Rugby League: New Zealand Warriors start Nathan Brown era with promising draw against Gold Coast Titans in NRL test

It’s always best to be careful with preseason NRL testing. Coaches and teams always have specific agendas to work on, rather than just polishing a result, and it is advisable not to get carried away by a performance, good or bad.

That has been the case with the Warriors in the past. The excitement that followed a 48-4 test win over the Broncos in 2013 quickly dissipated when they lost five of their first seven games and there are several other pertinent examples.

But Saturday’s hit against the Titans, which ended in a 12-12 draw, felt important. It was the first greeting from Nathan Brown and the seven new signings, after significant staff turnover in the offseason.

It was also his only preseason opportunity, after last week’s trial against the Storm was canceled due to travel restrictions.

Neither team would have wanted to reveal too much, especially when they meet in the first round of the NRL season, but it was about time the last edition of the Warriors showed something and it was promising enough.

They showed good speed and energy on the line and had some brilliant moments in attack, while their defense improved as the match progressed, with a great fight in the second half.

Both squads were rusty at times, and the Warriors also lost the Chanel Harris-Tavita half organization, out to a quadruple strain, and were hampered by the loss of hooker Wayde Egan, who departed with a shoulder injury after only 15 minutes.

Ginormous prop Addin Fonua-Blake put up good strength up front, giving a snapshot of his ability to plow over the lead line as Ben Murdoch-Masila bust 40 meters with his first touch after halftime, and hit one. -two provided by the twin towers could be something to savor, if they can also bring discipline on defense.

Probably the choice of the new guys was former Dragons center Euan Aitken, who had several strong runs and showed a willingness to get involved, as well as defensive initiative.

Bunty Afoa and Leeson Ah Mau made a welcome comeback, after only being spotted in 2020 due to injury. Second rower Bayley Sironen showed his versatility, switching to hooker in the second half.

The Titans had the best of the first quarter, with two attempts in the space of four minutes, off Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jarrod Wallace. As it was for Queensland and the Storm last season, the mighty Fa’asuamaleaui was difficult to handle in the middle.

Sean O’Sullivan and Nikorima combined well to send Josh Curran in in the 29th minute and the Warriors should have extended their lead even further before halftime, unable to take advantage of four straight sets down the Titans’ line.

The Warriors were sharper after halftime and a quick break Roger Tuivasa-Sheck sent Jazz Tevaga under the posts just before the appointed time.

He showed what is possible when Tuivasa-Sheck receives the ball on the front foot, which is the hope for 2021.

Brown emptied his bench for the last 20 minutes, and several youngsters got some playing time. A great defensive play from Peta Hiku stopped a certain attempt by former teammate Patrick Herbert, while the Warriors did extremely well to resist the sustained pressure in the final 10 minutes.

Warriors 12 (J Curran, J Tevaga try; K Nikorima 2 goals)

Titans 12 (T Fa’asuamaleaui, J Wallace tries; J Fogarty 2 goals)

Half time: 6-12