10 Feb 2023

Warriors impressive in pre-season game

6:16 am on 10 February 2023

The Warriors have impressed in their opening NRL pre-season game under new coach Andrew Webster.

Michael Sio of the Warriors celebrates a try from Solomon Vasuvulagi of the Warriors.

Warriors celebrate a try Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Warriors thumped Wests Tigers 48-12 in Auckland, scoring nine tries to two.

New recruits Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf combined well in the halves to help the Warriors to a 14-0 lead before Marcelo Montoya crossed for his third try of the evening as the left edge caused havoc.

Montoya produced a charging effort that knocked Tigers fullback Charlie Staines off his feet for his second try.

Metcalf impressed with a brilliant solo effort in the second half that will give new Warriors coach Webster a halves selection headache with Martin, Shaun Johnson and Ronald Volkman all pushing for Round 1.

Webster also played his two other recruits Jackson Ford and Brayden Williame.

There were some worrying signs for last seasons bottom placed Tigers who missed 46 tackles and made 11 errors.

The Warriors play Melbourne in their second pre-season game on February 19.

Their opening NRL game is against Newcastle on March 3.