A historic night at Go Media Stadium
The Warriors have officially etched their name into the club’s history books after a hard-fought 31-30 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday. The win marks the Auckland-based side’s 18th of the 2026 NRL season, surpassing the previous record of 17 wins set by the 2002 grand finalists. The result keeps the Warriors at the top of the NRL ladder, though their hopes of a minor premiership depend on the outcome of the West Tigers-Penrith match.
The turning points
The contest was a seesaw affair that tested the resolve of both sides. Manly signaled their intent early, establishing a 12-4 lead through aggressive play and pace on the edges. However, the Warriors responded before halftime, with Te Maire Martin orchestrating a comeback that saw the hosts score three unanswered tries. Martin’s vision proved vital, as he set up fullback Taine Tuaupiki for a brilliant hat-trick, cementing the fullback’s strong form.
This report draws on information published by nzherald.co.nz and nzherald.co.nz.
The second half saw the momentum shift back to the visitors. Tom Trbojevic spearheaded a Manly resurgence, leveling the score and eventually taking a 30-24 lead with 15 minutes remaining. The game reached its climax in the final stages; after a Manly try was disallowed due to a bunker intervention, Tuaupiki broke through the defensive line for his third try. A 77th-minute field goal from Chanel Harris-Tavita ultimately secured the one-point victory.
Defensive challenges and future outlook
While head coach Andrew Webster will celebrate the grit shown by his side, he noted concerns regarding the defensive effort. The Warriors appeared vulnerable on both edges throughout the match, leaking five tries to a dangerous Manly attack. Despite the defensive lapses, the successful return of halves Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita from injury provided a significant boost as the team heads into the finals. With this win, the Warriors have proven their ability to grind out results under high-pressure conditions, a crucial trait for the upcoming post-season challenges.