Leiataua’s double gets the Wahs up the ladder

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Warriors v Sydney Roosters

A seven-year drought has come to an end for the New Zealand Warriors following a 14-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters in Auckland.

Breaking a run of eight consecutive losses dating back to 2018 against the foundation club, a double to young centre Ali Leiataua saw the Warriors record their lowest score in victory since 2017 - incidentally also against the Roosters in Auckland.

Following a tightly-fought opening which saw both sides unable to execute their attacking chances, a hit-and-spin effort from Naufahu Whyte (21st minute) next to the posts saw the Roosters open the scoring.

Having waited a quarter of the match for first points, the Warriors needed mere minutes to respond as Leiataua (25th minute) slid his way over for his second four-pointer in as many weeks.

Despite a mounting HIA toll which saw Victor Radley cleared to return and Connor Watson ruled out, the Roosters came close to extending their lead with Mark Nawaqanitawase streaking down the sideline, chipping for himself and regathering, only for the former Wallaby to put a foot on the dead ball line before grounding to leave the visitors ahead 6-4 at the change of ends.

Beginning the second half in a similar vein to the first with neither side able to gain any ascendancy, the Roosters looked to capitalise on a 40/20 from Chad Townsend only for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to produce a try-saving effort on Dominic Young.

Tuivasa-Sheck's heroics came at a cost with the dual international sustaining a hamstring injury, while the Warriors woes were compounded as James Tedesco stopped Adam Pompey from scoring a certain try by holding the ball up over the line in a last-gasp defensive effort.

Taking the lead for the first time after Chanel Harris-Tavita (65th minute) contested his own bomb to the delight of 23,219 supporters in attendance, the Warriors secured the result with Leiataua (70th minute) running onto a pass from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - celebrating his 50th game for the club - to put the home side up beyond a converted try.

Next week, the Warriors will face the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Sunday evening, while the Roosters will host the Titans on Friday night.