Warriors storm home to set up grand final against Dragons

The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Minor Premiers, the Warriors, achieved a decisive victory as they triumphed 42-14 over a determined Parramatta Eels at Jubilee Stadium. This win secures their spot in the Grand Final.

With the return of key players like half Tanah Boyd, hooker Sam Healey, centre Ali Leiataua, and prop Tanner Stowers-Smith, the Warriors showcased their strength early on. They quickly scored the initial three tries, but the Eels fought back, scoring their own three tries to close the gap to 16-14 early in the second half, setting the stage for an exciting match.

However, the Warriors' skills, particularly those of Boyd and Healey, proved decisive as they erupted into form, scoring 26 unanswered points. This strong performance cemented their advancement to next week's Grand Final against St George Illawarra Dragons at CommBank Stadium.

The scoring started in the sixth minute, following a period of inactivity for back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa. Healey, playing dummy-half, opted to pass right, allowing fullback Taine Tuaupiki to evade several defenders and score, giving the Warriors an early 4-0 lead.

A late-tackle penalty by the Eels inside their own 20 helped the Warriors extend their lead in the 15th minute. Boyd skillfully navigated across the field and set up centre Moala Graham-Taufa, who capitalized on a wide gap to score, with Boyd converting to make it 10-0.

Further indiscipline from the Eels allowed the Warriors to increase their advantage to 16 points. The key combination of Boyd and Luke Hanson enabled Graham-Taufa to secure his second try in the 22nd minute, positioning the score at 16-0.

The Eels finally struck back in the 29th minute, capitalizing on a penalty. They managed to shift the play left, where centre Araz Nanva set up winger Beau Newlands for a try in the southeast corner, narrowing the score to 16-4.