The New Zealand Warriors have started their 2023 campaign on a high, holding off the Knights to win 20-12 at Sky Stadium.
In a new era of footy under head coach Andrew Webster, it was the Warriors’ defence that proved the difference at the final siren, fending off the Knights on several occasions to hold firm with the win.
Returning fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad had a blinder at the back as he made his first appearance for the Warriors since 2018, making one handling error at the start of the match before clocking up 190 metres and a try-saving tackle in his 80 minute spell.
It didn’t all go the Warriors’ way in the Wellington wind though as the Knights scored the first points of the match in just the second minute, but Webster’s men fought back to take the lead into the half-time break.
Edward Kosi and Bunty Afoa crossed over in the first 40 before the Knights came back strongly to take the lead early in the second half.
Edward Kosi puts the Warriors on the board 💪 #NRLWarriorsKnights pic.twitter.com/O6K6NIXTuN
— NRL (@NRL) March 3, 2023
While the Warriors looked determined on attack, it was the poor discipline of the Knights that handed them free metres as Adam Elliott was put on report for a shoulder charge and Phoenix Crossland was sent to the bin for an offside offence.
Hooker Wayde Egan was inspired with the ball, dashing for the line before a dump tackle left him on the floor before he went off-field for an HIA.
It was there that the Warriors’ defence came into play as they spent 15 minutes in their own half but the Knights struggled to capitalise on their territory advantage.
Nicoll-Klokstad made a last-ditch try-saving tackle on Kalyn Ponga near the sticks to prevent another four points before the Knights’ playmaker was forced from the field as the independent doctor asked for an HIA.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad take a bow 🤯 #NRLWarriorsKnights pic.twitter.com/RwGWKepSY1
— NRL (@NRL) March 3, 2023
With their star player off the park, the Knights struggled on attack before Egan made a huge return to bank a try of his own to all but seal the Warriors’ win.
EGAN, YOU BEAST! As the ‘Warriors…Warriors’ chants echo around Wellington, he slips through from dummy half and shows why he’s a first-class 9.
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) March 3, 2023
Wahs up 20-12 with 5mins remaining.
🔊: https://t.co/Zj3bIQEdqo
📲: https://t.co/segaztxb8G#NRLWarriorsKnights
Claiming the win 20-12 at the final siren, it was the home side’s defence that impressed the most as SENZ NRL commentator Sam Hewat lauded the “new era” of discipline under Webster.
“The Warriors have started their 2023 season in perhaps the most perfect way possible,” Hewat told SENZ.
“It is the start of a new era for the club and what better way to get it underway than with a victory here in Wellington at Sky Stadium.”
The victory gives the Warriors a huge boost as they head into their second match with a first-round win, taking on the formidable Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on March 11.