The New Zealand Warriors have take a nine-point win over the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday afternoon, with a late try from Shaun Johnson putting the result beyond doubt.
» Click here for the full match report
Final score
New Zealand Warriors 27
Gold Coast Titans 18
The New Zealand Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans will be looking to edge closer to the top eight when they clash at Mt Smart Stadium. Join The Roar from 3pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
Coming off a devastating 1-point loss in golden point to a Cronulla Sharks that’s been unbeaten since Round 3, the Warriors proved that they can challenge the current best side in the competition and will be looking to continue their impressive mid-season form.
However, the Warriors’ fall to the Sharks came at the hands of patches of inconsistency, where the defence had fallen asleep and allowed Cronulla to take advantage. When consistent in the back and going forward, the Warriors can dismantle any side they face.
The Gold Coast Titans have consistency problems of their own, going 2-2 since their bye in Round 12.
After a hard eight-point loss to the Canberra Raiders in their last game, missed tackles proved to cost Gold Coast once again. The Titans average the third most missed tackles this season with 32 per game.
However, there were plenty of positives for the Titans to take away from the loss. Having completed at 85 percent and only making five errors all game, the Titans know that if they tighten up in the back they can give the Warriors a hard time all over the pitch.
This is a game that will be won and lost based on defensive form. The side that plays a solid 80-minute game off the ball will be the side that takes the win.
All that separates these two on the ladder is 11 differential points, and a place in the top eight is just out of reach for both sides. There is plenty to play for in this one.
Prediction
Warriors by 2
Join The Roar from 3pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
Tony Franicevich
Guest
Looking good Johnson injured is still a better 1/2 than most! !!!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
» Click here for the full match report Thank you for joining us for this live blog, we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: New Zealand Warriors 27 - 18 Gold Coast Titans
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
80' - The Warriors take their time on the ball, wind the clock down and eventually make their win official. WARRIORS 27 TITANS 18
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
79' - FIELD GOAL SUCCESSFUL! Shaun Johnson gets the one-pointer and with 40 second to go, Warriors lead by nine. WARRIORS 27 TITANS 18
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
78' - Macdonald looks for a catch of a low driven kick and knocks it on! Warriors get possession back 30 out from the Titans try line. Surely they have done it now, can't be enough time for a comeback. WARRIORS 26 TITANS 18
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
77' - Three minutes to go and eight points behind. If the Titans do it, what a comeback. WARRIORS 26 TITANS 18
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
77' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Roberts converts! WARRIORS 26 TITANS 18
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
76' - TRY TITANS! It might be too little too late, but the Titans reply right away through Cameron Cullen! WARRIORS 26 TITANS 16
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
74' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! Issac Luke converts yet another try! WARRIORS 26 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
72' - TRY WARRIORS! Bodene Thompson goes right down the middle of the Titans defence and puts the ball down right between the sticks! You have to feel that the Warriors have won this game for sure now. WARRIORS 24 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
70' - The Titans need to find some energy from somewhere. Warriors have upped the pace. The Titans need to dig really deep to comeback. They will feel a loss is just wasted points after such a strong start. WARRIORS 20 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
69' - After a shaky start, Warriors find themselves in a great position. Eight points ahead with ten minutes to go. Its not over yet, but the Warriors are clearly on the front foot. WARRIORS 20 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
68' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! Isaac Luke converts a great try! WARRIORS 20 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
66' - TRY WARRIORS! Shaun Johnson receives the pass and just runs around the Titans defenders that had no idea what to do with themselves, before putting the ball down. Great try after a great run! WARRIORS 18 TITANS 12
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Titans seem like they're out of legs to me; no surprise with their travel schedule.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
63' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! Isaac Luke kicks the Warriors to the lead for the first time this game! WARRIORS 14 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
62' - Mannering wins a penalty and now the Warriors have yet another chance to score just ten out from the Gold Coast line. They opt to take the two. WARRIORS 12 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
59' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! The Warriors win a penalty down the other end and Isaac Luke equalises the scores for the Warriors! WARRIORS 12 TITANS 12
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
55' - Warriors giving the Titans all sorts of trouble coming forward, but its sloppy mistakes that are costing them. McQueen loses the ball however after the turnaround, and the Warriors have another chance to move forward. WARRIORS 10 TITANS 12