New Zealand Warriors coach Tony Kemp expressed his relief after watching his side shed its "bridesmaid" tag with a 34-16 NRL win over South Sydney at North Sydney Oval on Saturday night.

The win ended a frustrating month for the Warriors, who put up spirited performances against Penrith, Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters only to lose all three matches by four points or less.

"I think it was important that we got the two points for the night. We've been bridesmaids," said Kemp.

"The footy we've been playing over the last month has been good. It's easy to sit back and say we're pretty close ... and I'm just happy to come in here and get the two points.

"There's no in between. You lose or you win in this game.

"I'm proud of the blokes for showing up week in and week out and persevering with it."

The Warriors got off to a flying start, scoring two converted tries in the opening eight minutes after bursting through some feeble defence on Souths' right-hand side.

Fullback Todd Polglase gave the home team a glimmer of hope when he scored a four-pointer five minutes later to reduce the margin to six points but it was as close as Souths came to an upset.

The Warriors led 24-10 at the main break and extended their lead in the 50th minute after Francis Meli scored a long-range four-pointer to extend the lead.

Another to winger Manu Vatuvei nine minutes later ensured that the New Zealand side playing its 250th match since joining the Australian Rugby League in 1995 would head back across the Tasman with a much-needed victory.

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