Two teams were desperate for two important competition points and it was the Warriors who got the job done. On the back of Shaun Johnson brilliance, the men from across the ditch edge ever closer to a top eight birth.
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The story of the day was that man Johnson. His kicking game was outstanding all day long. Five goal line drop-outs forced from five grubber kicks had Penrith on the back foot all day. The extra workload really showed late as the gallant Panthers fell agonisingly short of earning a vital point.
The first half was all the Warriors. They had all the ball, all the field position and took a 10-2 lead into half time. On the back of Johnson’s control and hard running from the big outside backs, the Warriors should have been up by more to be fair. Penrith did well to hold on and needed the half-time break and rev up from Anthony Griffin.
Penrith started the second in much better form, with line speed and ball movement a lot better. They just didn’t seem overly interested today however, and somehow managed to lock scores up late. The Warriors weren’t attacking as cleanly in the second half and missed plenty of good chances with field position and possession.
Golden point was ultimately where it was settled today. The Warriors had a big chance to kill the game but Isaac Luke went himself within the first half of GP. Penrith were offside for much of the extra nine minutes so justice was served as the man of the moment did it all himself. Penrith were brave, they tried hard but ultimately weren’t anywhere near their best today.
Warriors win it and are equal Penrith on competition points.
Final score
Warriors 20
Penrith 16
The Roar’s NRL MVP votes
3: Shaun Johnson – Outstanding really. Kicking game was first class, as good as you will see this year. Also scored the match winner deep into extra time.
2: Ben Matulino – only played 58 minutes but was extremely impressive. How are these for stats, 19 runs, 174 metres and 32 tackles in those minutes. Superb.
1: Peter Wallace: Tried hard all day. Kicked a vital 40/20 in the second half and made a cool 44 tackles.
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