Warriors withstand Tigers in Auckland

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Warriors v Wests Tigers

The NZ Warriors triumphantly returned to Go Media Stadium after a challenging month on the road. Despite enduring two consecutive losses and a bye, the Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, securing a crucial 28-16 victory over the Wests Tigers. This win was essential for the Warriors to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Wests Tigers, reeling from a heavy second-half defeat to the Rabbitohs last weekend, arrived in New Zealand with a point to prove. Coach Benji Marshall made significant changes to the lineup just an hour before kick-off, moving Api Koroisau to the halves and moving Tallyn Da Silva into the hooker position from the bench. Additionally, Latu Fainu was dropped from the starting side, and Isaiah Papali'i was shifted from lock to the bench, with Alex Twal taking his spot.

Starting as listed on paper, the Warriors wasted no time asserting their dominance. In just the 10th minute, Kurt Capewell went over the line untouched on the edge, putting the Warriors on the scoreboard first. However, Chanel Harris-Tevita could not convert, continuing his streak of poor luck with the boot.

The Warriors controlled the game throughout the first half, maintaining over 60% of possession. Despite their dominance, they struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. It wasn't until the 32nd minute that they scored again, this time through centre Edward Kosi. Unfortunately, Harris-Tevita missed the conversion again, leaving the score at 8-0.

The Tigers' woes continued as a critical error by Charlie Staines, who pushed a pass to Jahream Bula less than 15 metres out on the first tackle, gifted the Warriors excellent field position. Ali Leiataua seized the opportunity, crossing the try line and extending the Warriors' lead. This time, Harris-Tevita made no mistake with the conversion, pushing the score to 14-0.

By halftime, the Warriors had kept their opponents scoreless, heading into the sheds with a 14-0 lead. Key statistics highlighted the Warriors' first-half dominance, including 61% possession and significant metre gains from players like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Addin Fonua-Blake. On the other hand, the Tigers struggled with poor defence, missing 25 tackles compared to the Warriors' eight.

The second half began with the Tigers awarded the first penalty, but an immediate error from Luke Laulilii saw them turn the ball over. A strong run by Wayde Egan resulted in a head clash with Laulilii, leading to the young winger being sent for a head injury assessment. Laulilii was deemed a category 1 and did not return to the field.

Despite their setbacks, the Tigers attacked with more flair in the second half. Isaiah Papali'i scored their first points of the game, with Koroisau converting to bring the score to 14-6. Moments later, Charlie Staines crossed the line, narrowing the gap further to 14-10. However, Koroisau missed the crucial conversion.

The Warriors responded decisively when Alex Seyfarth's late hit on a Warriors player led to a penalty. Opting for the two points, Harris-Tevita extended their lead to 16-10. Addin Fonua-Blake then powered through multiple Tigers defenders to score under the posts, with Harris-Tevita's successful conversion pushing the score to 22-10.

The Tigers continued to fight, with multiple opportunities to score in perfect field position. However, they failed to capitalise, and a Warriors' counter-attack saw Roger Tuivasa-Sheck run 50 meters before Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished off the play, scoring under the posts. Harris-Tevita's conversion took the score to 26-10.

With only three minutes left on the clock, the Tigers made a final push. A successful Captain's Challenge gave them one last set, and Koroisau crossed the line for his own try, converting it to close the gap to 26-16.

This win puts the Warriors within three points of the top eight, rekindling their finals aspirations as they prepare to face the Parramatta Eels in Auckland next round. After enduring their fifth consecutive loss, the Tigers remain anchored at the bottom of the table and will take on the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval next Thursday.