New Zealand Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said his side's pulsating come-from-behind 20-19 victory against the Canberra Raiders was one of the most special victories in his career.
Down by seven points with five minutes remaining, a try to Issac Luke turned the game on its head before two field goals from Shaun Johnson gave the Warriors their first 3-0 start in club history.
It was a magic act worthy of Houdini, as Johnson helped the Warriors snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and left 11,963 fans at GIO Stadium stunned.
''Emotionally, having everything against us and the boys digging deep to fight back on our try line and to finish right at the end, it's just massive for me and the team,'' Tuivasa-Sheck said.
''We knew the Raiders were coming here to play. They've been unfortunate in their last few games.
''But we worry about ourselves and make sure our of our plan. We didn't execute as well as we wanted to but the spirit of the boys saw them fight back.''
The Warriors have long been seen as the team with the most unfilled talent in the Telstra Premiership, but coach Stephen Kearney said his side is forcing people to change their perceptions.
''I always thought there was a chance [to win], but the courage they showed today ... we got smashed in the penalties,'' Kearney said.
''The playing personal we've recruited into the club has played a bit part, we've changed a couple of ways which we attack which helps. Roger and Shaun and the guys who have been here have also had a change of mindset too.''
Tuivasa-Sheck starred again for the visitors with Jazz Tevaga and Bunty Afoa providing plenty of punch off the bench.
Tohu Harris continued to show why he might be one of the best buys of the season, running for 124 metres and making 29 tackles.
''It's a bit hard to put Tohu off his game,'' Kearney said.
''He's unflappable, he's a real smart footballer and he's bit of halfback in a 109kg backrower's body. So to have a guy with Roger and Greeny to help steer the group around under real pressure is a bonus for us.''
New Zealand's task to maintain their unbeaten start doesn't get any easier, as they face the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium next Saturday.
Warriors press conference - Round 3
