The Warriors have tightened their grip on third spot on the ladder with a thrilling 29-22 victory over Manly in Auckland.
Nine tries were scored across the 80 minutes, with Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Sea Eagles counterpart Jason Saab each picking up hat-tricks.
A runaway effort to Warriors second rower Marata Niukore with eight minutes remaining broke Manly hearts, with the loss effectively ending the Sea Eagles’ finals hopes.
The gallant Sea Eagles threatened to crash the Warriors’ party after snatching a surprise 22-16 half-time lead courtesy of four tries in the opening 40 minutes, including fleet-footed Saab’s treble.
But Watane-Zelezniak and another playmaking masterclass from Shaun Johnson earned the Warriors victory on a special night for the club.
Mt Smart Stadium was renamed “Daniel Anderson Stadium” to recognise and celebrate the Warriors’ legendary former coach Daniel Anderson, who was left a quadriplegic in a bodysurfing accident last December.
Fittingly, the Warriors delivered to honour Anderson in an electric opening to the NRL’s “Unite for Daniel” round 25.
Funds raised from during the round will go towards the rehabilitation of the Warriors’ 2002 grand final coach.
After skipping four competition points clear of fifth-placed Cronulla with two rounds remaining, the Warriors can seal a top-four finish — and a double chance in the finals — with a win over St George Illawarra or the Dolphins.
AAP
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