Game Summary
The Warriors produced a commanding performance to defeat Melbourne Storm 46-4 in Round 11 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at North Sydney Oval, emphatically breaking a two-game losing streak.
The Warriors were ruthless from the opening exchanges, scoring through their dynamic halves combination early. Jett Cleary broke the line before passing for centre Jye Linnane to touch down inside the first 14 minutes, converting his own try assist for a 6-0 lead.
From there the Warriors' left-side attack became virtually unstoppable. Luke Hanson and Cleary repeatedly found Kayliss Fatialofa and winger Daeon Amituanai in space, with Fatialofa scoring his team's second before Tauafiafi-Iutoi crossed for a third. Three tries and three conversions inside 30 minutes put the Warriors ahead 18-0.
The scoring continued relentlessly before half-time. Linnane claimed his second try off another incisive left-side movement, with Cleary converting to send the Warriors to the break at 24-0.
The second half brought more of the same. Cleary delivered a perfectly weighted grubber kick for Amituanai to double his tally early in the piece, before a second double for Amituanai and further tries to Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and Marata Niukore extended the lead to 46-0. Each Warriors try was a product of patient build-up play, with the halves pairing consistently finding space on the edges.
A bright moment for the Storm came late when Warriors halfback Cleary was sin-binned for a push in the back on Dylan Brettle, who had appeared certain to score Melbourne's first try. The Storm did eventually cross in the 77th minute through Joseph Litidamu, but the conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the final score 46-4.
Talking Points
The Warriors' left-side attack was the defining feature of the game. The combination of Hanson, Fatialofa, Amituanai, and Linnane repeatedly cut through the Storm edge with precision, producing a handful of tries and demonstrating the depth of this emerging Warriors squad.
Jett Cleary was outstanding from start to finish. Seven conversions from eight attempts, a try assist, and constant control of field position marked a masterclass from the young halfback.
Jye Linnane's two-try, one-assist return from the centres was a statement. Naturally a five-eighth, his ability to perform in an unfamiliar position while producing that output suggests his best football remains well ahead of him.
Key Moment
Just before the half-hour mark, from a 20-metre restart, the Warriors manufactured a try out of nothing. Hanson drew defenders wide before Fatialofa reversed the play to send Linnane through a gap for his second try. The sequence encapsulated everything the Warriors did well; pace, precision, and the confidence to back their attacking system. At that point, 24-0, the result was beyond question.
What's Next?
The Warriors face St George Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Stadium next weekend, while the Storm travel to Belmore Sports Ground to face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with the young side seeking their first win in three rounds.
