The NZ Warriors’ NRL title hopes have ended in a gut-wrenching 12-10 playoff loss to the Newcastle Knights before a record 48,511 home crowd at a sold-out Eden Park.
Despite dominating much of the contest and Leka Halasima scoring twice on his return from injury, the Warriors could not convert their opportunities into victory, while two contentious late bunker decisions against them drew furious boos from the crowd. Newcastle capitalised on costly Warriors errors through tries to Fletcher Sharpe and Dom Young, then survived a frantic late assault to secure a preliminary final against Penrith.
The defeat brought an abrupt end to a record-breaking Warriors campaign for wins, points and attendances, while co-captain Mitch Barnett played his final match for the club before joining Brisbane next season.
Stop blaming the ref had your chances did not take them take it on the chin and shut up.