NRL: Panthers snap Warriors' win streak amid injury woes

The Penrith Panthers have prevailed against the New Zealand Warriors, ending the Kiwis' winning streak in Auckland on Saturday.

Missing five of their top players due to State of Origin commitments, the four-time defending champions made an impressive statement at Go Media Stadium, winning 28-18. The Warriors were also without a key player, Queensland forward Kurt Capewell.

Two important players were injured during the first half in what became a tough match for the Warriors, and a third looks in doubt for next week.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marata Niukore both left the field after separate incidents. Then, in the second half, halfback Luke Metcalf appeared to be struggling with a leg injury.

Despite their challenges, the Warriors took the lead against the reigning premiers early in the second half, but they couldn't maintain it and fell to the Panthers.

The win has pushed the Panthers into the top eight for the first time this season.

Warriors' captain James Fisher-Harris against the Panthers. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Niukore's injury came first when he experienced a concussion after a head clash with team-mate Moala Graham-Taufa, while trying to tackle a Panthers' player.

It was a shocking moment, as his nose was bleeding, and people in the crowd grimaced at the replay.

While Niukore was taken off for a head injury assessment (HIA) and did not return, it was surprising that Graham-Taufa wasn't taken off as well, although he looked dazed.

Izack Tago, of the Panthers, takes on the NZ Warriors defence in Round 16 of their NRL match at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday 21. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

The crowd and commentators could be heard reacting as the replays were broadcast on the ground.

"It's two of them ... (They both) might be called from the field," Fox Sports' Andrew Voss commented. "Not all that often you see two players pulled from the field at the same time. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens here."

The situation worsened for the Warriors' camp and fans when Watene-Zelezniak limped off the field just before halftime with a knee injury.

He was ruled out for the game, and his injury came after a tackle from Panthers' player Scott Sorensen, who was later reported for the dip-drop tackle.

In the second half, Metcalf struggled on the field, and there were moments when he didn't get involved with the play.

The commentators were concerned for his condition. "He's in serious trouble," Fox Sports' Michael Ennis says.

Despite being without key players, the Panthers showed their strength, with several players running over 100 metres during the game. Daine Laurie led the way at 178m and Moses Leota close behind at 176 m.

The win marked the Panthers' third straight victory and has set them up well as they prepare to take on the table-toppers, the Bulldogs, next week.

The Warriors' fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad put in a great effort with 23 runs for 215 metres and broke seven tackles, trying his best to keep the home side in the contest.

The Warriors are now in fourth place behind the Storm, Raiders, and the leading Bulldogs.

The Warriors will face the Broncos next Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

In other NRL round 16 results: Wests Tigers 12-16 Raiders, Dolphins 20-26 Knights, Rabbitohs 24-25 Storm, Broncos 34-28 Sharks, Roosters 42-8 Cowboys, Eels 36-20 Titans.