LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In the Jersey Flegg Cup match between the New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters, the Warriors started off poorly, letting in two early tries.
However, they quickly turned things around with a remarkable 13-minute burst where they scored four tries and took a 22-6 lead.
This surge was ignited by a beautiful long pass from Luke Hanson to Raphael Sio, followed by impressive runs from Jason Salalilio and Harry Durbin.
Despite the Warriors' strong efforts, the Roosters fought back in the second half, closing the gap to 20-22.
The match then turned into a tough battle until the Roosters finally broke through the Warriors' defense in the 64th minute, taking the lead 26-22.
They further extended their advantage with a penalty, ultimately securing a 34-22 victory.
The Warriors showed glimpses of promise during their hot burst of scoring, but ultimately couldn't maintain their momentum throughout the match.
Head coach Greg Boulous acknowledged the team's effort, stating, "We showed some good signs at times but need to get better quickly."
Despite the loss, there were standout performances from players like Jett Cleary, Luke Hanson, and Raphael Sio, who all contributed to the team's strong start.
The Warriors will need to work on maintaining consistency and resilience in future games to secure victories.
Overall, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Warriors, showcasing both their potential and their areas for improvement.
As they continue to develop and grow as a team, they will aim to turn these bursts of brilliance into consistent success on the field.