The Warriors have overcome a spirited Parramatta Eels outfit, recording a 24-14 win in front of just under 10,000 fans at ANZ Stadium this evening.
The Warriors got away to a strong start despite giving away several first half penalties. Moses opened the scoring in the 7th minute when he kicked a penalty goal from in front.
The Warriors hit back two minutes later thanks to a brilliant piece of work by Fusitua, who got by his defender and then dived to score in the corner, while all of his airborne body was out of the field of play. Lino's sideline conversion went straight through the sticks.
A few minutes later Lino added another two points via a penalty goal. On the 20th minute, Lino put in a Crossfield kick that found Maumalo, who attempted to cross the line himself. He realised he couldn't make it, so flicked the ball out the back. Hiku cleaned up, slipped over, spun around and dived over in the corner to score a remarkable try. Lino was unable to convert from touch.
The Warriors then gave away a succession of penalties, which ultimately led to them being cautioned. Two tackles after, Papalii got sent to the bin for ten minutes.
Eels ended the half with a one man advantage, all the field position and possession yet could not trouble the scorers.
Three minutes after the resumption of play saw Parramatta finally crack the Warriors defence, when Gutherson drifted left and then slipped through a gap to score. Moses converted from touch.
Parramatta again had the lion share of the field position, however it took almost 20 minutes before the made the most of it when Terepo sent a lovely ball to a charging Ma'u, who bullocked his way over the Warriors line to score. Moses converted to give Parramatta a 14-12 lead.
Moses got penalised for holding down too long in the tackle and the Warriors marched up field. On the last, Green grubbered and the ball bounced horribly for Moses and perfectly for Tevaga, who scored beside the posts. Lino converted.
A Gutherson short ball on the short side didn't find its mark and Fusitua cleaned up and ran away before being tackled on halfway. At the end of the set, Luke went for a run from dummy half and barged his way over the Eels edge defence to score the match winning try. Lino converted and the Warriors claimed a scratchy win.