Throwback: Warriors' crazy last-tackle try against Dragons

Author: Richard Becht warriors.kiwi
Timestamp: Fri 16 Oct 2020, 09:53 AM

Results against St George Illawarra in haven’t been to the Warriors’ liking in the NRLW so far but a last tackle special from the 2018 encounter between the sides is a must for this week’s flashback (presented by Mazda).

After beating the Sydney Roosters in their debut in the competition, the Warriors were looking to back up with a second win that almost certainly would have propelled them into the NRLW’s first grand final.

When the Dragons led 12-0 at halftime and then 18-0 soon after the break the omens weren’t promising but a freakish try in the 41st minute provided a glimmer of hope.

There was nothing unconventional on a fourth tackle play as the Warriors went left just inside the Dragons’ half, Laura Mariu and Georgia Hale combining to set up a raid from Onjeurlina Leiataua, Amber Kani and Lisa Edwards. Edwards was eventually hauled down 25 metres from St George Illawarra’s line.

Kani went into dummy half to feed halfback Hale at first receiver, who set herself for a cross field kick on the last tackle – only it missed its target completely, fizzing off the outside of her right foot and dribbling along the ground. Hooker Krystal Rota seized on the loose ball, arcing across field on a searching run, looping a pass over the top for right winger Hilda Peters whoo served it up to centre Sarina Clark. She floated what was a hopeful left-footed chip towards the uprights, which was allowed to bounce in-goal by the Dragons, Raquel Anderson-Pitman stealing through to grab the ball and score.

A crazy try, to be sure, which put the Warriors back in the game at 18-6 but the Dragons would go on to take out the contest 22-10.

September 15, 2018

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

St George Illawarra Dragons 22 (Shakiah Tungai, Honey Hireme, Rikeya Horne, Jessica Sergis tries; Shakiah Tungai 3 conversions).

Warriors 10 (Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Sarina Clark tries; Apii Nicholls conversion).

Halftime: 12-0 Dragons.

Referees: Matt Noyen and Wyatt Raymond.

Teams:

Warriors | Apii Nicholls; Hilda Peters, Langi Veainu, Sarina Clark, Lisa Edwards; Laura Mariu (c), Georgia Hale; Crystal, Krystal Rota, Aieshaleigh Smalley; Onjeurlina Leiataua, Alice Vailea; Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa. Interchange: Luisa Gago, Lorina Papali’i, Amber Kani, Raquel Anderson-Pitman,

St George Illawarra Dragons | Honey Hireme; Rikeya Horne, Jessica Sergis, Hannah Southwell, Shakiah Tungai; Keeley Davis, Raecene McGregor; Oneata Schwalger, Anneka Stephens, Holli Wheeler; Kezie Apps (c), Talesha Quinn; Annette Bander. Interchange: Teina Clark, Melanie Howard, Asipau Mafi, Kate Haren.