NRL: Shaun Johnson inspires New Zealand Warriors win
Sunday 12 July 2015 14:59, UK
New Zealand Test star Shaun Johnson inspired the Warriors to a 28-14 win over Melbourne Storm to climb to fourth in the NRL on Sunday.
In an Auckland encounter featuring some spectacular tries, Johnson's effort with 13 minutes to go halted a dangerous Storm fight back.
With just six points between the teams, the scrum-half's footwork took him past three defenders for his fourth try in three matches.
It was the Warriors' third straight win and lifted them to fourth place behind the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters after 18 rounds.
Wayne Bennett's Broncos remained ahead of the inactive Cowboys after a 16-8 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.
Broncos and Queensland State of Origin forwards Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett were outstanding in Brisbane's sixth consecutive victory.
Thaiday, in particular, came up with some big plays, producing a classic one-on-one tackle to stop Tim Lafai late in the game while he scored a crucial try just before half-time that gave the Broncos a 10-4 lead.
Sydney Roosters capitalised on a first half shutout of Penrith to claim a 24-4 win and consolidate their spot in the top four.
Centre Blake Ferguson tore up the Panthers and had a hand in two tries.
St George Illawarra's top eight hopes are fading after a disappointing 28-8 loss to Cronulla on Sunday.
While the Sharks were far from impressive at home, the Dragons failed to overcome a significant number of missing key players as they slumped to their fifth straight loss.
With Trent Merrin suspended, Benji Marshall a late omission with a hamstring injury and Josh Dugan failing to overcome an arm problem suffered in last week's State of Origin decider against NSW, the Dragons looked disjointed in attack.
The Gold Coast Titans and Manly Sea Eagles finish off the round on Monday.
