Second-half try at Mt Smart Stadium stands as Warriors take third win in opening four games of the season.
Taine Tuaupiki could've chased his NRL dreams with better deals at other clubs but the chance to "come home" was all he needed to join the Kiwi NRL team.
Dominant for the majority of the match and with enough chances to ice the game early, the Roosters were forced to hold through a nervous late period at Allianz Stadium.
After a first-up win at home over the Knights, the Warriors are on the road and looking to take two of last season's best clubs.
Newcastle have railed against a late concussion test on Kalyn Ponga which sidelined the superstar for the final 10 minutes of their round one loss to the Warriors.
A late error by Newcastle proved the difference as Wayde Egan converted it into the final nail in the coffin for a 20-12 win.
New coach Andrew Webster says the club bears little resemblance to the one he left six years ago, insisting it is now filled with winners.
The Warriors are preparing for their first home campaign since 2020, and hopes the return to New Zealand shores will give them a fresh start.
Captain Tohu Harris said he can't fathom what the Luke family are going through but hopes his side can ease their pain - and that of many other Kiwis - with a strong game tomorrow.
The Storm are still in Melbourne ahead of this Sunday's preseason match against the Warriors in the Garden City due to some travel issues.
The West Tigers are in NZ for a trial game against the Warriors this week but will be back later in the year to thank them for their selfless acts during the Covid pandemic.
Jazz Tevaga has pledged to donate $10 for every tackle he makes, $1 for every metre gained and $500 for every try he scores to help Roman Tuhimata.
The injury is believed to have caused the 55-year-old to suffer a cardiac arrest.
The Mate Ma'a Tonga international was off contract at the end of 2023, the final year of his deal since joining the Warriors from the Super League.
The team looked almost unrecognisable as they traded boots and training shirts for hard hats, steel caps and hi-viz jackets.
The Wests Tigers are the only team to play a home match in New Zealand, despite the Warriors spending months at a time in Australia during the pandemic.
The Warriors will play 12 matches in New Zealand for the first time since 2019.
A ram-raid overnight at the Warriors' home stadium saw 14 of his jerseys taken.
The incident has been reported to the NRL Integrity Unit
The Warriors and their new naming sponsor see the change as a chance to "reinvigorate" the team after a rocky few seasons based overseas.