LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
A catastrophic demolition took place in Sunday afternoon's State Championships clash between the New Zealand Warriors and the Burleigh Bears, with a lopsided result of 50-20 that looked likely once the first points were scored.
The Warriors came into the State Championships Final with over 400 matches of NRL experience across their side, a huge contrast to the raw Bears outfit. The lack of experience was evident, with the scoreline reflecting an absolute massacre.
An accidental try-saver from the Bears in the opening minutes was about the most success they saw in the entire first half, aside from a late try that earned them a sliver in glory in an otherwise embarrassing stretch of rugby league against the Warriors.
Warriors' halfback Tanah Boyd demonstrated an exceptional kicking game in the biggest match of his team's season, with pinpoint launches finding their target almost every time.
Clearly of NRL quality, Boyd's excellent playmaking was perfectly complemented by the skill of his outside backs, with Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua earning a try each, Setu Tu grabbing two, and the halfback himself contributing one as well.
The Bears' defense was unable to keep pace with the class of their opponents, and while their attack showed promise at times, the fatigue from defending their line for extended periods took its toll, leading to two knock-ons near their try line.
Boyd's impeccable goal-kicking also dampened the Bears' motivation further, as he successfully nailed five conversions, missing only two.