Warriors v Dragons player ratings: Flying wingers continue to shine in six-game win streak
Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored two tries for the Warriors in the win over the Dragons. Photo / Photosport
Ben Francis rates the New Zealand Warriors’ performance in their 30-12 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Taine Tuaupiki - 7
Another assured display at the back. Despite the challenging conditions, he was a safe pair of hands throughout and consistently got his side on the front foot. Finished with a game-high 204m, seven tackle breaks and a try assist for good measure.
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 8
Memories of last year’s disappointing campaign are long forgotten as the flying winger continued his superb start to the season. He produced 21 strong carries, scored a brace, and now has 14 tries for the year. Safe to say he is well on track to break his own club record for most tries in a season, after scoring 24 in 2023. He also equalled the club record for most consecutive games scoring a try with seven.
3. Ali Leiataua - 5
Showed some nice touches with ball in hand, although he was forced to come infield for much of his work.
23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 2
His comeback from a shoulder injury lasted just 11 minutes before he was forced off with a knee injury and will undergo scans, an ominous sign for the Warriors. With the side on the back foot early, he never really had the chance to showcase his best.
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 8
After a disappointing performance last week, the blistering winger bounced back in outstanding fashion. He made several strong carries out of the backfield, while fans were treated to his trademark speed, highlighted by a stunning solo run in which he beat six defenders to score. He now has four braces in his last five games.
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 6
Celebrated his new contract extension with a controlled performance. He claimed his sixth try assist of the season, although he endured an off night from the kicking tee, which prevented the scoreline from looking even more comprehensive.
7. Te Maire Martin - 7
Another decent showing at halfback, where he did a solid job steering the team around the field, although his general play kicking was a little inconsistent at times. He still managed to claim a brace through some elusive running. Will be interesting to see if he retains the No 7 jersey moving forward.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 8
The skipper was immense in his 60 minutes on the field, and there was a noticeable drop-off when he went to the bench. He ran for 166m, including 70 post-contact metres, while also making 46 tackles.
9. Wayde Egan – 6
The conditions made it difficult for the crafty hooker to showcase his full attacking game, but it was still a very strong performance overall. He made 35 tackles and recorded a try assist.
10. Jackson Ford - 8
After missing out on New South Wales selection for State of Origin, Ford sent a strong reminder to Blues coach Laurie Daley of why he deserved consideration, despite spending most of the time on the edge. He finished with 167m and a team-high 46 tackles, but it was his effort in the little areas that stood out most, including his relentless work on kick chase.
11. Leka Halasima – 5
Was forced to spend most of the game in the centres after the injury to Tuivasa-Sheck and more than held his own.
12. Jacob Laban - 6
Back in the starting side, he made an early error that cost the Warriors momentum, but responded well with a series of powerful carries.
13. Erin Clark – 7
Another big stint from the lock, who finished with 151m with the ball and 45 tackles.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 5
A bigger stint than usual and brought plenty of speed from the ruck.
15. Tanner Stowers-Smith - 7
Playing his first game since the win over the Storm, he didn’t miss a beat with the energy and impact he brought through his carries off the bench.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 4
Came on and provided plenty of power, although he struggled with the conditions, as shown by his three errors.
17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava - 3
A disappointing outing in his second NRL appearance of the season, with a head knock from friendly fire ruling him out of the match. He managed just one run and 12 tackles in his 17 minutes on the field.
Unused interchange players: Luke Hanson and Kayliss Fatialofa.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.