NZ Warriors 2024 Magic Round Review: Unforgettable Upset as Warriors Defeat Panthers

After their demoralising defeat to the Roosters, the Warriors remained on Australian soil to play hosts at Magic Round to the Penrith Panthers. Down on troops and confidence, not many expected much from the Warriors here, but they turned up to play and, despite a nerve-racking end, held on for a much-needed 22-20 victory. 

What Went Down

The Warriors had a rough start when Taine Tuaupiki's kickoff went over the dead-ball line, resulting in a penalty for the Panthers. A few plays later Dylan Edwards capitalised on the early field position by charging onto a Luai pass, beating several defenders to score the opening try in the first minute. The Warriors faced more adversity when Jackson Ford and Wayde Egan left the field for HIA's; Ford passed him and returned where Egan was ruled out, meaning Paul Roache had to step up and take over the hooker role. Despite these challenges, the Warriors kept fighting and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Marcelo Montoya put his body on the line as he dived over in the corner, a move that saw him also head off for an HIA that he passed. The Panthers were next to strike when Luai broke the Warrior defence apart before getting the ball to Scott Sorenson, who flicked it back to Luai to score in the 30th minute in what was the last scoring play of the first half, seeing Penrith go into the sheds with a 10-4 lead.

The Warriors hit the ground running in the second half with a clever play from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, catching Isaah Yeo off-guard, who, in turn, panicked and obstructed the makeshift five-eighth resulting in the Panthers skipper being sent to the bin. The Warriors wasted no time taking advantage, sending the ball out to the right for Ali Leiataua to level the scores in the 43rd minute. The Warriors kept the pressure on and took the lead for the first time in the contest a few minutes later when Te Maire Martin sent Adam Pompey over the line. The game settled briefly before the Panthers struck back in the 56th minute when Yeo crashed over in the middle after a fast break from the Panthers left the Warriors defensive line in tatters. 10 minutes later, the Panthers regained their lead when Izack Tago finished a nice backline play, crossing on the edge. It didn't look like it was going to be the Warrior's day, but they refused to throw in the towel and, 4 minutes later, once again levelled the scores when Tuaupiki made easy work of a poor defensive read from Tyrone Peachey before showing his class nailing the conversion to hand the Warriors a two-point lead with 8 minutes to go. The Panthers threw plenty at the Warriors' defence, but they held firm until they gave away a penalty in the final minute. Edwards lined up hoping to force the game into Golden Point, but his miss saw the Stadium erupt as the Warriors ended their losing streak with a well-earned 22-20 victory.

My Thoughts

Well, what a result. It was a surprise to many, including myself, as I predicted a Panthers win by 12. If you watched my show, The Stand-Off, last week, you would know how down I was about this match; after the Panthers scored in the first minute, those feelings intensified, and I almost lost all hope when Egan was helped off the field, but this team just showed a lot of spirit. Despite being outmatched, they just never quit, and with a lot of the big guns out, we saw many players who haven't been delivering this season step up. With a mishmash team, we saw some players perform in ways that will cause Andrew Webster to have some team selection headaches, which is a great problem to have.

There is so much I could discuss, but I am going to save some for my show on Wednesday. However, I will say that every position change that I questioned during the week had me eating humble pie. CNK was fantastic at 6, and I would be more than happy to see him stay there for as long as he wants.

It was a fantastic performance that makes me proud as a fan; it has been a dark month, and with their backs against the wall, the team responded, which I hope could be the launching point they need to get their season back on point. 

There was more to smile about this week, which brings me to my positives.

Match Positives

The Leaders stood up; with the likes of Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris, and Egan not out there, the likes of Mitchell Barnett, Te Maire Martin, Dylan Walker, and Addin Fonua-Blake had to step up and help get this team across the line, and I thought they were all great. AFB had a quieter game than usual, playing only 49 minutes and not hitting the triple digits in running metres for the first time this season, but he was solid defensively and still got the pack rolling. Barnett was a constant threat on the edge on both sides of the ball; Te Maire Martin didn't impress me much in the first half but found his groove in the second, directing the Warriors attack in what may have been his best performance in a Warriors jersey, and Dylan Walker I will talk about later. This is the level we need from all of the experienced players from now on.

It was a great showing for the youngsters that had to step in. Tuaupiki was outstanding, and despite making that error at the start of the match, he turned things around and put in a massive performance that shows he has what it takes in first grade. Ali Leiataua looks like an experienced player out there despite it only being his second first-grade match, and he has proven to not be in awe of big occasions; another selection headache for Webby, and I would like to see what he can do if he gets to stay in first grade for an extended period. Lastly Paul Roache, I did not expect to see him get any time in this match, but with the early exit of Egan, he had big shoes and big minutes to fill, and he knocked it out of the park, leading the side with 37 tackles and delivered quick ball out of the ruck in a performance that may have had seen him leapfrog Freddy Lussick in the backup hooker department. A big confidence booster for me to see these youngsters look first-grade ready, able to jump in and do what the team needs, a positive for the future of this club.

Lastly, the Warriors reduced their errors and penalties, with only seven of each made. Against a team like the Panthers, this is a must. If they can keep this level from now, they will put themselves in the driver's seat to get more wins. However, having three players put on the report makes me nervous about the current depleted player stocks if any of them get suspended, so eliminating some of those penalties would still be helpful.

However, I did have a concern, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negative

Hard to pick anything in this match, so I have gone with Wayde Egan's injury; it didn't hurt the Warriors in this match, but they have had more than their fair share of injuries, so I was hoping they would be able to get through this match without another one and Egan is always one tackle away from being knocked silly, you can't question his heart, but perhaps some more work of head position when tackling at training for him is needed. Hopefully, he will bounce back soon from this injury.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the Match goes to Dylan Walker.

This was a hard one this week, as several players could have easily taken the honours, but I thought he was a crucial figure in the Warriors' attack improving this week. He was always involved in the attacking sets but didn't just sit back and act as a playmaker. He also ran for 178 metres and made 30 tackles with only 2 misses. I love Tohu, but I think the Warriors look more dangerous with Walker at Lock, so if I was in charge, I would move Tohu upfront and keep Walker in that spot.

Warrior to Improve

I have no player to improve for the first time since Round 4, as none of the 17 did enough to be classed as letting the team down in my eyes.

Next Round Thoughts and Prediction

In Round 12, The Warriors return home after a fortnight in Australia to host the Dolphins, who extended their winning streak to three with their 24-12 Magic Round victory over the Wests Tigers.

Regarding the team, I would pick, If it ain't broke, don't fix it so I would keep the same side; Egan may miss this week after that head knock, so if that is the case, I would bring Chanel Harris-Tavita onto the bench as he is meant to return this week in my only change. 

The Dolphins have been performing well this season and have built some steady momentum in the past month, so it will be a tough challenge for the Warriors. Being back in New Zealand after 3 rounds away will be a welcome boost, and the confidence they would have got after defeating the Panthers gives them a big chance to earn back-to-back wins over the top 4 sides. If they stick to their game plan and keep The Hammer quiet, then the Warriors have a big chance to win here; I think it will be tight, and perhaps it's overflowing optimism from Magic Round, but I am going with the Warriors winning by 8.

So, that was a fantastic Magic Round, but as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Would you make any changes to the 17?

Do you think this win will turn the Warrior's season around?

Who was your player of the day?

What is your score prediction against the Dolphins?