The Tigers have scored two quickfire tries to level the score at 12-all after 20 minuts, stunning the Warriors.
Front rower Mitch Barnett sliced straight through the merger club’s defensive line to set-up the first try of the night.
Five-eighth Luke Metcalf charged on to Barnett’s pin-point pass to open the scoring and take the upper hand.
MATCH CENTRE: Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors scores, stats, videos
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
Moments later, halfback Shaun Johnson injected himself in to the game.
Johnson cut out Barnett, who was running a strong decoy on the inside, compressing the Tigers defence.
He opened up space for Adam Pompey to score the Warriors’ second of the night in the 15th minute before Tim Sheens’ side crossed.
Daine Laurie broke the line, offloading to Starford To’a who grounded the ball untouched.
Laurie was also the architect of the Tigers’ second four-pointer, breaking away from 70 metres out to find Luke Brooks who was able to burn his opponents.
PRE-MATCH WRAP
The Tigers have generously given back to the Warriors for all of their efforts during the pandemic, scheduling a ‘home’ game at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The initiative has been well received by Warriors fans, with the game officially a sell out. It is the first NRL game to be played at the stadium in six years.
The Warriors have one of the softer runs home (Tigers, Sea Eagles, Dragons and Dolphins) and will fancy themselves to win at least three of those and nab a top four spot.
The Tigers on the other hand are firmly planted at the bottom of the table, four points behind the Dragons. They’ll need a minor miracle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad (head knock) is out of the side, with Taine Tuaupiki to start in his place.
For the Tigers, they will be boosted by the return of Origin forward Stefano Utoikamanu but go without the injured Charlie Staines.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOW BELOW. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE.
