Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors celebrates his try. Photo: Photosport
Don't write the Warriors off in 2024 just yet, but keep the pen close.
Their slim play-off hopes may remain alive, but it's a monumental mountain they must scale to get there.
A scratchy 28-16 win over the West Tigers in Auckland on Friday won't do much to alleviate fears of a finish outside the top eight, with the Warriors still needing to win four of their remaining six games if they have a chance to progress.
Despite the somewhat sloppy nature of the win, it was a desperately needed four points for the side, their first victory in a month.
More pleasing for coach Andrew Webster after a horror run of injuries to his squad was just the one casualty from the Friday clash, with Jackson Ford leaving the pitch.
After forcing back to back drop outs with no result, the Warriors finally cracked the line as Kurt Capewell took a deft wide pass from Te Maire Martin on the outside, slicing through for the opener.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak flew over in the corner shortly after, but was shoved into touch as he tried to ground it in his trademark fashion.
However, they were soon on the front foot again on the back of blockbusting breaks by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Addin Fonua-Blake.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the charge during the round 21 NRL Telstra Premiership Rugby League match at Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart. Photo: Photosport
The attack was thwarted though when Ed Kosi spilled it in the corner.
An error inside their own 40 handed the hosts a golden opportunity for a second, but they were unable to take it as the Tigers pounced on a play the ball with no-one home.
A Tiger's tip tackle put the Warriors back in the red zone and this time they cashed in, showing some slick hands as Kosi finished it off in the corner.
The goal kicking woes continued, Harris-Tavita pushing a second wide, his fifth miss on the trot.
With halftime looming, a Jahream Bula drop at the back opened the door for a the Warriors try, Ali Leiataua strolling through it to give his side a 14-0 lead, Harris-Tavita finally adding the extras to a rapturous ovation.
An error riddled opening from the Warriors eventually led to the Tiger's first points with Isaiah Papali'i crashing through some dismal defence to score against his old side.
The visitors went back-to-back in fortuitous fashion, a grubber ricocheting into the hands of Bula who flicked it on to Charlie Staines, who finished in style.
Te Maire Martin of the Warriors. Photo: Photosport
A late shot on Martin gave the Warriors a relieving penalty, which Harris-Tavita duly converted to put his side ahead by six.
Addin Fonua-Blake then iced the cake in the 70th with a typically barnstorming charge across the chalk.
Saving the best to last, Tuivasa-Sheck set things alight with another scorching run upfield, the Warriors quickly getting it to Watene-Zalezniak to waltz in under the bar.
Apisai Koroisau picked up a late consolation, but the result was well assured.
Next weekend the Warriors meet the Eels in Auckland.
Scorers
Warriors 28 (Capewell, Kosi, Leiataua, Fonua-Blake, Watene-Zalezniak, tries, Harris-Tavita (4 goals)
Tigers 16 (Papali'i, Staines, Koroisau, tries, Koroisau 2 goals).
