The One New Zealand Warriors' Harold Matthews Cup side provided the perfect start to the most momentous day in the club's pathways history today.
For the first time the Warriors are fielding teams in five competitions this season from the NRL through to the New South Wales Cup (reserve grade), Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21), SG Ball Cup (under-19) and Harold Matthews Cup (under-17).
They've all been on show for the first time this week with Friday night's NRL-NSW Cup doubleheader at Go Media Stadium followed by a triple header featuring the three age group sides at Pukekohe's Navigation Homes Stadium today.
First up was the Harold Matthews sixth-round encounter with the Warriors taking on the Illawarra Steelers.
After marking their competition debut with losses to Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters, the young Warriors won their next two starts against South Sydney and Balmain and were motivated to extend the run to maintain their push for a spot in the finals next month.
That they did with a 26-16 win which pushed them up to eight points for a share of fifth spot but seventh on points for and against just outside the top six play-offs.
Match: Warriors v Steelers
Round 6 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Steelers
Venue: Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
With front rower Hudsyn Frost scoring two tries and fullback Joseph Ratcliffe crossing as well the Warriors were 16-6 ahead at halftime.
The Steelers pulled back to 12-16 after the break but the Warriors added another two tries to seal a 10-point victory.
They’re back at Navigation Homes Stadium next Sunday when they’ll face the Canberra Raiders, who lost their first four matches of the season but picked up their opening win over Penrith yesterday.
