Warriors light up against Broncos

SHAUN Johnson helped the Warriors return to winning ways with a 28-10 victory over a depleted Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium last night.

Having been abysmal in their previous games against the Panthers and Dragons, the Warriors desperately needed a win against the Wayne Bennettcoached side, to ease the pressure on the players and management if nothing else.

Well that’s exactly what they got as Johnson was in sensational form at halfback to steer his side to an impressive victory.

With Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Anthony Milford, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire and Sam Thaiday all on Origin duty, it couldn’t have been a better time for the Warriors to face the Broncos.

True, the Broncos did make more mistakes than you’d usually expect from them but that shouldn’t take the gloss off this Warriors performance, sans Jacob Lillyman.

They took the game to the Broncos up the middle, with Ben Matulino and James Gavet both putting in superb shifts and, as Johnson so often demonstrates, when the pack is going well he brings out his magic.

Defensively the Warriors were much improved, the line speed was good and they kept their shape.

Broncos fullback Jordan Kahu, who has made a number of shocking errors this season, set the tone for the game by knocking the ball on when attempting to catch a bomb in the second minute.

It gave the Warriors a great attacking opportunity but Bodene Thompson fumbled the ball to hand possession back to the Broncos.

Another attacking chance was wasted when Shaun Johnson threw the ball straight to Broncos centre Tautau Moga a few minutes later.

But in the 12th minute the Warriors were able to hold onto the ball when close to the Broncos’ line and Blake Ayshford scooted in on the right edge, thanks to a fake pass from Johnson that created the opening.