LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The New Zealand Warriors are set to face off against South Sydney in their first play-off match since 2018.
The New South Wales Cup finals series will commence this weekend, and the Warriors have secured a top three finish, giving them a second chance in the competition.
The finals will follow a top five format, meaning the North Sydney Bears, who finished as minor premiers, will progress directly to week two.
The Warriors will take on South Sydney in the first week one play-off match, which will be held at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1.00pm local time.
In the other week one play-off match, the Canberra Raiders, who finished fourth, will face the Sea Eagles, who finished fifth.
Their game is set to start at 3.00pm.
The winners of the Warriors versus Rabbitohs match will advance to week two, where they will face the North Sydney Bears.
On the other hand, the losers will go up against the winners of the Raiders versus Sea Eagles game.
Unfortunately, the team that loses in the fourth versus fifth battle will be eliminated from the competition.
During the regular season, the Warriors clashed with the Rabbitohs twice.
They suffered a narrow 22-24 defeat at Redfern Oval on June 3 but managed to avenge the loss with a 21-18 victory at Go Media Stadium on June 30.
This upcoming play-off match will be the decider in their head-to-head battle this season.
The Warriors will be looking to build on their recent victory over the Rabbitohs and secure a win in the play-offs.
It will be an exciting and crucial match for both teams as they aim to progress further in the finals series.
Fans can expect a highly competitive and intense game between these two sides.