Warriors v Tigers player ratings: Veterans struggle to stamp mark in first defeat of NRL season
The Warriors fell to their first defeat of the NRL season against the Wests Tigers on Friday. Photo / Photosport
Ben Francis rates the Warriors’ performance in their 32-14 defeat to the Wests Tigers in Auckland, their first loss of the NRL season.
21. Taine Tuaupiki – 6
Was his busy self all over the park but didn’t finish the game because of cramp. Combined well with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for the latter to score a try. Overall probably needs to show more on attack to retain the No 1 jersey, so it will be interesting to see if Warriors coach Andrew Webster keeps him at fullback or reverts to Nicoll-Klokstad next week.
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 3
A very disappointing evening overall with many nearly-moments that could have changed the complexion of the match, including dropping an intercept and also the ball over the line after doing all the hard work catching it in the air.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 5
Scored two tries at centre, but struggled defensively on the edge. Switched back to fullback to end the game where he got one of his tries and overall looked more at home. Was limited to eight runs, but made four tackle breaks, although the Warriors probably lacked some of his spark from the back.
3. Adam Pompey – 2
His first half sin bin will probably go down as the dumbest of the year, but luckily the Warriors didn’t concede any points while he was off the field. However, his poor defence did lead to the Tigers scoring their opening try and he never really recovered.
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – 4
Topped the run count for the Warriors with 186m, but otherwise was well contained and outplayed by his opposite Faaletino Tavana. Had announced earlier in the day that he was leaving at the end of the year and you do wonder if that was on his mind during the contest.
6. Luke Metcalf – 4
Generally quiet in his first match, as you’d expect coming back from an ACL injury, but worked his way into the contest as it progressed. Will be disappointed overall with his efforts but pleased to be back on the field.
7. Tanah Boyd – 7
Was brilliant in the first half, bar one kick, and had a decent night. Claimed two try assists and took hold of most of the in-field kicking. However, he did miss two conversions. Having three halves partners in four weeks is never easy, so here is to some stability in the coming weeks.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 8
Was probably the best on the field for the Warriors. Brought plenty of intensity in his first stint, getting involved with everything and trying to set the tone, including a big hit that won his side a turnover, but they couldn’t capitalise.
9. Wayde Egan – 5
Only had two runs and ideally you want more from your hooker, but he just didn’t get the space. Made 31 tackles in another strong defensive night.
10. Jackson Ford – 6
Didn’t have the same impact as the past games this season, although he did claim a team-high 45 tackles. Had a couple of errors, which he will be disappointed with.
11. Leka Halasima – 4
The Tigers did an excellent job containing him and the 20-year-old didn’t have the same impact we’d seen in previous games this season. Had seven missed tackles.
12. Jacob Laban – 7
Is looking more like a true starting edge forward the more minutes he plays and he was rewarded with a try. Ran for 112m and made 26 tackles, but will be disappointed with the five misses.
13. Erin Clark – 5
Similar to Halasima, the Tigers did a great job limiting his impact, so his full skill set wasn’t on display in what was probably one of his more disappointing displays since returning to the Warriors.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 3
Came on for the last 20 minutes but the Warriors weren’t getting the same go-forward and his ability to run the ball was limited.
15. Mitch Barnett – 4
More minutes under the belt in his second game back from an ACL injury, but didn’t have the same impact as last week against the Knights, which was highlighted by a couple of errors.
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 6
Another decent showing off the bench that featured 101m with the ball and 36 tackles.
18. Marata Niukore – 4
Thought the Warriors would have brought him on earlier to bring some energy after his efforts last week, but that seems like a distant memory after another disappointing display.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.