Warriors edge Tigers in thriller after Halasima stunner

A stunning solo try from Leka Halasima and an ice-cool penalty goal from Luke Metcalf sealed a dramatic 26-24 win for the Warriors over Wests Tigers in Campbelltown on Sunday night.

The New Zealand side overcame a gutsy, injury-hit Tigers outfit and a 24-18 deficit late in the second half to snatch victory as the $2.35 underdogs with the top online bookmakers and now move to 3-1 for the season ahead of their Round 5 bye.

“It was probably our best and worst performance rolled into one,” Warriors coach Andrew Webster said.

“But we found a way to win, and I’m really proud of the boys for that.”

NRL Round 4 highlights: Warriors v Tigers

With momentum swinging wildly in wet conditions, the Tigers looked set to secure a third win under Benji Marshall when Solomona Faataape and Latu Fainu scored back-to-back tries early in the second half.

But with 10 minutes remaining, Halasima — playing just his second NRL game — exploded down the right sideline, bumping off two defenders and sprinting 70 metres to level the scores.

Moments later, a high shot from Alex Seyfarth on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad handed Metcalf a pressure penalty shot into a strong wind — which he nailed from 35 metres out.

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“I loved how he stood up and wanted that moment,” Webster said of Metcalf.

“He smashed it. That’s the sign of someone who wants to be an elite seven.”

The Warriors’ outside backs dominated the yardage battle, led by Nicoll-Klokstad (238m) and Ed Kosi (207m), while Erin Clark and Jackson Ford provided punch through the middle.

Halasima finished with 122m and three tackle busts off the bench, earning praise from Webster as a “special kid” with a big future.

Earlier, Adam Pompey opened the scoring for the Warriors in the fifth minute, only for Fonua Pole — who finished with 182m and a try — to crash over in reply.

Marata Niukore’s determined effort edged the Warriors back in front, but a 70-metre effort from Starford To’a, following a Seyfarth line break, sent the teams to the sheds locked at 12-12.

Despite losing Adam Doueihi pre-game (groin) and Samuela Fainu during the first half (leg), the Tigers kept fighting, but let several chances slip.

Terrell May dropped the ball over the line with 20 minutes to go, and Jahream Bula had a try ruled out due to obstruction.

“We had to dig really deep,” Marshall said.

“I’m proud of the effort, but there’s frustration too — especially with some decisions.”

Jarome Luai was placed on report for a high tackle on Kosi, while Seyfarth’s late contact proved costly.

The Tigers now face the Broncos next Saturday in Brisbane, with the top NRL betting sites offering a staggering $4.35 for them to win.

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