It was certainly a game of two halves, but in the end the Tigers came away with an eight-point win over the Warriors.
REPORT: MOSES STARS AS TIGERS TRUMP WARRIORS
I did expect the Tigers to be better than everyone had said and they were just that in the first half.
The Warriors though, to their credit stormed back to give the Tigers an almighty scare. They would have had a share of the lead if they could have landed an extra conversion.
The Tigers had few negatives in the first half but in the second kept turning the ball over which let the Warriors in.
For the Tigers it was Tedesco, Moses and Naiqama starring. For the Warriors it was Johnson who sparked them, with Kata also solid.
While originally Andrew McFadden was under pressure both coaches are now probably nervy moving forward this season.
The Warriors will be disappointed with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke. They failed to have the impact they had at their former clubs and that will be a worry for McFadden.
Jason Taylor will be happy to be a first up winner with Ballin, Brooks and Farah still to return.
While the last try was dubious I don’t need to read about it in the paper tomorrow. The best side won in a great game of footy and that should be all that matters.
The Roar’s NRL MVP votes
3 – Mitchell Moses – much improved and dominant in the first half. He provide two tries and it could’ve been 3. Really surprised at his improvement over the summer.
2 – Shaun Johnson – was the catalyst for a Warriors fightback, laying on two tries and scoring his own.
1 – James Tedesco – was everywhere he needed to be and constantly threatened. Got two tries for his trouble
Final score
Wests Tigers 34
New Zealand Warriors 26
The Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors will be eager to get their 2016 campaigns underway in a winning fashion at Campbelltown Stadium this evening. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:15pm (AEDT).
Little separates these sides head-to-head with the Warriors winning clashes 13-12. However the Warriors have conceded 50 points on their last two visits to Campbelltown.
The Tigers are up against it early on, long odds at home without Robbie Farah to get their campaign off to a winning start. Meanwhile the Warriors will test their new spine out, eager to land their first Round 1 win since 2009.
Robbie Farah isn’t the only casualty in Tiger town with new recruit Matt Ballin also out for the start of the season, Manaia Cherrington will be handed the hooking role after debuting last season. Luke Brooks is also out for the Tigers due to suspension and will be replaced by Jack Littlejohn.
The Warriors are all but full strength for this round 1 clash. Jeff Robson, Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will all take their place with Shaun Johnson in a new look Warriors spine. The most notable omission for them is Konrad Hurrell with Solomone Kata and Blake Ayshford the centre pairing.
The Tigers will need a massive game from James Tedesco if they are to win and will need to limit the Warriors’ opportunities. Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck are a dangerous combination, give them too many chances on their line and they will pay for it. If there are points in the Tigers they will come from Mitchell Moses and Tedesco.
The Warriors have some serious expectations on them this season. Travelling to a hot Campbelltown stadium is a more daunting task than many are taking into account. The Warriors aren’t going to gel instantly and are often the most frustrating team when tipping.
Prediction
If the Tigers can get the crowd behind them and win the battle of the forwards early this could prove tough for the Warriors. I don’t think the Tigers have the firepower in them but it should be closer than expected with the Warriors always shaky to start the season and often unable to deliver on their expectations, the Auckland Nines the most recent example.
Warriors by just 2.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:15pm (AEDT).
Stu
Guest
Agree. He should get the nod with Robson injury cover
maximillian
Guest
I thought he went ok last season. He was playing alongside a rookie in Mason Lino so that didnt help. I think alongside the more experienced Johnson he would be better. The way the Warriors have handled Loloheas development reminds me a lot of how Griffin treated Ben Hunt in his early days. He got shuffled around a lot early on because hes a natural footballer & can fill a lot of roles. But he was a super star half at U20s & thats where he shouldve been playing from the start. Once the Broncs persisted with him in his natural position of 7, he became the player he always had the potential to be. Lolohea was a gun playmaker in the U20s & he can be that for the Warriors if they persist with him in his natural position. They need to stop shuffling him around & play him at 6.
