Broncos hold on for win over injury-hit Warriors
Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors.
The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury.
Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday.
A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event.
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Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were decidedly off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half.
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed.
Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over.
Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try.
Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half.
The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball.
Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball.
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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest.
Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick.
Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play.
Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12.
But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
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1News
9 hours ago
- 1News
Broncos hold on for win over injury-hit Warriors
Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. ADVERTISEMENT Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were decidedly off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. ADVERTISEMENT Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
RNZ News
10 hours ago
- RNZ News
NRL: NZ Warriors licking wounds after season-altering defeat to Brisbane Broncos
The Warriors are braced for the worst over Luke Metcalf's knee injury. Photo: Tertius Pickard/ Analysis - NZ Warriors have plenty to think about, as they head into their third and final bye of the NRL season, stinging from their fifth defeat - and first back-to-back losses - against Brisbane Broncos. Trailling 18-0 at halftime, they showed signs of a comeback, as they scored consecutive tries to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Leka Halasima, but could not complete the task. Adding injury to insult, they lost the services of arguably their two best players this season and coach Andrew Webster may need to spend the next fortnight grooming re-inforcements. Here are some takeaways from the calamitous Broncos result. Without doubt, the biggest story of the Warriors' early-season success has been the emergence of Luke Metcalf in the No.7 jersey previously owned by club legend Shaun Johnson. Many had their reservations about his ability to stamp himself on the game as Johnson had, but he had silenced those critics to such an extent, he actually led the Dally M Medal standings into the 14th round, when the judging went behind closed doors. The last player to win the league's MVP award after leading at halfway was Melbourne Storm hooker Cameron Smith in 2017, so maintaining that standing was always likely to be difficult. Despite his thrilling form, there was always the fear that Metcalf would eventually succumb to injury. His 2023 club debut was delayed until the 12th round, after a hamstring injury in training, then he suffered a recurrence to miss his team's playoff run. He missed most of last season with a broken leg, which is why his elevation to the lead job came as such a surprise. When Metcalf ran out for the second half against Penrith Panthers last week with a heavily bandaged thigh, that seemed an omen. Just a cork, said Webster. It's onwards and upwards for him. As he passed the ball with 15 minutes remaining against Brisbane, Metcalf was cut in half by a perfect tackle from Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura and could not find his feet. Piakura was put on report, but even Webster admitted afterwards the contact looked good. Pending the obligatory scans, the Warriors have indicated Metcalf's injury is a knee - and they have already lost co-captain Mitch Barnett for the rest of the campaign to one of those. The club isn't short of halves options, with Te Maire Martin and Tanah Boyd offering considerable first-grade experience in their resumes. Youngster Jett Cleary helped Warriors reserves to victory over Manly on Saturday and, if further misfortune strikes the squad, he may yet make a NRL debut this season. The real question will be can any of them bring the same strike power shown by Metcalf through the early season, as they try to clinch a post-season spot. Metcalf's loss only exacerbated an injury crisis that saw fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leave the field at halftime, also with a knee injury. He seemed to fall badly, as he tried to stop Broncos centre Gehamet Shibasaki scoring before the break. After missing a game with concussion, Nicoll-Klokstad was about to pass Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco for competition lead in running metres. Averaging 208m per game, he needed 190 against Brisbane to overhaul Tedesco, whose team had a bye. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad suffered an injury against Brisbane Broncos. Photo: DAVE HUNT/AAP If he is also lost for a prolonged period, the Warriors have Taine Tuaupiki to replace him - except Tuaupiki may be required on the wing, after a subpar display from Ed Kosi, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak nursing an ankle complaint . Another option could see Tuaupiki at fullback, Adam Pompey on the wing and Kurt Capewell into the centres, with Leka Halasima promoted to start in the second row. "They certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that," Webster assessed on both Nicoll-Klokstad and Metcalf afterwards. The Warriors have been well served by their 'next man up' philosophy, but every week now, Webster has to move his pieces to cover another vacancy. Nicoll-Klokstad's knee did not seem as bad as Metcalf's, but they've now reached a stage where every additional injury just reduces their margin for error. In his 101st NRL appearance, against the club that rekindled his career in 2022, Te Maire Martin logged a season-high 51 minutes off the bench and showed his ability to step into whatever role was required of him moving forward. Initially, he replaced hooker Wayde Egan, who left the field in the first half for a head check. Right around the time he returned, Nicoll-Klokstad went missing, so Martin slotted into fullback. Te Maire Martin fills in everywhere against Brisbane Broncos. Photo: Tertius Pickard/ When Metcalf hobbled off, Martin went into the halves, Pompey shifted to wing, Capewell to centre and the Warriors had the luxury of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the back - where many still believe he belongs. "We practice Te Maire everywhere as much as we can," Webster said. "He played fullback here at the Broncos and did a really good job while he was here. "I don't know how many guys can come on to play hooker, then move to fullback at halftime and then to halfback, and does a good job in all three roles. "That's why you need those utility players and I don't think many clubs have that player." Ironically, Martin is off contract this season and he is now well placed to push his claims for an extension at the Warriors, where he'd love to stay. Whether he steps into Metcalf's position or keeps a spot on the bench, he has already shown his value. From the moment Marata Niukore dropped the ball almost at the opening kickoff, the Warriors were their own worst enemies in terms of making basic errors. That mistake led to Katoni Staggs' opening try. They were twice pinged for obstructing kickchasers and gave up two points through a penalty for not setting a scrum in timely fashion. The discipline that was a hallmark of their early games seemed to completely desert them. They were perhaps unlucky on one of those escort calls, when Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was clearly offside in his pursuit. