The New Zealand Warriors have paid tribute to Daniel Anderson in style with a 29-22 victory over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at the re-named (for one week only) Daniel Anderson Stadium.
The Warriors started this one poorly and spilt the ball on the second tackle giving Manly a golden opportunity. Manly capitalised on the Warriors' mistake and crossed off their first set. Jake Arthur showed and goes beating some poor Warriors defence to cross for the first try of the evening in a big confidence boost for the young half. Reuben Garrick converted and Manly led early.
Shaun Johnson answered with a delightful pass to Tohu Harris who appeared to get the ball to the ground despite a desperate effort from Lachie Croker. Manly were made to pay for their second cough-up of possession in their own end. Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad combined with Rocco Berry providing quick hands to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and DWZ provided an acrobatic finish in the right corner. Adam Pompey's conversion just missed and the Warriors held a 10-6 lead.
Off the back of some more Manly misdemeanours. The Warriors were allowed to march upfield and it was Johnson and DWZ combining to cause Manly some trouble. DWZ ended up beating 6 Sea-Eagles on his way to the line. Manly hit back off the Warriors' kick-off mistake with Arthur and Daly Cherry-Evans combining to find Jason Saab who crossed in the right corner. A few minutes later, Luke Metcalf split the defence and crossed however the video referee spotted an obstruction and denied the try.
Garrick was unlucky not to score his own when the Bunker denied his individual effort ruling CNK grounded it prior to his. But, he soon turned provider. Manly capitalised on the penalty and grabbed their third try. Garrick delivered a wonderful flick to Saab who crossed for his second of the evening. Garrick's sideline conversion delivered a surprising score-line at 16 apiece.
The Warriors imploded conceding a late penalty which allowed Manly to charge down field. The bounce pass from DCE found Saab who crossed for a first-half hattrick. There were cries of a forward pass, but the ball was backwards out of the hands and the Manly flyer went over. Garrick converted and Manly had a shock 22-16 lead at the change of ends.
The second half was a frantic start with both sides struggling to maintain dominance. But after Josh Curran was denied in the 50th minute, the Warriors capitalised on field position. DWZ joined in on the right winger hattrick club after Johnson and CHN combine with the right winger to cross spectacularly. Pompey converted from a tight angle to level it up.
The rest of the second half was a scrappy affair with both sides guilty of ill-discipline and bombing try-scoring chances. There was more controversy to come. A field-goal attempt by DCE was charged down by CNK, who chased through and collected Garrick who jumped in the air to collect the bouncing ball. Todd Smith got the decision 100% correct and the Warriors went on the attack.
A perfectly timed pass to Marata Niukore sent him on his way to the try-line who beat the cover defence and Garrick to cross for the potential match-winner. Pompey converted to give his side a 6 point lead. Manly had chances to level the game, but blew several opportunities down the Warriors end but they were unable to convert. Johnson added a field goal in the final minute to seal an uncomprehensive victory at home in a game where they were made to work for the two competition points.