In a thrilling encounter at WIN Stadium on Saturday night, May 10, 2025, the New Zealand Warriors edged past the St George Illawarra Dragons with a nail-biting 15-14 victory, marking their best start to an NRL season in over two decades. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing resilience and skill from both sides.
Early in the game, the Warriors established a commanding 14-0 lead, with Luke Metcalf scoring the opening try in the eighth minute. Demonstrating his strength and agility, Metcalf broke through two defenders to plant the ball down near the posts. Following his try, Metcalf extended the lead with a penalty goal, and Taine Tuaupiki added another try, diving into the corner after a perfectly timed kick from Harris-Tavita.
However, the Dragons, who have struggled throughout the season with only three wins from their first nine games, displayed remarkable determination. As the second half unfolded, they stormed back into contention. Clint Gutherson scored just before the halftime break, giving the Dragons a glimmer of hope as they trailed 14-4 at the break.
In a remarkable turnaround, the Dragons leveled the score at 14-14 within a matter of minutes in the second half. Dylan Egan and Corey Allan each scored tries, igniting the home crowd and shifting momentum firmly in favor of the Dragons. Despite this resurgence, the Warriors remained composed and found a way to edge ahead once more.
With just ten minutes remaining, Metcalf executed a crucial field goal from 25 meters out, catching the Dragons off guard with his deceptive play. Coach Andrew Webster praised Metcalf's awareness, stating, "Luke practices that deception bit, that he looks like he's playing but he knows what he wants to do. It was the right call at the right time." This field goal proved decisive, granting the Warriors a slender one-point lead.
As the game drew to a close, the Dragons had a chance to level the scores again with a field goal attempt from Valentine Holmes. Unfortunately for them, Holmes' kick went wide, and the Warriors held on for victory. The Dragons' coach, Shane Flanagan, expressed his frustration, noting, "It’s the second game this year we have scored more tries than the opposition and haven’t won the footy game, and that really hurts. The effort is there; they are trying hard. Execution I can question, but not effort."
This win propels the Warriors to a 7-2 record for the season, placing them second on the NRL ladder for the first time since 2002. Metcalf's performance, although not flawless, was instrumental in securing the win, as he contributed not only with his try and field goal but also by kicking three from four attempts off the tee.
The match was particularly significant, being the 150th NRL match held at WIN Stadium, and it showcased the dedication of both teams. Loko Pasifiki Tonga made his debut for the Dragons, while Luciano Leilua celebrated his 150th game, running for 105 meters and contributing to the team’s efforts.
Despite their loss, the Dragons demonstrated their potential to compete, especially in the second half, where they capitalized on the Warriors' mistakes. However, their inability to convert opportunities into points ultimately cost them the game. This match stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of rugby league, where fortunes can shift dramatically in a matter of minutes.
As the season progresses, the Warriors will look to build on this momentum, while the Dragons will need to regroup and find ways to finish games stronger. The thrilling nature of this contest exemplifies the excitement of the NRL, and fans can expect more intense matchups as the season unfolds.
