The Warriors got their seasons started the right way, knocking off the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
South Sydney Rabbitohs 20
New Zealand Warriors 32
Round 1 of the NRL season continues tonight as the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the New Zealand Warriors in the first game of the double-header at the new Perth Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7pm (AEDT).
Both these sides come in to the 2018 season with plenty to prove after both had disappointing seasons last year.
While I’m hesitant to place any reliance on trial form, both teams are coming off two wins in 2018.
The Rabbitohs beat Wigan and then St George in the Charity Shield, while the Warriors have beaten a second string Melbourne Storm outfit and the Gold Coast Titans.
For the Rabbitohs, their key recruit over the offseason has been Dane Gagai, however the most focus this round will be on the return of Greg Inglis after missing last season with injury.
With Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker in the halves, the backline does look to have plenty of points in them.
However, this will depend on the performance of their forward pack, who were below par for most of last season.
It is understood that new coach Anthony Seibold wants to play a more attacking style of football which likely explains Damien Cook starting at 9 and Robbie Farah completely missing out.
The Warriors take on a new look this season, with Peta Hiku, Blake Green, Adam Blair and Tohu Harris the new signings in the starting line up.
Whether the new look results in a higher position on the ladder remains to be seen but, on paper at least, the Warriors look strong.
Blake Green could be a key signing, providing stability to the halves allowing Shaun Johnson to focus on attack. Blair and Harris also add plenty to the forward pack.
Prediction
The Rabbitohs have won the past 5 clashes between these two teams and, in Perth, this trend will continue.
Early in the season, field position is especially important and Adam Reynolds’ kicking game should keep much of the game in the Warriors defensive half. It will be close but I am tipping the Rabbitohs by 6.
South Sydney by 6.
steveng
Roar Rookie
What??? You're kidding 'JF', its only the first game! Souths showed some flair and streamed lined combinations, yes, they were a bit rusty and lazy in defence but, at least they have more than they have had last year and it looks promising. C. Walker??? What??? He scored 2 tries and set one up (that was a shocking decision by the refs) and was a certain try. Lets hope none of what you so ineptly predict comes true and as far as the 'wooden spoon' is concerned, that is just a spiteful comment! Never mind, lets see what happens to your 'Screenshot this for when September rolls around' as you will be proven wrong! Go the Bunnies!!!
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Warriors were deserved winners of this match, with the 32-20 scoreline a fair reflection. The Rabbits started well, scoring first and looking in control, but a try against the run of play got the Warriors back in the game and they looked the likely winners from that point on. A couple of 50/50 decisions went the Warriors way in the first half, including what was a poor forward pass call against Souths when they were certain to score. However, the Warriors forwards got on top in the second half and, off the back of their go forward, Shaun Johnson took control. Its very early in the season but the Warriors recruits have made a difference and NZ fans will be very much encouraged by what they saw tonight. As far as the Rabbits were concerned, too many errors played them out of the game in the end. They will be looking to improve on that in the next round. Hope you enjoyed the coverage. What did you think of the game, Roarers?
Ben
Guest
Defence was incredibly disappointing, very suspect in the first half considering the stats we had compared to the Warriors. The attack lacked finishing ability the whole game, numerous chances that should of been taken fell by the wayside. Credit to the Warriors, they look very dangerous when Johnson and Green get the ball moving.
Joe
Roar Rookie
He was ok in attack, had some strong runs. Had some issues defensively with his partners out wide but that said the Warriors scored both sides of the park.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great game by the Warriors. That was a very nice rounded 80 minute performance with some very nice tries. All the big guns stood up, Johnson, Roger, Luke and the new buys as well Harris and Green with some nice finishes out wide by the wingers. This team will upset a lot of teams over the course of the season. Get on board the bandwagon early!
JF
Guest
Mate they will go close to getting the wooden spoon this year. With ithe inevitable injuries to Inglis and inevitable suspensions for George and Sam Burgess, suspect last tackle decision making from Reynolds, inexperience and poor kicking game of Walker they will struggle big time. Defintely won't make the finals. Screenshot this for when September rolls around
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Mmmmm?
Stu
Guest
Couple strong runs but really only noticed the fact he kept trying to milk penalties instead of getting a quick play of the ball
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thought he looked ok but only got limited touches.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Full Time Huge run from George Burgess to start the set. Plenty of razzle dazzle but Sam Burgess has either dropped it or pushed the pass. That will be full time. Rabbits 20 Warriors 32
Rellum
Roar Guru
How has GI gone in this game?
Nat
Roar Guru
At least a 50pt game is a good promo for the Perth crowd.
steveng
Roar Rookie
You must have at in for the Bunnies? We will come good as the season goes on! Were not worried, same old same old with Souths lol
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Cody Walker steps through some tired Warriors defence and he has scored. TRY. Conversion is good. Rabbits 20 Warriors 32
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Reynolds kick into the ingoal is forced out by the Warriors and the Rabbits will have a repeat set Rabbits 14 Warriors 32
steveng
Roar Rookie
Agree, Johnson is a winger and that's all he is. he's been useless today like many of the Souths palyers.
David Holden
Roar Guru
75' Short kickoff from Rabbits and Tuivasa Sheck takes the catch. Rabbits 14 Warriors 32
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Well played warriors, the pride of the league have been spanked.
David Holden
Roar Guru
73' Penalty to Warriors and they have taken the 2. Rabbits 14 Warriors 32
AFL man
Guest
Inglis needs to go back to Fullback Wasted in the centres and Johnson is useless