New Zealand Warriors have strategically reshuffled their under-19 players from the SG Ball Cup team

The One New Zealand Warriors have strategically reshuffled their under-19 players from the SG Ball Cup team, which is no longer in contention for the finals, into the Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) squad. This move aims to bolster the Jersey Flegg team’s strength for their upcoming match against Newcastle at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, with a kick-off scheduled for 1.30 pm.

This decision exemplifies the club’s commitment to utilizing its pathways program to nurture and elevate players to higher levels of competition. Notable inclusions from the under-19 roster into the Jersey Flegg lineup include Motu Pasikala in the fullback position, Sio Kali at centre, Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea as front rower, and Kayliss Fatialofa and Alvin Chong Nee as second rowers, with Fatialofa set to start and Chong Nee positioned on the interchange bench.

The reshuffling coincides with promotions of Harry Durbin, the Jersey Flegg captain, and Jaydee Auloa, co-captain of the SG Ball team, to the club’s NRL reserve grade side in the New South Wales Cup.

This strategic maneuver underscores the effectiveness of the One New Zealand Warriors’ player development system, as evidenced by the composition of the Jersey Flegg team. Despite the promotion of Durbin, the team still boasts six players who represented the SG Ball side last season, including Siale Faeamani, Phranklyn Mani Le Mamea, Etuate Fukofuka, Presley Seumanu, Ben Peni, and William Piliu.

The upcoming match against Newcastle presents a challenging opportunity for the elevated players to prove themselves in a higher grade. Thus far in the Jersey Flegg competition, the Warriors have faced formidable adversaries, suffering defeats against Cronulla Sutherland, Melbourne, and Canberra. These matches have provided invaluable exposure to a heightened level of intensity, pushing the players to adapt and improve.

Facing the Knights adds to the challenge, as they currently rank fourth on the table. Despite a first-round loss to Canberra, they’ve bounced back with impressive victories against St George Illawarra and Melbourne in the subsequent rounds.

The clash against Newcastle sets the stage for a day of riveting football at Go Media Stadium on Easter Sunday. Following the Jersey Flegg match, the One New Zealand Warriors will also compete against the Knights in the New South Wales Cup, with kick-off at 3.20 pm, culminating in the highly anticipated NRL battle at 6.05 pm.