FULL TIME - The Warriors survive a late scare from the Tigers to claim an 8-point victory in Waikato.
Shawn Blore loses the ball in the slippery conditions. Warriors will survive the late scare.
The ball hits the posts and goes backwards, It's unsuccessful.
From the kick-off, a strong run by Shawn Blore and Daine Laurie, the ball ends up in Starford To'a's hands and the game is still on!
The coach of the Warriors is out on the sideline. Tigers kick looks to not go past the 10 but referee Chris Butler says yes. They regather the ball!
He's right in front and adds the extras!
Addin runs through the Tigers defense to score a try late in the second half, right near the posts.
Shawn Blore challenging a lost ball call from Referee Chris Butler. Challenge unsuccessful. Warriors maintain possession
Jackson Ford tackled right at the posts on the 5th, bouncing back from the posts and comes too close for comfort. The tigers can breathe. They have the ball. Less than 5min to go in the game
Pass by Tigers forward from Luke Brooks. He's arguing he was facing the other way and passed back, but the ball evidently goes forward. Penalty awarded to Warriors, Tigers penalised for Dissent.
The crowd singing Hey Baby by DJ Otzi. It's quite a nice sound echoing at Waikato!
Another pitch invader disrupting play as we have time off.
Knock-on from a tackle. Tigers get the ball back
From the high shot on Josh Curran, the Warriors take the 2 points.
Penalty awarded to Warriors. High contact from Luke Brooks on Josh Curran
Warriors knock on but they challenge the referee here. The bunker states Daine Laurie's hand is on the ball, the challenge is successful! Warriors keep the ball, and are awarded a penalty.
TIME OFF. No Try called by Referee Chris Butler for Isaiah Papali'i. The ball comes off right hand of Papali'i and goes forward. The bunker rules NO TRY
An ugly lot of passing, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak comes up with the ball and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is on report for a raised forearm. Tigers gain the ball from a penalty.
David Klemmer called for a lost ball, Captains Challenge is successful for Tigers as Klemmer maintains possession.
Junior Tupou doing well to take a catch from the Warriors 5th, players all around him but he's looking calm and composed to take the catch.
The crowds both at Waikato and at home shocked that the Tigers are going well here in Waikato. The Warriors definitely having a run for their money.
The difference back to just 4 points
A strong run by Jahream Bula, passes to Daine Laurie. A 70m try between the two of them.
Daine Laurie managing to wrestle the ball from the Warriors. Warriors penalised for staying in the tackle, Tigers now getting a breather after a tough first 17min in the second half.
The rain is falling in Waikato. Not only is it cold, it's now wet. THIS is football in a sold-out crowd.
Luke Brooks looking for a 40/20 but the ball flying too far and goes out on the full.
He's not far from the posts. He gets the ball over, the lead by 10 now to the Warriors.
After a barrage of tackles, the Warriors finally get through via Tohu Harris.
A penalty awarded to Warrior for an illegal steal by the Tigers. Referee Chris Butler giving a warning to the Warriors that players will sit down if not disciplined.
The Warriors given a number of six-agains. Ruck Infringement, Offside, Tigers touching the ball. The Tigers defense still holding on.
Tries to play the ball but drops his lollies on the ground. Warriors awarded a scrum just 10m from the line.
Wayde Egan has been sent to the hospital due to the throat injury sustained in the first half by Stefano Utoikamanu
Set Restart for Tigers. They're 30m from their line.
SECOND HALF is underway
That is HALF TIME. The Tigers giving the Warriors a run for their money, Warriors just edging out in front by 4.
Alex Seyfarth giving an on-report for a high tackle on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
A miraculous save from being tackled in the Warriors try line. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak manages to get the ball out from the try line. Tigers once again penalised for an offside.
Knock-on from Walker. Tigers get the ball back with 3min left in the half, just 45m from the Warriors line.
Adam Pompey to convert 24m out on the right sideline and only fractionally misses the conversion. 4 point game here.
An airborne jump on the corner, the Bunker confirms the try. Warriors hit the lead!
Tigers penalised for being offside here. Another set for the Warriors just 10m from the try line.
