Parramatta doused the One New Zealand Warriors' hopes of a return to winning ways when they ground out an 18-6 victory in Saturday’s 19th-round Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) encounter at Lidcombe Oval in Sydney.
The Warriors were hoping to check a run of losses which had been extended to four with their 6-30 defeat by the second-placed Canterbury Bankstown side in round 18.
While they produced a much-improved performance the Eels went to halftime 14-0 ahead - and in the opening minutes of the second half they stretched out to 18-0 with an unconverted try.
Then the Warriors stepped into the contest and hit back with a Siale Faeamani try, which he converted, to be 6-18 behind with 25 minutes to play.
They stayed in the wrestle, keeping Parramatta at bay but ultimate failed to add to their own total.
Match: Eels v Warriors
Round 19 -
home Team
Eels
8th Position
away Team
Warriors
13th Position
Venue: Lidcombe Oval, Sydney
With development the focus, the Warriors had numerous Jersey Flegg-eligible players on New South Wales Cup duty, many of them excelling in a dramatic 46-28 comeback win.
It also means the Warriors are introducing more players from their wider group of under-21 prospects. Of the 17 players used this week, 13 are 19 or younger with one of them – centre Hiraka Waitai – not 18 until October.
It leaves the Warriors well-placed to have an experienced squad next season with only two of Saturday’s lineup out of contention.
