Marks out of 10 after the Warriors’ pressure-relieving 26-10 win over the Titans.
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c): The Titans tried to keep the ball away from RTS at all costs, but he still finished with 176 metres, seven tackle-breaks, a slick try-assist, a sensational 35-metre try and a very important first-half try-saver. Top-five player in the game without a doubt – and not far off No.1. 8.5
2 David Fusitu’a: Made a team-high 18 carries for 141 metres and produced some handy clean-up plays at the back, but perhaps most relieving found his way over the stripe for his first try of 2019. Reassuring. 7
3 Peta Hiku: Still a hot mess on defence, but his vastly-improved intent was evident from the outset. Racked up 165 metres – big for a centre – and had a team-high nine tackle-breaks, as well as carving through for the opening try. 7.5
4 Solomone Kata: Like the naughty kid with parents reluctant to punish him, see how far he can push Stephen Kearney before he will actually drop him. Came up with a forward pass and a frustrating penalty while making a modest eight runs and failing to link with Fus. Luckily the Titans attack was a shambles and Peachey didn’t get a good crack at him. Needs to get better fast. 5
5 Ken Maumalo: Strong-ish running game (12 runs for 120 metres) was marred somewhat by a woeful read that allowed Anthony Don to score. 5.5
6 Chanel Harris-Tavita: Like the player he replaced, Adam Keighran, CHT got something of an armchair ride on debut – but there was something about the kid’s maiden NRL outing that stood out as more meaningful and long-lasting than his predecessor. Looked confident and calm, but most importantly took the line on (tallying 74 metres and five tackle-breaks) and really troubled the Titans’ defence on several occasions. A few nice passes – including one that led to Harris’ try – and made 24 tackles, despite being regarded as a defensive weak link. 7.5
7 Blake Green: A brilliant long ball to set up the first try seemed to lift the malaise of two disappointing matches that preceded this crucial assignment. Kicking game was patchy but controlled the game well and put Tuivasa-Sheck through the line in the lead-up to his try. 7.5
8 Agnatius Paasi: By far his best showing of the season so far, racking up 116 metres on 11 carries along with 22 tackles. A great asset when he turns up to play. 7
9 Karl Lawton: Only got half a game but made the most of it, providing slick service and a dangerous running option from dummy-half, as well as 22 tackles. A worthy NRL No.9. 7
10 Leeson Ah Mau: Probably not the impact we were hoping for after his promotion to the starting side, held to 82 metres on 11 runs in 54 minutes on the paddock. Late handling error was the lasting impression. 5.5
11 Isaiah Papali’i: Played 70 minutes on the edge and racked up a team-high 39 tackles. Solid enough on attack but arguably less prominent in that department than last week and gave away two penalties. 6.5
12 Tohu Harris: Great response to some of the worst form of his sparkling career. Led the Warriors’ forwards with 152 metres, reeled off 34 tackles and sealed the result with a superb solo try. More of that thanks. 8
16 Lachlan Burr: Chucked back into the starting side and did OK, chalking up nine runs and toiling for an impressive 38 tackles. Gave away a penalty. 6
14 Jazz Tevaga: The biggest improver outside Hiku. Had easily his best game at hooker, making 45 metres from four dummy-half runs and offering far better service while racking his customary mountain of tackles. Still a better middle forward but good to know he can actually be an effective rake. 7
15 Bunty Afoa: His night was over early due to a head knock but made his presence felt in 34 minutes, running for 118 metres from just seven carries – including a couple of rousing off-the-back-fence charges. 7.5
13 Adam Blair: Seemed pretty pleased with his performance in the post-match interviews and certainly his aggression and intent was a big improvement on the last couple of weeks. But nine runs and 17 tackles – plus an appalling miss to let Copley score – is still a pretty meagre return for 52 minutes on the paddock. Leading line-speed etc and racking up big running metres and tackle numbers isn’t mutually exclusive, ya know. 5.5
17 Ligi Sao: Sucks to be wearing the No.17 for the Warriors these days. After Gerard Beale was left unused last week, Canterbury Cup standout Sao was given just eight minutes off the pine, which he used to decent effect with three runs for 33 metres. 4.5
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