The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the New Zealand Warriors 26-22 in front of a rowdy crowd at McLean Park in Napier.
Result
Brisbane Broncos 26
Tries: Deine Mariner (24, 73), Jordan Riki (39), Ezra Mam (54)
Goals: Adam Reynolds (25, 40, 55, 59, 74)
New Zealand Warriors 22
Tries: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (37, 62), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (75), Marcelo Montoya (78)
Goals: Shaun Johnson (38, 76, 78)
Report
An emotional Mฤori Welcome to Country kickstarted proceedings in Napier, as the Warriors celebrated their Indigenous round. Both sides had opportunities to score, but the dewy surface made execution difficult. Multiple try-saving efforts from the Broncos kept the scores level in the first 20 minutes. Eventually, it was a length of the field try for the Broncos that broke the deadlock. Deine Mariner cleaned up a loose ball and ran 80 metres to score.
Following the Mariner try, there were several close calls for the Warriors as they searched for their first points. The Broncos defence held firm, but with three minutes remaining in the half they were finally broken. A backline shift to the right put Dallin Watene-Zelezniak over in the corner for the equaliser. However, an error off the following kick-off gifted the Broncos a late opportunity.
A short ball from Billy Walters put Jordan Riki over for a try in the shadows of halftime, handing the Broncos a 12-6 lead at the break.
Early in the second half, the Warriors lost both Freddy Lussick and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to HIA. Taking advantage of the reshuffle, the Broncos extended their lead when Adam Reynolds made a break and setup Ezra Mam for a try. A penalty right in front added insult to injury, as Adam Reynolds converted for a 14 point lead.
In need of points, the Warriors’ energy lifted. Shaun Johnson combined with Marata Niukore, and Johnson batted the return pass out to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for his second try. However, the surge of energy didn’t last. The Broncos forced an error out of the Warriors, and in the next set Deine Mariner grabbed his second try off a Triston Sailor kick. Despite being down 14, the Warriors refused to give up.
They scored two quick tries to Nicoll-Klokstad and Marcelo Montoya respectively, cutting the lead back to four points. They almost scored the equaliser through Montoya again in the final minutes, but the bunker denied a grandstand finish. Adam Pompey was penalised for a jersey pull on Deine Mariner, which sealed the game for the Broncos.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Adam Reynolds (Brisbane Broncos)
2 – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (New Zealand Warriors)
1 – Jordan Riki (Brisbane Broncos)
