The Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s) and SG Ball Cup (under-19s) teams both kicked off their 2026 NSWRL junior rep campaign with a loss on Sunday, going down to their Manly Sea Eagles counterparts at Bruce Pulman Park.
The two-time defending champs in the Harold Matthews Cup, the Warriors fielded 12 newcomers and were edged out 24-18 in a seesawing encounter.
A dazzling 50-metre solo try from hooker Kayce Perese-Sukroo put the Warriors on the board first in the ninth minute, but the Sea Eagles posted three unanswered tries to build a 16-6 lead.
Interchange duo Hemiata Togia and Agelu Malaesilia crossed either side of halftime to briefly reclaim the advantage for the Albert Vete-coached hosts, before Manly winger Zac Gedz’s try gave his side a lead they would not relinquish.
The Warriors’ SG Ball outfit was overwhelmed 28-14 by the Sea Eagles, who powered to a 20-point lead before the home team finished strongly.
Interchange Tyson Hansen belatedly scored the Warriors’ first try just after halftime, while second-rowers Bishop Neal - the barnstorming Canterbury product who was player of the match in the 2025 Harold Matthews Cup grand final - and Militonimolela Sikuvea dotted down when a win was all but out of reach.
Both Warriors teams face South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bruce Pulman Park next Sunday in Round 2.
2026 HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP ROUND 1 - Manly Sea Eagles 24 defeated Warriors 18 (Kayce Perese-Sukroo, Hemiata Togia, Agelu Malaesilia tries; Keanu Simpson 3 goals) at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland
2026 SG BALL CUP ROUND 1 - Manly Sea Eagles 28 defeated Warriors 14 (Tyson Hansen, Bishop Neal, Militonimolela Sikuvea tries; Connor Bowden goal) at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland.