underway from 3pm AEDT.