Junior reps: Warriors teams off the mark with big twin wins over Central Coast
The Warriors' Harold Matts and SG Ball teams kept the scoreboard ticking over in Round 4 against the Roosters.
The Warriors have bounced back from 0-2 starts in the Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball Cup competitions, returning from the bye with resounding Round 4 victories over their Central Coast Roosters counterparts at Bruce Pulman Park.
The under-17s side delivered new coach Albert Vete his first win courtesy of a 50-18 result in the early game.
The Warriors scored four tries to lead 22-4 at halftime and crossed five times after the break, with fullback Kaian Olsen and winger Chris Sau both dotting down in each half.
The Warriors’ SG Ball team put away Central Coast 34-18 after scoring five tries to one in the first half.
Canterbury-bred hooker Amasio Tiatia scored in the opening minutes, while in-form fullback Joseph Ratcliffe got over the line in both halves.
Another South Island product, barnstorming back-rower Bishop Neal, capped another sensational performance with an excellent second-half try that quelled a Roosters fightback.
The Warriors’ two youngest teams head across the Tasman for the first time in 2026 next Saturday, lining up against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back-to-back at Belmore Sports Ground.
Meanwhile, the NSW Cup team (Friday at Mount Smart Stadium) and Jersey Flegg outfit (Saturday at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe) kick off their campaigns against Sydney Roosters, mirroring the Warriors NRL line-up’s Round 1 clash with the Tricolours at home.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP - ROUND 4
Warriors 50 (Kaian Olsen 2, Chris Sau 2, Tusi Fanolua, Daniel Kali, Hanita Takulua, Agelu Malasilia, Hemiata Togia tries; Keanu Simpson 7 goals) defeated Central Coast Roosters 18 at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland.
SG BALL CUP - ROUND 4
Warriors 34 (Joseph Ratcliffe 2, Amasio Tiatia, Alexander Pua, Mark Sikuvea, Dezman Laban, Bishop Neal tries; Connor Bowden 3 goals) defeated Central Coast Roosters 18 at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland.