Warriors out play Knights

The New Zealand Warriors have won their first ever NRL match on Newcastle's home soil, at EnergyAustralia Stadium, in front of a vocal home crowd, winning 34-12

The Warriors went out to a 10-0 lead after 12 minutes, with Motu Tony, and Ivan Cleary crossing the line.

The Knights looked very ordinary, showing signs they were missing their key players. They finally scored after 31 minutes when Gidley went over, following a messy period of play by both sides.

The Warriors hit back almost straight away with a try to Clinton Toopi. Going into the break, the Warriors were up by 16-6

The second half saw a more consistent Knights team, coming close to score on many occasions, though the Warriors defence held tight.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute when Hohaia, who played very well without Stacey Jones, chipped a kick through and followed it up to score, putting the Warriors out to a 20-6 lead.

Newcastle did not give up, and Kirt Gidley crossed the line in the 71st minute, to put the Knights within reach again, the Warriors defence looking just a little tired.

Clinton Toopi, for the Warriors, obviously still had some petrol left in the tank to cross the line in the 76th minute, and then sprinted down the sideline, putting Brent Webb under the posts, in the 78th min.

Cleary (Warriors) finished off the game, with a penalty right on the full time. The NZ Warriors coming out the deserved victors 34-12

A decisive victory by the Warriors, showing they can play well without Stacey Jones. The Newcastle Knights showed flashes of good play, but obviously missed the likes of Johns, Burderus and co. Lance Hohaia had a brilliant game for the NZ Warriors, as did Mark Tookey, who played for almost 60 minutes of the game.