TWL RD 4: KINGZ CONTAINER CREW WARRIORS PLAYER RATINGS
The Warriors’ second win of the season entailed several of the same enviable qualities, as well as the same frustrations, that marked their first three outings of 2024.
In close to carbon copies of the loss to Cronulla and last week’s victory over Canberra, the Warriors produced a hot start, followed by a flat patch to finish the first half with an underwhelming halftime lead that did not reflect their dominance, then a dour, gruelling second-half grind.
But there was a bit more composure about their 20-12 defeat of Newcastle at a packed Mt Smart on Easter Sunday – despite an inability to take their opportunities in the second stanza and finish the Knights off, and a couple of late hiccups to briefly get the pulse racing when the result seemed well in hand.
Defensively the Warriors stood tall, their tryline breached only via a couple of deft Knights grubbers. They’re still yet to hit top gear on attack and Sunday’s performance with the ball was as clunky as the three preceding it, with the Warriors still struggling to get their shape and execution right.
In a line-up with no individual disappointments, the collective forward-pack display and a brilliant return from our elite dummy-half were standout elements – but the Kingz Container Crew Warriors player ratings stud was a modern NRL legend making his first fullback start in 33 months.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: It’s still Charnze’s spot, but what a replacement to be able to call upon. Like being in a 2018-20 time warp watching RTS chew through 283 metres (103 post-contact) from an incredible 29 carries, and an equal-game-high seven tackle-breaks with a couple of trademark hot-stepping, defence-scattering runs. Some quality work under the high ball and a massive play to slap the ball down and stop a certain Knights try in the dying minutes. 8.5
2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: Few chances on attack but a workhorse out of the Warriors’ end with 21 high-octane runs for 198 metres, despite copping a knock. Made eight tackles but an ill-conceived intercept attempt could have made for a nerve-shredding finish if not for Rog’s heroics, and conceded a penalty. 7
3 ROCCO BERRY: Probably not a performance that will win over the death-riding, media-conspiracy-spruiking cookers, but again solid in all departments. A constant threat in the air near the Knights’ line, 10 runs for 94 metres with the fastest play-the-ball speed of all Warriors players, and led all outside-backs on the field with 23 tackles with Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best constantly testing the Warriors’ right edge. 7
4 ADAM POMPEY: A sound NRL return for the perpetual enigma, making 17 runs for 154 metres and 18 tackles without a miss. No standout moments but no clangers, seemingly ensuring he will get the nod for the foreseeable future ahead of Leiataua and co. when outside-back injury strikes. 7
5 MARCELO MONTOYA: A sensational aerial try was the high point of a strong all-round game, including 156 metres from 21 runs with six tackle-breaks, and some impressive kick defusals that were sullied slightly by one glaring drop. His best of the season so far. 7.5
6 LUKE METCALF: No opportunities to put his stamp on the game before a serious-looking leg injury ended his game after just nine minutes. Fingers crossed for the luckless playmaker. 3
7 SHAUN JOHNSON: Got the ball rolling by popping up on the left and putting Ford through for the first try. Otherwise didn’t ignite the offence with the usual precision, but great kicking game once again, slotted four-from-four off the tee, 16 runs for 77 metres and some important stops among 23 tackles. 7.5
8 ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE: Uncharacteristically well-contained after apparently being troubled early on, but more than pulled his weight with the ball to finish with 140 metres from 17 carries in 44 minutes. Just 14 tackles. 7
9 WAYDE EGAN: The biggest individual plus of the afternoon after playing just 35 minutes over the first three rounds. Played the full 80, chalked up 41 tackles without a miss, and picked his times to run perfectly to make five runs for 74 metres – most notably, of course, carving the Knights up through the middle to set up CHT’s try. A few comms breakdowns on attack in the second half but his slick service made a difference overall. 8
10 MITCH BARNETT: The NSW Origin smoky whispers will get louder if this stays the rugged Taree product’s standard, producing his second straight big game against one of his former clubs. Led all forwards on the field with 178 metres (72 post-contact) from 18 runs, and had three offloads along with 22 tackles. 8
11 JACKSON FORD: Stormed through a hole off SJ to score the first try to set the tone for a great afternoon. Racked up 139 metres from 14 runs, four tackle-breaks and 34 tackles, with a couple of six-agains given away the only debit contributions. 8
12 KURT CAPEWELL: Hampered by a rib problem since Round 1, the veteran recruit enjoyed his best game in Warriors colours so far. An enormous, game-high 48 tackles and much more prominent on the edge in attack combining with Johnson, making eight runs for a season-high 73 metres. Another quality-over-quantity performer whose value will become more evident as the stakes get higher. 8
13 TOHU HARRIS: Another captain’s knock full of industriousness and class, making more runs than any forward on the field (19) and reeling off 148 metres, along with 42 tackles – despite getting a rare 12-minute spell on the bench – and chimed in as a ball-player with 14 passes. 8
15 MARATA NIUKORE: Eye-catching first outing for the year coming off an injury, looking hungry in his new role in the middle. Three strong carries in 25 minutes on the field, but the standout aspect was his line speed, coming up with a string of grass-cutting stops among 17 tackles. 6.5
16 BUNTY AFOA: Plenty of sting in his work during 24 minutes of game-time, including four runs for 34 metres and 19 tackles. Did his job. 6.5
20 JAZZ TEVAGA: A shade less prominent than his fellow interchange forwards after getting the late call-up for Dylan Walker, but no complaints. Four runs for 38 metres and 13 tackles in 23 minutes. 6
21 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Thrust into his best position after just nine minutes and produced two huge plays – backing up Egan to score the Warriors’ second try and putting a cross-field kick on a dime for Montoya to score the hosts’ only try of the second half. Otherwise sound on both sides of the ball, including 21 tackles. All eyes are on Team List Tuesday to see if he will wear the No.6 against Souths. 7
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