New Zealand Warriors current Injury Report: This is not good

Something is always wrong with the Warriors.

Coach Nathan Brown stated that the team’s inability to play as a cohesive unit during their current five-game losing streak was a constant problem prior to their match against the Penrith Panthers in Brisbane on Sunday.

The game on Sunday was no exception.

Tohu Harris (knee), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (failed head injury assessment), and Wayde Egan (shoulder) were all ruled out of the game within the first 20 minutes, leaving the Warriors with a one-man bench. Due to a hamstring injury, center Rocco Berry was also forced to leave the game by halftime, leaving their bench empty.

With fewer players, the Warriors were unable to keep up with the Panthers in the second half, and their performance was not well-received as they lost 30–16 in the end.

The Warriors were behind after just two minutes when Viliame Kikau, a second rower for Penrith, charged down on a Chad Townsend clearance kick and used a friendly bounce to streak across the try line unharmed.

After Egan and prop Matt Lodge executed a beautiful inside-outside play, the Warriors recovered to take a 6-4 lead in the first ten minutes thanks to Reece Walsh’s conversion.

But that was the point at which the Warriors’ fortunes began to deteriorate. After receiving two consecutive leg knocks, Harris exited the field, and Tuivasa-Sheck was knocked out shortly after while making a tackle.

The Panthers took the lead again, and although Berry was countered by the Warriors before he was forced off the field, signs of exhaustion were already apparent.

The Warriors gave it their all in the second half, even though it was evident that they were wearing thin. Their defense also performed admirably, making multiple tackles that prevented several tries.

But the Panthers were patient, and they took advantage of the openings as soon as they appeared. Due to gaps in the Warriors’ defense, winger Charlie Staines scored two goals in the second half. Liam Martin, a second row player, also scored despite missing out on Wednesday’s game against New South Wales.