Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scores a try for the Warriors during the round-19 clash against the Wests Tigers. Photo / Photosport
Warriors 34
Tigers 14
The Warriors are back on track.
After a difficult few weeks, with consecutive losses and a season-ending injury to halfback Luke Metcalf, this 34-14 win over the West Tigers on Sunday evening was a much-needed tonic.
They were expected to beat the Tigers – who had lost six of their last seven – but had to work hard for it, with a committed effort from Benji Marshall’s team.
It was the kind of performance the squad needed. It wasn’t perfect but there were six tries and plenty of defensive resilience.
Perhaps most importantly – looking ahead – new No 7 Tanah Boyd had an assured Warriors debut, in his first NRL match since September. The 24-year-old showed his general kicking prowess, was accurate off the tee with five conversions and committed on defence. But what really stood out was his organisation and his willingness to dig into the defensive line and create uncertainty.
Taine Tuaupiki made a positive impression again, with his pace and acceleration, in only his second game at fullback this year, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had some electric moments. Demitric Vaimauga got the crowd going with some big charges, Erin Clark continued his stellar 2025 campaign and Leka Halasima got a trademark powerful try.
The Warriors lost Rocco Berry (shoulder) late in the first half, as his wretched injury run continued, while Adam Pompey made a late exit with an arm injury.
The result consolidates the Warriors’ place in the top four and was their first win at Mt Smart since round seven.
It also wrapped up a perfect day, after an impressive 14-0 win by the NRLW team, while the NSW Cup side continued their unbeaten run.
After a bye – and a chastening loss to Brisbane last time out – the Warriors wanted a good start. Instead, the Tigers scored before the home side had even touched the ball, with Jeral Skelton zipping over in the left corner after Dallin Watene-Zelezniak jammed in early.
From that early shock, the hosts recovered well. Berry’s try on the right edge brought back memories of similar moves in 2023, as their attack started to flow. Their second try – to Chanel Harris-Tavita – was one of their best set moves of the season, as they faked to go right before coming back against the grain, with a delightful delayed pass from Erin Clark to send his five-eighth in near the posts.
The Warriors looked more likely but the Tigers capitalised on their own spell of pressure – after repeat sets and penalties – with Adam Doueihi carrying three defenders across. Soon afterwards, Berry left the field clutching his shoulder, with the luckless centre suffering yet another injury. The pain of his exit was softened by the Warriors scoring in the next phase, with sharp work on the right sending Watene-Zelezniak in for a flying finish.
The Warriors were up for it, with Tigers halfback Latu Fainu caught on the fifth tackle near halfway, epitomising their urgency and desire.
They started the second half with purpose, punching through the middle. Tuaupiki went close with a dart, before a deserved try to Tuivasa-Sheck. It was made by Boyd committing the defence – going to the line – before a brilliant tip-on by Harris-Tavita put his winger in space.
That meant a comfortable 22-8 lead, before Doueihi reduced the deficit with his second try just before the hour mark. It won’t look good in the review, as he busted through the heart of the Warriors defence.
There was a hint of impatience about the Warriors attack – as they missed a couple of good opportunities, shown when they rolled the dice on a short blindside early on a repeat set. That kept the Tigers in the match, as fatigue grew. They were also hurt by some curious decisions, particularly when the bunker failed to see an obvious strip on Tanner Stowers-Smith and weren’t crisp enough with their last-tackle options.
But finally their work paid off with their fifth try – made by a flying leap by Halasima, with Harris-Tavita on hand to finish off. Halasima completed the party with a powerful surge down the left touchline, after a Tuaupiki break sparked another attack.
Warriors 34 (Rocco Berry, Chanel Harris-Tavita 2, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Leka Halasima tries; Tanah Boyd 5 cons)
Tigers 14 (Jeral Skelton try, Adam Doueihi 2 tries, Doueihi con)
HT: 16-8