League: Warriors' playoff hopes suffer big setback

The New Zealand Warriors' playoff hopes suffered a huge setback today when they lost a thrilling see-saw contest against National Rugby League (NRL) premiers the Bulldogs 26-24 here today.

Five-eighth Braith Anasta grabbed a hat-trick of tries for the visitors, who held out a torrid late series of attacks from the Warriors to boost their own chances of making the playoffs.

Anasta's first try on eight minutes was set-up by a piece of clever play by Hazem El Masri.

The winger broke down the right hand side touchline before kicking into space infield and Anasta was first to the ball to dot down by the posts.

The Warriors struck back through second rower Wairangi Koopu midway through the half.

Halfback Stacey Jones' big cut-out pass found Koopu, who went past three defenders for his seventh try of the season.

Jones, showing some of his dangerous attacking form of old, then produced a superb break before throwing a well-timed pass to give winger Francis Meli a clear passage to the corner.

But the home side's midfield defence went to sleep just before halftime, and Anasta strolled through a big hole for his second try. El Masri's second conversion tied the scores at 12-12.

Anasta completed his hat-trick early in the second half thanks to a break by centre Reni Maitua, who stood up Meli.

But Meli made amends minutes later when he burst through a gap to send second rower Sione Faumuina away.

Fauimuina could have scored but slipped the ball to Jones who went over by the posts to bring up his 600th point in the NRL.

Jones' third conversion levelled the contest at 18-18.

The Bulldogs hit the front again with 15 minutes to go when a misunderstanding between Faumuina and replacement centre Simon Mannering led to a penalty for shepherding.

El Masri coolly slotted his attempt from 40m out.

El Masri then produce another astute tactical kick that led to a try for substitute Dallas McIlwain, which El Masri converted.

But with four minutes to go, winger Todd Byrne latched on to a Jones banana kick for his 13th try in his last 13 matches. Jones' conversion made it a two-point ball game.

Despite feverish support from the 12,822 crowd, the Warriors could not close the gap, although Faumuina went close with seconds to go when he was held up over the line.

The Bulldogs made two late changes to their 17.

Kangaroo forward Willie Mason was included on the bench for his first appearance of the season after a foot injury, while Maitua returned from an ankle problem to start at centre.

Mason was introduced midway through the first half and he was well watched by the Warriors' defence.


Bulldogs 26 (Braith Anasta 3, Dallas McIlwain tries; Hazem El Masri 5 goals)


Warriors 24 (Wairangi Koopu, Francis Meli, Stacey Jones, Todd Byrne tries; Jones 4 goals).


Halftime: 12-12.


- NZPA