Two second half tries sparked a strong comeback but the One New Zealand Warriors ultimately came up empty-handed in their 16th-round New South Wales Cup encounter with Newtown Jets at Henson Park in Sydney today.
After an early second half try stretched Newtown’s lead to 18-6, the Warriors rallied with centre Viliami Vailea surging over wide out on the right in the 57th minute and then halfback Ronald Volkman stealing across between the posts seven minutes later.
With Taine Tuaupiki converting Volkman’s try, the Warriors were just 16-18 behind with 15 minutes to play and every opportunity to snatch victory.
Those hopes were dented in the 71st minute when Newtown playmaker Brayden Trindall scored his second try of the match, Mawene Hiroti converting for a 24-16 advantage.
There would be no way back, though, as the score-line remained unchanged, the result leaving the Warriors fifth on the ladder.
Match details
Henson Park, Sydney
Newtown Jets 24 (Braydon Trindall 2, Kayal Iro, Charbel Tasipale tries; Mawene Hiroti 3 conversions, penalty).
One New Zealand Warriors 16 (Freddy Lussick, Viliami Vailea, Ronald Volkman tries; Ronald Volkman conversion; Taine Tuaupiki conversion).
Halftime: 12-6 Jets
One New Zealand Warriors | Taine Tuauapiki; Moala Graham-Taufa, Viliami Vailea, Leka Halasima, Sanele Aukusitino; Ben Farr, Ronald Volkman; Zyon Maiu’u, Freddy Lussick, Isaiah Vagana; Jacob Laban,Kalani Going (c); Solomon Vasuvulagi. Interchange: Michael Sio, Eiden Ackland, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Tahi Baggaley.
