The New Zealand Warriors have produced a strong defensive performance to defeat the Melbourne Storm 12-6 in their pre-season trial match last night.

NRL.com reports, a youthful Warriors outfit ran in two tries to Melbourne’s one in an even contest, as both sides dusted off some cobwebs in their first trial game of the year ahead of their season-openers next month.

While the result went the Warriors way, both teams will be pleased with the hit-out and the solid performances of a host of players looking to impress ahead of the regular season.