NSWRL Junior Reps: Eight talking points from Matts, Fiaola, Ball, Gale finals week three

Grand final match-ups are set in the NSWRL Junior Reps after a thrilling preliminary finals weekend. Catch up on the major headlines in our eight talking points from finals week three.

The Central Coast Roosters are into the decider. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Grand final match-ups are set in the NSWRL Junior Reps after a thrilling preliminary finals weekend.

Catch up on the major headlines in our eight talking points from finals week three of Harold Matthews, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions.

RESPONDING WHEN CHALLENGED

Newcastle showed a tremendous ability to hit back when the Central Coast looked like they were taking control of their Harold Matts final.

The Roosters hit the front twice in the second half, but both times the Knights were able to strike back, particularly in the 50th minute when Kade Paton levelled the scores up after their opponents looked to have all the momentum.

Despite losing captain Tyson Hansen (number six), the Warriors advanced to the Harold Matts grand final. Picture: Sean Teuma

WARRIORS’ DEFENSIVE GRIT

New Zealand’s defence in the finals has gone to another level in Harold Matthews. They were only ranked fifth in that category throughout the regular season, but have only conceded three tries in their two finals games so far.

South Sydney had plenty of ball and momentum early in the second half, but the Warriors held strong in a brilliant effort.

FINALS HEART

The Central Coast dominated for much of the Lisa Fiaola contest with Wests Tigers, but when the Tigers got going they seemed destined to pull off a miracle comeback.

In a heartbreaking finish, they almost jagged the winning try. And against any other side they may well have, but if the Roosters go on to win the title they’ll look back on Mia Vaotuua’s heroic try-saving tackle as a season defining play.

Mia Vaotuua provided the turning point for Central Coast in the Lisa Fiaola Cup. Picture: Sue Graham

CRUEL ENDING

As good as Parramatta were in their stunning Lisa Fiaola Cup victory, it’s hard to believe Canterbury won’t be defending their title in the grand final at Leichhardt Oval.

A dominant force at the top of the table for the past two seasons, the Bulldogs’ slip-up against Parramatta was their only blemish in two seasons where they have recorded 18 wins and just one loss.

Parramatta caused plenty of headaches for Souths in SG Ball. Picture: Sean Teuma

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Parramatta has the wood over South Sydney in 2025 in SG Ball. They went on a five-try run when they met in the regular season, and were never seriously challenged in a dominant prelim final win.

They say styles make fights, and Parramatta’s big pack was too much for the Rabbitohs to handle.

MASTERS OF VERSATILITY

The Roosters have shown they can win games in many ways throughout the SG Ball season and they did it again on the weekend.

They were able to grind the Raiders out in that second half, restricting the division’s second-best attack to just one try. Their forwards muscled up when it counted and deserve all the praise coming their way.

Sydney Roosters are finding their best form at the end of the Tarsha Gale season. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

ROLLING ROOSTERS

The Roosters continue to get better by the week in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Thought to be making up the numbers after finishing seventh before the finals, they continue to find all the answers.

After surviving in extra time and winning on the bell, Keely Davis’ side then backed up to shock the minor premiers by 16 points. With the cat out of the bag, a grand final victory wouldn’t surprise.

EELS ON SIMILAR PATH

The only thing on par with the Roosters’ revival is Parramatta’s surge in form.

They finished fifth, but like the Tricolours, the Eels continue to defy the odds. It makes the Tarsha Gale decider one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes at Leichhardt Oval.