Mitchell Barnett of the Warriors is tackled by Niwhai Puru of the Sharks during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge Round 1 match between the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors at Shark Park in Sydney, 7 February. Photo: Photosport
NZ Warriors have kicked off their 2025 NRL campaign with a sloppy 12-12 draw against Cronulla Sharks in Sydney.
The visitors conceded the first try in the opening minutes, when front-rower Tom Hazelton rumbled over from close range, forcing them to play catch-up.
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad levelled the scores with a try, after an offload from forward Demetric Vaimaunga and replacement winger Taine Tuaupiki gave the Warriors the upper hand when he scampered over after halftime.
As both coaches emptied their extending interchange benches in the dying moments, the Sharks levelled with a converted try to Hohepa Puru.
The Warriors suffered an early injury blow, when veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak left the game, holding his wrist. He was treated on the sideline but did not return.
They have another pre-season trial against Melbourne Storm in Hamilton next Saturday, before their opening round fixture against Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas on 9 March.
