LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The Dragons faced a tough defeat against the Warriors in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, losing 40-12 at Go Media Stadium in New Zealand.
Toby Rumble, who was called up for his NSW Cup debut, played alongside his brother Ben on the wing for the Dragons.
The Warriors took an early lead with a try from Amituanai, followed by another try from Doyle.
The Dragons struggled defensively, allowing the Warriors to maintain a strong lead throughout the game.
There were some controversial moments during the match, including a dangerous tackle by Eddie Ieremia-Toeava that resulted in a report.
Despite some close attempts by the Dragons to score, such as Nathan Lawson's near try that was thwarted by Tanah Boyd, they were unable to catch up to the Warriors' lead.
A promising play by Rumble was denied due to a late strip, further hindering the Dragons' chances of a comeback.
The Dragons' coach, Willie Talau, expressed disappointment in the team's performance during the game.
Talau may need to reevaluate the team's strategies and defensive tactics in order to improve their chances of success in future matches.
Overall, the Dragons faced a tough challenge against the Warriors in New Zealand, highlighting the competitive nature of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
Despite the defeat, the Dragons have shown potential at other levels, as seen with Toby Rumble's strong start to the season at the Jersey Flegg level.
This demonstrates that there is talent within the team that can be developed and utilized to improve their performance in the NSW Cup.
With the right adjustments and a focus on teamwork, the Dragons have the opportunity to bounce back from this loss and showcase their abilities in future games.