Set Restart for Warriors, Ruck Infringement by Tigers. Warriors 10m from the line.
Knock-on from the pass by Brooks. Warriors given a full set here.
TO THE BUNKER: Checking if Luke Metcalf is offside. Confirmed as NO TRY. Penalty Tigers for Metcalf being offside as ball had not travelled 10m from the kick.
A loose carry by Nofoaluma after a tackle by the Warriors, and the Warriors will now have a scrum just 10min away from the try line.
Asu Kepaoa taking the ball dead. Will be a line dropout for the Tigers.
Warriors back in a great attacking position here, mere metres away from the try line.
Penalty for Warriors, Stefano Utoikamanu on report. No bins.
Time off. Stefano Utoikamanu could be in trouble for a raised forearm to the throat on Wayde Egan. Awaiting referee call.
Stats appear on screen, Tigers 100% Completions, Warriors 7/10.
The Tigers have woken up. Apisai Koroisau converting the try. We have a great game of Rugby League happening in Waikato!
TIGERS GO BACK TO BACK! Daine Laurie parts the Warriors like Moses at the Red Sea, and passes to Luke Brooks to score the try!
Apisai Koroisau chipping the ball over the line. We've got a game on our hands!
Bunker ruling TRY! Starford To'a putting some points on the board for the Tigers!
Possible try for Tigers Starford To'a, Obstruction called by Referee and No Try... decision pending.
Once again, two for two, Barnett loses the ball in the tackle, and the Tigers have come up with the ball 10m from their line
Shaun Johnson equal with Scott Drinkwater for Most Try Assists for 2023, 25 Each
The try scorer converts his own try!
The Tigers defense too far for Adam Pompey. He runs straight through for a try!
6-Again awarded to Warriors. Ruck Infringement by the Tigers.
Referee Chris Butler confirming knock-on beyond the Tigers try line to confirm the set restart. Adjudication: Touched by Tigers and knocked forward, Set restart for Warriors 10min out from their line.
Full set completed by Tigers. Warriors defending the line strongly to prevent Tigers from any chance of a try, early this evening.
Tigers awarded a penalty, body lifted past horizontal. Penalty Count 1-1.
Shaun Johnson taps the ball straight over the black dot. Warriors leading from here.
Mitchell Barnett loses the ball in the first tackle on the restart of play, giving Tigers a big advantage to score a try, 15min out from the Warriors line.
The NZ Joker is in attendance at Waikato!
A terrific play. Mitchell Barnett running through the Tigers defence, Luke Metcalf to take it straight over the try line.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was away but ankle tapped by the Tigers on the sideline, falls on his shoulder. He's still on field, looks okay.
Both teams beginning their games with full sets. However, on the chase from the 5th tackle, Warriors awarded a penalty for Tigers offside.
KICK-OFF, Tigers kicking to Warriors to begin the game.
The Warriors and Tigers take to the field, Tigers graciously giving the Warriors a 'home' game, to say thank you to the Warriors over the past 3 years for COVID
Hi All, Tarantosaurus here. It's Saturday evening footy at FMG Stadium, Waikato, Hamilton NZ. It's a cold evening, hopefully both squads can stay warm this evening, as well as the crowd. Can the Tigers pull everything against the odds and get their 4th win this year, or will the Warriors show the NRL that they're the real deal and show no mercy. Both teams are 1-17 this evening, concussion subs locked in as well. Waikato a sell out, this evening, should be a great evening for all in Hamilton. Taranto's Tip: If Tigers play well, they may give Warriors a tough time, however from latest results, Warriors by 38+
Referees & scorers:
Referee: Chris Butler
Touch Judges: Chris Sutton, Nick Beashel
Video Referee: Matt Noyen
WESTS TIGERS (22)
Tries: Starford To'a (2), Luke Brooks, Daine Laurie
Conversions: Apisai Koroisau (3/4)
WARRIORS (30)
Tries: Luke Metcalf, Adam Pompey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tohu Harris, Addin Fonua-Blake
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (1/1), Adam Pompey (3/4)
Penalty Goals: Shaun Johnson (1/1)