Vodafone Junior Warriors prop Albert Vete is all set to begin his second and last NYC finals campaign in tonights elimination final against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium at Homebush (5.15pm kick-off local time; 7.15pm NZT).
The 20-year-old, wholl join the clubs fulltime NRL squad next season, is one of seven players in tonights squad who have previous NYC play-offs experience.
Along with Vodafone Junior Warriors captain David Bhana, second rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner and fullback David Fusitua, Vete has recemtly been exposed to playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup since late June.
Weve taken the opportunity (playing for the Vulcans) with both hands, Vete told Vodafone Warriors TV.
Weve worked on what we need to in our respective positions. As a prop Ive worked with Charlie (Gubb), Suaia (Matagi) and Sebastine (Ikahihifo). Theyve really helped me with my wrestle, my contact and getting back onside quickly as well as my overall work ethic.
(WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE)
Vete said he was excited to be back with his Vodafone Junior Warriors team-mates for the clubs sixth straight NYC finals campaign since the competition was introduced in 2008, an achievement unmatched by any of the other 15 clubs.
After leading St Kentigern College to success in Aucklands First XV rugby union competition in 2011, Vete switched to rugby league, making his NYC debut last year and going on to play in a total of 17 games. Tonight hell make his 17 appearance this year and his 34th overall.
Apart from one appearance back in the NYC against Gold Coast last month, Vete has been a Vulcans regular since being promoted for the clash against Cronulla in late June.
Bhana and Faitala-Mariner have played exclusively for the Vulcans since then but return to the back row for tonights play-off. Fusitua has mixed appearances for the Vulcans and Vodafone Junior Warriors but has also had injuries to contend with.
Of the line-up selected tonight, Bhana, Fusitua, Vete, halfback Mason Lino, prop James Taylor and centre Ngataua Hukatai were all involved in last years NYC finals while Eko Malu played at hooker in the Vodafone Junior Warriors premiership-winning campaign in 2011.
Tonights match will be shown live on SKY Sport 2 tonight (coverage starts at 7.00pm).
The 20-year-old, wholl join the clubs fulltime NRL squad next season, is one of seven players in tonights squad who have previous NYC play-offs experience.
Along with Vodafone Junior Warriors captain David Bhana, second rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner and fullback David Fusitua, Vete has recemtly been exposed to playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup since late June.
Weve taken the opportunity (playing for the Vulcans) with both hands, Vete told Vodafone Warriors TV.
Weve worked on what we need to in our respective positions. As a prop Ive worked with Charlie (Gubb), Suaia (Matagi) and Sebastine (Ikahihifo). Theyve really helped me with my wrestle, my contact and getting back onside quickly as well as my overall work ethic.
(WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE)
Vete said he was excited to be back with his Vodafone Junior Warriors team-mates for the clubs sixth straight NYC finals campaign since the competition was introduced in 2008, an achievement unmatched by any of the other 15 clubs.
After leading St Kentigern College to success in Aucklands First XV rugby union competition in 2011, Vete switched to rugby league, making his NYC debut last year and going on to play in a total of 17 games. Tonight hell make his 17 appearance this year and his 34th overall.
Apart from one appearance back in the NYC against Gold Coast last month, Vete has been a Vulcans regular since being promoted for the clash against Cronulla in late June.
Bhana and Faitala-Mariner have played exclusively for the Vulcans since then but return to the back row for tonights play-off. Fusitua has mixed appearances for the Vulcans and Vodafone Junior Warriors but has also had injuries to contend with.
Of the line-up selected tonight, Bhana, Fusitua, Vete, halfback Mason Lino, prop James Taylor and centre Ngataua Hukatai were all involved in last years NYC finals while Eko Malu played at hooker in the Vodafone Junior Warriors premiership-winning campaign in 2011.
Tonights match will be shown live on SKY Sport 2 tonight (coverage starts at 7.00pm).
