The ultimate Warriors cult-hero line-up

2:54 pm on 7 August 2025

Jonty Dine, Sports Reporter

Former Warriors back rower Ali Lauitiiti is returning home.

Ali Lauitiiti still looms as the Warriors biggest cult hero. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

While the Warriors may not have a cabinet chock-full of trophies, the club has never been short of men who create memories.

Rising star Leka Halasima appears to be the latest of these Warriors enigmas.

'Leka' has already cemented himself as a fan favourite following his miraculous match winner in Newcastle.

With the rise of Halasima, Jonty Dine selects his side of Warriors cult heroes, the players the streets won't forget.

Fullback - Wade McKinnon

Boasting a highlights reel to rival the best, McKinnon's electric kick returns, deceptive speed, and of course that mesmerising solo try against Penrith in 2007 endeared the Aussie to the Mount Smart faithful.

Wing - Henry Fa'afili

A knack for the spectacular, Fa'afili was beloved not just for his try-scoring feats, but also the iconic celebrations that followed.

Centre - Konrad Hurrell

A human wrecking ball, Hurrell was chaos personified. Regarded as a slight defensive liability, but with ball in hand, Hurrell was a sight to behold. Was just as adept at finding the tryline, as he was the camera to blow a kiss.

Centre - Solomone Kata

The Tongan tank was a nightmare for defences with speed, a low centre of gravity and the power of a front-rower, forming a brutal pairing with bash brother Hurrell.

Wade McKinnon, Konrad Hurrell, Henry Fa'afili and Solomone Kata. Photo: Photosport

Wing - Lee Oudenryn

The fastest man in rugby league was a cult figure before he even joined the early Warriors side. With his blonde hair and searing speed, Oudenryn was happily adopted on this side of the Tasman.

Five-eighth - Michael Witt

A golden boot, Witt's radar accuracy off the tee saw him reach a streak of 28 successful goal on the trot, but he is most remembered for sealing the famous try in the semi-final upset over Melbourne, when he eventually put the ball down.

Halfback - Lance Hohaia

A utility weapon, 'The Huntly Hurricane' could play almost anywhere on the park, however that could at times see him struggle to lock down a regular starting spot. His diminutive frame belied his bravery.

Prop - Mark Tookey

'Tooks' was the people's prop. A genuine big bopper who showed no regard for the men he ran at, and less about being a pin-up for the game. His kick return against the Cowboys in 2002 was as good as you'll see.

Hooker - Jason Death

The grit. The glue. The mongrel in the middle. Death never shied away from the dirty work. Also a quality distributor, Death was among the most reliable Warriors at the turn of the century.

Lee Oudenryn, Michael Witt, Lance Hohaia and Jason Death. Photo: Photosport

Prop - Iafeta Paleaaesina

'Feka' was synonymous with destruction. His fearless 'rhino style' runs, pumping the legs and exploding head first through contact, while terrifying for opposition was thrilling for the faithful.

Second Row - Eliesa Katoa

Katoa burst onto a heavily disrupted NRL scene courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, but despite only playing one of his 42 games in Auckland, still managed to leave an indelible impression on the club with his combination of power and offload artistry.

Second Row - Ali Lauitiiti

The first name on this list, the embodiment of a Warriors cult figure, an absolute magician. Lauitiiti, dubbed "the Michael Jordan of rugby league," had freakish athleticism, was an offload king, and an integral reason for the club's first grand final appearance.

Lock Forward - Richard Villasanti

'Villa the Gorilla" played his football with a reckless abandon that Warriors fans adored, epitomised by his vicious head to head shot on Brad Fitler in the 2002 grand final.