New Zealand Warriors utility Karl Lawton has revealed the emotional moment that triggered their near-flawless display against the St George Dragons.
The Warriors completed 44 straight sets without a mistake as they completed an 18-0 win over the Dragons, earning their first win of the season.
After spending four weeks in Australia, and the prospect of several more months away from home, the performance was lauded by Australian NRL pundits.
But there was a secret motivation that gave the players an edge over their opponents on Saturday. Lawton, who came off the bench against St George revealed a video with messages from the players' families on Friday night, hit home with the players.
"It touched base with everyone, the reason why we are over here and what the sacrifices were made and what we're doing it for. I think it touched home for a lot of the boys and it was quite an emotional video," he said.
"The boys responded well to it. It was a touching thing when all the families get on there and say how much they are missing us and that we are doing it for them - it was an emotional little segment - but it was good."
Spending four solid weeks as a unit, quarantining in Tamworth, appeared to produce a completely different Warriors outfit than the side that was hammered by the Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights back in March.
Lawton said the side has been able to bond in a way that may not have been possible in the pre-COVID-19 world.
"The bonding definitely helps on and off the field. You're with each other every single day, eating and training.
"I've had a couple of roommates here. It just translates onto the field and also you've got each other's backs. You look at the game on the weekend and it just shows that it works.
"We're a tight bunch as it is. You can't get much tighter than living together. I think we're as tight as we'll get."
The Warriors play the undefeated Penrith Panthers on Friday night in Campbeltown.
The Panthers were held to a 14-all draw by a gutsy Newcastle Knights side last weekend.
