3. Ali Leiataua – 4
Had some nice moments, but probably didn’t execute enough opportunities with plenty of ball coming his way and making three errors. Had seven tackles with five missed and was placed on report for a shoulder charge. Was denied a try after taking an illegal gap created by a line runner.
22. Leka Halasima – 8
Was a surprise late inclusion in the side and it was excellent to see him back in the team. Brought X-factor which has been lacking. Went looking for work early and proved to be a handful for the Knights defence, which probably brought back some painful memories. Finished with 189m with the ball and nine tackle breaks. Scored the opening try of the game, but his second with a dive in the corner was a sight to behold in his 50th appearance. Did appear to be struggling with his hamstring injury.
23. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 8
What a superhuman to come back a month after breaking his collarbone and he didn’t miss a beat on both sides of the ball. Got through plenty of work, highlighted by his 190m from 21 carries in his 250th NRL appearance. Made a crucial mistake early in the second half which saw the Knights score their second try.
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 5
Probably needed to step up a little more, but the effort was there. Made plenty of crucial tackles, finishing with 20, but was credited with eight misses. Kicking game was slightly off.
7. Te Maire Martin – 5
Looked to run the ball lots which is when he is at his best, finishing with 151m from 19 carries. Rushed out of the line which created the space for Newcastle’s first try.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 6
Was really strong in his first stint on the field, but struggled to match that in his second. The Warriors are clearly better when he’s on the field. Finished with 27 tackles, but had six misses.
9. Wayde Egan – 7
Much better this week. Looked very crafty and provided a beautiful pass for Halasima’s second try. Ended up putting in a big shift by playing the whole game and finished as the Warriors’ top tackler with 44.
10. Mitch Barnett – 7
Playing with plenty of intent and physicality, knowing that any game could be his last. Sadly it was. Finished with 142m from 16 carries and had 34 tackles. Has been a great servant at the club and he will be hugely missed.
11. Kurt Capewell – 7
Played his best match in a long time and left everything out on the field. Made three line breaks, and overall it was one of his best games of the season.
Kurt Capewell. Photo / Photosport
12. Jacob Laban – 5
Was busy and looking to make tackles everywhere, finishing with 33, but had seven misses. It felt like he was trying to do too much, which was summed up with him finishing the game on the bench. Was continually running across field looking to make tackles instead of staying in his area of the field.
13. Erin Clark – 7
Valiant in a losing effort. Was much better this week and was strong on both sides of the ball. Had 147m – the most out of all the forwards – and 32 tackles.
Interchange:
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira – 3
Was fairly demoted to the bench for the game, but did end up playing most of the second half after the neck injury to Nicoll-Klokstad. Struggled to get into the flow of the match in what was a disappointing finish to the campaign after it started well.
15. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 4
Just five runs for 60m. Made an error while the Warriors were hot on attack. Overall a very strong season, but struggled to bring that impact to the finals.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 4
Strong carries and imposing with the ball, but probably struggled to bring that impact like we have seen during the season.
17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava – 5
Was the pick of the Warriors bench quartet, but did make a big error when his line saw a Warriors try ruled out for impeding the defence. Had 78m with the ball to go with 32 tackles.
Interchange players not used: Adam Pompey, Sam Healey.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.