KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - The New Zealand Warriors lost their final National Rugby League (NRL) trial match 16-24 to last year's beaten finalists Manly at a wet Sunshine Coast last night.
The Warriors led 12-10 at halftime but a hat-trick from Manly winger Michael Bani helped sink the visitors.
Halves Grant Rovelli and Michael Witt scored the Warriors' first half tries, both converted by Witt.
Bani scored a first half double, and his third early in the second half saw Manly hit the lead 14-12.
Former Newcastle prop Josh Perry and former Parramatta junior David Williams then crossed for Manly to seal the victory before a consolation Warriors try to winger Malo Solomona.
Warriors centre Brent Tate, their major off-season buy from the Broncos, made an impressive return from a long lay-off following knee surgery.
The Warriors open their NRL season with an away game against defending champions Melbourne Storm on March 17.
Scorers
Manly 24 (Michael Bani 3, Josh Perry, David Williams tries; Jamie Lyon 2 goals) Warriors 16 (Grant Rovelli, Michael Witt, Malo Solomona tries; Witt 2 goals). Halftime: 10-12.
- NZPA
