LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In the latest New South Wales Cup match, the NZ Warriors secured their eighth victory with a thrilling 46-30 win over Canberra at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong.
This match highlighted the impressive performances of hooker-turned-middle forward Freddy Lussick and young back rower Kayliss Fatialofa, both achieving their first career hat-tricks.
Despite scoring nine tries, the Warriors only converted five, indicating some inconsistency in goal-kicking that prevented them from surpassing 50 points for the second consecutive week.
The Warriors started with a commanding lead, leading 32-0 at halftime and extending it to 42-0 in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Their attacking and defensive play during this period was described as "sublime" and "ruthless." However, as they neared the half-century mark, their intensity waned, allowing the Raiders to mount a comeback.
The Raiders rallied impressively, scoring 30 points in 21 minutes from five converted tries, narrowing the gap to just 12 points at 42-30.
Prior to his hat-trick, centre Moala Graham-Taufa capitalized on a mishap from Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart, while Lussick's third try came after just 20 minutes, following a break by Luke Hanson that set him up to score between the posts.
The Warriors' strong start solidified their top position on the points table, showcasing their potential while simultaneously highlighting the need to maintain focus throughout the match.