The Warriors have surged to the top of the NRL ladder after overpowering South Sydney 26-45 at Accor Stadium, producing their biggest points haul of the season despite fielding their sixth different halves combination.
Andrew Webster’s side raced to a commanding 26-8 halftime advantage before the Rabbitohs fought back to within six points, but late tries to Jacob Laban and Alofiana Khan-Pereira restored control.
Chanel Harris-Tavita impressed at halfback, Wayde Egan orchestrated the attack from dummy half, while Taine Tuaupiki was flawless with the boot.
With the Warriors needing a 19-point winning margin to overtake Penrith, rookie Luke Hanson landed a field goal with seconds remaining to secure exactly that advantage and send the Auckland club into first place. The only significant setback was a shoulder injury suffered by winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