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside," said Webster, who spent the second half on the sideline, à la Ricky Stuart, after overseeing Nicoll-Klokstad's replacement at the break. "He was three metres offside… it was like they just made it up. Reece Walsh was way in front, the first infringement was that. "I don't know how they missed it. I'm not a touch judge, I'm not a referee and I could see it." Webster isn't usually one to question the officials, but he may hear more about those comments this week. That's probably more an indication of his frustration beginning to show. Incredibly, Tuivasa-Sheck's second-half try broke an 11-year drought at Suncorp Stadium. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scores a drought-breaking try at Suncorp Stadium. Photo: Tertius Pickard/ In 2014, he was still playing on the wing with Sydney Roosters, when he featured in a 30-26 win over the Broncos, scoring one of their five tries. Since then, he had gone 10 subsequent visits without scoring, missing two seasons, when he changed codes to pursue his All Blacks dream. Tuivasa-Sheck finished as his team's top metre-eater against Brisbane, with 175 run-ning metres, and was probably their best performer on the night. The Warriors now sit fourth on the NRL table - four points behind leaders Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs, and four points ahead of their next closest pursuers, the Broncos and Sydney Roosters. They have just suffered their first consecutive losses of the season and have a 10-5 record. Their solid start to the campaign has built them a buffer over their rivals, but they are now trending in the wrong direction. They have a bye week to regroup and regalvanise for the run home. Erin Clark reflects on Warriors defeat to Broncos. Photo: Tertius Pickard/ No matter what happens, they will still hold fourth in two weeks, after Round 19, but there are seven teams, covered by just two competition points, breathing down their necks and, unless they turn their form around, they risk being swamped for a playoff spot. They will likely be down at least four starters - Metcalf, Nicoll-Kolkstad, Watene-Zelezniak and Barnett - when they host Wests Tigers on Sunday, 13 July. They have emerged from two previous byes this season with losses. By Round 5, they had turned around a disappointing season-opening loss to the Raiders with three straight wins, but came out of the bye with their worst defeat so far against Melbourne Storm. By Round 15, they had rebounded from another loss to the Raiders with back-to-back wins, including their best performance of the season against Cronulla Sharks, but have lost twice since that rest week. The Warriors need to arrest that trend against the Tigers (5-10) - the good news (?) is they have no momentum to lose this time. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
NRL: Warriors suffer back-to-back defeats with loss to Brisbane Broncos
James Fisher-Harris in action for Warriors against Broncos. Photo: Tertius Pickard/ NZ Warriors have slumped to consecutive defeats for the first time this NRL season, falling 26-12 to Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. While the result sees their grip on a top-four spot now in jeopardy, they also lost the services of arguably their two best players - half Luke Metcalf and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - as they fought back into the contest in the second half. Nicoll-Klokstad did not return to the field after halftime with a knee injury, while Metcalf was helped off the park in the closing minutes, after he was nailed in a tackle by second-rower Brendan Piakura. Brisbane were on top from the opening kickoff, when Warriors forward Marata Niukore dropped a pass in front of his own posts and the home side took advantage for centre Katoni Staggs to score. Ill discipline continued to cost the Warriors, as they allowed their opponents across for two more tries and 18 unanswered points in the first half. Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita seemed to have scored before the break, when he chased a kick and gathered the loose ball, but replays showed he never forced for the try. They conceded a try on halftime to centre Gehamet Shibasaki, which proved a crippling blow, but emerged from the sheds with renewed vigour. They finally broke their drought, when winger Roger Tuviasa-Sheck crossed in the corner, and had another, when second-rower Leka Halasima chased a kick, gathered uncontested and scored. Down 20-12, with 15 minutes remaining, the Warriors still had a chance, but could not capitalise on their opportunities. Shibasaki crossed late for a second try, putting him atop the NRL tryscoring rankings, which finally sealed the win for Brisbane. Despite the defeat, the Warriors are fourth, still four points clear of their nearest chasers on the table - Sydney Roosters. They won't drop out of the top four this week or next, when they will bank two points from their bye, but with only two points covering the next five teams, they need to find form against Wests Tigers in two weeks or risk being swamped over the closing rounds. See how it all unfolded with RNZ's live blog: Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Josiah Karapani, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Cory Paix, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan Interchange: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Xavier Willison, 17. Jack Gosiewski Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy, 19. Selwyn Cobbo, 20. Deine Mariner, 21. Jaiyden Hunt, 22. Ben Talty, 23. Kyle Pickering. Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll‑Klokstad, 2. Edward Kosi, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa‑Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris‑Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher‑Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Marata Niukore, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima Reserves: 18. Tanner Stowers‑Smith, 19. Taine Boyd, 20. Samuel Healey, 21. Bunty Afoa, 22. Taine Tuaupiki
