Johnson offers a “complete” game as the return home inspires the Warriors ’big win: big hits

THE RETURN HOME INSPIRES THE WARRIORS

An exhausted Mt Smart Stadium inspired the Warriors to break a seven-game losing streak.

It was 1,038 days since they last played at home (Matchday 24, 2019) after Covid-19 forced the team to move to Australia.

An emotional Tohu Harris led the team to a roaring crowd and in the first 10 minutes it became clear how much this support meant to the Warriors with their remarkably much higher energy levels than we have seen in recent weeks.

“This place is fine,” Fox League commentator Brenton Speed ​​said as the team left.

“Hey, it was something special. This is a semi-final experience running out at home … now is the time to play,” added Shane Flanagan.

Rightly, Harris got the first try of the day and four minutes later Chanel Harris-Tavita scored to extend his lead.

“A good start for the Warriors in terms of their entry into the field,” Cooper Cronk said.

“All the possession and all the excitement was really in the Warriors’ favor because they dominated the first 15-20 minutes and had multiple chances, but it was Tohu Harris who scored first and then they started to show dominance on the scoreboard “.

The Tigers, desperate for their first attempt, threw a lot to the Warriors in the final 10 minutes. Luke Garner almost scored and then James Roberts came close, but the Warriors’ credit did.

“We haven’t seen enough of this from the Warriors all year, but it’s a pleasure to see it today,” Shane Flanagan said.

“It just builds spirit, character and passion within the group … little things like that build and create victories.”

JOHNSON PRESENTS THE WIN WITH A “COMPLETE” PERFORMANCE.

All eyes were on Shaun Johnson, and while he didn’t light the world, Greg Alexander said half the star did exactly what he had to do.

It came after Cooper Cronk and Alexander put a challenge on Johnson before the game.

“Without (Reece) Walsh, creativity and spark are in, this is Shaun Johnson,” Cronk said.

“It’s up to Shaun Johnson not only to be this game director, something he hasn’t done this year, but he has to turn back the clock and be that creative spark and spend a day for the Warriors.

“This is from Shaun Johnson and I hope (increase) because he’s been the Warriors’ face for not being home, he’s back home, he has familiar faces, he’s in his comfort zone, he should be able to drive the Warriors to victory today.

“Unfortunately for him, he has been under pressure for most of his career, but this is probably the biggest pressure he has suffered. To come home, I trust him to be the best player. “

“Reece Walsh is a great start, but we will increase the pressure on Shaun Johnson,” Alexander said.

“He’s been a champion in the past, he hasn’t been since he returned to the Warriors; it’s all about him coming home and back to his family. He has to deliver.”

Johnson’s cross-field throws established two attempts by the Warriors. he also scored 67 running yards and one touchdown pass, which was enough to bring his side home.

“He needed to get up today. He didn’t need to score rehearsals, but he needed to put his side by the park and he did it and he hit really well,” Flanagan said.

“A really complete performance by Shaun Johnson.”

“Johnson played a lot like the team did,” Alexander said.

“We thought we’d need Johnson’s full package for the Warriors to come home, but he didn’t really need to bring his career game – he had a couple of cracks in the Tigers defense – but he played well and shot. “Johnson controlled the game with his kick.”

STAR TIGER URGES TEAM TO PRESENT “PROPERTY”

The Tigers have fallen to 15th place on the ladder after four straight losses and midfielder Jackson Hastings believes it’s time for the team to start “taking over” their performances.

Michael Maguire carried the weight of the disappointing first half of the Tigers season when he was fired with Brett Kimmorley in the middle.

But Hastings believes the heat shouldn’t be on the coach when the Tigers lose.

“Everyone knew what the crowd would be like … Noddy had us ready, we had a great week of training and it didn’t translate into the field,” he said after Sunday’s defeat.

“As players, we have to start taking ownership. The coach doesn’t come out to play for you; the 17 boys have to go do it.

“We had a lot to play for, we had two kids who had worked really had to debut in the NRL and we had our own reasons to get up in the game.

“Everyone knew where we were going, we understood the task, but they played a little better than us.

“We really need to start digging deeper and take ownership as a playgroup and not wait for the coach to say something; just go there and do it.”

EQUIPMENT

Warriors: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Jesse Arthars 18. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Shaun Johnson 20. Aaron Pene 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jazz Tevaga 4. Euan Aitken 13. Josh Curran 12. Tohu Harris 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 15. Bunty Afoa 17. Bayley Sironen 22. Freddy Lussick. Substitute: 16. Eliesa Katoa