Warriors Secure Thrilling 20-15 Victory Over Knights Thanks to Halasima

The NZ Warriors achieved a dramatic 20-15 victory over the Newcastle Knights on March 15, 2025, showcasing their resilience as they fought back from a challenging first half. After conceding three tries, the Warriors turned the tide in the second half, culminating in a remarkable play by young star Leka Halasima that sealed the win in the dying seconds.

The match began with the Warriors struggling defensively, allowing the Knights to establish a 15-6 lead at halftime. However, the second half saw the Warriors regroup, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. A crucial moment occurred in the closing seconds when Boyd attempted a field goal, only for it to be charged down. Halasima capitalized on the loose ball, sprinting 40 metres to the try line, securing the victory for his team and marking a standout moment in his breakout season.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster praised the team’s fighting spirit, stating, “I liked the way we kept fighting… We just came up with a freakish play from a young guy that’s got heaps of talent.” This victory continues a trend for the Warriors, who have repeatedly managed to snatch wins from the brink of defeat throughout the season.

In his second game replacing Luke Metcalf, who is sidelined for the season due to a knee injury, Boyd had a mixed performance. He successfully converted all three tries and added a penalty, but struggled with his field-goal attempts late in the game. Webster noted, “He just wanted to keep having a crack at it… He’s just going to improve every week.”

One of the standout players of the match, Halasima has quickly become a key figure for the Warriors. His impressive performances have led to eight tries this season, tying him with Metcalf for the team lead. Co-captain Mitch Barnett described Halasima as a “freak,” highlighting the impact he has had on the team.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Halasima also made a vital trysaving tackle against Knights centre Fletcher Hunt during the first half, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile player. Webster commended Halasima’s defensive work, saying, “He’s his toughest critic around his defence and he works really hard at it.”

The match also featured some controversial decisions that impacted the Warriors’ scoring opportunities. Early in the game, a try by hooker Wayde Egan was disallowed due to a double movement, a call that Webster contested, arguing Egan’s elbow remained on the ground. Another contentious moment occurred when Knights winger Greg Marzhew was allowed to offload from the ground to Dane Gagai for a try, which Webster felt was questionable.

In terms of injuries, Kurt Capewell, who returned from Origin duty, suffered a knee injury just before halftime and finished the game on the bench. His status for the next match remains uncertain, while teammate Taine Tuaupiki left the field for a head check but later returned.

With this victory, the Warriors are now positioned with 12 wins from 17 games, placing them fourth on the NRL table. They trail the Canberra Raiders by four points and have a comfortable gap over the Brisbane Broncos. More notably, they are eight points ahead of the ninth-placed Dolphins, increasing their chances for a postseason berth.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Gold Coast Titans next Saturday. The Titans, currently at the bottom of the table, pose a potential challenge for the Warriors, who must remain focused to avoid a repeat of their previous season’s losses against this rival. The match is critical as the Warriors continue to push toward securing their playoff position, a scenario that fans are eagerly anticipating, contrasting with previous seasons where hopes were often dashed.

This victory not only reinforces the Warriors’ current standing but also builds momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. The team will look to maintain their winning form and continue to enhance their playoff prospects.