Vodafone Warriors NRL players Viliami Vailea, Edward Kosi, Tom Ale and Jackson Frei all pumped out impressive stats to help feeder club Redcliffe to a convicning 40-20 win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in their week one finals clash in the Intrust Super Cup today.
Playing at Moreton Daily Stadium – the Vodafone Warriors’ home ground next year – the fifth-ranked Dolphins produced 26 points in the second half to run away from the eighth-placed Falcons.
The Vodafone Warriors had a legion of players in the line-up. Apart from Vailea, Kosi, Ale and Frei they also provided back rower Pride Petterson-Robati as well as juniors Otukinekina and Peesi Kepu. Also in the line-up were former Vodafone Warriors Preston Riki and Sheldon Pitama; Riki was with the wider NRL squad for preseason training this year.
Vailea, Kosi and Ale were all try scorers today with Vailea a constant threat.
He ran a game-high 247 metres from 16 runs with two line break assists, a try assist, seven tackle breaks and 13 tackles without a miss.
On his edge right winger Kosi was also outstanding with 155 metres from 15 runs, two line breaks, a try assist and two tackle breaks.
Second rower Ale topped the metres gained among the forwards with 145 metres from 17 runs with five tackle breaks and 21 tackles while 2021 NRL rookie front rower Frei made 121 metres from 13 runs along with 21 tackles without a miss. Loose forward Petterson-Robati gained 83 metres from eight carries and added 20 tackles without a miss.
While the Vodafone Warriors current and former delivered for Redcliffe, the club also made a contribution to the Redcliffe colts in their 40-16 week one finals win over Townsville.
Among the try scorers was hooker Taniela Otukolo, who made his NRL debut this season, while contracted development player Jyris Glamuzina also started at prop.
