The Warriors are building significant momentum in the NRL after their dominant 42-12 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys, marking their third consecutive win.
In a seven-try performance in Townsville, fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and centre Rocco Berry each scored two tries, putting an end to the Cowboys’ three-game winning streak. Despite North Queensland’s reputation as a tough venue, the Warriors seized control early against opponents possibly fatigued from having several players participate in the midweek State of Origin match.
The Warriors, on the other hand, were coming off a bye and benefited from the return of several previously injured players. This advantage was evident in the first 20 minutes as they quickly scored three tries, starting with an impressive opener by Nicoll-Klokstad. The energetic fullback also capped the game with a spectacular final try, assisted by winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who skillfully batted the ball back into the in-goal area after it had bounced over the dead ball line.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster expressed his satisfaction with his team’s decisive approach. “We came here with plenty of confidence. We knew if we did what we wanted to do, we would get what we wanted,” he said. “The boys were great. I thought they were really disciplined and smart. I just loved how ruthless we were early.”
In contrast, Cowboys coach Todd Payten, a former Warriors head coach, acknowledged his team’s sluggish start. “I just thought our energy was down, to be fair. We started poorly,” he admitted. “We gave the opposition too many opportunities in our own end. I think it was 40-odd plays inside our 20 that we gave the Warriors, and we made 80 or 90 more tackles across the game.”
This victory propels the Warriors past the Cowboys in the standings, moving them to 10th place as they prepare for a home match next week against the Melbourne Storm.
