The Warriors’ 2024 season didn’t kick off as fans hoped, with a defeat in their first game at Mount Smart Stadium.
The crowd was full of energy, expecting a win, but saw the Sharks narrowly beat the Warriors 16-12. Despite leading in the first half, the Warriors couldn’t score in the second half, making it a tough loss to accept for the team and their supporters.
Captain Tohu Harris expressed his disappointment, especially after the build-up and anticipation surrounding the game. Shaun Johnson’s performance was a highlight, showcasing his skill with the boot, but the team’s overall handling of the ball let them down, leading to too many mistakes.
The game was intense from the start, with the Warriors gaining an early advantage thanks to a penalty from a high tackle on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak by Braydon Trindall. This early momentum helped the Warriors score first, with Addin Fonua-Blake powering through the Sharks’ defense.
The Warriors extended their lead with a brilliant individual effort from Luke Metcalf, who weaved through the Sharks’ defense to score. However, despite these early successes and continuous pressure on the Sharks, the Warriors couldn’t maintain their lead.
The Sharks made a comeback, with Jesse Ramien scoring before the half-time break, and continued their momentum into the second half. A mistake by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck early in the second half allowed the Sharks to score again, evening the score.
Despite some strong defensive moments from the Warriors, they couldn’t regain their lead, and the game ended in disappointment for the home team and their fans, marking a challenging start to their 2024 season.
