Warriors stay calm under pressure as Pacific power drives gritty Dragons win

The Warriors found a way to win when the pressure was at its highest, relying on their Pasifika strength and composure to grind out a 20-12 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons in Auckland on Saturday.

The match ended in controversy with the Dragons frustrated by late calls that went against them, but Warriors coach Andrew Webster acknowledged the emotion on the other side while praising his players for staying composed.

"I see their frustration. If I'm sitting in their chair, I'm frustrated too," Webster told reporters after the match.

"But I'm also incredibly proud of our boys. When the game was there to be won, and when it got frantic, we stayed calm, we executed our kicks, and we did what we had to do to protect that lead at home."

That ability to stay composed was built on the work of the Warriors' backline. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Taine Tuaupiki provided the metres and energy needed to keep Auckland moving forward.

Watene-Zelezniak was outstanding on his return to the wing, running for 229 metres and scoring the try that helped swing momentum back the Warriors’ way early in the second half.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returned to the wing in style, scoring a crucial try and running for 229 metres as the Warriors held off the Dragons. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Tuaupiki was also heavily involved. He produced 215 metres from fullback as he repeatedly challenged the Dragons’ defence and helped the Warriors escape pressure.

While the Warriors crossed for three tries through Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Watene-Zelezniak, it was Toa Sāmoa playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita who provided the composure with the boot.

Harris-Tavita was perfect from the kicking tee, landing three penalty goals in the 20th, 70th and 78th minutes, along with a conversion of Watene-Zelezniak’s try.

Those points proved crucial as the Dragons pushed late but the Warriors held firm to secure another important win in their push towards the finals.

For a side chasing a top-two finish, these are the victories that matter - the ones where everything does not go to plan but the team finds a way.

And once again, the influence of the Warriors’ Pacific players was central to getting the job done.

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The Warriors women also bounced back in style at Go Media Stadium, returning to the winner's circle with a dominant 42-4 win over the North Queensland Cowboys.

Pacific talent was at the heart of the victory, with Lavinia Tauhalaliku and Olympic rugby sevens star Stacey Waaka combining for six tries as the left edge caused constant problems for the Cowboys.

Stacey Waaka and Lavinia Tauhalaliku combined for six tries as the Warriors women produced a dominant 42-4 win over the North Queensland Cowboys at Go Media Stadium. Photo/Photosport/Joshua Devenie

Tauhalaliku was the standout, scoring four tries, breaking seven tackles and running for 187 metres in a powerful display. Forward Ivana Lauitiiti produced one of the moments of the match with a strong individual try just before half-time.

The result highlighted the growing impact of Pacific players across the Warriors men and women's sides.

From the men’s side grinding out a tough win over the Dragons to the women’s attacking display against the Cowboys, Pacific talent was again at the centre of a successful weekend for the Warriors.

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