Stubborn Warriors fight back to win as Broncos lose six straight

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Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

The Warriors have won their third match from six since the competition restarted, downing a listless Brisbane Broncos side 26-16 in Gosford, the losing side now winless since Round 2.

The Broncos scored first after just 8 minutes of play when they spread the ball right with some nice catch and passing, creating the extra man, which resulted in Xavier Coates strolling over for an easy try. Jamayne Isaako failed to convert from the sideline.

Things got worse for the Warriors ten minutes later when playmaker Kodi Nikorima came off second best when he attempted a tackle on Tevita Pangai, suffering a head knock as he hit the ground. He then failed his HIA assessment.

In the 27th minute, Coates crossed for his second try courtesy of some sloppy play by the Warriors close to the Broncos line. A poor last pass was intercepted by Oates who raced 95 metres to score untouched. Isaako added the extras to give the Broncos a 10-0 lead.

Right on the stroke of halftime, the Warriors got on the scoreboard when Ken Maumalo got a good ball from Gerard Beale. Maumalo barged into Tesi Niu, bounced off him and rolled over in the Broncos in-goal to score in the left corner. Chanel Harris-Tavita converted from touch.

Six minutes after halftime, the Warriors struck first when Agnatius Paasi steamed onto a crash ball close to the Broncos line and barged over for a strong try. Harris-Tavita converted from in front to give the Warriors a 12-10 lead.

Ten minutes later the lead changed again when the Warriors fill-in fullback Peta Hiku got lost under a towering Anthony Milford bomb and let it bounce. The ball then evaded Maumalo, rolled into the Warriors in-goal and grounded by Herbie Farnworth who scored. Isaako converts from in front and the Broncos led 16-12.

The Warriors looked to have hit back almost immediately, when in the 60th minute after Blake Green kicked a 40/20, the Warriors spread the ball right and Maumalo strolled in for what seemed an easy try. The Broncos then utilised the captain's challenge, which found the Broncos gave away a penalty prior to the try being scored, which essentially denied the Warriors a try.

In the 69th minute, with the Warriors attacking close to the Broncos line, they received a set restart. Wayde Egan decided to charge over from dummy half and miraculously got the ball down to level the scores. Harris-Tavita converted to give the Warriors the lead again, 18-16.

With 5 minutes remaining in the game, Maumalo scored a miraculous try in the corner which Harris-Tavita was unable to convert and then right on the final siren, Isaiah Papali'I stormed onto an inside ball from Green  and steamrolled over the Broncos goal line defence to score a good strong try. Harris-Tavita converted and the Warriors won 26-16 in a stirring performance.