 After returning from tour, Warbrick moved to Napier, and in 1885 represented Hawke's Bay provincially, including captaining them against Poverty Bay.By 1886 he was back playing for Auckland, and that year captained them in their wins over both Wellington, and also New South Wales – who were again touring the country.He returned to Hawke's Bay for the 1887 season, and played for them against Wellington, Poverty Bay, and Canterbury.