Round 17 Match Report: New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Auckland, New Zealand 2024 The New Zealand Warriors hosted the Brisbane Broncos in a gripping Round 17 NRL clash at Mount Smart Stadium. Match Highlights The Broncos drew first blood with a try to winger Selwyn Cobbo in the 10th minute. However, the Warriors hit back with tries from winger Marcelo Montoya and hooker Wayde Egan to take a 12-6 lead. Brisbane regained the advantage with a try from halfback Albert Kelly in the 25th minute, but a Warriors penalty goal from Reece Walsh kept the home side within striking distance. Cobbo scored his second try of the night just before halftime to give the Broncos a 16-14 lead. After the break, the Warriors dominated possession but failed to convert their chances into points. Broncos fullback Cory Paix extended Brisbane’s lead with a try in the 70th minute, seemingly putting the game beyond reach. However, the Warriors refused to give up. Walsh produced a moment of magic in the 75th minute, breaking through the Broncos defense and scoring a try to narrow the deficit to 22-20. With time running out, the Warriors had a chance to win the match with a penalty goal attempt from 25 meters out. But Walsh’s kick sailed wide, and the Broncos held on for a thrilling 22-20 victory. Injuries * Warriors: Josh Curran (knee) * Broncos: Thomas Flegler (ankle) Coaches’ Press Conferences * Warriors coach Stacey Jones: “We’re disappointed with the result, but we showed a lot of spirit and resilience to come back from behind. We need to be more clinical in our execution and take our opportunities.” * Broncos coach Kevin Walters: “We had a tough start to the game, but we showed great character to fight back and get the win. Cobbo was outstanding for us tonight, and our defense was solid.”Warriors Bounce Back with Convincing Win over BrisbaneWarriors Bounce Back with Convincing Win over Brisbane The Warriors have rebounded from their humiliating loss to the Gold Coast with a convincing 32-16 victory over Brisbane in Auckland. Chanel Harris-Tevita led the charge for the Warriors, scoring two tries in the first half. Addin Fonua-Blake was a force up front, amassing over 100 running meters. Brisbane’s woes continued as they succumbed to their fourth consecutive defeat, compounded by injuries to Jack Gosiewski and Fletcher Baker. The Warriors capitalized on Brisbane’s early setbacks, dominating possession and putting pressure on their defense. Harris-Tevita scored his first try after skipping past Kotoni Staggs. He added a second from a ricocheted grubber kick from Te Maire Martin. While Brisbane showed signs of life, their sloppiness and lack of clinical attack prevented them from bridging the gap. Deine Mariner scored two tries but made defensive errors. Ezra Mam displayed his State of Origin credentials with a 40-20 in the second half. However, the Warriors regained control through Martin’s exceptional kicking and a try from a dummy-half dart. Xavier Willeson scored for Brisbane, but the momentum shifted back to the Warriors with tries from Dalene Waitene-Zelezniak and Freddy Lussick. The hosts ultimately sealed the victory with a 32-16 scoreline.NRL 2024: Warriors and Broncos Clash in Epic Round 17 Battle Auckland, New Zealand – The New Zealand Warriors faced off against the Brisbane Broncos in a thrilling Round 17 encounter at Mount Smart Stadium. Match Highlights The match began with both teams trading blows, but it was the Broncos who drew first blood with a try to winger Selwyn Cobbo in the 12th minute. The Warriors responded swiftly, however, with a try of their own from center Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. The first half ended with the scores level at 12-12. The second half was equally intense, with the lead changing hands several times. The Warriors took the lead through a penalty goal by halfback Shaun Johnson, but the Broncos hit back with a try to prop Payne Haas. Just when it seemed the Broncos were about to take control, Warriors captain Tohu Harris intercepted a pass and raced away for a try, giving his team a 24-18 lead. However, the Broncos showed their resilience and scored a late try through center Herbie Farnworth to level the scores once again. The match finished in a 24-24 draw, with neither team able to find a winning edge. Injuries The match was marred by a number of injuries, with both teams losing key players. Warriors hooker Wayde Egan was forced off with a knee injury in the first half, while Broncos fullback Te Maire Martin suffered a shoulder injury late in the game. Coaches’ Press Conferences Warriors coach Nathan Brown expressed his disappointment with the result but praised his team’s effort. “We showed a lot of character out there tonight,” he said. “We had our chances to win, but it just wasn’t meant to be.” Broncos coach Kevin Walters was also satisfied with his team’s performance. “We’re disappointed not to get the win, but I’m proud of my boys’ efforts,” he said. “We showed a lot of heart and determination.” Conclusion The Round 17 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of the NRL. Both teams played with passion and determination, but in the end, they had to settle for a draw.