Warriors survive a late scare against the Tigers, 30-22 winners in a sold-out match in Waikato, Hamilton.
In front of a packed crowd at FMG Stadium, the Tigers and Warriors were giving each other a difficult time in the first half.
Warriors getting off the mark in the 7th minute after a terrific play by Mitchell Barnett, running through the Tigers defensive side, passing to Luke Metcalf to seal the first points of the evening. With Shaun Johnson kicking the extras, the Warriors were in front by 6 and starting to settle.
Another try by Warriors given to Adam Pompey, the Tigers defense not great in stopping the man who charges through for the Warriors second try. Adam Pompey converting his own try, Warriors settled in well after 15min in Waikato as they lead by 12.
However, on the restart Mitchell Barnett lost his lollies and Tigers came up with the ball, who score after a set restart. From a strong run by Daine Laurie, and even Referee Chris Butler ruling on-field as No Try due to a possible obstruction, the Bunker state that the defensive position to come in from the Warriors didn't deem the obstruction valid on Jackson Ford and Luke Metcalf's defensive efforts. Apisai Koroisau converts and the game is on.
On the very next set, 2nd tackle, Daine Laurie runs through the Warriors defense, finds Luke Brooks who scores, Koroisau converts, and the game is evened up 12-all.
A raised forearm by Stefano Utoikamanu lands him on report, and Wayde Egan removed from the field and taken to hospital to assess the injury.
A late try in the first half by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the edge gives the Warriors a four-point lead at half time in Waikato.
The second half was also quite a workout for both teams. The Warriors given six-again after six-again. The Warriors finally see a try through Tohu Harris, conversion successful by Adam Pompey, and the lead is by 10, 22-12
The Tigers answer back through Jahream Bula and Daine Laurie to score a 70m try, the Koroisau conversion bringing the difference down to just 4 points, 22-18.
Not soon after, The Tigers looked to have gotten themselves back up with Isaiah Papali'i, but the ball had bounced off his right hand, ruling a no-try.
A high shot from Luke Brooks on Josh Curran saw Shaun Johnson take a Penalty Goal, and extending the Warriors lead by 8 points, 24-18.
Unfortunately in a brilliant game, time called off due to another pitch invader, however the crowd of 25118 started singing to DJ Otzi's Hey Baby, still giving the game a great atmosphere and wasn't too marred by invaders on the field.
A late try by Addin-Fonua Blake, coverted by Adam Pompey, saw the Warriors jump in front by 12, 30-18, however on the restart when a kick-off by Tigers didn't look to go 10 metres, Referee Chris Butler had said YES and the Tigers got the ball back. A strong run by Shawn Blore and Daine Laurie, and a quick pass to Starford To'a, the Tigers were through with under a minute to go. The conversion unsuccessful after the ball hits the posts, and Apisai Koroisau could not believe his eyes. Full time shortly after, the Warriors victorious in a late scare, 30-22 over the Tigers.
The Tigers next match is back home in Commbank Stadium against the Dolphins, meanwhile the Warriors remain in New Zealand and play at Go Media Stadium, Auckland against the Manly Sea Eagles.