The Agenda Setters Rugby League: Luke Keary backs Warriors forward pack – Luke Keary has declared the New Zealand Warriors have one of the best forward packs the NRL has seen, as the race for the minor premiership heats up.
Keary made the comments on The Agenda Setters Rugby League, where Corey Parker, David Riccio, Aaron Woods and Keary discussed the biggest issues in rugby league ahead of tonight’s Channel 7 episode.
For Channel 7, the weekly rugby league panel gives the network another regular foothold in the code ahead of its Rugby League World Cup coverage in 2026. For viewers, it also keeps the end-of-season NRL debate moving beyond match highlights and into the tactical questions that could decide the finals.
Keary’s Warriors warning
The panel discussed the Warriors’ 46-32 win over Newcastle, a result that kept them in the fight with Penrith for top spot.
Keary said the game showed enough to keep the Warriors alongside Penrith as genuine contenders, even though Newcastle had Daniel Saifiti sent off and played with 12 men for a long period.
“I think we’ve seen enough from the Warriors this year to know they are right there next to Penrith,” Keary said.
He said teams trying to beat New Zealand would need to think carefully about where they attack.
“You try to play New Zealand, you go through the middle. It’s one of the best forward packs I think we’ve ever seen in the NRL,” Keary said.
However, Keary also suggested the Warriors could still be vulnerable on the edges, pointing to the way Newcastle kept asking questions despite being undermanned.
Where rivals may find joy
Aaron Woods said the Warriors’ combinations could be the area to watch, especially after injuries and changes in key positions across the season.
Keary said Penrith would likely test the Warriors through the middle, while the Roosters play a similar style. But he nominated the Dolphins as the side that could most trouble New Zealand.
“They’ve got their attack. They can pull teams apart at the drop of a hat. It’ll be scary for the Warriors,” Keary said.
The Agenda Setters Rugby League screens tonight on Channel 7 and 7plus.
For more rugby league coverage, visit TV Central’s Rugby Legue section. Episodes of The Agenda Setters Rugby League are available through 7plus.