LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has broken the long-standing try-scoring record for the NZ Warriors.
The record, which stood at 23 tries in a single season for 20 years, was originally set by Sean Hoppe in the club's debut season in 1995.
However, in a remarkable feat, winger Francis Meli surpassed this record in 2003 during the NRL finals, scoring an impressive five tries against the Bulldogs.
For the next 15 years, no player was able to match or surpass Meli's record, until David Fusitu'a equaled it in 2018.
But it was Watene-Zelezniak who ultimately claimed the record for his own in this season's preliminary final against Brisbane, with his double securing try #24 for the year.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Watene-Zelezniak missed the first six rounds of the season and the final round of the regular season against the Dolphins.
His season got off to a slow start, failing to score in his first appearance against the Cowboys.
However, he quickly made up for it with a double against the Storm on Anzac Day.
Unfortunately, he was unable to find the try line in the following two games against the Roosters and the Panthers.
Despite these setbacks, Watene-Zelezniak's determination and talent allowed him to break the long-standing record and etch his name in the history books of the NZ Warriors.