The Warriors have continued their resurgence in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, defeating the Newtown Jets 30-22 in a Round 15 clash at Go Media Stadium.
The home side exploded out of the blocks, running in four tries in the opening half to lead 24-12 at half-time. The Warriors' spine of Luke Metcalf and Jett Cleary proved far too much for the Jets in the early stages, with Metcalf putting on a masterclass in game management, combining sharp distribution with a clinical kicking game.
Daeon Amituanai opened the scoring for the Warriors with a slick try out wide, before Jye Linnane crossed for a second to give the home side a commanding early advantage. Metcalf converted both and the Warriors were quickly into their groove, leading 12-0.
Warriors centre Rocco Berry was next to find the line to extend the Warriors early lead. A grubber kick from Metcalf saw Berry chasing through with Jets defence looming. Sliding underneath, the ball was miss fielded by the Jets before Berry grounded it over the line. Another successful Metcalf conversion pushed the Warriors to an 18-point lead.
Newtown eventually found their footing when second-rower Jaxon Lavender provided a spark, running a direct line through the Warriors defence to cross the line untouched. Riley Pollard added the extra’s taking the score to 18-6.
Jacob Auloa crossed for the Warriors' fourth try of the half after a brilliant pass from Metcalf, and the score blew out to 24-6 at halftime, before the Jets managed to halve the deficit late in the first half through a Riley Pollard try that he then converted to bring the score to 24-12 at the break.
The second half was a tighter affair, with Newtown's Michael Gabriel opening the scoring for the half when he broke through with a superb individual effort, bursting past the backfield to score. Pollard added the extras to make it 24-16.
The Warriors steadied when Jets found themselves an error with a dropped under pressure, allowing Daeon Amituanai to scoop up the loose ball and score his second try. Newtown fought back getting another try on the board to bring the margin back to 8-points, but the Warriors held their ground and the match 30-22.
Talking Points
- Luke Metcalf was near unplayable in the first half, assisting multiple tries and controlling the Warriors' kicking game with authority.
- A significant contingent from the Warriors' back-to-back Harold Matthews Cup premiership sides featured in the starting 17, with the likes of Amasio Tiatia, Connor Bowden, and Jacob Auloa all impressing.
- Riley Pollard was a key play for Newtown, crossing for a try, and consistently keeping the Jets in the contest with his attacking plays. His combination with Liam Ison, forged through their time together at Penrith and Cronulla, was a genuine threat throughout.
Key Moment
Michael Gabriel's try in the 60th minute threatened to make it a one-score game. The 21-year-old centre burst onto the ball off a slick offload deep in Warriors territory, beat Luke Hanson in the open field, and scored to bring the margin back to eight. It was the finest individual piece of play of the match and had the Jets believing a comeback was possible.
What's Next?
The Jets head to Allianz Stadium next week to take on the Sydney Roosters, while the Warriors stay in New Zealand to host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
