Chanel Harris-Tavita at the round 21 NRL Telstra Premiership Rugby League match in Auckland on 26 July 2024. Photo: Photosport
The smile said it all as Chanel Harris-Tavita watched his conversion sail through the sticks to rapturous applause at Mount Smart.
The Warriors halfback endured a week of harsh criticism after his missed shots at goal cost the Warriors the game against the Raiders in Canberra.
However, Harris-Tavita redeemed himself in Auckland on Friday night with three from five with the boot.
It was a shaky start with two corner conversions going wayward, but when the Warriors struck just before halftime, Harris-Tavita ensured he iced it with two points.
A Damian McKenzie-esque smile came across his face as he lined up the third shot, one he said was his last chance before delegating the duties, but his radar returned to a thundering ovation.
"I needed that, if i missed that I was giving the tee away, but once that went over I was pretty confident to take the next couple."
He said the smile helped him relax after the sitter he shanked against the Raiders left him feeling unsure about himself.
"Since that kick I felt a bit nervous and uptight heading into the game so I did a lot of reps this week and felt more confident especially after that one went over."
Harris-Tavita said he blocked out the noise surrounding him this week.
"I didn't hear it too much, I've got a good circle of mates around me, so that helped me focus on what was important this week."
After being thrust into the goalkicking role following the injury to Adam Pompey during the clash in Canberra, Harris-Tavita conceded it was simply a lack of practice that cost him.
"I didn't do any reps last week, so that was the learning for me."
Coach Andrew Webster said he always had faith in his halfback.
"I just thought it was pretty cool the way the whole crowd gave him a cheer and got behind him, sometimes footy can be a bit too serious can't it? When he got that one I think the whole of New Zealand was pretty happy for him."