Few gave the eighth-placed Warriors much hope against the minor premiers, especially as no eighth team had ever beaten first since the McIntyre system was introduced in 1999. However the Warriors fought all the way, and with just minutes remaining only trailed 14–15. Suddenly Manu Vatuvei made a break down field, finding Witt in support who taunted the Melbourne defenders by waving the ball in the air before placing it down to give the Warriors a shock 18–15 win. The Warriors backed the win up with a comfortable 30–13 win over the Sydney Roosters in the Semi Final at Mount Smart Stadium before being eliminated 32-6 by Manly in the Preliminary Final at the Sydney Football Stadium.