LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The North Sydney Bears pose a significant challenge for the NZ Warriors as they aim for their first appearance in the New South Wales Cup grand final.
According to a report by warriors.kiwi, a victory over the minor premiership-winning Bears in tomorrow's preliminary final at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney would be a groundbreaking achievement for the Warriors.
They would become the second New Zealand team, but the first in Warriors colors, to make it to the grand final.
The significance of this opportunity is evident when reflecting on a remarkable day in rugby league history that took place 12 years ago.
On October 2, 2011, three teams from New Zealand were involved in all three grand finals.
The NZ Warriors' under-20 side emerged victorious with a thrilling 31-30 golden point win over North Queensland, while the NRL side experienced a disappointing 10-24 defeat against Manly Warringah.
In the New South Wales Cup, the Auckland Vulcans were agonizingly denied a win as Canterbury Bankstown scored in the final moments to secure a 30-28 victory.
It is worth noting that the Vulcans team primarily consisted of players from the Warriors' NRL squad, in addition to some local talents, and they wore the Vulcans' colors before the team transitioned into the Warriors' franchise.