LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Wests Tigers started their season off with a bang, securing a hard-fought victory against the Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
However, despite the loss, it was the Warriors who left Christchurch with a sense of accomplishment, given their resilience and determination after being reduced to 12 men for a majority of the game.
Warriors forward Zyon Maiu'u's controversial sending off in the 20th minute, following a bone-crushing shoulder charge that forced Declan Casey out of the game, became a defining moment of the match.
It was a physically demanding encounter, with proceedings momentarily halted as Casey received medical attention.
Despite this setback, the Wests Tigers were leading 12-6 at the time, courtesy of tries from Alex Seyfarth and Aidan Sezer, with Jacob Laban responding for the hosts.
However, the Tigers struggled to find their rhythm for the remainder of the match, taking a grueling 38 minutes before crossing the try line again.
Nonetheless, rookie coach Benji Marshall had reasons to be pleased with the performance of his new recruits, Sezer and Jayden Sullivan.
The halves duo showcased their playmaking abilities, skillfully directing the team and delivering some impressive moments during the game.
On the other side, the Warriors exhibited incredible defensive resilience even after being reduced to 12 men, earning the respect of their opponents.
Moreover, the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to rugby league after a lengthy hiatus of 31 months proved to be a resounding success.
Tuivasa-Sheck displayed his dominance in the 58 minutes he spent on the field.
He showcased exceptional defensive awareness, making crucial tackles to prevent potential try-scoring opportunities.
Additionally, with the ball in hand, he proved to be a force to be reckoned with, averaging just below 10 meters per carry across 13 runs.
Overall, the match was a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of both teams.
Though the Wests Tigers emerged victorious, the Warriors walked away with a renewed sense of confidence, proving that they can hold their own even in the face of adversity.