The Warriors recorded a commanding 36-24 victory over the Penrith Panthers in Round 23 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, extending their winning streak to four consecutive games.
The Warriors made a bright start, with halfback Jett Cleary and centre Jye Linnane linking brilliantly to open the scoring in the fifth minute. Linnane, in superb touch all evening, slid over on the left edge to give the home side a 6-0 lead after Cleary added the conversion.
The Panthers hit back with their first genuine foray into attacking territory. Haami Loza produced a piece of individual brilliance, taking the ball to the try-line before dribbling a kick through for Jesse McLean to pounce on. Zakauri Clarke’s conversion levelled scores, before the Panthers found themselves in the lead after Vea Tapa'atoutai burrowed over from dummy half as the score read 12-6.
However, the Warriors regained the lead before half-time when Linnane struck again, combining with Cleary and Luke Hanson down the left edge, and Luke Laulilii backing up a Kayliss Fatialofa line break to take the score to 16-12.
The second half belonged to the Warriors. Makaia Tafua capitalised on a fortunate bounce from a Luke Hanson kick to score, then fullback Joseph Ratcliffe added a second in quick succession after a lovely line-break from prop Riley Price. The Warriors suddenly led 28-12.
Tafua then extended the advantage scoring his second try, with the Panthers allowing a Jett Cleary kick to bounce before Tafua gratefully scooped it up near the try-line. A Cleary penalty goal pushed the margin out further to 36-12.
McLean gave the Panthers some hope with his second try of the match, before Tapa'atoutai reduced the deficit further to 36-24 with 12 minutes remaining. The Panthers threatened on several occasions late in the match, but the Warriors defence held firm, with the Warriors claim a comprehensive 36-24 victory.
Talking Points
- Jye Linnane was the Warriors' chief playmaker, finishing with a double and consistently threatening the Panthers' right edge with his ability to explode through the line and his precise footwork. His performance highlighted just how important the centre is to the Warriors' attacking structure.
- The Warriors' 20-point blitz at the start of the second half proved the decisive period of the match. From a scoreline of 16-12 at half-time, the home side rattled on 20 unanswered points in the space of roughly 15 minutes, effectively ending the contest.
- Jesse McLean continued his prolific season for the Panthers, crossing for two tries. Despite his best efforts, the Panthers' attack lacked the consistency to trouble the Warriors across 80 minutes.
- Riley Price was a constant threat with ball in hand for the Warriors, his footwork and ball-playing ability creating opportunities throughout the match.
Key Moment
The key moment came in the opening exchanges of the second half. After Makaia Tafua crossed from a favourable bounce off the kick-off, Riley Price then sliced through the Panthers' defence to send Joseph Ratcliffe racing away for a try. That back-to-back scoring burst turned a tight four-point lead into a commanding 28-12 margin and effectively put the match beyond the reach of the Panthers.
What's next?
The Warriors will look to make it five wins in a row when they come up against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles next week, pushing for a top-five finish in the final rounds of the NSW Cup season. The Panthers, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly in order to keep their premiership favourites title as they come up against the Sydney Roosters in Round 24.
