The excellent work of Shaun Johnson was the highlight of the day as the New Zealand Warriors defeatead the Melbourne Storm.
>> MATCH REPORT: Warriors beat Storm with magic Johnson
The Warriors took control of the game early, leading 16-0 at half time. While the Storm fought back in the second half, a freakish pass from Nathan Friend led to a Lolohea try that sealed the deal.
New Zealand 28 def Melbourne Storm 14
The Warriors have won two straight games, but it will be another test when the Melbourne Storm cross the ditch on Sunday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm (AEST).
The New Zealand side has been in good form in recent weeks, and back-to-back victories over the Titans and the Raiders puts them firmly inside the top eight.
With a 4-3 record at home, the Warriors would love a win over the Storm to really challenge for a top four finish. With Shaun Johnson in great form, and a back five that can match it with anyone, the Warriors will be hard to stop.
The Storm on the other hand are moving down the ladder, with three straight losses putting their top eight position in jeopardy. After a home loss to the Eels in Round 14, the Storm recorded losses to the Broncos and the Bulldogs to drop out of the top four.
They do welcome their Origin stars back this weekend, but the loss of Billy Slater for the season has put a massive dent in the premiership credentials.
The Warriors have no changes for this game, meaning both Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman will back up from Origin III. David Fusitu’a has been named on an extended bench.
The Storm have lost Jordan McLean for this clash, giving Ben Hampton another chance in the NRL. He joins the bench, while Cooper Cronk returns from his knee injury for his club. Cameron Smith has been named at hooker, while Hymel Hunt and Richard Kennar both retain their spots on the flank.
Prediction:
This should be a close match, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s decided within the last five minutes.
The Warriors home advantage should get them over the line though, and I’m predicting a little bit of Shaun Johnson brilliance to get them over the line.
Warriors by 4.
Joe
Roar Rookie
This was a great game of Rugby League to watch. The Storm were good but the Warriors were outstanding! When they're in that sort of form, especially Johnson they are almost impossible to beat. A lot of great moments in the game especially from the Warriors...that awesome try from what can only be described as a between the legs somersault pass (definitely one of a kind), Shaun Johnson stepping his way to the line and two great foot races, Johnson v Koroibete and Johnson v Cronk. If Shaun Johnson can maintain his form the Warriors are a chance this year. For the Storm the attack is still very disjointed without Slater...they had a lot of attacking sets in the first half and failed to find any sort of rhythm. With Cronk there, at least there will be points and chances from his kicks. Storm need to sign Nelson Asofa Solomona long term, that guy plays like SBW, is big, fast, skilful and best of all has an aggressive attitude. He looks the goods. The left side defence is still a major problem and I think it would be better to convert Tohu to centre and put in K. Bromwich or Glasby or Nelson into 2nd row. They are leaking too many points. They are also missing a big body and the sooner Jordan Mclean comes back the better. Last of all Cam Smith and Chambers looked out of sorts, of all the players backing up this weekend from SOO they were probably the least impressive.
cedric
Guest
Tomkins has been good this year , his attacking on the edges with his draw and pass is very good. The guy still gets hammered running the ball back, but he still gets up! Yes Cronk is quick but Korobitie, that was a full on chase, and he was gunna get Johnson! How did the video ref find inconclusive evidence to dissallow the 1st try? Later on the big screen we saw that Vete was clearly stripped, yet the ref while packing the scrum still goes with his, " he lost it ", call? I'm sure a couple of calls went the other way as well, but the 2 calls I've stated were just weird.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Muzz is back after his 4 days of uncontrollable crying after what happened on Wednesday night. I know im right. You and the eye have no idea whatsoever.
Muzz
Guest
The eye is correct fan boy : )
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Your opinion is even further away from reality, but good on ya
The eye
Guest
that's your opinion..miles away from reality,but good onya...
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Warriors have made a Top 4 spot a real possibility with a 14-point victory over the Storm in Auckland. The Warriors dominated the opening proceedings, and they raced out to a 16-0 lead at half time. The Storm came out from the sheds full of energy though, and they scored back-to-back trys to come back to within eight points. Then came the moment we'll be seeing for years to come. The Warriors wrapped up the try of the year with a ridiculous 56th minute try to Lolohea. The highlight was certainly Nathan Friend, who showed incredible athleticism to pull off a between the legs pass while flipping over a Storm player. Shaun Johnson took over from that point, and he scored the sealing try to give the Warriors the victory. Thanks for joining The Roar for Sunday Afternoon Football, and be sure to stick around for the Sharks and the Dragons.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Gee how quick was Cronk.... Even better was his attitude but we all know he is the ultimate professional. Good game of footy that. I said it during the game but Sam Tomkins makes such a big difference to this side.... They literally go from a good fringe top 8 side to playing like a Heavyweight - funnily enough the Warriors are now sitting in the top 4.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
80' Johnson pushes the penalty across the face, and now the Melbourne Storm spread the ball to the left. Koroibete is away here, but he's finally caught at the 40, and that ends the game. FULL TIME Warriors 28 Storm 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
79' Last set coming here for the Storm, and this time they catch the dropout. The Warriors have been good tonight, and they're a real chance at Top 4. There's a interception now for Shaun Johnson, and the Warriors have one last chance!!! Johnson is caught by Cronk, but he gets a ball away from Lolohea. He's caught short, but the Storm give away another penalty. The Warriors will take the two points after the siren. Warriors 28 Storm 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' Cronk going for a kick to Richard Kennar, but Wright beats him to the football. Another drop out coming here. Warriors 28 Storm 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' The crowd are wanting more points here, but Bodene Thompson has left the ball behind, and the Storm get possession back. Warriors 28 Storm 14
jamesb
Guest
If we knew the answer to that, we would all be millionaires.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
77' Asofa-Solomona drops the ball from the drop out. Just to really seal the deal. Warriors 28 Storm 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
76' Penalty goes to Melbourne, and they'll take the (slow) quick tap. Melbourne look to have conceded here. They come to the left side, where Finucane straightens the attack. Left side again, and Smith will put a grubber through, but Lolohea is there to concede a drop out. Warriors 28 Storm 14
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Well that's torn it. Was having a good round so far. What is it with the Warriors? Why can't they be a bit consistent.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I think they've had more tackles in the red zone than the Warriors have...
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Cameron Smith goes for the short kick off, and Kennar comes up with it. The Storm need a miracle here. Warriors 28 Storm 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
PENALTY GOAL WARRIORS Warriors 28 Storm 14
jamesb
Guest
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