The New Zealand Warriors took a four-point win over the Penrith Panthers in golden point time on Saturday afternoon.
» Click here for the full match report
Final score
Warriors 20
Panthers 16
An enormous game in relation to the finals make-up takes place across the ditch, with the New Zealand Warriors hosting the Penrith Panthers this Saturday. Both sides are a real chance of finals football in 2016, so join The Roar live from 3pm (AEST) for all the action.
The Warriors currently sit ninth on the NRL ladder, following a heart-breaking loss to the Raiders in golden point last start. The Warriors were up to their old tricks, scoring three late tries to send the game into extra minutes, but ran out of steam. With six games remaining, this is a game they have to win.
The New Zealanders are 1-17 as per last weekend. A reshuffle, however, sees Tuimoala Lolohea shift to fullback, Blake Ayshford to the bench and David Fusitu’a into the centres.
It’s the same old story for the Warriors, can they find the consistency needed to fill a spot inside the top eight. It all starts with the big guns, with Isaac Luke and Shaun Johnson needing to lead the way today.
The match up in the halves is salivating – with Johnson’s flair going up against Cleary’s composure, the man who comes out on top will likely be the difference. In a fun twist today, Cleary was once Johnson’s ball boy, showing just how far the classy No.7 has come in 2016.
For the Panthers, they have named an extended side for the trip east. Word is that they won’t have any changes, meaning the side that showed up the Broncos will run out today. The flair, offloading and ‘footy’ played last weekend were beyond entertaining, and the Panthers are primed to skip ahead of the chasing pack with a win over the Warriors.
The Panthers currently sit eighth and will travel to New Zealand for the second time this year, following a ‘home’ game there earlier in the season. Matt Moylan is the key for the Panthers today, his ball playing and finishing in attack are first class attributes, and with the Warriors scoring plenty of points lately, the Panthers will need to post 20+ points today.
In a must-win game for both sides, I believe the Panthers will continue their winning ways. With two solid performances in the past fortnight, the mountain men will be too strong today.
Prediction: Panthers by 8
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
No dramas mate thanks for getting involved in the chat!
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
A few poor reads in D and a few costly errors. Metres were good late though I agree
TheRiffMarn
Guest
Make that 40 metres
TheRiffMarn
Guest
Hard to believe Josh Mansour wasn't adjudged Penrith's best even allowing for that extra time gaffe when in possession - his stats were just well beastly !
maximillian
Guest
thanks for the blog mate.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
8th and 9th, same points, same differential. Next tiebreak is AFL style percentage, which favours the Worriers
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
» Click here for the full match report 3-2-1 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
maximillian
Guest
That was a great piece of individual brilliance from Johnson for that try. He was outstanding tonight.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I was sitting here thinking, the only way the Warriors will win this is if they score a try because they didn't seem to understand the concept of setting up for a field goal.... And boom, Johnson does it. Worthy winners but gee they made that hard for themselves!
Stu
Guest
The man!! Refs wernt going to help you so you did it yourself.
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
89' TRY TIME It's the man of the match Johnson, gets pressured, steps a couple and goes himself. Try time and that is the game Warriors - 20 Panthers - 16
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Justice. Refs a joke, Panthers offside all GP.
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
88'' What a play from Kata. A one on one and the Warriors get the ball back Johnson goes early and Wallace charges down, but again the Warriors get another set! They have to win this one surely Warriors - 16 Panthers - 16
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
87' This is a golden chance, best they will get with 2 1/2 to go They go on 4th but Johnson has to step and run and loses it! You wouldn;t read about it! What is doing Warriors! Warriors - 16 Panthers - 16
maximillian
Guest
The refs will never blow that penalty though as it will ultimately decide the game. Johnson was ready for the shot so Luke shouldve just passed it on.
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
86' ERROR PENRITH Latu loses it in the ruck and the Warriors now get another chance 60 out Warriors - 16 Panthers - 16
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
86' Warriors can't get a shot away, good pressure from Wallace. Penrith start their set 20 out. Rain is bucketing down now Warriors - 16 Panthers - 16
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
86' penrith kick off, warriors with the wind Warriors - 16 Panthers - 16
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Marker not square, most obvious penalty. Warriors robbed.
Jarrod McGrouther
Roar Guru
looking at it again it was definitely Luke going himself