LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a remarkable turnaround, the NZ Warriors bounced back from a heavy loss to dominate the St George Illawarra Dragons in a convincing 42-12 victory at Ziems Park in Sydney today.
This win secured their place in the New South Wales Cup finals, just one day after their NRL side secured a top four finals spot.
Under the guidance of coach Slade Griffin, the Warriors finished the regular season in second place on the ladder with 33 points.
They achieved a commendable record of 14 wins, a draw, and nine losses.
This strong position guarantees them a second chance in the top five format used in the competition's play-offs.
Had the Warriors lost today, they would have anxiously awaited the outcome of other matches, potentially jeopardizing their chances of making it to the finals.
However, their commanding performance put any doubts to rest, as they transformed a 20-point lead into a resounding 30-point victory.
Heading into the match, the Warriors fielded a formidable backline, featuring experienced players Brayden Wiliame and Te Maire Martin, both making their comebacks after recovering from injuries.
They were joined by NRL players Taine Tuaupiki, Edward Kosi, and Ronald Volkman in key positions.
The pack included regular NRL interchange forward Tom Ale and former first grader James Gavet.
Wiliame wasted no time in making an impact, scoring for the Warriors after just seven minutes.
Although the Dragons briefly took a 6-4 lead in the first half, it was short-lived as the Warriors quickly regained control.
This victory not only secures the Warriors' place in the finals but also highlights their ability to bounce back from adversity.
With their key players returning from injuries and their determination on full display, the Warriors have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming finals series.