LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a stunning turn of events, the warriors.kiwi website is buzzing with the news that the NZ Warriors' Harold Matthews Cup team has punched their ticket to the grand final.
They managed to upset Parramatta last week, and now they have shocked the minor premiers Canterbury Bankstown to secure a spot in the under-17 competition's ultimate showdown.
This is a monumental achievement for the club, as they haven't had a team in a premiership decider since 2014.
Under the mentorship of TJ Ashford, the Warriors fought tooth and nail to claim a gritty 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs at Henson Park.
This win adds another thrilling chapter to their captivating debut season in the renowned pathways competition.
It all began with a disappointing loss to the Eels back in February, but instead of dwelling on defeat, the team used it as motivation to soar to new heights.
And now, they find themselves on the cusp of glory.
This marks the first time in years that a NZ Warriors team has made it to a grand final since Stacey Jones led the charge to victory in the NYC (under-20) championship back in 2014.
The road to the finals this year had its fair share of challenges, with a tough loss to Cronulla Sutherland putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
However, a dominant 46-10 triumph over St George in the final round secured their spot in the finals, and they haven't looked back since.
In a pivotal moment, with just five minutes left on the clock, powerhouse loose forward Lennox Tuiloma crossed the try line, extending their lead to 10-0 after Booth's successful conversion.
This team has shown incredible resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of Rugby League and embodying the never-say-die attitude that is synonymous with the sport.
The grand final awaits, and the Warriors are ready to leave it all out on the field in pursuit of championship glory.
Go Warriors!