Legend’s high praise for coach as Warriors star delivers

Shaun Johnson’s season has gone from brilliant to unbelievable after the star’s golden point field goal delivered the Warriors a 21-20 win over the Raiders.

The halfback has now propelled himself into Dally M medal contention after sitting in 10th when voting went behind closed doors in round 12.

Heading into Friday night’s game in Auckland, the Raiders sat one spot above the Warriors in fourth, however the latter has now leapt ahead of them into third, with the Storm still yet to play this round.

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It was an incredible turnaround by the Raiders that put the game into golden point, after trailing 20-10 with two minutes left.

Elliott Whitehead went over in a clever play before Jack Wighton levelled it on full-time.

Jarrod Croker couldn’t convert the try, sending the game into extra-time.

A costly long kick from Jamal Fogarty in the first set gave the Warriors a 20m restart before they marched their way into attacking territory before Johnson slotted the field goal.

After finishing 14th last year, the Warriors have turned around their season and now sit as a premiership threat.

Rugby league legend Paul Vautin gave all the praise to the club’s new coach during Nine’s coverage of the Broncos v Rabbitohs. 

“Andrew Webster, he’s just turned that whole joint around, well done to him,” Vautin said.

Niukore gets it done

Warriors second-rower Marata Niukore gave his side a strong start when he pushed through a hole in the opening exchanges.

Hudson Young levelled it up with a runaway try off the back of a Warriors error in the 18th minute.

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After a penalty goal moments later, the Warriors went into half-time with a 14-6 lead thanks to former Raider Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scoring right on the break.

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Prolific try-scorer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was first to go over after half-time, and by the 56th minute the Warriors led 20-6 thanks to a penalty goal.

Raiders winger Jordan Rapana gave his side a chance when he went over in the 63rd minute.

The try-fest then began later in the game before Johnson’s winner sealed victory. 

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