The New Zealand Warriors have dealt a devastating blow to Wests Tigers' top-eight aspirations, crushing them 32-6 at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.

The Tigers, led by coach Benji Marshall, were dealt a significant blow with star player Jarome Luai's potential exit from the club after being given permission to find another team for the 2027 season.

The Warriors, who were missing State of Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell, showed no signs of mercy as they ran in 28 unanswered points in the second half. Winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira posted a double and the visitors' captain James Fisher-Harris returned from a five-week calf injury to score.

Teenager Jared Haywood made an impressive debut for the Tigers, spending much of the evening at hooker after co-captain Api Koroisau suffered a pectoral strain and centre Starford To'a sustained a groin injury.

The Tigers managed to score their only try from a grubber kick and a mistake by the Warriors. Luai, who won four premierships at Penrith before joining the Tigers last year, tried hard but could not inspire his team to get anywhere near a much-needed upset.

Despite the loss, Marshall remains optimistic about his team's chances, saying, 'We've got a couple of days off now, we'll just go get away from footy and then come back and have another crack at it.' The Tigers will face Canterbury at Accor Stadium next Saturday, but their chances of making the playoffs are increasingly slim.

The Warriors, on the other hand, solidified their position at second place, with coach still to be determined.

'When it comes to something being done, we'll let you know. At the moment, nothing is finalised or done,' Marshall said.

Luai also declined to comment on the situation, stating that he would address it next week.

The loss has deepened the Tigers' injury woes, with several key players set to miss games in the coming weeks.

The Warriors will look to continue their form next week, but the Tigers will need to regroup and find a way to stop their slide down the ladder.

Key Facts

• The Warriors won 32-6 • The Tigers have lost seven of their last nine matches • Jarome Luai may leave the Tigers at the end of the season • Api Koroisau will be out for a month with a pectoral strain • Starford To'a sustained a groin injury • The Tigers are six points outside the top eight with seven games remaining