A remarkable turnaround

Around four weeks ago, we blogged about the sad state of affairs that was the NRL side known as the Vodafone Warriors. But what a difference a month makes; the Warriors upset Sydney Roosters last night in an impressive performance to record their fourth consecutive win; Stuff reports:

Humiliation to elation -- a month after Matthew Elliott adopted the guise of a condemned man, the New Zealand Warriors coach branded his side's revival at the Sydney Roosters last night as the most courageous collective performance he had witnessed during his 16-year career.
The Australian reached the 250-game milestone in the NRL as his roster produced the grittiest defensive display of his 12-match reign as the Sonny Bill Williams-inspired Roosters were upset 23-12 at Allianz Stadium.
Twenty four hours after the British and Irish Lions roared, the premiership contenders were expected to crow -- but brave defence and two opportunist second half tries enabled the Warriors to notch their fourth win in succession, and back-to-back triumphs over top four quality opposition.
Runaway tries to Glen Fisiiahi and Manu Vatuvei sealed the win before Shaun Johnson -- who initially handed over the place kicking responsibilities to Feleti Mateo because of a groin injury -- nailed a late penalty and field goal.
The Warriors playmaker also had a hand in the Warriors first half tries to Elijah Taylor and Ngani Laumape, though his successful pursuit of Michael Jennings when the NSW centre seemed certain to get the Roosters on the board in the 26th minute was his pivotal contribution.
Despite playing in pain after aggravating a long-standing niggle during training last week Johnson caught Jennings despite a 10-metre handicap, his teammates then regrouped to hold their line intact until Anthony Minichiello threw a forward pass to Mitchell Aubusson.
Fisiiahi provided the other act of individual brilliance when he slapped the ball free from Shaun Kenny-Dowall's grasp as the Kiwis centre was set to score and potentially square the contest at 16-16 with 14 minutes remaining.
Vatuvei, who is on light training duties due to hamstring and knee issues, surged 90m for the match-sealer four minutes after Kenny-Dowall's loose carry -- another significant play as the Warriors backed up the previous round's 18-16 home win over Manly with their first win in Roosters territory since 2009.
Elliott also has 112 Super League games with Bradford on his resume but last night's exploits eclipsed those other memorable moments as his team climbed to 11th, two wins outside the top eight ahead of this weekend's bye. 
"In the courage stakes and effort stakes it's as good as I can remember," he said.
"They had to come up with some special stuff. The effort, resolve and the resilience to come up with that result was just a marvel." 

It was indeed a courageous performance from the Warriors, who tackled themselves to a standstill. Fisiiahi was absolutely outstanding at fullback; his try save on Kenny-Dowall was remarkable.

But this was a team performance, unlike the usual Warriors razzle-dazzle. Their completion rate was as good as it's been all season, and Feleti Mateo did not make a single offload in the entire match. They played a simple, almost ugly game, and it worked. 

Quite what is behind the turnaround is anyone's guess, but in four weeks the Warriors have accounted for Newcastle, Brisbane, Manly and the Roosters. That would be a good achievement in a good season, by after a 56-point spanking at Penrith, it is remarkable.

The Warriors now get a week off with their first bye of the season, so it's another two competition points in the bank, moving them closer to the foot of the top eight. They then face Brisbane at home, and in the week after the second State of Origin game, that's the best time to play Brisbane.

Well done to Matt Elliott and his players; keep up the great work!