Warriors v Broncos player ratings: Unexpected hero emerges as forwards lay platform in dominant win
Ben Francis rates the New Zealand Warriors’ performance in their 42-12 win over the Brisbane Broncos.
1. Taine Tuaupiki – 7
A typical strong performance from the back from the versatile fullback. Made some great carries and took care of most of the goal kicking duties.
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 8
Continued his strong start to the season with a brace and now has 12 tries in 10 games this season. Both tries were scored off some acrobatic dives and he claimed a game-high 216m with the ball.
3. Ali Leiataua - 7
Powerful with ball in hand and strong on defence with a number of brutal hits. Claimed a gift of a try when the ball landed in his hands before bursting over to score.
4. Adam Pompey – 5
It seemed like a quiet night for the experienced centre, but he did finish with 147m from 17 carries. Some sloppy positioning at the start, but improved as the game progressed.
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 2
While young in his Warriors career, this was his most disappointing game by far. Didn’t get many chances to assert himself into the action. Had six errors, got caught out on defence a couple of times, and also blew a certain try late in the match. Was sent to the sin bin, although that decision was farcical.
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 5
A quiet night by his standards, although he did take care of most of the general play kicking. Even slotted a sideline conversion for good measure.
7. Tanah Boyd – 2
Absolutely heartbreaking scenes when the halfback went down after seven minutes with a non-contact knee injury. A suspected ACL injury means he could miss the rest of the season – but luckily the Warriors still have Luke Metcalf on the books, for now.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 8
The co-captain continues to make strides this season with a dominant display in the middle which helped set the tone. Ran for 156m from a game-high 21 runs, and had 28 tackles.
9. Wayde Egan – 9
Produced his best game of the season, with some crafty and skilful runs. One of them led to him scoring a try, while his best set up a try for Te Maire Martin. A maiden Origin call up incoming?
10. Mitch Barnett - 6
Gave Broncos fans a taste of what they can expect next year in his first start of the season. Picked up 131m and 32 tackles in a decent display, although it is clear he’s still working his way back to full fitness.
11. Leka Halasima – 7
After a few below par performances, Halasima appeared to be back to his devastating best and looked threatening when he had the ball. Has six tackle breaks.
12. Kurt Capewell - 7
Claimed a well-deserved try among plenty of gritty work on the edge.
13. Erin Clark – 9
The workhorse lock played more minutes than usual, and backed that up with an impeccable performance, particularly with ball in hand. Managed to pick up 74 post-contact metres (198m overall) and had four tackle breaks. Also scored a try as he continues to establish himself as one of the best forwards in the NRL.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 5
Came on for a 25-minute stint and had the chance to showcase his speed from the ruck. Put on some nice hits too among 22 tackles.
15. Jackson Ford - 7
Despite starting off the bench for the first time this season, he provided plenty of impact with 122m with the ball and a team-high 34 tackles. Made an influence from the get go, and was denied what should have been a try.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 6
Plenty of big hits and strong carries coming off the back fence.
20. Te Maire Martin - 8
Should be commended after being thrown in the deep end, coming on unexpectedly at halfback to replace Boyd in his first appearance of the season. Did a nice job leading the team around the field, got through plenty of work on both sides of the ball, setting up two tries and scoring one of his own. Will likely start at halfback next week against the Dragons.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.