Warriors back in the winner's
circle

Fulltime score: Round 2 BRONCOS 12 v WARRIORS 24

Match summary: The New Zealand Warriors have travelled to Brisbane to defeat the Broncos by 24-12 and end a seven game losing streak.

The Warriors haven't won a match in the NRL in over six months, their last victory being in round 19, July 18, 2004.

In an entertaining and sometimes controversial match, the Broncos came out with all guns firing. But it was the Warriors' half back Stacey Jones who was first to draw blood, kicking two penalty goals. After 23 minutes of high intensity football, the visitors held a 4-0 lead.

Minutes later, forward Ruben Wiki scored and at 10-0, the Warriors started to gain the ascendancy.

The Broncos struck back and at half time, the New Zealanders held a 10-4 lead.

Six minutes into the second half, UK referee Russell Smith sent Warriors' fullback Brent Webb to the sin bin for holding down Casey Maguire, after the Broncos' utility had made a break.

Brisbane were denied a try but against 12 men, were unable to break through. The Warriors were next to score with a try to Jerome Ropati in the 55th minute, just before Webb's return to the field.

With a try to forward Brad Thorn and a sensational solo effort from full back Karmichael Hunt, Brisbane staged a comeback. At 16-12 and with 15 minutes to go, the Broncos looked likely to go on with it.

But Stacey Jones had other ideas. With ten minutes to go, Jones showed the ball before standing up the defence to score, putting the match beyond the Broncos' reach.

Scorers: BRONCOS 12 Tries: S Berrigan, Thorn, Hunt Goals: Lockyer 0/3 WARRIORS 24 Tries: Wiki, Ropati, Jones Goals: Jones 6/7

Suncorp Stadium Referee: Russell Smith

By the clock: 0 min: Kick off soon. A huge crowd at Suncorp. Kickoff!

5 min: NEWS - All Broncos early on, coming close to scoring.

7 min: PENALTY GOAL - Warriors. Stacey Jones makes no mistake, right in front. Warriors 2-0

17 min: NO TRY - Broncos denied. Corey Parker rolled over and unable to get the ball down.

23 min: PENALTY GOAL - Warriors. Jones almost in front. Broncos offside after throwing everything at the Warriors who have held firm. Warriors 4-0

28 min: TRY - Warriors. Ruben Wiki scores after the Warriors get six more tackles. Conversion right front from Jones. Warriors 10-0

32 min: TRY - Broncos. Shaun Berrigan finds some space and gets around the defence. Conversion attempt from Lockyer misses. Warriors 10-4

34 min: NEWS - Tony Martin (Warriors) injured, looks like a shoulder or collarbone injury. He's assisted off and looks to be in some pain and will take no further part.

HALF TIME: Warriors 10-4 Broncos started off dominantly but the Warriors held firm. Chance of an upset tonight with the Warriors playing well. Broncos not to be written off by any stretch.

Second half underway...

46 min: NEWS - Brent Webb (Warriors) sin binned for professional foul. NO TRY - Broncos denied.

55 min: TRY - Warriors. Jerome Ropati is in after some great lead up work, getting away from Casey McGuire. The game being played at frenetic pace, end-to-end football with both sides having opportunities. Conversion attempt from Jones hits the uprights and is waved away. Warriors 14-4

56 min: NEWS - Its back to 13 vs 13 with Webb coming back on.

57 min: PENALTY GOAL - Warriors. Broncos penalised for obstruction. Jones from almost in front. Warriors 16-4

60 min: TRY - Broncos. Brad Thorn scores. Outstanding work from Darren Lockyer, Brett Seymour and Karmichael Hunt who combine. Brad Thorn backing up. Lockyer conversion attempt is a shocker. Warriors 16-8

65 min: TRY - Broncos. A briiliant piece of individual work from Karmichael Hunt, beating four men to the tryline. Conversion attempt from Lockyer isnt anywhere near the mark. Warriors 16-12

70 min: TRY - Warriors. Tremendous solo effort from Stacey Jones who was surrounded by the defence, showed the ball, and then went himself. Conversion from Jones right in front. Warriors 22-12

71 min: NEWS - Lockyer kicks out on the full from the kickoff! Penalty to Warriors from half way.

72 min: NO TRY - Warriors denied as the ball comes loose from Monty Betham's grasp.

76 min: NEWS - Broncos trying for a 40/20 well inside their own half. Not the right option as it was never going to find touch, and the Warriors get the ball back.

79 min: PENALTY GOAL - Warriors. Jones. Warriors 24-12.

FULL TIME: The Warriors have survived an early onslaught from the Broncos to come away with a well deserved victory. The Warriors set the pace for most of the match and have come home the stronger. Ruben Wiki was outstanding in the forwards and got plenty of support from Steve Price, Awen Guttenbeil and Monty Betham. Meanwhile half back Stacey Jones set up play and looks to be back in form. For the Broncos, a few too many errors and a bad night with the boot for Lockyer. Fullback Karmichael Hunt was a stand out while David Stagg, Shane Webcke and Brad Thorn were the hardest workers up front. Warriors 24-12.

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - R Wiki (Warriors) 2 - S Jones (Warriors) 1 - K Hunt (Broncos) -----------------------------------------