The Warriors have hung on to scrape their way to a 24-20 NRL win over the North Queensland Cowboys at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
Kodi Nikorima Photo: Photosport
A 24-4 half-time lead proved to be just enough for a Warriors team that now has four wins from eight matches this season.
After showing promise during his NRL debut at fullback in a heavy loss to the Storm last week, Reece Walsh was moved into the front line at five-eighth in a move which served to increase his involvement, and effectiveness.
He made a couple of errors that can be put down to youthful inexperience after the break, but there was still more than enough to suggest the Warriors have someone they will be able to rely on for years to come.
If not for a lapse of concentration from Warriors bench forward Jazz Tevaga that gifted Reece Robson a try six minutes before the break, the Warriors would have found little to dislike about the opening 40 minutes.
Walsh looked great in the No.6 jersey, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was his usual superb self and the team based on the Central Coast were clearly the better side.
Kodi Nikorima, Rocco Berry, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Adam Pompey scored the tries that set up an 24-4 lead heading into the sheds.
After a stirring start to the second half by the Cowboys, that 20-point half-time deficit was reduced to four points with 10 minutes remaining.
Winger Murray Taulagi scored two tries and then supplied the final pass for Scott Drinkwater's score in the 48th minute.
- NRL.com