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’Never experienced scenes like this’: Wild scenes as Warriors do unthinkable

The New Zealand Warriors have sent an entire nation into hysterics after booking a first preliminary final in 12 years in incredible scenes.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
7 min read
September 16, 2023 - 6:35PM
Wild scenes out of New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
Wild scenes out of New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

The New Zealand Warriors are a win away from its third NRL grand final after blowing the Knights away 40-10 in Auckland in their first home final in 15 years.

There were wild scenes in Auckland as it seemed the entirety of New Zealand was behind the Warriors and the home side started on fire.

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In the opening 13 minutes, the Warriors led 16-0 in an insane start as the Knights were left absolutely shell-shocked.

While the Knights stopped the bleeding, they then scored a try on either side of halftime to cut the lead to six.

But the second try was somewhat controversial and saw the crowd go absolutely mental after what they believed was a forward pass.

The Warriors had the bounced of the ball literally going against then when the referee handed the Knights a six again off a kick that bounced into Marcelo Montoya, even though he didn’t to play at it.

It gave the Knights ideal field position inside the Wahs’ red zone with Adam Clune poked his head through the line and offloaded to Dylan Lucas to crash over.

But there were immediate questions as Fox League’s Warren Smith said: “It was flat”.

The Warriors fans disagreed.

“The home fans absolutely livid,” Michael Ennis said.

Was this forward? Photo: Fox Sports
Was this forward? Photo: Fox Sports

Shane Flanagan appeared to believe that it was an optical illusion.

“It is really close, I think it comes out of his hand backwards, I’m okay with it,” he said.

However, fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, disagreed.

But it appeared to be just what the Warriors needed as the home side blew the Knights away.

Four more tries opened up a dominant scoreline which sent the entire nation into hysterics.

There was hardly a fan that left their seat after full-time in epic scenes.

Fox League’s Vyonne Sampson said: “Rugby league in New Zealand has never experienced scenes like this and the Warriors have now booked their ticket to Brisbane for a blockbuster in the preliminary final.

“They are the best fans we have in the NRL.”

Wild scenes out of New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
Wild scenes out of New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

Nine’s Phil Gould said the day had much bigger significance than just a win for the Warriors.

“The Warriors deserve this day and they needed this day,” Nine’s Phil Gould said.

“Rugby league needed this day.

“They needed this day in New Zealand. New Zealand needed this day.

“What a wonderful, wonderful achievement by this side.”

Post-match Shaun Johnson said it had been a special week being able to celebrate in front of their home crowd.

He admitted he hadn’t done much training in the last couple of weeks.

5.57pm — ‘Party time’ as Wahs go nuts

The Knights cut the lead to six points just after halftime — what a long time ago that seems.

Billy Slater said it was “party time” after Bayley Sironen scored to make it 40-10.

It books the Warriors a preliminary final against Broncos in Brisbane.

5.41pm — Warriors on fire

The Warriors are all but home in the NRL semi-final after scoring two tries in four minutes to open a 34-10 lead over the Knights.

Rocco Berry’s try was sent up as a no try for a double movement but showed great strength to get over the line and score the big try.

Dallin Watene Zelezniak scored to put the result all but in the books.

5.18pm — Warriors hit straight back

Dylan Walker has reinstated the Warriors lead to 12 points, hitting straight back after the Knights opened the second half.

It’s taken some of the heat out of the Knights’ comeback.

Michael Ennis said it was “one of the most important tries of his career.

5.15pm — ‘What the hell?’: Entire nation erupts

The Knights are back to 16-10 early in the second half but Warriors fans are raging after what they believe was a forward pass.

The Warriors had the bounced of the ball literally going against then when the referee handed the Knights a six again off a kick that bounced into Marcelo Montoya, even though he didn’t to play at it.

It gave the Knights ideal field position inside the Wahs’ red zone with Adam Clune poked his head through the line and offloaded to Dylan Lucas to crash over.

But there were immediate questions as Fox League’s Warren Smith said: “It was flat”.

The Warriors fans disagreed.

“The home fans absolutely livid,” Michael Ennis said.

Was this forward? Photo: Fox Sports
Was this forward? Photo: Fox Sports

Shane Flanagan appeared to believe that it was an optical illusion.

“It is really close, I think it comes out of his hand backwards, I’m okay with it,” he said.

However, fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, disagreed.

4.55pm — Warriors’ stunning 12 minute ‘carve up’

It’s 16-4 at halftime after the Warriors had the perfect start to the first half of their first home finals match in 15 years.

