Bryan Fletcher believes the New Zealand Warriors can win the premiership in 2026 after their 9-2 start to the season.

The Warriors have overcome injury woes to charge up the NRL ladder in 2026, only spending one week outside of the top four since the season began.

With young forwards including Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga, and Jacob Laban having another year of experience under their belt, and strong leaders including James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, and Erin Clark in elite form, the Warriors are positioned to go deep into finals, and oppose the Penrith juggernaut at the business end of the season.

“I think they can win the comp,” Fletcher told SEN 1170 Drive.

“They're destined to be top four, like they're cruising to top four, and then who knows what can happen.

“I'll tell you what's going to win them the comp is that defence I saw against Brisbane and Melbourne.

“When those young blokes were flying off the line and just absolutely tearing into their forwards, that's what's gonna win the comp.

“They've got this angry mongrel pack mentality. They wanted to give the ball back.

“I'll never forget that Melbourne one when they kicked early, knowing that they're just going to bash them.

“That's when you know you're in it. Like that was like the Bulldogs in the 80s when they'd give the ball back.

“They're a top two defence, and that's what wins comps.”

SEN’s Joel Caine agreed with Fletcher, highlighting coach Andrew Webster’s ability to develop players as a key strength of the Warriors.

“I was talking about the Tanah Boyd thing with Andrew Webster, no-one talks about the Warriors, what he's done with Alofiana Khan-Pereira,” Caine said.

“And the balance, so he's got this speed machine left winger, Khan-Pereira, who's a left-hand carry who dives into the corner with a left-hand.

“You've got Dallin (Watene-Zelezniak), they put on social media the other day their wingers practising those dives, right, and that's how they score those tries.

“It’s a big advantage.”