The New Zealand Warriors had a faint scent of

In the SG Ball Cup (under-19) competition, the One New Zealand Warriors came dangerously close to defeating Parramatta in their opening-round match today in Sydney.

Grant Pocklington’s Warriors had been playing well for the whole of the game, but the defending premiers had to rally to win 32–20.

The visitors showed minimal interest in the idea that the Eels were a heavy favorite.

The Warriors gave up an early try and then a penalty, but they bounced back with two touchdowns in five minutes via fullback Motu Pasikala (29th minute) and winger Sio Kali (24th minute), taking a well-earned 10-8 lead into halftime.

Jeriko Filipi-Talisau’s converted try opened the score to 16-8 early in the second half, but the Eels cut it to 16-14 four minutes later.

However, the One New Zealand Warriors struck back once more, with center Hiraka Waitai-Haenga scoring to give his side a 20–14 lead at the half.

But after the home team tied the game at 20–20 and couldn’t hold the Eels,

Added two more late tries to win by a score of 12 points.

Next Sunday, the Warriors will meet the North Sydney Bears at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe for their second-round matchup.

Details of the match:

Sydney’s Eric Tweedale Stadium

Parramatta Eels 32 (Dominic Farrugia 5 conversions, penalty; Mohamed Alameddine 2, Lorenzo Talataina, Sebastian Piukala, and Dominic Farrugia tries).

Twenty New Zealand Warriors (Maui Winitana-Patelesio two conversions; Sio Kali, Motu Pasikala, Jeriko Filipi-Talisau, and Hiraka Waitai-Haenga tries).

10-8 at the half, New Zealand Warriors.

Motu Pasikala, Malakai Cama, Nganatatafu Vake, Hiraka Waitai-Haenga, Sio Kali; Jesse Soric, Maui Winitana-Patelesio; Rodney Tuipulotu Vea, Jaydee Auloa (co-captain), Jason Salalilo; Kayliss Fatialofa (co-captain), Alvin Chong Nee; Junior Sikuvea are the team members of One New Zealand Warriors. Francis Tuimauga, Jeriko Filipi-Talisau, Malachi Filipo, and Lyrakai-Layke Posimani trade places. Coach: Pocklington Grant