The fairytale of 2023 is over for the Warriors, with everyone’s second favourite team unable to match the firepower of the Broncos in a 42-12 loss.
A number of players stood up under the bright lights, but there were a few who failed to fire a shot.
Read on for foxsports.com.au’s New Zealand Warriors player ratings.
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1. CHARNZE NICHOLL-KLOKSTAD – 7
Lovely quick pass onto DWZ for the game’s first try. Had a try saving tackle on Cobbo early in game. His 21 runs (178 metres) were tied for the most in the game and he added two tackle busts, and a try assist in a handy night personally.
2. DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK – 6.5
Scored two tries in the first 15 minutes, including an intercept of Reece Walsh and running 55 metres to the line. With that, he broke the single season record for the Warriors with 24 tries. “An absolute try-scoring machine,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League. Not his best night defensively though as he was caught out of position on a number of occasions.
3. ROCCO BERRY – 3
Not his best night. Missed a few tackles as his side was carved up by the Broncos all night long.
4. ADAM POMPEY – 4
Missed all three conversions. Dropped a ball on first tackle as the Warriors were in attacking position and had momentum. Not the worst but plenty better than him.
5. MARCELO MONTOYA – 6.5
Stopped the Broncos onslaught in the first half with a much needed Warriors try. Made a couple of strong runs and did record six tackle busts with 149 running metres. Tried hard.
6. TE MAIRE MARTIN – 4.5
Terrific try-saving tackle at the start of the second half which stopped a certain four-pointer. He helped set up the Montoya try in the first half but outside of that, didn’t have much impact on the game.
7. SHAUN JOHNSON – 5.5
Had his finger strapped early in the game. Looked threatening at times and set the play in motion which led to two of Warriors three first half tries but didn’t have the impact we’re used to seeing.
8. ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE – 6.5
The battle between him and Payne Haas was billed as the key match-up, but the Broncos star got the better of the two. Still, he was solid enough, running for 125 metres – the only forward in his side to crack the ton.
9. WAYDE EGAN – 5.5
Left the game early in the second half after copping a knock to the head. Good work out of dummy-half led to the first try and overall was typically sound.
10. MITCH BARNETT – 5.5
Didn’t lose any admirers (11 runs, 99 metres) but he and the other Warrior forwards were outplayed by the powerful Brisbane pack.
11. JACKSON FORD – 5.5
Made a defensive error at marker which led to the Broncos’ first try. Only ran the ball seven times but picked up good metres when he did.
12. MARATA NIUKORE – 4
Limited impact in his 54 minutes on the field, not even cracking 50 running metres. A player of his ilk needs to do better than that.
13. TOHU HARRIS – 6.5
So tireless and led by example despite a heavy defeat. 97 metres, 41 tackles and was close to the Warriors best.
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INTERCHANGE BENCH:
14. DYLAN WALKER – 6.5
Came on during the Brisbane onslaught in the first half and ran hard and made some punishing tackles, including one on Reece Walsh. Came off for a HIA but was cleared to return.
15. JAZZ TEVAGA – 5
Did some good things but didn’t provide a whole heap of spark off the bench.
16. BAYLEY SIRONEN – 5
Only played 22 minutes and only had three runs.
17. JOSH CURRAN – 5
Came on late and didn’t have much impact as the Broncos ran away with it.
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