NRL: Three of the best Warriors vs Storm Anzac Day clashes

Every year since 2009 (with the exception in 2015), the NZ Warriors and Melbourne Storm have squared off against each other across the ditch on Anzac Day.

The annual fixture has become one of the biggest and most popular games for Warriors fans, as players always seem to find an extra gear when the two teams collide.

Before 2009, the Warriors had never played a game on April 25.

As we look ahead to the ninth Anzac Day fixture between the two teams, we reminisce on three of the best between the two sides.

2009: Warriors drew 14-14 GP

This game was full of drama! It had everything you could want in a rugby league game.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game, but failed to convert.

The Storm led for most of the fixture, before the Warriors fought back to tie things up at 14-14.

Late in the second-half, both sides had several unsuccessful field-goal attempts from Stacey Jones and Cooper Cronk, and the game eventually into extra-time.

Both sides continued to miss field goals in golden point, including one from the 'Little General' that hit the left upright.

Lance Hohaia looked to have broken the deadlock with less than a minute left on the clock, but the video referee disallowed his successful field-goal attempt due to the tiniest of knock-ons by Jones.

2011: Warriors win 18-14

On a cold Monday night, the Warriors headed into Melbourne with a 2-4 record and as massive underdogs.

But a huge second-half defensive effort against the Storm helped kick-start New Zealand's drive the Grand Final.

The Warriors had an 18-8 lead at halftime, after tries to Krisnan Inu, Michael Luck and Jacob Lillyman. The home side scored the only try of the second half - in the 44th minute through Cooper Cronk - but couldn't break through for the crucial points to secure the Anzac Day win.

Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm reflect on their 2011 loss. Photo credit: Photosport

Melbourne had a late chance to tie the match up, but Lewis Brown came up with a try-saving tackle on Beau Champion. 

That year, the Storm only lost three games in Melbourne - one to the Raiders and two to the Warriors.

2017: Warriors lost 14-20

The Warriors might not have won, but it proved to be a genuinely memorable clash, where both teams left everything out on the field.

The Penrose-based club led for most of the fixture and held a narrow 14-12 advantage with 20 minutes to play, but the Storm's 'big three' turned up the pressure and eventually broke the Warriors defence. 

It was the Storm's young guns that sealed the win, with Josh Addo-Carr and Felice Kaufusi both scoring in the final 15 minutes to claim their seventh win in eight games.

The loss will have left the Warriors with a sour taste in their mouth and they will want revenge on Wednesday night.

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Join us at 9pm Wednesday for live updates on the Warriors vs Storm Anzac Day NRL clash.