NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
The Warriors held off a tough Cronulla 16-12 at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday with Ngani Laumape scoring a try double.
First-half tries to the home side via Laumape in the seventh and then 24th minute and a typical 30th-minute four-pointer to Manu Vatuvei set up the win for the Warriors, who move up to sixth on the NRL ladder.
Tinirau Arona scored in the 14th minute for the visitors, for whom injured captain Paul Gallen (biceps) was a late withdrawal.
The Warriors couldn’t manage a point after the interval, with Sosaia Feki leaping onto a Jeff Robson cross-kick in the 59th minute to bring the Sharks within reach.
Cronulla pressed late in the game, but the Warriors defence was up to the task, some hot potato football on their own line as the siren sounded not enough for the Sharks to force the issue.
The loss leaves Cronulla at the bottom of the ladder.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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