The Warriors have kicked off their 2017 NRL Auckland Nines campaign with a tight 15-11 loss to the Manly Sea Eagles.
With star playmaker Shaun Johnson (groin strain) and Solomone Kata (virus) late scratches, the locals got off to a sloppy start, Dylan Walker putting the Sea Eagles ahead in the sixth minute.
The Warriors equalised in the final minute of the half through Sam Cook who burst clear from 40 metres out to send the sides into the interval tied at 4-4.
Former Warrior Jono Wright put Manly back in front shortly after the break until Blake Ayshford broke some poor defence just a minute later to edge the hosts ahead.
With just three minutes to play Curtis Sironen crashed over underneath the post to earn the bonus zone try to put the Sea Eagles up 15-11.
Mason Lino came agonisingly short of a bonus zone try for the Warriors in the dying seconds, but the young half wasn't able to ground the ball cleanly.
The Warriors next play the Parramatta Eels at 5:10pm.
Newshub.
