The North Sydney Bears stamped their authority at the top of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder with a commanding 40-22 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in Round Eight at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, on Anzac Day.
Game Summary
The Bears drew first blood when halfback Tomhas Steadman took the line on himself in the final play of the set and kept the ball alive for Riley Meyn to finish, before Kieran Hayman converted to open a 6-0 lead. The Warriors hit back when centre Daeon Amituanai crossed in the corner, though Jet Cleary couldn't convert, leaving North Sydney in front 6-4.
The Bears then piled on two tries before half-time to extend their advantage. Steadman grubber-kicked behind the Warriors to score his own try. Interchange forward Matthew French then reached over adjacent to the post from close range, with Hayman converting both to send North Sydney into the break leading 18-10.
The Warriors' cause was lifted in the second half when Cleary's trademark cross-field kick found Kaizyn Mellars, who took a spectacular aerial grab to score and bring the Warriors back within eight points. However, Hayman quickly silenced the home crowd with a powerful individual effort, beating three defenders to score his second try of the day and push the margin back out to 12.
With the Warriors threatening a genuine comeback, Kayliss Fatialofa crossed for a try following a Cleary grubber, and veteran Adam Pompey — returning to NSW Cup level for the first time in two years - scored to narrow the gap to 28-22 with Cleary converting both. The Warriors faithful dared to dream with around 12 minutes remaining.
However, a crucial turnover handed the Bears prime field position, and Hayman made no mistake, scoring his second try of the afternoon from acting-half to restore a 12-point buffer at 34-22. With just minutes remaining, Jayden Yates darted through a gap close to the line and dished a short pass for Jake Toby to seal the win, before Meyn added a second try in the dying stages as North Sydney ran out comprehensive winners.
Talking Points
Kieran Hayman was the standout performer, scoring two tries and booting six conversions for a remarkable 20-point haul. The centre continues to be one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
The return of Adam Pompey was a welcome development for the Warriors, with the 27-year-old immediately making his mark after a two-year absence from NSW Cup football. His try gave the Warriors hope and served as a reminder of the quality depth the side possesses in their outside backs.
Key Moment
With the Warriors threatening to draw level midway through the second half at 28-22, a turnover in the Warriors' half gave North Sydney possession in a dangerous position. Hayman seized on the opportunity and powered over, shifting the momentum decisively in the Bears' favour and effectively ending the Warriors' chances of a comeback.
What's Next?
The Bears stay at the top of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder on the back of five wins from eight starts and will be looking to consolidate that position when they return home for their next fixture. The Warriors, who fall short of cracking the top five despite some promising signs in recent weeks, will need to regroup quickly with a tough schedule ahead. Round Nine shapes as a critical weekend for both clubs in what promises to be a fiercely contested top-eight battle.
