Warriors wrestle past bucking Broncos

Embed from Getty Images

Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

New Zealand Warriors picked up a vital win in their 32-16 result against Brisbane Broncos at a heaving Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Warriors bounced back well and get a win that helps to revive their stuttering form after the thrashing against the Titans. Chanel Harris-Tavita picked up a brace while halves partner Te Maire Martin controlled the play well all afternoon. 

Warriors wanted a fast start after last weekend and got what they needed. They built the pressure with their kicking game then Chanel Harris-Tavita sliced through to make it 6-0. 

They kept their foot on the gas in front of another huge crowd. Adam Pompey was cut down by a brilliant tackle but Te Maire Martin scooped it up, threw a dummy and slammed it down. 

The hosts added their third score of the half from another kick. It was punched through low, deflected off a Bronco and Harris-Tavita won the race to touch down and make it 16-0. 

Broncos did pull one back late in the half through Deine Mariner. The kick was put up high and it was dropped by the Warriors and Deine Mariner was there to get the four-pointer. 

The visitors looked much more themselves in the second half. Ezra Mam led from the front with a 40/20 and they went within inches of scoring from a fantastic Selwyn Cobbo run which was judged a knock on. 

Brisbane did bring it back to 16-10 after a late six again call. They spread the ball to the right, Tristian Sailor with a well timed pass which allowed Mariner to pick up his second try. 

Warriors absorbed the Broncos best punch in the second half and struck themselves. Te Maire Martin stabbed through a kick which Roger Tuivasa-Sheck swanned onto and made it 22-10. 

The Broncos wouldn't go quietly into the night in this important game. Xavier Willison just said give me the ball, the big prop just kept pumping his legs until he scored the four-pointer.

The Warriors just kept them at arms length though in the final stanza. Te Maire Martin unfurled another high kick which Dallin Watene-Zelezniak plucked out of the air with ease to touch down. 

Freddy Lussick put the icing on the victory for the Warriors. It was a wraparound play started by Mitch Barnett who found the interchange man to go over untouched for 30-16.