TWL Rd 7: Kingz Container Crew Warriors Player Ratings

A comfortable win for the Wahs despite a second-half drop-off - and several eye-catching individual displays.

The Warriors’ 28-20, game-of-two-halves victory over Gold Coast Titans ultimately had an ‘a win’s a win’ feel about it, but a dominant display in the opening 40 minutes was more than enough for Andrew Webster’s side to hang their hat on as they conquered a bogey (albeit a more minor one this time) for the second straight Saturday.

The hosts led 22-0 at halftime, benefitting from a stiff breeze, aggressive defence and slick backline play that saw ex-Titan Alofiana Khan-Pereira blaze over for a double and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak score a beauty in the other corner.

Erin Clark’s wrap-around try — combining with James Fisher-Harris — was the Warriors only addition to the scoreboard. The Titans, with the wind at their backs this time, jagged four second-half tries without ever really threatening to make of a game of it again.

The main stats categories were predominantly even, but key differences were the completion rates (the Warriors went at 87 percent to the Titans’ 74 percent) and tackle-break count (the Warriors finished 51-33 ahead).

To the naked eye, they seemed thoroughly in control of the contest for the most part and won the physical battle — notably containing the likes of Titans fullback dangerman Keano Kini.

The Kingz Container Crew player ratings reflect that no one exactly played the lights out, but no one shat the bed, either.

22 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD: Got the late call-up at the expense of Tuaupiki and largely did what he was brought back to do — strong carries from the backfield (18 runs for 147 metres) and a strong presence defensively (10 tackles). Also had a hand in DWZ’s try. A glaring drop of a long kick that led to the Titans’ first try was notable black mark. 6.5

2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK: In a real purple patch, scoring a brilliant try with a trademark finish, racking up 134 metres on 15 runs, defusing kicks and making (some would say uncharacteristic) big defensive plays. A jam to force an error when the Titans had their tails up on attack was one of the highlights of the second half. 7.5

3 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: Loving life in the centres, with nice hands producing two try assists for AKP as well as proving the Warriors’ most impactful ball-carrier (15 runs for 169 metres, four tackle-breaks). Looks more of a threat on attack than he did during a failed stint in the position in 2024. 8

4 ALI LEIATAUA: Highlights included a deft tap-on try assist and a couple of monster hits among 19 tackles, along with a big early line-break. Would love to see him get a bit hungrier for the ball (just five runs) but another pass mark. 6.5

5 ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA: A dream first half against the club he fell out of favour with last year, scorching in for a superb double; the second, in particular, was very impressive. Had a couple scored in his corner in the second half and made two errors, but overall a good night that also included 12 runs for 105 metres and six tackle-breaks. 7

6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Lovely hands to help set up both of AKP’s tries and a magnificent effort to muscle over for his own four-pointer. Would like to see him take on the line a bit more, but took some kicking pressure off Boyd and defending stoutly again. 7.5

7 TANAH BOYD: Had a touch in all four first-half tries and did a sound job as the Warriors’ general — if not to the same authoritative level as the Warriors’ wins in the first three rounds. Good general play kicking, 22 tackles, no complaints. 7

8 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS: Another big captain’s knock with 15 runs for 128 metres and 43 tackles, frequently making his presence felt. A neat try assist for Clark was a great capper. If not for Ford’s heroics, JFH would be an early Dally M Team of the Year front-runner. 7.5

9 WAYDE EGAN: Classy control around the rucks, four runs for 45 metres and caught the marker defence out on several occasions, and made 28 tackles before getting an early mark with 22 minutes left. 7

10 JACKSON FORD: Another monster 80-minute effort from the Dally M Medal leader will sure have piqued the judges’ interest in a match where there was no obvious best on ground. Made a team-high 226 metres on 22 carries and a game-high 48 tackles. But for burnout’s sake, shouldn’t he be getting a rest? 8

11 LEKA HALASIMA: Went close to scoring a couple of times in the first half, finished with 12 runs for 101 metres and six tackle-breaks, and made 20 tackles. Always seemed to be in the thick of the action in an 80-minute performance without quite getting that big highlight-reel moment. 7

12 KURT CAPEWELL: Strong return from the veteran with seven strong runs for 71 metres and a good defensive showing with 26 tackles. Shapes as a key figure for the campaign ahead. 7

13 ERIN CLARK: Worked hard in 46 minutes, chalking up 11 runs for 105 metres and 31 tackles. Busier ball-playing performance tonight, highlighted by a clever run-around play with JFH that saw him plunge over for the Warriors’ only try of the second half — after having forced a Titans error with strong defence seconds earlier. 7.5

14 SAM HEALEY: A little more game-time here and looked good with four runs for 45 metres, along with 18 tackles in 22 minutes. 6

16 DEMITRIC VAIMAUGA: Felt like he played for more than 36 minutes, such was his presence when on the park. Nine runs for 73 metres and 21 bruising tackles. 7

17 JACOB LABAN: Only afforded 19 minutes, during which time he had zero runs and made 15 tackles. Shot out of the defensive line a tad impulsively, creating the gap that led to Morrin’s try. 4

23 MITCH BARNETT: Mouth-watering signs in the Brisbane-bound enforcer’s early return from a broken thumb. Big numbers in 45 minutes (17 runs for 161 metres and 21 tackles), while a desperation play to dive on a loose ball exemplified what we get from having Barnett in the line-up. Gives the pack an even harder edge. 8