Warriors Hold On for Crucial Win Against Tigers

In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, the Warriors kept their finals hopes alive with a much-needed 28-16 victory over the Wests Tigers at a packed Go Media Stadium. The match showcased the Warriors’ resilience, particularly as they built a solid 14-0 lead in the first half against a Tigers team struggling with errors.

Kurt Capewell was the first to cross the line for the Warriors, scoring an easy try. Young gun Ali Leiataua made a notable impact by setting up Edward Kosi for another try before adding one of his own just minutes later. Chanel Harris-Tavita, who had a tough outing with his kicks last week, redeemed himself by slotting in his third attempt, leaving the Warriors comfortably ahead at halftime.

The second half began with the Tigers catching the Warriors off guard, as Isaiah Papali’i and Charlie Staines quickly scored two tries, narrowing the gap. However, the Warriors soon regained control of the match, with Addin Fonua-Blake putting on a powerful performance capped off with a deserved try. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck showed his class by turning back the clock and assisting Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s try with some exceptional footwork.

Despite a last-minute effort from Tigers captain Api Koroisau, scoring on the buzzer, it was too little, too late to change the outcome of the game.

Fonua-Blake was a standout player, pushing hard during his time on the field. He will soon transition to the Sharks next season and expressed a desire to make the most of his remaining games with the Warriors.

Another highlight was the impressive returns of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who took over the fullback position amid team injuries. He recorded a game-high of 250 running meters, showcasing his ability to break tackles and capitalize on plays.

On the other hand, the Tigers continued to struggle with their performance, committing multiple errors that ultimately cost them the match. Coach Benji Marshall has repeatedly emphasized the need for his team to improve their game and reduce mistakes, but inconsistency remains a significant issue for them.

As the season approaches its climax, the Warriors appear to be gaining momentum, while the Tigers find themselves on the brink of another disappointing finish.