Jackson Ford in action for the Warriors against the Gold Coast Titans. Photo / Photosport
The Gold Coast Titans have picked up their first win of the season, beating the Warriors 27-24 in Auckland.
- The Warriors led 12-0 within 10 minutes after tries to Charnze Nicoll-Kloktad and Addin Fonua-Blake
- The Titans then scored 27 unanswered points to lead 27-12 with 25 minutes remaining
- Late tries through Fonua-Blake and Rocco Berry saw the Warriors get within striking distance, but the Titans defence held firm in the final 10 minutes to deny the hosts.
By Michael Burgess
OPINION
The Warriors’ hype train keeps on rolling.
Ahead of Thursday’s Anzac Day sellout against the Gold Coast Titans, the signing of young halfback Jett Cleary from Penrith will grab more headlines.
While performances on the field haven’t yet matched 2023′s quality, the momentum created by smart recruitment continues the positive vibes around the club.
The James Fisher-Harris deal was a show-stopper but Cleary will also turn some heads. The 19-year-old is unproven - and probably a few years away from first grade - but let’s face it, he’s a Cleary. His older brother Nathan (26) is already one of the greatest halfbacks of the modern era while his father Ivan has overseen a Panthers’ three-peat at a time when the NRL has never been more competitive.
Imagine the grounding he has already had, from backyard footy to dinner table chats, along with his time in Penrith’s renowned junior system.
But the Warriors aren’t signing the name, they are signing the player.
He is highly rated by both coach Andrew Webster and recruitment boss Andrew McFadden. Webster got to know him at Penrith, while former No 7 McFadden is an expert on halfback play. They obviously like what they have seen - in terms of personality and ability - which has driven the investment.
The Warriors have been hit with a string of injuries after a thrilling Magic Round win.