NRL: Warriors should expect the unexpected

One thing is guaranteed when the Warriors meet the Storm - expect the unexpected. Photo / Getty Images.

One thing is guaranteed when the Warriors meet the Storm - expect the unexpected.
Despite often being at opposite ends of the NRL table, the two sides have played out since enthralling clashes over the years.

Ahead of tonight's match at AAMI park, we look back at some of their most memorable encounters.

2013 Round 20:
Warriors 30
Storm 22

The high point of Matt Elliott's reign. The Warriors prevailed in a classic afternoon battle, with Kevin Locke leaping like a salmon to claim the match sealing try. It was their seventh win in eight games but three straight defeats after this match killed their finals hopes.

2011 Preliminary Final:
Warriors 20
Storm 12

The best 80 minute display in Warriors' history. The Auckland matched the Storm at their own game in a territorial tussle and defended brilliantly, not conceding a point in the second half. A 77th minute try to Lewis Brown sealed the match, set up by Shaun Johnson who beat three defenders with repeated dummies and a burst of pace.
2008 Qualifying Final:

Warriors 18
Storm 15

A day when NRL logic was turned upside down. It was the first time the eighth-placed qualifiers had beaten the minor premiers, achieved in spectacular fashion via a long range try in the 78th minute. Michael Witt nearly blew it with his grandstanding behind the try line, while an animated Ivan Cleary almost broke the window in the coaches box.

2007 Round 13:
Storm 4
Warriors 2

A game for the purists, in Arctic-like conditions at Mt Smart Stadium. A Tony Martin penalty was cancelled out by two from the Storm. Ivan Cleary's men had been struggling but this display of defensive heart rebuilt their confidence and they eventually finished fourth. It remains the lowest-scoring NRL match in NRL, equalled by Parramatta and Newcastle in 2010.

2006, Round 24:
Warriors 24
Storm 20

Coming into this game the Storm had seemed virtually unbeatable and had not lost at Olympic Park all year. But two tries from Brett Webb and a great display by Steve Price and Ruben Wiki stopped an 11-game winning streak.

2001, Round 24:
Storm 24
Warriors 24

This tense match put the Warriors into the NRL playoffs for the first time. Injuries meant the Warriors played almost the entire second half with nobody on their interchange bench and Matt Geyer dragged a last minute kick that would have consigned the Auckland club to defeat.