Warriors Break Hoodoo - Gain Respect

Despite being entrenched in the top 4 sides all season, some critics weren't sold on the premiership credentials of the New Zealand Warriors. Many felt that a clash at ANZ Stadium against the Brisbane Broncos would be a test of their status as a premiership contender, and they passed with flying colours.

The Broncos, to be fair, were running on empty after 9 players were forced to back up from the epic State of Origin decider four days earlier. To try and counter its effects Gorden Tallis, Shaun Berrigan and Petero Civoniceva were started off the bench, but after the fresh players were unable to capitalise on a mountain of possession early on the Warriors proved too strong.

It looked as though the old Auckland Warriors were back in town in the opening 10 minutes, conceding a penalty on the first set of six and then making numerous handling errors deep in their own half. But their defence is made of stronger stuff and they would not crack, the Broncos paying the penalty for a lack of patience with the ball.

As tiredness crept in midway through the first half the Broncos conceded a string of penalties and made numerous errors of their own. But the Warriors also suffered from impatience close to the line. They eventually were rewarded when Justin Morgan capitalised on a dropped bomb to put the Warriors 6-0 ahead. They had opportunities to extend the lead but Brisbane's gritty defence held firm.

The Broncos took until just before half time to trouble the scorers when Lote Tuqiri crossed with a barging 10 metre run to put his side on the board. Michael De Vere's conversion from out wide levelled the scores at half time. However, not before some heart flutters. The Broncos threw the ball around on full time looking for a late try but instead almost presented the Warriors with a six pointer, Brent Tate kicking the ball dead to save a dangerous situation.

Brisbane started the second half much more intense and after Ali Lauiti'iti and Ivan Cleary were forced off with head wounds after a heavy head clash, the Broncos hit the front when Carl Webb crashed over. De Vere's conversion gave the Broncos a 12-6 lead despite being well outplayed in the first 50 minutes.

But the tired legs became heavier as Gorden Tallis failed to find Tuqiri in support after a half break. The Warriors went on the attack and after a helter-skelter passing moving, former Bronco Justin Murphy found last year's Queensland Cup player of the year, Brent Webb, who scored under the posts to level the scores. That try sparked a scoring blitz from the Kiwis. The Broncos looked set to score when Kelly tapped back a bomb, but Clinton Toopi picked up and found Murphy in support who sprinted down field. Moments later Henry Fa'afili crossed in the corner. On the last tackle from the kick off, Brent Webb chipped for himself, regathered and ran around a tired Darren Lockyer to score and put his side ahead 22-12 and all but seal victory with 15 minutes on the clock.

They have shown all season that you can never write the Broncos off and they mounted a late comeback. Tuqiri scored his second in remarkable circumstances, catching and kicking in the same movement then running around Fa'afili to score in the corner, giving him a narrow points victory against the flamboyant Kiwi Test winger. De Vere's conversion sailed wide meaning the Broncos trailed by 6 and had 8 minutes to snatch a draw.

However, Tallis was caught short on the last tackle, then was penalised for an obstruction shortly after with Shaun Berrigan in the clear. When Brent Tate offloaded into the arms of Ivan Cleary the match was over. Toopi finished proceedings with a late try in the corner, the Warriors deservedly victorious 26-16 and thanking the crowd, with a large, vocal contingent of supporters populating the eastern stand.

The crowd of almost 25000 is testament to, not only the matchwinning ability of the Warriors, but their entertaining style of play. Of the 8 tries scored, three were absolute gems and the crowd was on their feet for much of an enthralling second half.

Brisbane should not be disheartened by the loss. They were beaten by a fresher side in the end, and while the debate about the format State of Origin should be played in the future should be kept to another forum, it's fair to say the Broncos would've been closer if not for their leg weary rep stars. Despite playing key roles on Wednesday night, Lote Tuqiri, Shaun Berrigan, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Allan Langer were courageous in defeat. Carl Webb and Brad Meyers supported their tired teammates with powerhouse performances. Phil Lee, Shane Walker, Corey Parker, Andrew Gee and Mick De Vere also had their moments.

The Warriors played a solid team game without any real individual standouts. However, Brent Webb's injection into the game in the second half was the difference. The former Wests Panthers player terrorised the Broncos with his speed and strength, and more than a little skill. Up front Awen Guttenbeil, Mark Tookey, Ali Lauiti'iti and Logan Swann were damaging, while Stacey Jones and Lance Hohaia were relatively well contained in the halves. Murphy, Fa'afili, Carlaw and Toopi were outstanding out wide and kept the tired Broncos scrambling throughout.

The Warriors now take second spot ahead of Newcastle on percentages while the Broncos move to the back of the leading pack, still four points clear of Sydney Roosters. The Broncos have to bounce back against the ever-improving St George-Illawarra next Sunday at home, while the Warriors clash with the Sharks at Toyota Park in another big test of the Warriors' travelling power.

Play of the Day

Brent Webb (New Zealand) scored one of the brilliant individual tries of the season when he chipped ahead, regathered and stepped past Darren Lockyer to score under the posts and put the Broncos away.