The NZ Warriors have powered home in the second half to defeat the Parramatta Eels 36-14 in Sydney, with flying winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira continuing his red-hot form.
Khan-Pereira crossed for a double for the third straight match, playing a key role as the Warriors pulled away late after a tense contest.
The visitors led 16-6 at halftime but were made to work for the result, with Parramatta clawing their way back into the game. The Eels narrowed the margin to 18-14 midway through the second half, threatening to turn the momentum.
Former Warrior Ronald Volkman was central to Parramatta’s fightback, scoring twice and applying constant pressure against his old side. However, a costly intercept pass in attack proved decisive, leading to a breakaway that ended with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck sealing the result.
Both sides traded early blows, with the Warriors slow out of the blocks in each half. Parramatta struck first through Volkman, while a spectacular effort from Brian Kelly set up a try for Will Penisini to keep the hosts within reach.
Despite the Eels’ resurgence, Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd kept the scoreboard ticking, while the late introduction of Erin Clark added energy and impact as the visitors shifted into another gear.
The Warriors finished strongly, running in three unanswered converted tries to close out the match in emphatic fashion.
The win lifts the Warriors level with the Penrith Panthers at the top of the NRL table, sitting just behind on points differential. With a bye to come next week, the side will bank valuable competition points as they continue their push at the top of the standings.
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