The New Zealand Warriors kicked off their 2025 Preseaon Challange with a shaky 12-12 draw against the Cronulla Sharks in Sydney, struggling to find rhythm in a match marked by errors and injuries.
An early try from Sharks prop Tom Hazelton put the Warriors on the back foot, but fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad responded after a slick offload from Demetric Vaimaunga.
Replacement winger Taine Tuaupiki gave the Warriors a brief lead after halftime, only for Hohepa Puru’s converted try to bring the Sharks level in the closing moments.
The Warriors also suffered a setback with veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak leaving the field with a wrist injury.
They now turn their focus to a pre-season clash against the Melbourne Storm in Hamilton before opening their NRL campaign against the Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas on March 9.
