Yesterday they lacked game sense; the ruthless streak to know when to kill off a match. The Warriors had numerous chances to extend their 14-6 lead early in the second half but couldn't do it. From there it was a bit of a Knights procession.
There was nothing much wrong with the forward effort but they were let down by their backline and play makers. Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend drifted out of the game at crucial times and made some poor errors at this level. Their kicking game also went backwards in the second half.
On the positive side, Tui Lolohea had an impressive game at full back, demonstrating his utility value. It was a nerveless performance from the 20-year-old, who will give Sam Tomkins some serious competition throughout the season.
Solomone Kata was solid in his first NRL outing and Sam Lisone and Albert Vete got some time in the trenches. Indeed the sight of renowned enforcer Beau Scott trying to intimidate - unsucessfully - Lisone demonstrated the impact of the Holden Cup winning captain.
Before kickoff, the portents were not great. The Warriors had won just two of their last 12 season opening matches and the Knights were on a five match winning streak at Marathon Stadium. The visitors also lost Tomkins, who failed to recover from his hamstring strain, though Kurt Gidley was also a late withdrawal.
Dane Gagai opened the scoring for the home side, forcing his way over after Akuila Uate had created some space on the right flank. It came after a fortuitous repeat set, though the Knights were good enough to take advantage of it. After they were mostly defending for the first quarter, the Warriors found their reply with an eight point try. It came through a typical powerful close range burst by Thomas Leuluai, running off a clever Suaia Matagi pass and Tyrone Roberts was penalised for sliding his knees into Leuluai's head.
It was the boost the Auckland team needed, and they finished the first half as the stronger team. There has been much debate about the merits of Ryan Hoffman but he made an instant impact yesterday. He has the uncanny habit of being in the right place at the right time, and showed terrific strength to wrestle his way over in the tackle of Beau Scott.
Early in the second half the Warriors had the Knights on the ropes but couldn't find the knockout blow. The worst was with the Knights down to 12 men - on the back of consecutive penalties - and Johnson tried a low percentage play which didn't come off.
They were made to pay, as Gagai shrugged off an ineffective Ben Henry tackle to cross to set up a frenetic final quarter. Tyler Randell then dived over from dummy half - a coach killer - after the Warriors had switched off at marker and Robbie Rochow's try sealed the win in the 75th minute.
Knights 24 (D. Gagai 2, T. Randall,R. Rochow tries; T. Randall, T. Roberts 3 goals)
Warriors 14 (T. Leuluai, R. Hoffman tries; S. Johnson 3 goals)
Halftime: 14-6
