Coach Andrew Webster could only laugh when reflecting on his outburst of joy after Ronald Volkman's somewhat opportunistic try to essentially seal victory over Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney on Friday.
Immediately after Volkman regathered his deflected grubber and dotted down, Webster was seen exclaiming in the coaches' box, jumping to his feet and giving the wall behind him a few slaps of satisfaction.
"There was a bit of carry on there," Webster said with a grin after the game. "I got a bit excited."
After three losses on the trot a timely bye week beckoning, the rookie head coach knew exactly how important that result was, lifting his team back inside the top-eight with a sixth straight win over the Bulldogs.
The NZ-based side have been across the ditch for three of their last four matches, where they've had to contend with a raft of injuries amid some closely fought losses.
The team went back to the blueprint that worked so well for them to start the year, with a focus on fundamental, error-free rugby league that paid dividends in a 24-12 win - their sixth of the season to date.
While the second half didn't match the outstanding quality of the first - when they earned an 18-0 lead heading into the sheds - Webster was more than satisfied with his side's efforts.
"I thought we were tough tonight," he assessed. "The Dogs came to play. There was plenty of energy and aggression from both teams.
"I thought we stuck at it. There were some moments where we weren't that smart there in the second half, when we made it hard for ourselves again
"But they're a proud club. They've been in every contest and we knew they'd come back and we said that at halftime. I thought the boys stuck at it and it was a gritty win.
"It's a big moment in our year going into a bye There's just something about it - it just feels better. Knowing that we get a little bit of time off.
"There's some tired boys. We've been on the road for a while. So it's a good moment in our season."
At the centre of the Warriors' performance was veteran Shaun Johnson, who produced another exceptional display in a comeback season that has featured some of the best rugby league of his career.
The 32-year-old dictated terms with his boot to the tune of 722 kick metres and two forced dropouts, as well as providing try assists for Josh Curran and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Webster said Johnson's play and his evolving style of leadership have been - and continue to be - "huge" factors in the team's 2023 turnaround.
"I think Shaun's leadership as well has changed. He leads with his voice and he leads with his actions. That's powerful when a player can do that.
"He's certainly happy being home in New Zealand, which is a different Shaun. We love him."
Over the past fortnight, speculation has swirled of other NRL clubs' interest in Johnson after he comes off contract at the end of this season, with Wests Tigers reportedly among his suitors.
Addressing the reports, Webster offered a calm and confident demeanour, insisting he had a great relationship with Johnson and that he and the club are "not at that stage where we're concerned about it".
He suggested their open lines of communication would ultimately result in Johnson extending his stay with the club.
"Shaun and I have a good relationship so we know where that is and how that looks," said Webster. "We'll work that out at the right time.
"I just think he should be proud of the fact that if there is people on this side of the ditch that want him… they've seen how well he's playing they think he's going to contribute and make an impact to their team.
"The thing around that for us is - we're not at that stage where we're concerned about it. What I'm concerned about is Shaun and I keep having good communication with each other and, if we continue to do that, then everything's going to be fine.
"Shaun's the best one to comment on whether he's happy at home in New Zealand but it certainly looks that way. He's always played his best football there."
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was another stand-out, producing another rock solid outing - particularly defensively under a bombardment of high balls - to lead the team with 182 running metres.
Blockbusting forward Addin Fonua-Blake also earned special mention from his coach.
The Mate Ma'a Tonga star steamrolled the Bulldogs all night long at Accor Stadium, crossing for his fourth try in five games. Incidentally, he's currently the Warriors' leading try scorer.
"He's an alpha male in the group… he's a role model for the guys. When Addin plays the way he's doing and leads the way it has a big impact on the players
"I just think he's realising his potential. The focus in him and the way he prepares for a game is the most important thing… he's got the balance between working hard and enjoying himself
"Any club would love a front rower like Addin and were grateful we've got him and he's on our side."
Hooker Wayde Egan was forced from the field in the second half with a calf issue but Webster insisted the move was precautionary.
After next week's bye, the seventh-placed Warriors face competition frontrunners Brisbane Broncos in Napier, when they'll likely be without a host of first-choice players due to State of Origin duty.
