Warriors book NRL preliminary final against Broncos

New Zealand Warriors have booked an NRL preliminary final showdown against Brisbane Broncos, after thrashing Newcastle 40-10 in an ominous display.

But the Warriors will have to lift another gear to trouble the impressive Broncos, with bookmakers pricing the Kiwi team at $3.70 to win. With the Broncos as short as $1.28 to reach the grand final.

From the moment the Warriors set foot on Go Media Stadium, there was an unmistakable electricity in the air. With a rapid 16-0 lead in the opening 12 minutes, courtesy of tries by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Marcelo Montoya, the stage was set.

Considering the sacrifices the Warriors made amidst the COVID pandemic, Saturday’s win was more than just a game – it was a long-awaited emotional homecoming. The 2020 season, which was in hte midst of the lockdown restrictions, saw them receiving slight leniency with permitted activities, but their home fans were deprived of live games.

Shaun Johnson, the team’s no.1 man, entered the game nursing a calf injury but delivered a noteworthy performance. Following the game, he shared a touching sentiment with the Matty Johns Show, revealing that even opponents from the Knights were rooting for them.

“A couple of the Knights boys… were coming up to us and saying on the quiet, ‘Up the Wahs’,” Johnson said.

“To get this last home game here, and to say ‘thank you’ to our fans and the way we played tonight, it’s really special.”

For the Warriors, led by impressive first-year coach Andrew Webster, the challenge escalates as they confront the formidable Broncos. Webster remains optimistic, emphasising the importance of sticking to what got them this far. After their impressive 16 wins this season, he urged the team to remain themselves and not get consumed by the occasion.

However, there’s no dismissing the intimidating presence of the Broncos, especially with the likes of Adam Reynolds leading their play. The earlier season meeting between the two teams had seen the Broncos edge out a 26-22 win, even in the absence of their State of Origin stars.

Despite the triumph, the Knights remain determined, believing in their potential to reach the pinnacle in the coming years.

“It’s hard at the moment because we’ve set high standards… that wouldn’t mean progress for the club,” Knights coach Adam O’Brien said.

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