How we saw the gutsy Warriors individually out of 10 in the 20-12 triumph over the Dragons.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c): After a few quiet-ish weeks by his standards, the skipper stood up big time with a sensational display at the back. Cleaned up several dangerous situations, ran for a game-high 154 metres and had a try-assist. Vintage. 8.5
2 DAVID FUSITU’A: Did his job when needed – particularly with a couple of soaring takes on his own line – but play didn’t flow the way it uncannily has all season. Ten runs for 77 metres. 6.5
3 PETA HIKU: Hiku is to defensive efficiency what Israel Folau is to responsible social media use, but still managed 16 stops and ran for 104 metres and had some nice touches on attack. 6.5
17 ANTHONY GELLING: Well, well, well – I guess TWL owes someone an apology. Buried the memories of last week’s ill-fated late appearance with a marvellous maiden NRL start, scoring a try, pulling off several crucial tackles and making 11 hard runs. A handling error and being tackled over the sideline were the only negatives in a memorable night for the rangy centre. 8
5 KEN MAUMALO: Carted the ball up 16 times and came up with a number of very tough catches as the Dragons kickers targeted the former high-ball liability. Let off the hook for a brain-explosion intercept pass that was pulled back by the video ref. Given that effectively wasn’t part of the game, we’re not docking big Ken for it. 7.5
6 BLAKE GREEN: Unfortunate to get binned but was superb for the 70 minutes he was on the park. Great kicking game, put Gelling over for a try and kept a typically cool head. 7.5
20 MASON LINO: The Raiders must be hoping the Warriors run some sort of Swappa-Half deal, because the Green Machine signed the wrong one. Extraordinary solo try early on, ran with purpose all night (six runs for 79 metres), kicked with aplomb and picked up a late try-assist with his boot. The best half not playing regular NRL by a mile. 8
Mason Lino!
What a try!#TelstraPremiership#NRLWarriorsDragons#NRL pic.twitter.com/L5Tnx0BimE
— NRL (@NRL) April 20, 2018
8 BUNTY AFOA: Justified his return to the starting side with 21 tackles and eight strong carries against the imposing Dragons pack. A Kiwis roughie. 7
9 ISSAC LUKE: Just brilliant. Ran for over 100 metres – most of them pressure-relieving or momentum-shifting darts from acting half – and racked up 28 tackles, and followed up a clutch 40/20 with a decisive try. Was he even this good for Souths? 9
10 AGNATIUS PAASI: Played hard once again, chalking up 21 tackles and seven runs. Solid, though maybe not as eye-catching as in last week’s loss. Still good though, calm down. 6.5
11 SIMON MANNERING: A monster display on the left edge from the stalwart. Combined a game-high (by some margin) 43 tackles with 101 running metres in his first start of the season. The heart, the soul. 8
12 TOHU HARRIS: Copped a knee in the face early then was given a one-way ticket to Disneyland by Leeson Ah Mau’s head. Great to know they can do the business without him. 5.5
VIDEO: Warriors star Tohu Harris knocked out in brutal clash
Watch: https://t.co/2yDaQmzKoK pic.twitter.com/OwSPwZ2y4n
— FOX LEAGUE (@FOXNRL) April 20, 2018
13 ADAM BLAIR: Ok, we’re not going to rag on him too hard this week for only making five runs for 36 metres given the Warriors’ chronic lack of possession. Played big minutes, made loads of tackles and had some sweet touches on attack. 7
14 JAZZ TEVAGA: This guy just keeps amazing us with his lionhearted interchange efforts. His 33 tackles were second only to Mannering and he charged into the teeth of the Dragons’ defence seven times. Ideal bench forward, plays above his weight week after week. 7
15 SAM LISONE: Not bad, 10 tackles and four hit-ups off the bench. Definitely down the front-row pecking order at present, however, and needs to produce something big to hold a spot once Gavet is back. 5.5
16 ALBERT VETE: First NRL outing since Round 17 last year and looked very good. Gets quick play-the-balls and is just a big, mobile lump who is hard to handle. Liked it. 6
21 ISAIAH PAPALI’I: Came back into the team after others dropped out and ended up playing big minutes after Harris’ exit. Good in defence with 20 stops, nine strong runs and the match-sealing try. After beginning the year as a second-row starter before getting injured, you’d have to think the teenager fits into the first-choice 17 somewhere, despite the logjam of in-form forwards. 7
Wasn't really here for the "pronounce our names correctly or you're a racist" campaign but when you hear the Fox League commentators do better than ever with "Isaiah Papali'i" maybe it was worth it.
— Abolish the Coke Games (@sanjuroku) April 20, 2018
Categories: Previews + Reviews, WARRIORS NEWS
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