New Zealand Warriors Harold Matthews, SG Ball rugby league sides can’t be underestimated

Most come in sight unseen but this former NRL gun believes the New Zealand Warriors teens about to arrive en mass will “shake up” our NSW rugby league junior comps.

The New Zealand Warriors playing in the 2023 SG Ball.

Former NRL player and NSW high performance and pathways manager Matt Parish is thrilled the New Zealand Warriors will have a presence across NSW rugby league bit has warned they should not be underestimated by rival Sydney clubs.

The One New Zealand Warriors will compete in the NSW Cup (reserve grade), the SG Ball (Under 19s), the Jersey Flegg (under 21s) and the Harold Matthews competition (under 17s).

It is the first time they have joined in the Harold Matts and Jersey Flegg competitions with a goal to staunch the loss of top rugby league talent across the ditch.

“This is massive for rugby league and for them. It’s unbelievable, unbelievable,” Parish said of the imminent arrival of the Harold Matts and SG Ball sides for the opening weekend of competition.

“During Covid the player managers took their good players away and now they have a pathway. That means they can stay at the Warriors.

“It will make the NRL better and it’s great for our comps. It lifts the standard.’’

The Warriors playing South Sydney in the SG Ball last year.

Parish believes the New Zealanders will arrive, ready to make an impression and won’t be “easy beats”.

“Competitive from the get go. Without a doubt,’’ Parish said.

“They are unknown quantity. They will shake things up.

“It’s great we are giving more players opportunity.’’

The Warriors kick off their 2024 SG Ball campaign against the Parramatta Eels, the defending champions, on Sunday at 11.30am with the Harold Matts game at 10am.

Lennox Tuiloma in the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup squad. Picture: Contributed

Kayliss Fatialofa is in the SG Ball squad. Picture: One NZ Warriors

WARRIORS HAROLD MATTHEWS SQUAD: Joseph Ratcliffe, Ezekiel Davidson Faaiuaso, Siale Pahulu, Torbein Beauvais, Kairus Booth, Boston Krone, Deshontayne Te Wao, Timau Utiaro, Kaawyn Patterson, Hudsyn Frost, Dezman Laban, Romana Whitiora, Lennox Tuiloma, Jeremiah Lemana, Militoni Sikuvea, Gordon Afoa, Isaiah Savea, Houma Fotu

WARRIORS SG BALL SQUAD: JD Auloa, Malakai Cama, Alvin Chong-Nee, Tallan Egan, Ezekiel Faga-Ieti, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jeriko Filipi-Talisau, Augustino Filipo, Malachi Filipo, Hiraka Haenga-Waitai, Noah Harmer-Campbell, Tyrone Hurt-Pickering, Mikaele Ilaiu, Noah Jensen, Lucky Kali, Andrew Nansen, Asher Norman-Te Pou, Hame Palelei, Motu Pasikala, Meihana Pauling, Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson, Te Waaka Popata-Henare, Lyrakai-Layke Posimani, Compton Purcell, Jason Salalilo, Junior Sikuvea, Raphael Sio, Elijah Solomona, Jesse Soric, Jackson Stewart, Tom Summer, Waka Tate, Rico Toeava-Ward, Francis Tuimauga, Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea, Nganatatafu Vake, Simi Veatupu, Te Paeroa Wi Neera, Taipari Wikitera, Maui Winitana-Patelesio

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Originally published as New Zealand Warriors Harold Matthews, SG Ball rugby league sides can’t be underestimated