LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NZ Warriors are set to compete in their second consecutive Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) grand final, following a decisive 28-8 victory over South Sydney in the preliminary final at Redfern Oval, Sydney.
Fullback Jeremiah Lemana was outstanding, scoring a hat-trick that significantly contributed to the win.
With this victory, the Warriors aim to defend the title they won in their debut season last year, facing Newcastle in the grand final at Leichhardt Oval next Sunday.
Newcastle secured their spot by defeating the Central Coast Roosters 26-20 in the other preliminary final.
Lemana showcased his skills, scoring the team's first, third, and fifth tries.
In the fifth minute, hooker Dreytin Marriott connected with halfback Alapati Soagia, allowing Lemana to expertly exploit a gap and score.
After leading 16-8 at the 46-minute mark, the Warriors extended their lead five minutes later.
Strong carries by Ioka and Neal brought them within three meters of the South Sydney line, setting up Ronan Byford to score under the crossbar, making it 22-8 with nine minutes remaining.
The Warriors sealed their victory with an exhilarating long-range try, solidifying their place in the grand final.