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Kieran Foran’s long-awaited return to the NRL helped the New Zealand Warriors reverse their recent form and record a come-from-behind 28-22 over the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland.
Foran was making his first appearance in 10 months on Sunday, after his late withdrawal last week with a hamstring strain.
He worked his way in to the game, becoming more influential as it progressed with his organisation and his running at the line.
It was his bust between two defenders with 18 minutes to go that produced his side’s fourth try, which halfback Shaun Johnson converted for a 22-22 scoreline.
Johnson and Titans half Kane Elgey both missed field goal attempts in the last six minutes.
Warriors second-rower Ryan Hoffman also had a shot at an extra point miss, before he made up for it by scoring a try with two minutes too play to put his side back in front.
Both sides had entered the contest in front of 10,263 fans at Mt Smart Stadium with just one win from four games.
Foran’s presence meant the Warriors boasted the Kiwis spine, along with fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Johnson and hooker Issac Luke.
The early signs were promising for the home side, and they scored first when Tuivasa-Sheck ran the ball out from the in-goal, and Luke made a big break before sending Johnson over.
But the Titans hit back through centre Dale Copley, who brushed off some weak defence.
The visitors’ enterprising play next resulted in winger Daniel Vidot going over.
The full Warriors spine was then to the fore – Luke, Foran, Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck all involved before centre David Fusitu’a produced a one-handed put down.
However, the Warriors’ defensive woes mean the Titans finished the half strongly with two tries in three minutes to lead 22-12.
Elgey scored both, the first created by halves partner Ash Taylor and second by fullback Tyrone Roberts.
Roberts failed to finished the match, damaging his right knee early in the second half while defusing a bomb.
Minutes earlier, Tuivasa-Sheck had cut the lead, dotting down after busting the line out wide.
While Foran got on the field, former Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell’s return to Mt Smart will have to wait after he pulled out with an ankle injury.
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