LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
New Zealand Warriors players Ali Leiataua and Kalani Going have been recognized for their outstanding performances in the New South Wales Cup this season.
Both players were named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year, a testament to their skill and contribution to the Warriors' successful return to the competition after a three-year absence.
Despite finishing third in the regular season, the Warriors' playoffs campaign ended with a narrow 24-28 loss to North Sydney, leaving them just one win shy of reaching the grand final.
Ali Leiataua, a 20-year-old center, made his NRL debut for the Warriors in round 15, impressing with his attacking prowess.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old back rower Kalani Going earned his first NRL appearance in the final regular season match against Redcliffe.
Going proved himself to be a consistent performer, appearing in 24 out of the team's 27 matches.
Leiataua's season was slightly hampered by a hamstring injury, which limited him to 16 games.
Nonetheless, he managed to score an impressive 10 tries, making him the second-highest try scorer for the Warriors.
Going, on the other hand, excelled in this department, leading the team with 11 tries.
The recognition of Leiataua and Going in the NSW Cup Team of the Year highlights their individual contributions to the Warriors' success this season.
It also serves as a promising sign for the future of these talented players and their potential impact in the NRL.