League: Tigers maul Warriors

SYDNEY - Early wooden spoon favourites the Wests Tigers have burst into the top four with their 24-6 National Rugby League victory over the New Zealand Warriors at Christchurch's soaked Jade Stadium tonight.

All eyes were on both sides' Kiwi connection with the New Zealand side to be named in preparation for the Anzac test at Brisbane on April 22.

However, it was Tigers halfback Scott Prince who starred in the miserable conditions to steal the show and ensure the Warriors have not won in New Zealand outside Auckland.

The match doubled as a Kiwi trial with selectors casting their eyes not only over the Warriors line-up but also the Tigers' New Zealand connection -- class pivot Benji Marshall, centre Paul Whatuira and utility Dene Halatau.

Whatuira did his chances no harm with a try-scoring double while Marshall was again impressive -- but Prince reigned once again.

Fresh from winning the last two games for the Tigers, Prince was again the key for victory, stepping his way to a 64th minute try that broke the Warriors' back.

The victory also maintained a remarkable success rate.

Six times injury prone halves Prince and Marshall have played together for the Tigers.

And all six times the pair have led the Tigers to victory.

After leading 6-0 at halftime, the Tigers kicked ahead when Whatuira completed his double in the 42nd minute.

But the Warriors hit back when winger Todd Byrne ran off a Nathan Fien pass to cross in the 55th minute while carrying three defenders.

The video referee threw the decision back to whistleblower Jason Robinson who gave Byrne the green light to cut the deficit to 12-6.

But Prince stamped his class in the 64th minute, throwing a dummy and stepping 15m from the line to score untouched.

Winger Pat Richards put the icing on the cake with his 70th minute try off a clever Prince grubber.

Whatuira looked to have opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

However, the video referee ruled Whatuira's foot shaved the left sideline with a little help from diving Warriors centre Sione Faumuina.

But Whatuira wasn't to be denied and broke the deadlock with a spectacular 95m runaway try in the 10th minute.

Whatuira gobbled up a Stacey Jones kick just metres from his own line and sprinted away from the cover defence of winger Todd Byrne and prop Steve Price to score.

It could have been worse for the Warriors.

The video referee disallowed first half tries to Richards (16th minute) and Daniel Fitzhenry (31st).

In another headache for Warriors coach Tony Kemp, reserve Tevita Latu was placed on report for a 61st minute high shot on Anthony Laffranchi.

And Warriors lock Monty Betham was on report for a 69th minute dangerous throw on Tigers prop Todd Payten.

Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson -- in his 150th first grade game -- booted four from four, ensuring he has a perfect (18-0) goalkicking record this season.

- AAP