Warriors spit out feathers and history
September 20th 2008 08:09
It has become the biggest fairytale ride since the Wests Tigers stormed home to take the 2005 Telstra Premiership. But not even that can compare to the magnitude of the performances by the New Zealand Warriors in season 2008.
They once again created history after they defeated the hapless Sydney Roosters, who for the second week running, faded out in the half of football that matters most.
While Roosters coach Brad Fittler contemplates what could have been against the Manly Sea Eagles next week, the Warriors are powering on with a belief that is stronger then one ever experienced in the NRL, let alone across the Tasman.
Against the Roosters, the Warriors experienced some edgy moments but throughout the eighty minute contest they outclassed, out muscled and outplayed their opponents to eventually run out handsome 30-13 victors.
The Warriors march on to the Preliminary final at the SFS, walking a tightrope to success that many thought was not possible.
But in a crazy couple of weeks, they have managed to defeat defending Premiers Melbourne and destroy the Roosters- a team New Zealand lost to at Mt Smart earlier this year by 38-12.
But when it comes to the Warriors, stats once again don’t prove anything and their willingness to throw caution to the wind is paying dividends not just for them, but for fans of the NRL.
Gone are the days when Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei dropped countless amounts of footy in his own in goal.
Gone are the days when the Warriors lacked any muscle in defence, seemingly leaking points at will earlier this season.
At present, the Warriors are currently the best team in the NRL. A side that finished the year in eighth position has the inside running on the 2008 Premiership.
Vatuvei has become the most destructive winger in rugby league in the space of a fortnight while Michael Witt and Nathan Fien have developed the aura of composure in a side that loves to entertain fans of all ages.
Indeed, New Zealand’s defence has improved tenfold which was evident when they withstood Roosters pressure consistently in the first half.
And although a penalty try to Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello nearly ruined the Warriors cause for celebration, the home side stood firm in the face of adversity and continued nullifying all points of the Roosters attack.
Even though Sydney led 13-6 at halftime, the Warriors had far more will than the men from Bondi could handle.
Warriors fullback Lance Hohaia was superb at the back while Ian Henderson played his best game against his former club. His efforts were rewarded with a try that put the Warriors in front early in the second half.
And from there 25,000 parochial New Zealanders marched alongside their Warriors on the pitch and delivered the killer blow when ‘the beast’ Vatuvei scored in the corner.
After that, the Roosters gave up, as they have often in season 2008. They have improved this year compared to their past three seasons but they still have much to garner in order to become real Premiership material.
The Warriors on the other hand are building. Building towards something that was deemed unimaginable early last week.
Now, only the Manly Sea Eagles stand in their way for the right to be champion in league’s centenary year - an honour the Warriors now deserve more than ever.
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