NRL Round 24, 2007
NZ Warriors 36 def Manly Sea Eagles 14
The NZ Warriors have put on a classy display to hand Manly a spanking, and earn themselves an NRL Finals spot for the first time in 4 long years.
Wairangi Koopu starring for the Warriors, the veteran playing his 150th game and scoring tries either side of half time to get the Warriors ahead.
Manly showed their willingness early, keeping in touch with the Warriors – but the full house at at Mt Smart Stadium demanded more, urging the home side to greater things. In the end, the understrength Manly side were unable to keep pace with the power and skill the NZ Warriors possess.
The Warriors now move to 27 points and also possess an impressive points difference, they are certainly assured a Top 8 spot – a win next week and favourable results from surrounding teams could even see them secure a Top 4 spot.
The move by Manly to rest several stars with minor injuries might yet prove costly to the Sea Eagles. A side that has been impressive all year, a slight drop in confidence could cost Manly the all important momentum moving into the finals.