By Steve Zemek
The Warriors have stormed into the NRL Auckland Nines quarter-finals after snatching a thrilling 15-8 win over a luckless Brisbane at Eden Park on Sunday.
Halfback Shaun Johnson pulled a piece of magic from up his sleeve, stepping through the Brisbane defensive line to score with the last play of the game.
It was a bitter blow for the Broncos who have now lost three of their last four matches on the last play - including last year's grand final to North Queensland.
The Warriors came tumbling down to earth with a 15-12 loss to Manly on Saturday but now have wind in their sails in front of their home fans.
"We were disappointed with how we finished yesterday but we knew it wouldn't matter if we came in here and got the job done and we did that," Johnson said.
"Our pool was really tough with some really good sides but we look forward to the next game."
Melbourne did enough to win through to the quarter-finals despite going down 26-7 to the Roosters in their final pool game.
Roosters sensation Latrell Mitchell ran 90 metres to put the ball down under the sticks for the first points of the game and his fourth try of the tournament.
The Roosters then finished off the match with three quick tries through young guns Joseph Manu, Connor Watson and Nat Butcher.
The Storm will play North Queensland in the quarters after the NRL premiers snuck home 15-11 against Penrith.
Parramatta will face Newcastle in the round of eight after beating South Sydney 24-11, knocking out the defending champions.
Rookie fullback Bevan French continued his impressive tournament, finishing off a long-range team try for the Eels while Semi Radradra bagged a double.
The Knights snuck through to the knockout stage in controversial circumstances with a 21-16 win over the Wests Tigers.
After the Tiger got on the board through a brilliant solo effort from Josh Addo Carr, the Knights hit back when hooker Dany Levi burrowed over for the decisive try but appeared to lose the ball in the tackle.
Gold Coast are surprise quarter-finalists after beating St George Illawarra 24-12 while Canberra will face the Warriors after their 18-6 over last year's losing finalists Cronulla 18-6.
QUARTER-FINALS
* Parramatta v Newcastle
* Melbourne v North Queensland
* Warriors v Canberra
* Manly v Gold Coast
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