Warriors hammer Brothers

 THE Dobo Warriors are on a comeback after nailing second-placed Brothers 16-10 to claw their way into a possible Port Moresby rugby league top eight finals berth.

Since winning the premiership last season the Warriors have been a shadow of their best and never looked like making the grade after a poor start this year.

Warriors coach Paul Noe said they were never in the calculation for a top eight run by mid-season. 

“However the return of club president Wari Varage has given the team new life with his leadership,” Noe said.

“We have now knocked off the top two teams in Magani and Brothers, plus the consistent Souths in the second round.

“We had Larsen (Marape) and Adam (Korave) back for the first time from Vipers duties and they gave the team a boost with their presence.” 

Despite Brothers being the more aggressive of the two teams, the Warriors were able to score two tries in the first half to Jerry Kuri and Base Raba to lead 10-0.

Brothers were able to steal a late try on half-time to playmaker Stanley Olo to give them a fighting chance.

Warriors came back strongly to see Kuri charge through to score his second try and then a penalty conversion to five-eighth Junior Belo put them clear.

Olo snared a converted try but was not able to push for the win.

Port Moresby rugby league operations manager Meke Maino yesterday said there were several issues regarding match statistics between Magani and Hohola Flies and Butterflies and Paga Panthers to sort out.