LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The NZ Warriors have announced an unchanged starting side for the Harold Matthews Cup grand final against the Newcastle Knights at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Saturday at 12:00 PM local time (2:00 PM NZT).
Coach TJ Ashford has retained the same run-on team that secured a 28-8 victory over South Sydney in the preliminary final.
However, there has been one adjustment to the interchange: Hanita Takulua will step in for Amasio, who is following concussion protocols after sustaining a head injury during the match against the Rabbitohs.
Additionally, five players from the campaign have been listed in the reserves: Christiano Elia, who served as the 18th man last Sunday; Kaian Olsen; D'Angelo Mikaele; Jacksyn Hill; and Caleib Fidow.
The Knights reached the grand final by defeating Illawarra 28-10 in the first week of finals and then overcoming the Central Coast Roosters 26-20 last week.
While the Warriors clinched the title last year, this year's Under-17 side shows significant changes compared to the championship-winning squad from the previous year.