Halves issues roll on as Warriors down Tigers 26-16 in New Zealand

New year, same Tigers. It appears the same old story for the men from Concord, with serious question marks surrounding where they’ll create points following a heavy trial loss to the Warriors.

Benji Marshall failed to cement his spot in the halves. Picture: Fiona Goodall/NRL Photos

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New year, same Tigers. It appears the same old story for the men from Concord, with serious question marks surrounding where they’ll create points.

It’s important not to get carried away with a trial, but the attacking unit appeared lacklustre in their first and only pre-season fixture.

It’s a major concern for a side that finished 15th for points scored last season, just three points ahead of Parramatta.

Michael Maguire’s first game in charge proved tough viewing, with a rampant New Zealand Warriors outfit scoring a dominant 26-16 win in Whangarei.

The scoreboard flattered the visitors thanks to a pair of late tries courtesy of impressive play from Esan Marsters.

Benji Marshall failed to cement his spot in the halves. Picture: Fiona Goodall/NRL Photos

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WARRIORS SIDE SHOW PLENTY OF PROMISE

Boosted by news earlier in the day of Issac Luke’s contract upgrade for 2019, the Warriors showed there’s promise in the post-Shaun Johnson era.

The veteran rake missed the clash through injury, with his deputy Nathaniel Roache starring in the starting role.

Plagued by injuries last season, the livewire hooker created havoc with his running game in a manner not at all dissimilar to his mentor.

The Warriors impressed on home turf, with the back three of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu’a excelling from the back of the field.

BROOKS STARS BUT CAN’T FIND HALVES PARTNER

Benji Marshall got the first crack at cementing his spot alongside Luke Brooks in the halves, but the club veteran couldn’t inject himself in the contest.

Featuring in just five games last season, Josh Reynolds failed to impress in his battle to leapfrog Marshall.

The former Bulldog will improve with every outing, but it’s likely he’ll be eased back off the bench for the season opener.

Brooks, last season’s Dally M halfback of the year, was a shining light for the Tigers having threatened on numerous occasions throughout the encounter.

Skipper Moses Mbye said his side failed to hit their pre-game targets.

“There was a lot of scrappy things around our game today, our ends to sets weren’t up to scratch,” he said.

“We wanted to replicate what we wanted to bring into Round 1, particularly attitude wise, and obviously game plan wise, but we didn’t manage to execute it.”

MATTO LOOKS A STELLAR SIGNING

Back-rower Ryan Matterson looks a superb pick up from the Sydney Roosters.

The 2018 premiership winner slotted onto the Tigers right edge outside Luke Brooks with ease, providing a classy offload to assist his halfback for the side’s opening try.

Matterson looks to have filled out his physique even further and looms as one of the better off-season signings.

WARRIORS NO CLOSER TO FINDING SJ REPLACEMENT

Five-eighth Adam Keighran partnered Blake Green to start the game, but it was his main rival

Chanel Harris-Tevita narrowly winning the battle for the vacant playmaking role.

It certainly wasn’t a unanimous victory, with both men producing mixed performances.

Harris-Tevita provided a quality assist for Ken Maumalo’s second try and in general looked the more threatening of the two.

Keighran appears the more composed of the pair but possesses less upside. It’s anyone’s guess as to who lines up in the season opener, but Harris-Tevita looks a better fit alongside Green.

Originally published as Halves issues roll on as Warriors down Tigers 26-16 in New Zealand