Report: NSW Cup Round 19 vs Warriors

Trailing 22-0 at half-time, the Magpies showed plenty of resilience and spark in the second 40 minutes, scoring three unanswered tries to close the gap - but ultimately ran out of time against a well-drilled Warriors outfit.

The Warriors dominated the opening stages, scoring four consecutive tries through Sio Kali, Ali Leiataua, and a double to Edward Kosi. Their sharp ball movement and control of possession kept Wests pinned in their own half, as they raced to a 22-0 lead by the 37th minute.

The Magpies looked to have opened their account early in the second half when Izaac Tu’itupou reached out in the corner, but the effort was ruled out by the touch judge.

Momentum began to shift midway through the half when Warriors forward Bunty Afoa was sent to the sin bin, giving Wests a numerical advantage. They capitalised shortly after, with May powering his way over on the left edge to open the scoring for the visitors.

Just four minutes later, May struck again - finishing a slick left-side movement with a strong finish in the corner to bring the score to 22-10.

With the Magpies pushing hard late, the left edge again clicked into gear, and May sealed his hat-trick with another classy finish out wide in the 78th minute. But with time against them and conversions missed from the sideline, the comeback fell just short.

While the loss will sting, the second-half performance - led by May, Kurt Falls, Elie El-Zakhem, and Kit Laulilii - was full of character and showcased the attacking potential across the park.

The Magpies will look to build on the back-end of this performance as they return home next week for Round 20 action against the Panthers at Lidcombe.

Warriors 22 (Kosi 2, Kali, Leiataua tries; Cleary 3/4 goals) defeated Magpies 14 (May 3 tries; Falls 1/3 goals) at Go Media Stadium.