While, arguably, the results of pre-season matches do not matter, it is always nice to get a win in the bag early.
And win the Warriors did against the Melbourne Storm at Rotorua International Stadium today, overcoming a slow start to outscore their opponents 20-14.
Despite fielding a side lacking in NRL experience, the Melbourne Storm had a couple of famous names playing in the halves - Billy Walters, son of Queensland legend Kevin Walters, and Cooper Johns, son of New South Wales legend and Rugby League Immortal Andrew Johns.
![Warriors players, including Rotorua's Hayze Perham, celebrate after a try. Photo/Ben Fraser](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LZCSQ6NCGLNBVNJXC2AKRIFIUA.jpg?auth=9f8beaf72daaa1600ed329967a5a4c09da3746e2097126a2311c1b4e5e57fbb0&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)
Three minutes into the game it was Walters who sparked the first breakaway. He broke through a disorganised Warriors defensive line near halfway and found centre Justin Olam in support. He drew the last defender and put his winger Matt Sopa-Lawler over in the corner.