League: Controversial try brings defeat for Warriors

Warriors Richard Villasanti is tackled by Rooster Jason Cayless (L) and Iosia Soliola. Picture / Fotopress

The Warriors lost their third close NRL match in a row when they went down 6-10 this afternoon to the Sydney Roosters, who scored a questionable winning try.

The contest was a willing one before 10,000 spectators at Ericsson Stadium on a wet, misty Auckland afternoon.  

The physical exchanges were highlighted by a massive hit by Roosters enforcer Adrian Morley on opposition forward Awen Guttenbeil midway through the opening spell.  

The Roosters were first on the board after six minutes when halfback Brett Finch's cross kick was gathered in by winger Joel Monaghan for a try converted by Craig Fitzgibbon.  

The Warriors hit back four minutes later, in a move featuring makeshift five-eighth Sione Faumuina, who provided plenty of spark on attack with his ball skills.  

Halfback Stacey Jones' cross kick was tapped back by winger Manu Vatuvei for former Rooster Todd Byrne to score and extend an impressive personal run. Byrne has now grabbed a try in each of the seven matches.  

From there, the Warriors started to get the upper hand in territory and in the penalty count, which was 6-0 in their favour before the Roosters got their first penalty late in the first half.  

But strong defence kept them out as both prop Ruben Wiki and winger Francis Meli went close, before Meli crossed, only to be called back for an earlier knock-on.  

Lance Hohaia drew the Warriors level 6-6 early in the second half with a penalty, before the Roosters went back in front minutes later with a controversial try.  

Referee Shayne Hayne ruled that Warriors fullback Brent Webb had knocked on under his posts when it appeared Webb, who produced solid display in defence, had not touched the ball.  

From the ensuing possession, the Roosters worked the ball to centre Iosia Soliola, who forced his way over.  

The Roosters finished the stronger and went close on the several occasions but could not add to their score.  

Sydney Roosters 10 (Joel Monaghan, Iosia Soliola tries; Craig Fitzgibbon goal)
New Zealand Warriors 6 (Todd Byrne try; Lance Hohaia goal).
Halftime: 6-4.

Referee: Shayne Hayne.

Crowd: 10,082.

- NZPA