NRL round one – New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters

Source: Radio New Zealand

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita scored two tries, as his NZ Warriors overpowered Sydney Roosters for a 42-18 NRL season-opening victory at Go Media Stadium.

The home side scored 22 consecutive points to grab a 22-6 halftime lead, crossing soon after the break through high-flying second-rower Leka Halasima to stamp their control on the game.

Sydney countered with back-to-back tries to centre Billy Smith and second-rower Angus Crichton, pulling within 10 points midway through the second half, but that was as close as they got.

Harris-Tavita had his two tries in identical fashion, looming inside wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck close to the line for late offloads.

His 75th-minute effort probably clinched the game for the Warriors, but fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad had the last say, diving over in the corner, with half Tanah Boyd converting from the sideline.

See how the action unfolded here:

Team lists

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Morgan Gannon

Reserves: 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Luke Hanson, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Benaiah Ioelu, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12, Nat Butcher, 13. Blake Steep

Interchange: 14. Conor Watson, 15. Siua Wong, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Spencer Leniu, 18. Cody Ramsey, 19. Fetalaiga Pauga

Reserves: 20. Salesi Foketi, 21. Tommy Talau, 22. Toby Rodwell

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand