Start looking at flights Warriors fans, the team is headed to Brisbane to take on the Broncos next weekend. They got there off a stunning start to this game, blitzing the Knights for three tries in 12 minutes, then keeping them at arm’s length for the remaining time. 

It was well appreciated by the capacity crowd at Mt Smart, who roared the side home in what will be the last time they play in New Zealand this season.

Addin Fonua-Blake was immense in the middle of the park, scoring a try and doing a lion’s share of work. Tohu Harris ran for almost 200 metres and made an immense 39 tackles, a real captain’s knock. The Warriors did have to withstand a decent comeback by the Knights, who closed the gap to six points at one stage, but while they racked up the points, this win was built on a very effective defensive effort. 

Greg Marzhew did score, but otherwise he and Dom Young were well contained out on the wings. Young in particular had a torrid time, shoved into touch twice and really unable to get anything going after scoring 25 tries this season. Jacob Saifiti can hold his head up with 139 metres ran and 32 tackles. Kalyn Ponga was well contained, his impressive run of form shut down by a relentless Warriors defence.

The Warriors controlled possession well, completing 82 percent of their sets, forcing the Knights to make almost 100 more tackles. There was a slight concern when Marata Niukore left the field after a knock to his knee, but he returned to the fray and looked OK by fulltime.

The big one was that Shaun Johnson looked fine after his calf complaint, while he didn’t make any big linebreaks or runs, the veteran controlled the play brilliantly – especially in the crucial opening stages. He was subbed off with five mins to go to receive a standing ovation from the crowd.

The crowd was loud, proud and a massive part of the team’s performance. Is it finally the Warriors' year?