LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
An unchanged team has been named for the NZ Warriors' quest to secure their first New South Wales Cup premiership in Sunday's grand final against St George Illawarra at CommBank Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:15 PM local time (6:15 PM NZDT).
The Warriors, coached by David Tangata-Toa, enter the title match on the back of a convincing performance in last Saturday's preliminary final, where they defeated the Parramatta Eels 42-14, marking their 22nd win from 26 matches this season.
Captain Kalani Going, the competition's player of the year, leads a roster rich in NRL experience, including departing veteran Bunty Afoa, who has played 145 first-grade games. Alongside him are prop Tanner Stowers-Smith, hooker Sam Healey, second rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, and Going himself, as well as halfback Tanah Boyd, centres Ali Leiataua and Moala Graham-Taufa, winger Edward Kosi, fullback Taine Tuaupiki, and interchange front rower Tom Ale.
The starting lineup is further complemented by young talent like second rower Kayliss Fatialofa (20), promising standoff Luke Hanson (21), and experienced winger Setu Tu (26), who has an impressive record of scoring 11 tries in 13 matches this season, and 42 tries in his 66-game NSW Cup career with the club.
However, the Dragons pose a formidable challenge and are eager to secure victory for their own club. This season, the teams have faced each other three times, with the Warriors winning 40-12 at Go Media Stadium in April, a 14-14 draw in Round 22 in Wollongong, and the Dragons winning at Leichhardt Oval.
Historically, the Warriors hold an 11-6 advantage in 20 matches against the Dragons, with three matches ending in draws. Beyond Tu, the Warriors boast a potent attack, with Graham-Taufa ranked sixth in try-scoring with 16 in 22 games, followed closely by Kosi with 15 in 19 games, and Fatialofa with 14, who has played all 26 matches this season. Injured winger Sio Kali has recorded 12 tries in 12 games.