At Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, the Canberra Raiders were defeated by the New Zealand Warriors 18–10.
The Warriors, who also happened to record their first victory of the season, dealt Canberra their first setback of the 2024 campaign.
The Warriors had the best field position throughout the early exchanges thanks to a combination of tenacious rushing through the middle and excellent defense.
Field position that the Warriors would capitalize on, as Addin Fonua-Blake strolled by unchallenged to start the scoring after Shaun Johnson delivered a well-executed short ball.
After Rocco Berry offloaded to Addin Fonua Blake, who claimed an uncontested bomb, the front rower appeared to have a first-half double, but Xavier Savage made a last-ditch effort to drag him down before the try line.
A forward pass from Warriors hooker Freddy Lussick provided the Raiders with their best opportunity of the first half, with a slick right-side shift, supplying Matt Timoko early ball which he capitalised on by beating two defenders on his way to the try line.
The Warriors would take a small two point advantage into the halftime sheds with both teams welcoming the break from the frantic, end-to-end first half.
The second half would start similarly to the first with both forward packs gaining metres in attack and producing strong defence.
It was the Green Machine who broke the arm wrestle and were the first to score in the second half.
A New Zealand error and penalty would help Canberra enter the attacking red zone, with a beautiful cut out pass from Jamal Fogarty creating a two on one opportunity which Nick Cotric finished with ease.
The Warriors would hit back only five minutes later to restore their two point halftime advantage, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak drifting across the field and linking up with Luke Metcalf who punched through the Canberra defence.
A strong set after points would force an error from Nick Cotric, with the Warriors only needing two tackles to take advantage through Roger Tuivasa Sheck who scored his first try in the NRL since 2021.
