LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a remarkable display of skill and tenacity, the NZ Warriors achieved a record ninth consecutive victory in the New South Wales Cup, defeating the Parramatta Eels 46-22 at Kellyville Park.
This win marked their 13th of the season, bringing their points total to 28-three points clear of the Dragons and seven ahead of the Eels.
The match began poorly for Parramatta as they quickly lost possession and conceded an early try.
Warriors standoff Luke Hanson faked a move to create space and offloaded to Setu Tu, who outpaced the fullback to score.
Tanah Boyd converted, giving the Warriors a 6-0 lead.
However, the Eels responded effectively, propelled by a penalty and a strong run from Alfred Smalley.
Joey Lussick showcased his experience by scoring from dummy half, leveling the score at 6-6 with Te Hurinui Twidle's successful conversion.
The game progressed with intense back-and-forth action.
The Warriors regained their lead with a well-executed short-side play, where Taine Tuaupiki set up Morgan Harper to score against his former team.
Shortly after, the Warriors faced challenges when try-scorer Tu had to leave the field due to a concussion.
Seizing the moment, the Eels aimed to exploit the Warriors' disrupted defense.
This match reinforces the Warriors' formidable presence in the NSW Cup, illustrating not only their scoring capabilities but also their resilience under pressure.
The victory over Parramatta continues to strengthen the Warriors' position in the competition, showcasing their pursuit of excellence as they head further into the season.