New Zealand Warriors consolidated their top four spot with victory over the Gold Coast Titans at CBus Stadium.
Result
Warriors 28
Tries: Shaun Johnson 26th, 35th; Jackson Ford 42nd; Tohu Harris 73rd; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 76th
Goals: Shaun Johnson 28th, 36th, 44th, 74th
Titans 18
Tries: David Fifita 22nd; Joe Stimson 52nd; Jayden Campbell 63rd
Goals: Tanah Boyd 23rd, 65th; Jayden Campbell 53rd
Report
It was a battle of the defences for the majority of the first half. Neither the Warriors nor the Titans were able to score any points, despite often making great metres, coming close. However, the line defence for both teams was impressive, keeping the scoreboard at nil all.
Gold Coast forward Moeaki Fotuaika was sent off after a high shot on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who was unable to return to the game. After just 23 minutes, the Titans were left with a man down for the remainder of the evening.
It was an ill-disciplined first half for both the Warriors and the Titans. There were a handful of scuffles, one of which resulted in Marata Niukore being sent to the sin bin for slapping a Gold Coast player. The Warriors and Titans were now 12 on 12.
Finally, the first points were scored by the Titans’ David Fifita.
Despite a valiant effort from the Titans, a try was called back at the opposite end of the field due to a knock-on. The Warriors capitalized on this field possession and scored their first points of the game. Shaun Johnson was the man who scored the points.
Right on the stroke of halftime, the Warriors were awarded a try, which was quickly taken away from them due to an obstruction. They went into the break with one player advantage and a six-point lead.
The Warriors scored again in the second half, with Jackson Ford finding the back of the net just two minutes after the restart.
Both the Titans and the Warriors continued to show strength in their defence through the second half. Both sides were also able to put their strength in attack on display, which made for a more interesting second half of the league.
Within a ten-minute period, the Titans were able to catch up to the Warriors. Joe Stimson and Jayden Campbell scored a try each, which levelled the score.
With just fifteen minutes remaining in the game, both sides were desperate for a victory.
The Warriors dominated the final few minutes, scoring two additional tries to ensure their victory against the Titans. Tohu Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were the try scorers.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
3 – Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
2 – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)
1 – Jayden Campbell (Titans)