The Warriors are riding high after a 12-minute masterclass gave the side a 16-0 lead at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

In front of a massive home crowd, the Wahs had the parochial crowd eating out of their hands early, as the nation went absolutely berserk.

On Fox League, Michael Ennis said the Knight “haven’t recovered mentally” from the knock on which led to the first try of the night.

“They’re showing minimal resilience in their tackles, play-the-ball speed is two quick and Johnson and Egan are killing them,” he said.

Warren Smith said the fans could “scarcely believe things at Mount Smart”.

But the Knights, when they finally woke up, stopped the bleeding, hitting back with one try of their own.

4.37pm — Knights hit back

The Knights are on the board.

After a bit of field position and possession, the Knights have gone over, putting the ball through the hands to score through Greg Marzhew, silencing the parochial crowd.

While it’s taken 25 minutes, there is a lot of time left.

It’s 16-4 after 27 minutes.

4.21pm — Warriors ‘carve up’ is pure insanity

Shaun Johnson in, the Warriors are a different team.

The Warriors have scored three tries in 12 minutes with Marcelo Montoya scoring in the corner.

It’s now 16-0 and the

Nine’s Mat Thompson said: “This is a carve up.”

Billy Slater added: “I’m nearly sick of giving Shaun Johnson a wrap here, but he is just creating all the space for this Warriors team and these outside backs. Some of the ball playing is first class from Shaun Johnson. He goes deep into the line, creates the space.”

On Fox League, Michael Ennis said the Knight “haven’t recovered mentally” from the knock on which led to the first try of the night.

“They’re showing minimal resilience in their tackles, play-the-ball speed is two quick and Johnson and Egan are killing them,” he said.

Warren Smith said the fans could “scarcely believe things at Mount Smart”.

4.15pm — Warriors denied, score immediately

The Warriors have scored two tries in the opening 7 minutes with Addin Fonua Blake slicing though.

After Wayde Egan was only just held up by some desperate Knights defence, Fonua-Blake scored almost immediately, breaking a tackle and scoring under the black dot.

“It’s a dream start in the Warriors’ first final since 2008,” Mat Thompson said on Channel 9.

And Go Media Stadium is absolutely rocking.

4.08pm — Entire nation lose their minds

The Warriors are on the board after just two minutes.

An early knock on from Greg Marzhew handed the Warriors field position and they made the most of the moment, with Shaun Johnson hitting Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the outside to score the opening try.

The vocal home crowd went absolutely nuts.

3.55pm — Knights coach’s ruthless truth

Shaun Johnson may be in, but it won’t be easy for him.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has already said Johnson will have a target on his head — or more accurately, his calf.

Asked if Johnson would be targeted, there was no equivocation in O’Brien.

“Yeah, absolutely [he will be targeted],” O’Brien said on Nine’s pre-game coverage.

“Let’s be honest; if he’s going to be carrying something into the game we want to try to expose it nice and early.”

All’s fair in love and war I guess.

3.15pm — Shaun Johnson is in

Rest easy Warriors fans — Shaun Johnson is in.

The Warriors’ Dally M favourite has been under an injury cloud all week after he missed last week’s qualifying final against the Panthers with a calf injury.

How long it takes to come back from a calf injury is the same as the answer of how long is a piece of string but the Warriors half has made it through the captain’s run and will play in the semi-final.

The Warriors are 1-17 on the program with Te Maire Martin moving from halfback last week to five-eighth, while Dylan Walker will come off the bench in a utility role while Freddy Lussick drops off the bench.

The pic says it all. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The pic says it all. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Johnson reportedly had the say over whether he’d play or not and it seems he’s happy while coach Andrew Webster said his star playmaker will give it his all, even if he’s not at 100 per cent fitness.

“Well I hope so. Only Shaun can control that,” Webster said on Fox League.

“Look, whatever Shaun brings tonight, I know it’ll always be his best in the sense he’ll try his hardest and if he does that, that’ll be enough for us tonight.

“He’s had a great year, he’s been the best player in the competition and don’t worry, we’re happy to have him out there.”

So that’s great news for the Warriors.

For the Knights, there is one change with Daniel Saifiti ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Jackson Hastings will be a big out for Newcastle and will be replaced by Adam Clune.

WARRIORS: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran

18th man: 20. Taine Tuaupiki

KNIGHTS: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones

18th man: 20. Fa’amanu Brown

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Originally published as ’Never experienced scenes like this’: Wild scenes as Warriors do unthinkable

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-semifinal-new-zealand-warriors-vs-newcastle-knights-live/news-story/0204ae034ae2c7a5a3c6eb092717ebcb