After another slow start the One New Zealand Warriors recovered to remain undefeated with a 31-20 win over the Manly Warringah in Friday's second-round New South Wales Cup clash at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.
The lead changed four times in a highly entertaining match featuring nine tries.
But in the end it was the 100 per cent goal-kicking accuracy of the Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd that was critical as he struck five from five to keep the home side in front.
It was the visitors who were more lively in the opening minutes scoring two tries for a 12-0 lead early.
The Warriors snapped into action in the 24th minute with two quick tries through second rower Kayliss Fatialofa and prop Tom Ale to level scores.
Hooker Sam Healey, a NSW Cup premiership winner with the Newtown Jets last year, scored his first try in Warriors colours by supporting his centre Rocco Berry who made a bust up the middle in the 36th minute.
Boyd, the former Gold Coast Titans NRL halfback , converted all three tries for an 18-12 halftime lead.
Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Round 2 -
home Team
Warriors
1st Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
11th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
The Sea Eagles first two tries came from lock Dean Matterson, who collected a grubber kick ricocheting off a Warriors defender before winger Navern Willett finished off a slick right-edge move.
In the second half, repeat sets to Manly resulted in a nice off-load from second rower Michael Chee Kam with his centre Aaron Schoupp steaming onto the ball to score. He was unable to convert his own try (18-16).
Manly regained the lead with half Jake Arthur toeing the ball through from the 10-metre line for his centre Jordan Swann to get a favourable bounce (20-18).
The pendulum swung again when the Warriors scored another two quick tries, firstly when standoff Te Maire Martin stepped off his left foot twice in the 58th minute and then second rower Jacob Laban was the man in support to run 60 metres in the 63rd.
Another two Boyd conversions and the lead had extended to 10 points at 30-20.
The classy halfback then drilled a field goal in the 80th minute to put an exclamation mark on the win.
Talking points
- Tanah Boyd didn't miss a conversion, kicking five in total, and then landed a field goal n the final seconds for an 11-point contribution
- New recruit Sam Healey scored his first points for the club crossing for the Warriors third try of the match
- It was the Warriors' first win at home for the 2025 season after they claimed an 18-16 victory over the Canberra Raiders at Sydney's Leichhardt Oval in round one
- Manly's 18th man Charlie Thompson was thrust into the fullback role for the entire match after Clayton Faulalo was called up to the NRL side to replace centre Tolu Koula (corked thigh)
Key moment
Te Maire Martin splitting defenders twice with a darting individual run midway through the second half that put the Warriors back in the lead for a second time, and they never looked back.
What's next?
The Warriors remain at home to take on the Sydney Roosters next Friday night (21 March), while the Sea Eagles return to 4 Pines Park to host the Raiders on Sunday.
