Jackson Ford carries for the Warriors against Dragons. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
Two second-half tries to centre Adam Pompey have carried NZ Warriors to a much-needed 14-10 win over St George-Illawarra Dragons at Auckland's Go Media Stadium.
The performance broke a three-game losing streak that had their NRL playoff prospects on the edge of oblivion, but victory propels them back into the top four on a tightly packed table and a potential extra life in the post-season.
Trailing 10-4 at half-time, the Warriors seemed their own worst enemies, turning over possession time and time again in prime attacking position.
They took full toll on an opposition that lost three starting forwards to concussion in the first half and seemed to fatigue as the contest wore on.
Pompey had let counterpart Mat Feagai through for a try double in the first half, but had his revenge late, scoring the go-ahead try with seven minutes remaining.
In the dying moments, with the memory of a last-gasp loss to the Dolphins fresh in their memories, the Warriors tried to pin their opponents on their own goal-line, but Tyrell Sloan - the Dragons concussion replacement - broke over halfway and threatened to break hearts again.
As the defenders retreated, winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ran out of his defensive line to put a hit on Dragons half Kyle Flanagan and end the threat.
The Warriors now leapfrog four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers for fourth on the ladder and are now six points clear of the ninth-placed Sydney Roosters with three games remaining.
They visit bottom-of-the-table Gold Coast Titans next Saturday, eager to clinch their post-season spot.
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Squad lists
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 20. Ed Kosi, 21. Tom Ale, 22. Kayliss Fatialofa, 25. Bunty Afoa
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Hayden Buchanan, 4. Mat Feagai, 5. Corey Allan, 6. Lyhkan King-Tongia, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Emre Guler, 9. Damien Cook, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Michael Molo, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Reserves: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 19. Lachlan Ilias, 20. Jacob Halangahu, 21. Nathan Lawson, 22. Christian Tuipulotu
