Wahs dig deep in ANZAC thriller but injuries cast shadow over brave win

The Warriors gave their home crowd something to cheer about on ANZAC weekend after grinding out a tough 20-18 win over the Redcliffe Dolphins from Brisbane in the New Zealand capital on Saturday night.

But the result came with a worrying cost.

In front of a lively crowd, the Warriors had to do it the hard way.

After a slow start, they lifted in the second half and found just enough to get over the line. But with key players picking up injuries, the focus now quickly shifts to who will be fit for the next week.

Prop Mitchell Barnett’s tough run continues. He was forced from the field after a heavy knock in a collision with teammate Chanel Harris-Tavita, who later failed his head injury assessment (HIA).

It’s another setback after recently returning from a broken thumb.

Head coach Andrew Webster didn’t hide his sympathy.

“Mitch can’t get any momentum at the moment,” Webster said. “He’s had a long lay off and he gets back and then something happens, so he’s probably more frustrated than anything.”

Centre Ali Leiataua, 23, was another concern, leaving the field after a strong 63-minute shift that included a try assist.

Mitchell Barnett of the Warriors clutching at his leg. Photo/Marty Melville/Photosport

His early exit adds more pressure to a squad already being tested.

There could be more changes to come. Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak may face scrutiny after being placed on report for a hip drop tackle on Dolphins winger Tevita Naufahu. This could put Watene-Zelezniak in doubt for next week’s clash against the Parramatta Eels.

Despite all that, the Wahs showed real fight.

Trailing at halftime, they turned the game around with energy and belief. Fullback Taine Tuaupiki stepped up again, continuing his strong form.

His try just after the hour mark proved the difference while his running game (236 metres) kept the Dolphins on the back foot all night.

Out wide, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Watene-Zelezniak delivered again, both finishing in the corners to cap off another hard-fought win.

Captain James Fisher-Harris admitted they didn’t get things right early on and “missed the jump” defensively.

The Dolphins made them pay in the first half with centre Herbie Farnworth scoring off a clever chip-and-chase and winger Jamayne Isaako crossing twice.

But after the break, the Wahs tightened up and didn’t concede another point. Even a late drop-goal attempt from Isaako couldn’t break them.

It’s another step forward for the Warriors especially in how they closed out the game. But with injuries stacking up, the next challenge may be just as tough as this one.