Stu
Guest
He played great in the last 7 games. One of the shining lights after Johnsons injury.
maximillian
Guest
so did the Warriors though. They have now lost their last 9 consecutive premiership matches stretching back to last season. They needed to win to get some confidence & also save their coach.
Norm
Roar Pro
Wouldn't be a typical away game for the Warriors if there hadn't been a dubious call go against them. Thanks for restoring the normality bunker man.
Norm
Roar Pro
Lolohea was terrible in the halves last year
maximillian
Guest
thanks for the blog Jack, great stuff.
maximillian
Guest
Sao dislocated his shoulder so hes out for an extended period. Maybe recall Vete who was good last year. Ayshford at least is a good defender so Id keep him in the side. I agree about Luke & Robson. Its still early days so you dont normally read too much into it but if Robson doesnt come good soon, Id be pushing Lolohea in with Johnson.
Stu
Guest
The forward pack didn't help Luke with the speed of the play the ball today. The Tigers pack did a good job in dominating the ruck. If the forwards aren't doing the job, the spine will continue to struggle.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
MATCH Wrap Tigers – 34 Warriors – 26 Certainly a game of two halves this one. I did expect the Tigers to be better than everyone had said and they were just that in the first half. The Warriors though, to their credit stormed back to give the Tigers an almighty scare. They would have had a share of the lead if they could have landed an extra conversion. The Tigers had few negatives in the first-half but in the second kept turning the ball over which let the Warriors in. For the Tigers it was Tedesco, Moses and Naiqama starring. For the Warriors it was Johnson who sparked them, with Kata also solid. While originally Andrew McFadden was under pressure both coaches are now probably nervy moving forward this season. The Warriors will be disappointed with RTS and Issac Luke. They failed to have the impact they had at their former clubs and that will be a worry for McFadden. Jason Taylor will be happy to be a first up winner with Ballin, Brooks and Farah still to return. While the last try was dubious I don't need to read about it in the paper tomorrow. The best side won in a great game of footy and that should be all that matters. My points for the game are: 3) Mitchell Moses: much improved and dominant in the first half. He provide two tries and it could've been 3. Really surprised at his improvement over the summer. 2) Shaun Johnson: was the catalyst for a Warriors fightback, laying on two tries and scoring his own. 1)James Tedesco: was everywhere he needed to be and constantly threatened. Got two tries for his trouble
Stu
Guest
Glad they showed some fight today but had some serious issues today. Lillyman, Hoffman and Matulino really need to lift. Manu played like that infamous night in Parra all those years back. Luke and Robson were also poor. Would like to see Lolohea in the halves to get more involved and hurrell to come back in. Would've scored where Ashford continued to be held up. Sao needs to come in to replace Henry.
jamesb
Guest
Tigers needed that win. They had to get off to a good start.
maximillian
Guest
The Warriors are such a tough team to support but Im glad the footys back! Still a lot of issues with the edge defence, particularly the left side. They need to get Lolohea into the game more, I think hes wasted on the wing.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
I am, but we've had to read all about how good the Warriors are all pre-season and they serve up that rubbish. I want to see the Warriors succeed and become a top team as much as the next person. But every year it's the same old rubbish. Maybe if they weren't so hyped and went under the radar they'd start playing quality football.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
Tigers – 34 Warriors – 26 Correction
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
Conversion Successful FULLTIME Tigers – 32 Warriors – 26 It has to be said that the last try to Tedesco very dubious. Their did appear to be a knock-on from the Tigers and the referees did call that live. However the Tigers did deserve that with the first half they played and regardless of the detail the best team won on the night.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
TRY TIGERS 79' Johnson tried a chip and chase, it was batted back by the Warriors, into the hands of Tedesco who steaks away to win the game for the Tigers!!! Tigers – 32 Warriors – 26 KTC
maximillian
Guest
Hmm... the Warriors dont deserve to win but thats a rough call
Stu
Guest
Bunker gets its first decision wrong for 2016. Tigers deserved winners however.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
VIDEO REF 78' Tigers look flat too. They give it to the Warriors deep. The Warriors stutter through a set and Tedesco is away for a possible try, they have no try though. Tigers – 28 Warriors – 26