A courageous performance from fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, combined with a resolute defensive display, saw the Warriors edge past the Sydney Roosters 14-6 in a hard-fought NRL encounter in Auckland.

Nicoll-Klokstad was instrumental in the victory, covering an impressive 314 metres from 30 runs as the Warriors outlasted their opponents at a packed Go Media Stadium on Friday. The win also ended their eight-match losing streak against the Roosters.

The decisive moment came with 15 minutes remaining in what had been an intense battle. Warriors five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita launched a towering bomb and chased through, leaping above Roosters captain James Tedesco before regathering the ball to score.

This try gave the Warriors their first lead of the night, and six minutes later, promising centre Ali Leiataua sealed the victory by slicing through the Roosters' defence to notch his second try of the match.

In a bruising defensive contest, both teams created numerous attacking opportunities, only to be thwarted by desperate try-saving tackles and handling errors.

The Warriors dominated field position in the opening 20 minutes through relentless line speed and swarming defence, regularly committing three or four forwards to each tackle. However, despite their territorial advantage, they were unable to crack the Roosters' defensive line.

It was the visitors who struck first in the 21st minute when Naufahu Whyte powered over next to the posts on the last tackle.

The Warriors responded swiftly, with Leiataua beating his opposite number, Mark Nawaqanitawase, to cross in the corner just five minutes later.

Both sides had further chances before the break, but the Roosters maintained a narrow 6-4 lead at halftime.

A concerning moment for the Roosters occurred midway through the first half when English international Victor Radley, returning from concussion protocol, was removed from the field for a head injury assessment after colliding with Marata Niukore’s hip. Fortunately, he passed his HIA and was able to return later in the half.

However, teammate Connor Watson was less fortunate, failing his HIA after sustaining a head knock just before halftime.

Roosters forward Spencer Leniu also suffered a dislocated finger but continued to play with determination.

The Warriors were not spared the injury setbacks either, as veteran winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was forced off midway through the second half with a hamstring injury. His night ended after making a crucial try-saving tackle on Dominic Young.