Warriors start season thrashing the Roosters
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
Chanel Harris-Tavita scored a double, as his NZ Warriors overpowered the Sydney Roosters for a 42-18 NRL season-opening victory at Go Media Stadium.
It was just the 10th time in history the Warriors have won a first game of the year and they did it in style in front of just over 24,000 fans.
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The home side scored 22 consecutive points to grab a 22-6 halftime lead, crossing soon after the break through high-flying second-rower Leka Halasima to stamp their control on the game.
The Roosters countered with back-to-back tries to centre Billy Smith and second-rower Angus Crichton, pulling within 10 points midway through the second half, but that was as close as they got.
Harris-Tavita had his two tries in identical fashion, looming inside wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck close to the line for late offloads.
His 75th-minute effort probably clinched the game for the Warriors, but fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad had the last say, diving over in the corner, with half Tanah Boyd converting from the sideline.
The Roosters were on the negative end of an 11-4 penalty count which coach Trent Robinson wasn't happy about, but they lacked in continuity across the field against an inspired Warriors side.
