By PETER JESSUP
The Eagles-Warriors National Rugby League showdown for second and third-last took on something of a carnival atmosphere in Auckland yesterday, with the home side scraping through for a 32-22 win in an unusually jovial outing.
The Warriors lived up to their reputation as coach-killers, letting a 20-4 lead slip to 22-all before giving the long-suffering Auckland fans something to cheer about with two late tries.
The only good news for the Eagles, who looked as if they had turned up early for the traditional Mad Monday booze-up that sees off the season rather than for a match, was the impending re-signing of backrower Steve Menzies.
Coach Peter Sharp was adamant Menzies would announce today that he would stay, despite a big offer from Parramatta.
Sharp said his side were short on enthusiasm. Asked to nominate a player of the day, he replied: "I don't think any of them were too outstanding."
The coach added his support for Auckland staying in the competition.
"They're a worthwhile proposition," he said. "I wouldn't like to see them put out of the competition. They're a bit like us - they play some very good football at times."
The 13,268 who turned out at Ericsson Stadium - numbers boosted by respect for the retiring Terry Hermansson and Tony Tuimavave - had to wait a long time for something to cheer about.
The Warriors had all the early possession and territory but could not convert it. The Eagles dropped enough ball to lose two games, and both sides played one-out football with neither looking like scoring early on, unless by accident.
It was 21 minutes before Robert Mears did what he always does, ducking tackles from dummy-half, and scored. The Warriors took confidence from that and started throwing the ball around wildly, and when miracle passes linked Logan Swann, Clinton Toopi and Matt Spence, the Warriors led 12-0.
Warriors youngster Henry Perenara, a ball-player so good many in Auckland have long wondered why he has been sent to feeder club Brisbane Souths, engineered the third with a fast offload while held by two tacklers. The ball went to David Myles and when he beat the pressure from the defence, Odell Manuel had a clear view of the line.
At 16-0 at the break, the Warriors should have gone on with it.
When Mears ducked Geoff Toovey and Steve Trindall to put skipper John Simon away for his first try in 20 games this year, Auckland thought they were home.
But they nearly turned it into another famous defeat.
Eagle Michael Buettner stepped the defence from 10m out to score, Menzies stepped it from 80m out and ran all the way, Brandon Reeves beat the cover to a Buettner chip, and with the kicks it was 22-all with nine minutes remaining.
There was hope for the Warriors when Toopi cut the line and Henry Faafili finished the break to underline the ability of the youngsters on their books. Mears sealed things with another of his classic tries.
Warriors coach Mark Graham, beer in hand and job in limbo as the Tainui owners decide who to sell to, said he would turn up for work today as usual.
Assistant Mike McClennan handled the game and season wrap-up, saying injury had cost them a serious run at the playoffs.
"A big essence of the game is the way the halves operate now," he said. "We believe that with our No.1 side on the paddock we will be competitive."
Tony Tuimavave, released but looking for a job in England if he cannot find another NRL position, confirmed that off-field dramas must have preyed on the minds of young players.
"We've been trying to put the talk about money aside and concentrate on the game, but players have mortgages," he said.
However, there was little attention on the off-field drama yesterday, with everyone happy to mark the end of Auckland's season and the farewell of veterans Tuimavave and Hermansson.
The crowd reception for the pair shows there is life in New Zealand league and in the Warriors, despite all attempts to kill both off.
Auckland 32 (Robert Mears 2, Matt Spence, Odell Manuel, John Simon, Henry Faafili tries; Stacey Jones 4 goals) Northern Eagles 22 (Joel Penny, Michael Buettner, Steve Menzies, Brandon Reeves tries; Matt Orford 3 goals). Halftime: 16-0.
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