Ed Kosi try, Warriors v Cowboys. Photo: NRL Photos / Photosport
Halfback Luke Metcalf has scored two tries, but proven a matchwinner on defence, as the NZ Warriors held off North Queensland Cowboys 30-26 at the NRL Magic Round in Brisbane.
Ahead by 18 points midway through the second half, the Warriors - playing a home fixture away from Mt Smart - had to withstand a ferocious comeback from their opponents, who scored three tries in the space of seven minutes.
After a first-half try brace, Metcalf made the crucial play on defence, when Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi appeared to have crossed again in the corner to level the scores. Replays showed Metcalf tackled him across the sideline before he could force the ball.
"We just want to have each other's backs if something goes wrong, regardless of whether it's left edge or right edge or middle," Metcalf said.
"I'd expect the boys to do the same on the other side."
Collectively, the flagging Warriors were somehow able to hold their rivals out for the final 15 minutes, spurred on by a travelling fanbase that invaded Suncorp Stadium and made it their own.
They lost centre Ali Leiataua to injury in the build-up to the game and then lost midfield running mate Rocco Berry during the contest, forcing a reshuffle of the backline that left the right-side defence exposed.
"We knew they would come home strong in the second half," Metcalf said.
"They're such a good team and can score points from anywhere.
"We won it with our attack in the first half, but really won it with our defence. We just showed such resilience and heart to come away with the win, and I'm so proud of the boys."
The result stretched the Warriors' winning run to three games while ending a four-game streak by the Cowboys.
Victory also propels them to the top of the NRL table, level with Canterbury Bulldogs, who are yet to play this weekend. They are guaranteed a top-three spot after this round, with third-placed Melbourne Storm and fourth-placed Canberra Raiders facing off on Sunday.
See how it all unfolded:
Team lists
Cowboys: 1 Scott Drinkwater, 2 Robert Derby, 3 Jaxon Purdue, 4 Viliami Vailea, 5 Murray Taulagi, 6 Tom Dearden, 7 Jake Clifford, 8 Jordan McLean, 9 Reece Robson, 10 Jason Taumalolo, 11 John Bateman, 12 Jeremiah Nanai, 13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange: 14 Sam McIntyre, 15 Harrison Edwards, 16 Griffin Neame, 17 Coen Hess
Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Rocco Berry, 5 Adam Pompey, 23 Ed Kosi, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 Marata Niukore, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Leka Halasima, 13 Erin Clark
Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimagua, 17 Bunty Afoa
