LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Three SG Ball Cup players, Kahu Capper, Paea Sikuvea, and Gordon Afoa, have been called up to the NZ Warriors' Jersey Flegg Cup side for their upcoming match against Cronulla Sutherland.
The trio are making the jump from the under-19 team to the under-21 squad following the conclusion of the SG Ball campaign.
The Warriors are coming off their first win of the season, defeating the Silktails 28-18 in Lautoka after a draw with Wests Tigers in round four.
In addition to the SG Ball players being promoted, there are several other changes to the team.
Capper will fill in at the centres for the injured Sio Kali, Caelys Putoko is set to start at fullback, and Tylah Blake, a former Nelson College First XV rugby union player, is expected to make his debut in the halves alongside Luke Hanson, who has been promoted to the New South Wales Cup squad.
The SG Ball players bring added depth and talent to the squad, with coach Nathan Cayless praising their abilities and work ethic.
Cayless highlighted the importance of giving younger players opportunities to step up and gain valuable experience at the higher level.
He stated, "It's great to have these young guys coming through the system and being able to give them a go at this level."
The Warriors will face a tough challenge against Cronulla Sutherland, but Cayless is confident that the team is ready to rise to the occasion.
He emphasized the need for all players to step up and contribute to the overall performance, stating, "We've got some quality young players in the squad and I'm looking forward to seeing them performance against a quality side like Cronulla."
Overall, the promotion of the SG Ball players adds excitement and potential to the Warriors' lineup, with the team looking to build on their recent success and continue their momentum in the upcoming match against Cronulla Sutherland.