Underdogs show they are back in form with thrilling win over Manly Sea Eagles.
The New Zealand Warriors hung on for a morale-boosting two-point victory over NRL heavyweights the Manly Sea Eagles at Mount Smart Stadium
After looking a shadow of their former selves for much of the season, the Warriors are set to make a charge up the ladder in the second half of the season, if their play in the 18-16 victory is anything to go by.
The home side overcame a 12-point deficit to earn the win, their third in a row and their fifth of the season, with the current streak in stark contrast with their record 62-6 thumping at the hands of Penrith in round 10.
New Zealand began their comeback effort when Elijah Taylor stretched out to score before and a clever interplay between Thomas Leuluai and Feleti Mateo put Glen Fisiiahi in a few minutes later.
Shaun Johnson converted both to make the scores level at half-time.
In a tight second half, the Warriors took until the 67th minute to break the deadlock when centre Konrad Hurrell powered his way across the line to make it 18-12, with Johnson’s conversion proving vital.
David Williams appeared to cross for Manly off a grubber before the try was disallowed by the video referee due to a knock on;
But Steve Matai then crossed in the corner for Manly to bring the score to 18-16, but Jamie Lyon fluffed the conversion attempt from the sideline, denying the Sea Eagles a shot at golden point.
The Warriors will be looking to keep up their momentum when they tackle the high-flying Sydney Roosters in round 14 next weekend.
While Manly will be keen to consolidate their place in the top four when face the Canterbury Bulldogs, in what is shaping up as one of the games of the round.
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