The New Zealand Warriors have produced one of the all-time great comebacks, clawing back a 20-point deficit to claim a two-point victory over the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday night.
Halfback Shaun Johnson pulled off his second miracle finish in as many weeks, slotting a clutch penalty goal against his former side to take the lead 32-30 with mere seconds remaining.
CLUTCH!!!!!
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) April 2, 2023
Shaun Johnson comes up with the goods once again to seal the win 32-30 for the @nzwarriors against the Sharks! 🤩#NRL pic.twitter.com/rnNEGmHOTi
It wasn’t long before Sharks’ opposite Nicho Hynes had his own opportunity to level the scores and force a Golden Point finish, but it wasn’t to be for the 2022 Dally M medallist.
Hynes pushed his attempt wide of the sticks, leaving the Warriors with their fourth win of the season.
Earlier in the match the result looked certain to swing in the Sharks’ favour, running in four tries in the opening 26 minutes to set up an early 20-0 lead.
Kennedy 👉 Talakai 👉 Mulitalo 👊#NRLSharksWarriors pic.twitter.com/USfGFnVDBx
— NRL (@NRL) April 2, 2023
Down heavily on the scoreboard, it was Warriors’ stand-in skipper Wayde Egan and second-rower Marata Niukore who ignited the visitors’ attack, prompting a try-spree that saw Andrew Webster’s men come within six of the Sharks with 20 minutes to go.
Niukore with a swift response!#NRLSharksWarriors pic.twitter.com/ZMpy3TUs1Z
— NRL (@NRL) April 2, 2023
By the 68th minute the scores were locked at 30-30 as Josh Curran barrelled over the line before Johnson converted to level the scores.
The successful penalty attempt in the 80th minute then put the Warriors ahead, with Johnson’s supreme accuracy off the tee – including five from five conversions and one penalty from one attempt – proving the difference at Shark Park.
Johnson does it all himself!#NRLSharksWarriors pic.twitter.com/rnVsrtbQOJ
— NRL (@NRL) April 2, 2023
The Warriors now boast a 4-1 record to start the season, while the Sharks have dropped to 2-3 following the loss.
Cronulla will now head into a bye week while the Warriors will head to Newcastle to take on the Knights on April 9.