LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Warriors secured a spot in the top four for the first time in 14 years with a dominant 18-6 victory over the Dragons in Auckland on Friday night.
The win marked the team's 16th victory of the season, showcasing their impressive form and determination.
However, the victory came at a cost, as five-eighth Luke Metcalf suffered a hamstring injury during the game.
This injury could potentially impact the team's performance in the upcoming matches, but the Warriors will undoubtedly rally together to overcome this setback.
The match started off with a bizarre incident, as the Warriors allowed the kick-off to bounce, resulting in Dragons centre Zac Lomax seizing the opportunity to dive over and score.
However, after a review from the bunker, it was ruled that Lomax had lost the ball into Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad as he attempted to collect it.
Taking advantage of a six-again call, the Warriors opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Adam Pompey received a pass from Metcalf and executed a brilliant angled run to score his fifth try of the season.
The Dragons' chances were further diminished when hooker Connor Muhleisen made a mistake at dummy half, allowing the Warriors to advance into the red zone.
Nicoll-Klokstad capitalized on the opportunity, breaking through a tackle from Lomax to extend the lead to 10-0.
The Dragons suffered another setback in the 26th minute when debutant Sione Fonua and Lomax were forced off the field due to injuries.
This forced hooker Jacob Liddle to play on the left wing, disrupting the team's structure and cohesion.
Although the Warriors had the opportunity to increase their lead in the 35th minute, Addin Fonua-Blake unfortunately lost the ball as he attempted to ground it.
Despite this missed opportunity, the Warriors maintained their dominance throughout the match, preventing the Dragons from mounting a successful comeback.
Overall, the Warriors' victory not only secured their place in the top four but also showcased their resilience and skill on the field.
As they enter the finals series, the team will be aiming to maintain their momentum and strive for further success.