NZ Warriors cult hero’s Haka ‘gives you goosebumps’ after thrilling win over Panthers

Warriors cult hero Dallin Watene-Zelezniak celebrated his 200th game and a thrilling win over Penrith with a spine-tingling sideline act.

The New Zealand Warriors are still alive in season 2024 after they pulled off a stirring 22-20 win over Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Magic Round produced yet another quality close game, with the Panthers and Warriors trading tries as the game went down to the wire.

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A try to young full back Taine Tuaupiki levelled the scores and he converted his own try to give the Warriors the lead with 10 minutes to go.

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards had a chance to send the game to golden point with a 34m penalty kick from directly in front with 30 seconds remaining, but his attempt sailed right of the posts.

It was a seriously gutsy performance as the Warriors snapped a four-game losing streak to breathe some life back into their season and keep their finals hopes alive.

The Warriors showed serious heart. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Up the Wahs. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

“This was season defining,” Braith Anasta said on Fox League.

“This was a turning point in the year. They just had to win today. We had a feeling before the game this was D-Day for them, and they delivered.”

The New Zealand side was without injured halfback Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris, and also lost Wade Egan and Jackson Ford during the game to head knocks.

The ‘Wahs’ were the feel good story of last year on their way to a preliminary final, and they stole the show with heartwarming scenes post-game on Sunday.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was playing his 200th NRL game and the mop-haired winger celebrated the victory by performing a Haka on the sidelines with a large group of his family and friends who were sitting in the grandstand.

Watch DWZ’s sideline Haka in the video player above

DWZ celebrates his 200th game in style with a Haka. Photo: Fox League.

Spine-tingling stuff for DWZ’s 200th. Photo: Fox League.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors poses with family after playing his 200th match. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

“Great scenes we’re seeing here,” Corey Parker said on Fox League.

“Raw and emotional, 200th game for DWZ. The respect that friends and family are showing.

“His teammates will do something very similar. Doesn’t matter how it comes the Haka, it gives you goosebumps.”

“It’s pretty special,” Watene-Zelezniak told Fox League.

“You go out there and play your first game for yourself, make a dream come true. And for the rest of them, it’s for your family.

“Especially my wife and kids, it’s pretty special. I kept telling everyone it’s my wife’s 200th too. She does a lot behind the scenes and I’m blessed to have a family like this and their support.

“I’ve got my wife and three kids. And a million nieces and nephews. I got 43 tickets today. I needed more but I’m grateful for what I get.”