The Nathan Brown era at the Warriors started in the best possible way with his troops defying the heat and the Titans for a 19-6 win at Central Coast Stadium.
Kodi Nikorima Photo: Photosport
The first daytime kick-off of the new season happened in 30C temperatures, which brought the NRL's heat rule into force. Players were allowed a drinks-break midway through each half.
"We certainly earned everything out there... The boys kept turning up for each other, that was key to our victory," Brown said.
"They were very gritty. I'd like to think that over the course of the year, our combinations will improve down the track.
"We played a simple game today and our effort was what earned us the win; our commitment and effort in defence."
It took 25 minutes for the first points to emerge. And it came via new signing, former Rabbitoh Bailey Sironen, with Kodi Nikorima converting.
A slim 6-0 lead by the Warriors was never going to guarantee a win and when Kevin Proctor and then Anthony Don got over the line within three minutes of halftime, that prophecy was ringing true. But both were disallowed for a knock-on and forward pass respectively.
But the Warriors went further ahead after Leeson Ah Mau scored his first try for the club. He's played only 26 games over the past two years - because of injury - since leaving St George Illawarra.
His barge-over near the uprights extended the lead to 12-0. It soon went to 18-0 when Nikorima backed up Bunty Afoa to score untouched.
However, there was one sour note was halfback Chanel Harris-Tevita was placed on report for tripping.
The best news for the Titans came in the final 10 minutes when winger Corey Thompson scored their only try.
- NRL.com