Marks out of 10 for 17 Warriors heroes after a rousing 24-16 win over title contenders Manly.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c): Solid and industrious rather than spectacular with 199 metres from 21 carries, but his sole piece of brilliance was one to remember – a through-the-legs assist for Ligi Sao to score. A goal-line fumble almost cost a try in the first half. Tremendous leadership once again, even if the NRL’s refs continue to show the skipper a disgraceful lack of respect. 8
Ben Cummins’ double standards talking to RTS and DCE is sickening #NRLWarriorsManly
— This Warriors Life (@thiswarriorslyf) August 9, 2019
20 ADAM POMPEY: Ran willingly and had one burst down the touchline, which he spoiled with a poorly-executed kick ahead. Displayed a glaring lack of pace and composure on defence during the second half. The Warriors have better options running around in reserve grade. 5
3 PETA HIKU: His silky attacking skills didn’t get a chance to shine, but he ran for over 100 metres and came up with some huge defensive plays. A liability without the ball last year, Hiku has turned his game around spectacularly in that area over the past couple of months. 7
4 GERARD BEALE: Barely featured on attack, but his work on defence was first-rate. Cut down Manly danger-man Tom Trbojevic inside the Warriors’ 20 on multiple occasions with superb reads and well-executed tackles. More value than at centre than on the wing. 7
5 KEN MAUMALO: Given the conditions, Big Ken’s two finishes during the first half were as good as any he’s come up with in a sensational 2019 season. Caught out a couple of times in defence during the Sea Eagles’ late fight-back and a try went begging via his forward pass in the second half, but was a workhorse as always with a game-high 240 metres (78 post-contact). 8
6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Any doubts over whether CHT is the future of the club were put to bed in a dazzling all-round display. Two sensational try-assists, created further opportunities with his skill, instincts and willingness to chance his arm, thunderous defence (even if he did miss a team-high seven tackles) and generally unflappable. 9
The @NZWarriors need to do whatever they have to to ensure Chanel Harris-Tavita stays at the club long term. He is an organiser, future leader and workhorse. He was key tonight #NRLWarriorsManly
— Nicky O’Keeffe (@NOK_510) August 9, 2019
Dally M Points 3=Chanel Harris-Tavita 2=Chanel Harris-Tavita 1=Chanel Harris-Tavita #NRL #Warriors @NRL @NZWarriors
— Rowan Smith (@RowanS_NZ) August 9, 2019
7 BLAKE GREEN: Certainly an improvement on last week, kicking astutely and directing the team nicely, but was comprehensively overshadowed by his young halves partner. Arguably the most encouraging aspect of his performance was the passion he showed in blowing up at Blair’s sin-binning. 6
"All this bulls*** they throw at us. Just kick us out of the comp, man." https://t.co/eKdVQfT9Ib
— Newshub (@NewshubNZ) August 9, 2019
8 AGNATIUS PAASI: Embarrassed by his lack of output against the Raiders, ‘Iggy’ responded with 95 metres and 34 tackles in a solid performance. 6.5
9 JAZZ TEVAGA: Probably his best first-grade showing at hooker, highlighted by his determined match-sealing try and generally solid dummy-half play. Had a bit of a stint in the back-row and finished with six runs and 41 tackles, though gave away a whopping four penalties. 7
10 LEESON AH MAU: One of the reliable prop’s better outings this season, making 29 tackles without a miss to continue his outstanding defensive efficiency record and leading the Warriors’ forwards with 137 metres from 12 carries. 7.5
11 ADAM BLAIR: Unbelievably unlucky to get sin-binned, so we’re not going to mark him down for refereeing incompetence. Some nice touches on attack – including in the lead-up to Maumalo’s second try – and was a key reason the Warriors were able to keep the Sea Eagles scoreless until he was despatched to the bin. 7
@NRL 10 mins for what????? Unbelievable. Who has ever got 10 minutes in the history of rugby league for what Adam Blair just did? There wasn’t even enough in it to say it was a fucken penalty!!! #NRLWarriorsManly
— Warriors v NRL Referees (@war_refs) August 9, 2019
12 ISAIAH PAPALI’I: Racked up 46 tackles and carted the ball up 10 times. We called for his axing after a string of subpar games, but this was a much-improved performance. 6.5
13 LACHLAN BURR: Another to partially restore his reputation with a big effort. Reeled off a game-high 48 tackles and ran for over 100 metres, while there were none of the errors or penalties that had crept into his game recently. 7
14 ADAM KEIGHRAN: Spent 29 minutes at dummy-half and looked the goods, making a few darting runs and 15 tackles – most notably a tremendous shot on Tom Trbojevic. 6
15 SAM LISONE: Not used by Stephen Kearney. N/A
16 BUNTY AFOA: Given only 22 minutes on the field but made a massive impact, chalking up 80 metres from eight runs and bending the line back with every carry. Should be playing a bigger role in Kearney’s game-plan. 7.5
17 LIGI SAO: Great hands to score his first NRL try for the club, impressed with his footwork and work-rate in racking up 119 running metres, and made 22 tackles. Comfortably his best first-grade showing in a Warriors jersey. 7.5
Ligi Sao has been rocks and diamonds this year but the @NZWarriors need to convert him into a regular first grader. Forward packs looks far more balanced with him
— Ronnie (@rugged_league) August 9, 2019
Categories: Previews + Reviews, WARRIORS NEWS
Leave a Reply