The New Zealand Warriors put last week's shellacking at the hands of Melbourne behind them, beating Newcastle by six points in their NRL match in Auckland.

Recruit Ryan Shortland, 21, making his debut for the Warriors and playing at centre, scored the team's two tries in the first half.

The final score of 26-20 was a poor indication of how dominant the Warriors were, controlling the match and making the Knights work hard and make far more tackles.

The Warriors dominated early play but two quick tries to the Knights shortly before the half ended cut New Zealand's lead to just two points at 14-12.

Playing with something to prove after last Monday's 6-52 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne and operating without injured captain Steve Price and fullback Wade McKinnon, the Warriors showed tenacity in front of a vocal crowd of 11,518.

During the second half the Warriors gradually pulled away, with tries to interchange Evarn Tuimavave and winger Patrick Ah Van who ran 90 metres to score.

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