Video: Warriors bag first try of 2023
Try time: Montoya bulldozes Staines
All the Warriors in Auckland and Marcelo Montoya has his second of the evening. Charlie Staines ends up under the wheels in the process. The Tigers fullback aimed up against the bigger man but got absolutely pulverised for his troubles. Brayden Williame looking good down that left edge as the Warriors keep coming that way.
Only real blight at the moment, Luke Metcalfe having a tough night with the boot from out wide, swings the conversion attempt wide and he’s one from three.
Warriors 14 Tigers 0
Warriors weather the storm
Out the other side of that Tigers assault the Warriors go down the other end and Te Maire Martin with a lovely little inside ball puts Michael Sio into a bit of space close to the line. Takes a decent tackle from Charlie Staines to stop him and force a turnover.
Tigers on the attack
A bit of life from the Wests Tigers here, with halfback Brandon Wakeham forcing a repeat set with a tidy grubber. They try the same ploy at the end of the following set but this time the kick drifts over the dead ball line, just out of reach of a chasing Tommy Talau.
Warriors in again
An offside penalty against Tiger Alex Seyfarth puts the Warriors back on the attack, and they quickly score again – Brayden Wiliame sending a hard-running Jackson Ford over from close range. Metcalf converts and it’s 10-0.
Try Warriors!
Marcelo Montoya makes no mistake this time, taking a looping cutout pass from former Bronco Te Maire Martin to get on the outside of the Tigers defence and he crashes over in the corner. The conversion from Luke Metcalf sails wide, Warriors lead 4-0.
Warriors blow an early chance
The first genuine attacking opportunity goes to the Warriors, with a slick passing move putting Marcelo Montoya into space down the left. The winger manages to stay just inside the touchline and earns a penalty for his troubles … but in the ensuing set he spills a pass over the sideline with the tryline begging.
We’re underway
The Wests Tigers have kicked off the opening game of the Pre-season Challenge, with the Warriors getting first chance with the ball. Both teams are solid in the early sets in the opening five minutes, with the Tigers in particular making good ground through the middle.
Team lists for tonight
Here’s how they’re slated to line up
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Marcelo Montoya,3. Brayden Wiliame, 4. Viliami Vailea, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Luke Metcalf, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Freddy Lussick, 10. Tom Ale, 11. Jackson Ford, 12. Demitric Sifakula, 13. Michael Sio. Interchange: 14. Maiu’u Zyon, 15. Sanele Aukusitino, 16. Ali Leiataua, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Moala Graham-Taufa, 20. Kalani Going, 21. Eiden Ackland, 22. Ben Farr, 23. Isaiah Vagana, 24. Solomon Vasuvulagi, 25. Paul Roache
Tigers: 1.Charlie Staines, 2. Junior Tupou, 3. Asu Kepaoa, 4. Tommy Talau, 5. Liam Scolari 6. Triston Reilly, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jake Simpkin, 23. Alex Seyfarth, 11. Brandon Tumeth, 12. Fonua Pole, 13. Justin Matamua. Interchange: 10. Aistasi James, 14. Jahream Bula, 15. Jordan Hill, 16. Trey Peni, 17. Josh Feledy, 18. Christopher Faagutu, 19. Sione Vaihu, 20. Zane Camroux, 21. Sione Fainu, 22. Ruatapu Ngatikaura,, 24. Tanous Sukkar
