Some heroic performances from some usual suspects and a couple of under-pressure playmakers as the injury-hit Warriors upset the Dragons at Kogarah.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: The skipper marked his 100th game for the club with yet another inspirational, industrious, match-winning performance. Had 26 runs for 249 metres (80 post-contact), two line-breaks and seven tackle-breaks, along with the decisive try in the second half. Featured far more prominently on attack than we’ve become accustomed to seeing and caused the Saints constant headaches around the ruck and on the edge. 9
4 MARCELO MONTOYA: Pushed out to the wing after two games in the centres and responded with 20 carries for 155 metres, some nice touches on attack one superb kick that forced a line dropout. Better than sound in a frantic game and doing a decent job in a depleted backline. 7.5
2 PETA HIKU: The veteran’s day finished before it began, leaving the field with a dislocated shoulder just five minutes in. Managed one strong carry and four tackles in that time. 4
3 ADAM POMPEY: On a gruelling afternoon for the Warriors at Kogarah, the strapping Pompey’s powerful runs were crucial. Finished with 18 carries for 168 metres (60 post-contact) and racked up a game-high 10 tackle-breaks before an ankle injury cut his game short with six minutes left – and unfortunately is likely to result in a stint on the sidelines. 7.5
5 KEN MAUMALO: A horrid attempted tackle allowed opposite Mikaele Ravalawa to score, but Big Ken got through a mountain of work in the tough carry department – carving off 229 metres (94 post-contact) on 28 runs. Also came up with several big plays under the high ball and when the ball came his way along the ground. 7.5
6 KODI NIKORIMA: Brilliant bounce-back after the horror show against Manly. Nikorima ran for 95 metres – including a line-break – laid on a try with a kick, had a line-break assist and threw the last pass for Roger’s match-winner. Made several key stops among 23 tackles and had a rejigged right-edge attack humming again and capped a memorable afternoon with four from four off the tee. 8
7 SEAN O’SULLIVAN: Not the greatest outing from SOS – some poor option-taking could have cost the Warriors, while his running game didn’t really get going after a couple of 100-metre-plus games in recent weeks. Wasn’t terrible, just down in a couple of areas compared to his first few performances for the club. 5.5
16 KANE EVANS: Promoted to the starting side by played only 29 minutes. Chalked up some decent numbers during that time – 10 runs for 97 metres – but like last week a high proportion of his tally was from kick returns. Slowest play-the-ball speed of the Warriors’ forwards. Needs to be better to maintain a spot in the 17. 5
9 WAYDE EGAN: Like Nikorima, Egan produced a performance that tantalised with its promise of what he is capable of on his better days. Beautiful deception and execution to set up Harris’ try, crisp service all day and good option-taking. Everything last week’s display wasn’t. 8
21 JAMAYNE TAUNOA-BROWN: Solid return from a three-game suspension, making eight runs and 29 tackles. 6
11 JOSH CURRAN: We were stunned to see Curran in the starting pack for his first outing of the season, but he was outstanding in easily his best showing at NRL level to date. Led the Warriors’ forwards for runs (16) and run metres (142) and reeled off a game-high 50 tackles. Maybe there’s something to this guy after all. 8
14 BEN MURDOCH-MASILA: Good impact though not a huge work-rate – eight runs for 88 metres and 17 tackles – in 48 minutes on the paddock. 6
10 TOHU HARRIS: Scored a great try, topped 100 metres , chalked up six tackle-breaks and made 42 tackles. Typical Tohu but nevertheless magnificent. 8
8 LEESON AH MAU: Bumped back to the bench but was arguably the Warriors’ best prop, running for 71 metres on eight carries and making 33 tackles without a miss. Always know what you’re going to get from Leeson. 7
13 JAZZ TEVAGA: A customary Jazz game – 13 runs for 112 metres, 36 tackles and the usual team-lifting energy throughout his 50 minutes on the park. 7.5
15 BUNTY AFOA: A modest five runs in 33 minutes but excellent defensively, racking up 29 tackles with no misses. Great presence in the middle. 6.5
17 PAUL TURNER: Came on when Hiku left the field and played the remaining 75 minutes at centre. Very well-taken maiden NRL try from Nikorima’s kick and strong defensively. Would like to see him take on the defence with ball in hand a bit more, but a good display in a high-pressure game. 6.5
Categories: Previews + Reviews, WARRIORS NEWS
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